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Leeds United begin the first of two successive matches against Premier League rivals West Ham United with a trip to east London in the FA Cup third round proper this afternoon.

And Marcelo Bielsa has plenty of decisions to make heading into kick-off.

In his pre-game press conference, he alluded to taking the competition seriously despite their rocky form in the top-flight leaving them on the cusp of a relegation dogfight.

“We always try to win in every official game we have. There is never a need for added motivation. Every time that the group plays, the desire is always the maximum and to win,” he said (via the club’s official website).

“We’re going to try that the characteristics of our play are expressed and that will allow us to beat them. Every competition is a possibility and we take it in that way. Every game we focus on it with the intention to win it.”

The Yorkshire giants were not blessed by the draw as the top-four chasing Irons were pulled out of the hat but they will be buoyed by plenty of confidence, having defeated Burnley last time out as that created some breathing room to the drop zone.

However, with doubts still lingering over Patrick Bamford and his injury, it remains to be seen how Leeds will line up down in the capital.

At Elland Road last weekend, Bielsa opted for Wales international Tyler Roberts to lead the line but that failed to pay off as he was withdrawn after just 58 minutes.

And whilst there is now an injury concern with the 22-year-old forward, he should have little involvement going forward as he is just not good enough.

“You know what you’re doing to get with Roberts with his attitude, his dedication and his application. But there’s no end product and there hasn’t been enough end product for a long time now,” claimed ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson to MOT Leeds News.

“He does get himself in the positions but he snatches at chances and it wasn’t his best game in a Leeds shirt.”

A 90-minute performance may be too much to ask of Bamford on his return and having already come back, only to pick up another problem, Bielsa must be careful with his star man going forward.

But turning to Roberts in this time of need must not happen again.

If nine goals in 104 appearances isn’t enough to put you off, then his display last week should be.

As per SofaScore, he failed to win any of his duels against the Clarets, nor did he have any sort of influence on the game, managing 11 passes and only 23 touches – the fewest of any Whites starter. Elsewhere, he was hugely wasteful as he failed to find the net from six shots, in which only one hit the target.

In the past, he is said to have left Bielsa “furious” for one poor performance against Arsenal, whilst Gabby Agbonlahor once deemed the £47k-per-week passenger “shocking” and “not good enough for Leeds or Premier League level” to Football Insider.

Therefore – fit or not – Bielsa must be ruthless in his decision-making. He needs to axe Roberts from Leeds’ lineup for the foreseeable future. He’s been poor for a very long time and that does not look like changing.

AND in other news, Reliable journo drops huge behind-scenes Thorp Arch update, Leeds fans will be buzzing…

ExWHUemplyoyee has dropped an update regarding West Ham United’s interest in bringing Jesse Lingard back to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on The West Ham Way, the club insider revealed that West Ham will start talks with the Manchester United forward regarding a move to East London in the coming weeks.

ExWHUemployee continued to state that the England international would be open to a move away from Old Trafford this winter, however, there is considerably more interest in his services ahead of the January transfer window than there was at the same time last year.

Speaking about the Hammers interest in the 28-year-old, the insider said:

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Lingard was during his loan spell at the club last season, the news that David Moyes and his side look set to open talks with the forward regarding a permanent move to the London Stadium this winter is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 16 Premier League appearances last season, the £19.8m-rated man scored nine goals, registered five assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £75k-per-week attacking midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as Moyes’ best performer in the top flight last time out, helping the Hammers to secure a rather remarkable sixth-place finish in the league.

As such, with West Ham aiming to go one better than qualifying for the Europa League with a top-four finish this time around, the signing of Lingard would very much appear to boost the club’s chances of going on and doing so, meaning the news that the Irons are planning to open negotiations with the 28-year-old in the coming weeks is undoubtedly good for everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Forget Bowen: West Ham’s “fantastic” 5-tackle beast seized his “big chance” vs Chelsea

Exciting Wolves youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri is unlikely to leave Molineux in the near future, according to reliable journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Ai-Nouri linked with exit

Bruno Lage’s side have enjoyed a good start to the season and Ait-Nouri has shone at left-back, making eight Premier League starts and enjoying an average match rating of 7.12, according to WhoScored.

The 20-year-old’s performances have reportedly alerted other Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace both linked with January moves – the former of course will have no end of riches to splash in the upcoming transfer window, perhaps a concern for Wolves if they can sell the Frenchman on the KSA project.

Ait-Nouri’s current Wolves deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, however, putting his current employers in a very strong negotiating position.

The Latest: Hatfield gives key update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, perhaps with the length of that contract in mind, Hatfield provided a positive update from a Wanderers perspective, saying he doesn’t expect the youngster to move on any time soon:

“I’d be surprised if that happens. Wolves obviously signed Ait-Nouri because of his age and quality and Wolves will see him as a player that is going to improve with them.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“375704”]

The Verdict: Big player in the future

Ait-Nouri looks like a player with huge potential, so it would be a big blow to see him depart Molineux and potentially join a rival. The fans in the Black Country will certainly be chuffed with Hatfield’s verdict, given their criticism when the rumours of an exit broke earlier this week.

The Frenchman was superb up against Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah earlier this month – the Egyptian created Divock Origi’s late winner when the left-back had come off – and he has averaged an impressive 3.9 tackles per game in the league this season.

That is comfortably the most out of any Wolves player, which speaks volumes, and the hope is that he stays put for many years to come.

In other news, three Wolves players struggled in the win over Brighton. Find out who they are here.

Antonio Conte clinched his first Premier League win in charge of Tottenham Hotspur as his side narrowly defeated Leeds United on Sunday evening.

Spurs were perhaps a little fortunate to walk away with all three points, having been largely dominated by the visitors in the first half and still, they did manage more of the ball and recorded more attempts at goal, too.

The victory sees the north Londoners leapfrog Manchester United, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier in the day, into seventh place and firmly back into the conversation for European qualification.

Rare second-half goals from midfield enforcer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and left wing-back Sergio Reguilon sealed the come-from-behind win.

A passionate Conte was absolutely delighted at the full-time whistle, celebrating with all four sections of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as well as every member of the squad.

However, when he has time to reflect and watch back, he may be less than impressed by the performance of Emerson Royal at right wing-back as he struggled for large parts of the encounter.

The Brazilian, signed from Barcelona for £25m in the summer, was skinned and nutmegged by Jack Harrison for Leeds’ opener right before half-time as the former Man City dynamo was given acres of space and time to find Dan James at the back post.

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Press Association Sport journalist Jonathan Veal soon tweeted that “Harrison made a mug of Emerson” during that moment and truth be told, that was the story of his game.

Despite registering a whopping seven tackles, three more than any other player, the 22-year-old won just 50% of his 14 duels, both in the air and on the ground, and also lost possession 12 times from 53 touches – once every 4.4 times he had the ball, as per SofaScore.

Emerson received a yellow card for his troubles, too, which only goes to show how big a nightmare he had up against Marcelo Bielsa’s left flank.

Elsewhere, he struggled to contribute in the final third, providing just one accurate cross from four attempts (25%), no key passes or shots, and overall, managed just 19 passes – he usually manages around 32 per game this term.

The Evening Standard were pretty scathing in their review of his performance, claiming that he was ‘skinned by Jack Harrison for Leeds’ goal and failed to make a significant impact in the final third.’

All in all, the £22.5m-rated lightweight endured a tough, tough evening despite the encouraging result.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops huge Dele Alli claim at Spurs…

Southampton will be hoping to get their first win in three against Leicester City tonight at St Mary’s, as they attempt to escape the jaws of the relegation zone.

Currently sitting in 16th and just four points clear of the drop, Ralph Hasenhuttl has a lot of work to do to get back to safety and sit comfortably in the Premier League, to ensure the Saints are playing top-flight football next season.

Luckily for Hasenhuttl, Leicester City are showing huge inconsistencies in their form this season, winning only two of their last five games, where Southampton could capitalise on the Foxes shaky form.

One player who should be getting in the starting line up this evening is Nathan Redmond.

Southampton set up with a surprising 3-4-3 against Liverpool last weekend, where the manager changed the formation in an attempt to go into the Anfield clash all guns blazing on the attack.

However, the tactic fell flat very quickly and Southampton found themselves 3-0 down at half time. It was at this point that Hasenhuttl brought on Nathan Redmond, changing the formation back to 4-3-3.

As a result of the systematic swap and the addition of Redmond, the team were able to handle Liverpool a bit better, maintaining some damage control, only conceding one goal in the second half and creating a few chances themselves for the first time in the game.

Hasenhuttl must unleash the £16.2m-rated attacker against Leicester because if you keep a review from Danny Ings in mind, he could torment the Foxes. He once commented:

“Redders has got absolute quality and everybody knows that.”

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Redmond offers experience and presence in the Southampton team like no other, which will really help to boost and motivate the forward line going into their tough challenge for three points against Leicester City.

The forward has scored one goal and assisted his teammates three times in his twelve appearances for Southampton this season, in all competitions with his influence and selflessness on the ball to find goal-scoring opportunities for his team could be crucial in winning the much needed three points tonight.

With Adam Armstrong struggling last time out, missing a gilt-edged chance from a matter of yards out, perhaps it’s he who should be dislodged from the starting XI. The decision from Hasenhuttl could just prove game-changing in their pursuit of three points.

In other news: Southampton linked with Ben Brereton Diaz transfer

West Ham United advanced into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a win over current title holders Manchester City at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.

And once again, it was another game in which young academy gem Ben Johnson started and another game that resulted in a clean sheet – very impressive considering the opposition.

It was the sixth time this campaign that the 21-year-old was involved in a David Moyes defensive masterclass, having also kept out the likes of Everton, Spurs, Man Utd and Genk.

The Scotsman’s usual first-choice Vladimir Coufal has been out through injury and he should be concerned with Johnson’s form as he’ll be a very hard man to drop whenever the 29-year-old returns.

After the match, Irons assistant Stuart Pearce waxed lyrical about the youngster. He said (via football.london):

“He’s a wonderful professional to deal with and work with.

“We’re very proud to have him out of our academy system as well, which is a real plus for us. Especially with the connection to this club with the Academy.

“And I think he’s just developing and getting better and better and like with all young players, the more game time they have, the better they’ll get so I am delighted for the boy.”

A lot of the credit for the clean sheet would’ve gone to Alphonse Areola, who was mightily impressive between the sticks. He was bombarded with 25 efforts on goal and earned SofaScore’s highest rating, an 8.7, for his troubles.

However, it was Johnson who arguably stole the show in east London as he shut down one of Pep Guardiola’s biggest threats in Raheem Sterling.

Also per SofaScore, the Chadwell Heath graduate won 100% of his duels, proving to be a rock against the regular England international, whilst he also led the match for clearances (five) and chipped in with a further tackle, interception and block.

He really put his body on the line to help steer the Hammers to victory, albeit in a penalty shootout.

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser also wrote glowingly about the young right-back in his post-game ratings column – earning a 7/10, he said: ‘Vital goal-saving tackle on Gundogan early on and energy down the right again showed why right-back injury crisis has been averted in recent weeks.’

Whilst it was Areola making the more evident impact in goal, it’s Johnson who deserves his fair share of plaudits. The 5 foot 9 beast, who earns a reported £19k-per-week, was the star of the show at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.

AND in other news, Moyes may have another Antonio in West Ham’s “hard-working” 17 y/o who “loves to score”…

Rangers are looking to pick up their second win in the group stage of the Europa League as they face up against Brondby on Thursday night.

They beat their Danish rivals 2-0 in the reverse fixture, which was their only win in the first half of the group stage after losing to both Lyon and Sparta Prague in their first two matches.

Steven Gerrard’s side come into this clash on a high after an emphatic 6-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park over the weekend to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

He’s a match-winner

One player who must come into the starting XI after the Motherwell victory is Kemar Roofe. He was forced to watch on from the bench for the majority of the game, but Gerrard must unleash him from the start against Brondby as he has the quality to be a match-winner for the club.

The £26k-per-week striker only played 18 minutes at Fir Park and still managed to get himself on the scoresheet as he converted from close range after a Jack Simpson header. That was his fifth in the Premiership this term, despite only starting six games.

Last season, he produced 14 goals in 18 starts in the division as Rangers won the title. This means that he has 19 strikes in his last 24 starts in the league, highlighting his ability to be a match-winner, proving that he can score goals at an impressive rate.

Any player has the potential to be a match-winner in any given game, but he has shown that he can do it reliably and can be trusted to score the goals when they matter. He has also displayed that he can do it in Europe, with a goal against Brondby in a 2-0 win earlier this season

Gers coach Michael Beale previously hailed the forward for his efforts in the final third, helping the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent. He said:

“I think having Kemar Roofe come into the team has brought us a leader in the final third. We forget how young Alfredo is and Ryan Kent.

“They are the same age and we almost forget that with Alfredo because he carries himself with such strength and he’s so commanding on the pitch but he’s a young man.

“So I think having Kemar in there who is a little bit older brings us that bit of experience.”

This highlights the impact he can have on those around him as well as his quality as a football player. He could help, for example, Ianis Hagi and Fashion Sakala to up their own game against Brondby by leading on the pitch and showing an example of how they should be acting.

Therefore, Gerrard must unleash Roofe from the start in the Europa League on Thursday night. He could be the player to win them the match with his impressive goal record whilst offering the experience to improve those playing alongside him.

AND in other news, Kent 2.0: Gerrard could unearth new wing wizard in “exciting” 18 y/o Rangers flyer…

Manchester City fans want to sign Dusan Vlahovic after it was revealed the Fiorentina striker’s contract talks with the Serie A club have collapsed.

The Citizens have so far had a relatively good start to the campaign – they are just two points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea after a momentous win over the Blues last weekend (Sky Sports).

However, results such as the 0-0 draw with Southampton indicate the Citizens are struggling to convert chances without a reliable centre-forward after failing to capture Harry Kane during the summer.

They were also linked with Vlahovic during the transfer window, but he ended up staying in Italy. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Serbia international’s contract talks have now fallen apart.

His current contract is set to run out in 2023, meaning Fiorentina could be open to selling him the next year rather than lose him for free the following term.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Vlahovic news

“January and we’ll win the Champions League.”

Credit: @jofer_ms

“Get him in!!”

Credit: @MCFCYoungboy

“January”

Credit: @shaunyb3000

“Get him in jan”

Credit: @_KawaiiKayky

“Yes. Sign him.”

Credit: @WayneJa01355301

“Sign him in January!”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news, Man City fans have been reacting to this transfer news.

Spurs are planning for life with Harry Kane despite an intense summer of speculation, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano this week…

What’s the word?

The Italian journalist delivered a fresh update on the England international’s current situation and the general feeling behind-the-scenes at Hotspur Way, with the January transfer window soon on the horizon.

Speaking on his ‘Here We Go’ podcast, Romano revealed:

“Tottenham are really planning with Harry Kane now.

“The atmosphere around Harry Kane is relaxed now. It’s not a fight like it was earlier in the summer.

“Let’s see what is going to happen next summer, but as of right now, the situation is really relaxed around Harry Kane, and for Manchester City, there is nothing going on with Kane now.”

Fans surely buzzing

For club and country in 2021/22, the 28-year-old talisman has been horribly out of sorts, having yet scored in the Premier League this term. The reasons for his poor form are somewhat explainable but they are not 100% fact.

Perhaps the failed move to defending champions Manchester City has played its part, or the fact that he barely had a pre-season following Euro 2020, or it could even boil down to Nuno Santo and his tactical system.

But he’s certainly not kicking up a fuss publicly and he did commit to the club in an announcement on social media after returning on the pitch earlier in the season.

However, this latest update should provide a major source of encouragement that the situation in the summer will not boil over into January, meaning Nuno and Spurs can continue business as usual heading into 2022.

It also means that Kane will, at least, see out the current campaign, in which he will undoubtedly turn his form around and that should please much of the Lilywhites faithful who will love the fact that their star man is here to stay.

The long-serving youth product has found the net at least 24 times in every season since 2014/15, so there is nothing to fear just yet.

It has also only been five league starts for Kane so far this term, whilst he has bagged six goals across European and domestic cup competitions.

If everything is good behind-the-scenes as Romano claims, then it’s surely a matter of time before the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd see their leading man firing on all cylinders once again.

AND in other news, Spurs handed quadruple squad boost ahead of Newcastle clash…

Craig Hope has now revealed some details of a major staff change at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Caldwell leaves

As revealed by the official website of the St. James’ Park faithful earlier this month, Gary Caldwell has left their Academy set-up as he completed his scheduled period as interim U23s head coach.

Caldwell stepped in on a short-term basis back in August after the departure of Chris Hogg, and assistant Kevin Richardson is currently taking the team out.

The Latest: Kuqi considered

According to Hope, the trial period to find a new U23s manager is now ‘underway’.

Former Magpies striker Shefki Kuqi is among those ‘under consideration’ for the permanent job.

The Verdict: Avoid

Even though Kuqi did have a spell in the North East, he only played in a mere six games and had just 20 minutes on the pitch in total for the Tyneside club (Transfermarkt).

His managerial career does not exactly jump out either, as he has been out of a manager’s job since 2017, and has recorded more losses than wins in his time (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it would be a rather uninspiring appointment by Steve Bruce’s team should they decide to go for Kuqi, as better candidates will surely become available and come under consideration over the next few days or so.

In other news, find out which key man could now leave NUFC here!