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Everton will be aiming to end a two-game losing streak when they travel to Molineux in order to face an in-form Wolves side this evening.

The Toffees suffered a humiliating 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Watford last time out, and new manager Rafa Benitez faces another tough selection headache ahead of kick-off.

An injury to key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure saw Tom Davies partner Allan in the engine room against the Hornets, and although the 23-year-old found the back of the net, the duo’s lack of mobility was brutally exposed.

Doucoure’s natural ability to cover a vast amount of ground in a short space of time has allowed Benitez to play just two midfielders in the opening weeks of the campaign, but without him in the side, Everton were left with too many gaps to plug.

The Frenchman’s capability to turn defence into attack with a well-timed tackle before marauding up the pitch and playing an intelligent pass is a unique set of skills that one player simply cannot replace.

As such, Benitez may be better off changing his system to cope with Doucoure’s absence rather than simply the personnel.

Playing a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-4-1-1 would allow Allan extra protection in the centre of the pitch while still having the bodies available to join in the attacks. And the Merseyside outfit may have the ideal candidate to come in and perform that role.

Since arriving at Goodison Park in August 2019, Jean-Philippe Gbamin has had some horrendous luck with injuries.

In two years, the Ivory Coast international has made just four appearances for Everton, but now could be the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his true potential on the Premier League stage.

When recovering from his latest fitness setback, the £65,000-per-week Gbamin enlisted the help of Theo Chapelle, a senior personal trainer, and consultant at the Odysium rehabilitation centre in Paris, who described his former client as a “monster”.

“He really impressed me during his stay here,” he told The Athletic. “The work we did together went really well. He appreciated working with us and that was reciprocated.

“He’s a great guy — kind, funny, respectful, calm, with his head on his shoulders. As an athlete, he’s a monster. I’ve never seen that in football, only athletics. He has exceptional physical qualities and a foolproof mentality.

“I’m certain that he’ll return stronger and whatever the obstacles in his way, will have a great career,” Chapelle concluded.

With Doucoure not expected to return for several weeks, Benitez will be forced to come up with a solution to his enforced absence, yet the answer could be a rather simple one.

Gbamin deserves a change of luck after his awful time on English shores, and that could begin with a start against Wolves, he just needs the faith of his manager behind him.

And, in other news…Everton receive big injury boost ahead of Wolves, Benitez will be delighted 

Leeds United midfielder Lewis Bate has been spotted back in first-team training ahead of Monday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Injury setback

Bate was involved in the first seven Premier League matchday squads in 2022, however, he has been included in just one of six squads under new boss Jesse Marsch.

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The 19-year-old, who joined from Chelsea over the summer, was hit with an injury for the U23s last month and then suffered a setback after withdrawing from England’s U20 squad during the latest international break.

It looks as if he is now back up to speed, though, which could put him in contention for the trip to Selhurst Park.

The Latest: Bate’s post

As first reported by MOT Leeds News, Bate took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to share two images from training.

He captioned the post ‘focused’, with Kalvin Phillips and Pascal Struijk also visible, so it looks as if the midfielder is back in and around Marsch’s first-team sessions.

The Verdict: Good dilemma to have

Marsch has had to deal with a number of injury issues since replacing Marcelo Bielsa, but it looks as if he could have a near fully fit squad over the coming days.

The American confirmed last week that Junior Firpo was set to return to training, while Jamie Shackleton was also close to making a comeback prior to the 3-0 win over Watford.

As a result, the Leeds boss may now have some positive selection headaches for a change, as he looks to guide the club to safety with another positive result against Patrick Vieira’s side.

In other news: ‘Set to leave…’ – Journalist says Leeds midfielder will now quit Elland Road this summer. 

With Joe Gelhardt beginning to make an impression on Leeds United’s first-team in recent weeks, Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be keeping a close eye on some of the club’s brightest young academy prospects.

If he had his sights on the Yorkshire club’s FA Youth Cup contest against Coventry City in midweek, then he would have been left suitably impressed by one teenager in particular – Max Dean.

The 17-year-old netted twice as the Whites ran out 4-1 winners away from home, with both of his finishes distinctly different in nature: one a well-timed effort from a cut-back, and another latching onto a through ball over the top over the Coventry defence.

Aside from his impressive FA Youth Cup display, he has also been shining at under-23 level too, scoring three goals in eight games in Premier League 2 and also netting once in the EFL Trophy away to Salford.

It’s been no surprise that Leeds’ under-23 boss Mark Jackson has waxed lyrical about the forward and his character, saying: “You don’t have to prepare it with Deano. Deano’s a fiery character, I don’t like to quash that in him. He’s got an edge to him and how he plays – and I like that in his personality.

“Yes he gets frustrated at times and we have to curtail it but his hunger to press and work hard and his hunger to score goals is really apparent.”

In late October, despite a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, Jackson showered Dean with more praise, saying: “I spoke to Max before the game. When he first came to the club, he had a real intensity about his play, really aggressive style in how he pressed and how he competed – we have chats with the players all the time and there’s been stages where we think that’s sort of dipped off a little bit in recent games.

“We’ve had a few chats recently with Max, and particularly before the game, I said ‘listen, you need to try and get back to those moments when you were playing in the 23s last year’. I thought he took that conversation well and he took it on board today and he had a much more positive performance.”

The 17-year-old could well be the next big thing at Elland Road if he continues to improve with the under-23s.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope dropped an early morning setback for Leeds United…

Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian reporter Carlo Laudisa has made a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyes striker…

As per The Athletic, it is believed that a new centre-forward is on the agenda at Spurs as transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte eye alternatives to Harry Kane.

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The most hotly-linked forward by some distance has been Fiorentina hotshot Dusan Vlahovic with Spurs long credited to swoop for the Serbian.

There have been other names mentioned, like Mauro Icardi previously, but Laudisa has now made an exciting claim involving Premier League star Lukaku.

The Latest: Journalist makes exciting Lukaku claim…

According to the La Gazzetta journalist, the Chelsea forward could ‘decide to follow Conte to Tottenham’ in the summer, with his Stamford Bridge return making him unhappy thus far.

Indeed, amid his unrest at the Blues, it is believed that Spurs have emerged as a possible 2022 destination for the Belgium international.

The Verdict: Big claim…

This piece of news certainly comes as an exciting claim out of Italy, especially considering Lukaku’s obvious pedigree and the fact he has shone under Conte before at Inter.

Indeed, the 28-year-old bagged 47 goals and 13 assists in just two full Serie A seasons during the duo’s time together at the San Siro, and he has continued in that fashion when given the opportunity under Thomas Tuchel.

Managing to score consistently over his limited appearances, the German has called Lukaku ‘world class’ for his contribution at times over 2021/22 despite the recent unease between the pair.

It is clear that Lukaku has ability, but the devil is in the details, with Chelsea arguably unwilling to sell such an impactful, big-name player to a direct rival like Spurs. It is also debatable whether the Lilywhites could afford such a swoop given that Lukaku is valued at around £90m by Transfermarkt and commands a seismic £350,000-per-week pay package.

While Lukaku being linked with Spurs comes as a very interesting development, we believe that a move is less than likely later in the year.

In other news: ‘Absolute no brainer’…Sky Sports pundit thrilled by ‘exciting’ transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Newcastle United are back in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over signing Mitchel Bakker in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

While the Magpies continue to work on a deal to sign Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, it appears they still have their irons in several fires, with Bakker now well and truly back in the equation.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Ryan Taylor said: “Newcastle have revived talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Mitchel Bakker. Deal looked dead in water. Personal terms have already been discussed. #NUFC”

Fans will be buzzing

After clinching deals for Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood earlier this month, Newcastle’s recruitment team are ramping into overdrive heading into this final week of the January transfer window.

They seem to have pipped Arsenal in the race to sign Bruno, and have now come back to the table for Bakker.

The latter has had extensive experience of playing for some big clubs in Europe, with stints at Ajax, PSG and Leverkusen to his name.

Able to play at left-back, but also further forward or even in central defence as he has done in his career before, Bakker looks like the perfect versatile player who Newcastle could really do with in the second-half of this campaign.

With injuries and the virus wreaking havoc across the Premier League, having players like Bakker who can fill multiple positions when required gives managers a welcome option if and when things begin to get tough with their squad.

The £9m-rated star would be another fine signing for the Magpies, and have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has dropped an exciting Newcastle United transfer update on Bruno Guimaraes…

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According to French media outlet L’Equipe on Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou is set to join Ligue 1 strugglers Monaco on loan for the rest of the season, and Spurs fans were quick to react to the potential exit of their player on Twitter.

The 23-year-old left the French top flight for a move to the north London outfit in the summer of 2016 from Marseille, but he has failed to make an impact with the club under Mauricio Pochettino.

As per Transfermarkt, the former France U21 international has only made 26 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, also spending the second half of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Premier League rivals Burnley.

This term, the wide man has only got on the pitch on three occasions, again according to Transfermarkt, although he did make a significant impact in his four minutes on the pitch against Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this month, setting up Harry Winks’ last-gasp winner in a 2-1 triumph.

Tottenham supporters have been quick to have their say on the reported impeding exit of N’Koudou via social media, and while one said the club has “no ambition”, another said “seriously what is going on”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accessory. Check out the video below to see for yourself…

As West Ham United manager David Moyes gears up for a crunch clash with Lyon in the Europa League tonight, it appears he is now been dealt a big blow.

The Lowdown: Hammers hunt for history…

Following their historic last 16 tie with Sevilla, which resulted in West Ham knocking out the competition’s most successful ever side, Moyes’ men now prepare for their quarter-final second leg clash with Lyon.

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Their first bout at the London Stadium ended 1-1 after Tanguy Ndombele’s equaliser cancelled out an opening goal courtesy of Jarrod Bowen, finely balancing the second leg in France tonight.

In terms of team news, Moyes has been potentially boosted by the absence of key Lyon stars, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and attacker Lucas Paqueta set to miss the crunch clash.

However, in a major blow, the Scotsman will now be without his mainstay defender Kurt Zouma – who joins Angelo Ogbonna on the sidelines.

The Latest: Irons confirm blow…

Indeed, as confirmed by the club, West Ham’s centre-back will miss tonight through injury alongside Ogbonna who’s still recovering from knee surgery.

“West Ham confirm that Kurt Zouma is ruled out for Thursday’s second leg vs Lyon,” relayed Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard.

“He’ll stay in London for further tests on his ankle.”

The Verdict: Major setback…

Without both Ogbonna and Zouma, the Irons may have to turn to a defensive partnership of Issa Diop and Craig Dawson, with Moyes even hinting at the possibility of using Rice in that role.

The former Chelsea star’s absence seems set to cause a major headache for West Ham with the player’s quality also undeniable.

According to WhoScored, no Hammers player has averaged a better rate of clearances per 90 in the Premier League than Zouma this term – backing just how solid and dependable he can be at the back.

French football correspondent Jonathan Johnson for CBS Sports heaped praise on the 27-year-old during his rise to becoming a star defender, branding Zouma a ‘sensational player’ with a ‘bright future’ for France (Twitter).

He was proven right going by his performances in the Premier League over these last few seasons and there is little denying he will be a big miss for West Ham and Moyes.

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham now eyeing in-demand £21.6 million-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move…find out more here.

Leeds United could form a formidable duo after being linked with a move for Reading midfielder John Swift ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Star, Marcelo Bielsa’s charges are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in securing the highly-rated 26-year-old’s services.

Swift is set to become a free agent next summer, and with no sign of an extension being signed at the Madejski Stadium, an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Imagine him and Raphinha

After rising through the ranks of boyhood club Chelsea, Swift soon became frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities after he made just one senior appearance for the senior side.

A string of loan spells at Rotherham United, Swindon Town and Brentford led to the Stamford Bridge outfit offering the academy graduate a new contract back in 2016, but he rejected it in order to get regular game time at Reading.

Since arriving at the Madejski Stadium, Swift has become one of the Championship’s star performers, bagging 31 goals and laying on a further 32 assists in 181 appearances for the Royals.

But he’s elevated his game to new heights this term. In 17 outings for Veljko Paunovic’s charges, the 6-foot dynamo has notched eight goals and provided a further seven assists, highlighting his top-class potential.

Earlier this week, One Leeds Fan YouTuber Conor McGilligan urged the Leeds hierarchy to sign the former England Under-21 international after his eye-catching displays in the second tier.

“[He’s] an absolute grafter, someone who’s worked his way up the football pyramid, someone who, for me, has the technical ability that would sort of replicate a Pablo Hernandez, a Samuel Saiz in tight pockets.

“Someone who is not afraid to drive at the defence; someone who is happy to pick the ball up in uncomfortable situations; someone who, when there’s a throw-in on the left, a throw-in on the right, will go and collect the ball, and then he’ll recover the ball, he’ll rotate – and I think that cycle is what Leeds are missing.”

With Swift famed for his ability to play defence-splitting passes, skilful dribbling and set-piece delivery, he has the potential to strike up a deadly partnership with current Leeds ace Raphinha at Elland Road.

The Brazilian has been phenomenal himself over the last few years, beating the goalkeeper on 11 occasions and supplying nine assists.

Thus, the duo have the technical ability to hurt any Premier League defence, and Swift’s arrival in west Yorkshire will add another exciting weapon to Bielsa’s arsenal.

And, in other news…“I don’t think”: Journo drops big update on £38k-p/w gem, it could be fatal for Leeds

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘eyeing’ a move to sign Marcos Senesi in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: No Botman?

Sky Sports have reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have had a second bid rejected for Sven Botman, with Lille valuing him closer to £35m.

Despite their riches, it is a lot of money to pay for a player in January, and so the North East club may now look at other targets in the centre-back position, with Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile being mentioned as a potential alternative.

Nonetheless, with Kieran Trippier already through the door and Chris Wood looking like he will follow, it is set to be a very busy window for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The Latest: Senesi eyed

As per journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Tyneside outfit, as well as Brighton and Hove Albion, are now ‘eyeing’ up a move for Senesi, as they look to strengthen their options in the heart of the defence.

The Magpies have the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League this season, and so bringing in a new centre-half will be one of the priorities for the new owners over the next few weeks.

The Verdict: Get it done

If Botman becomes unattainable, then Senesi could be a cheaper and in some ways maybe even better alternative.

Nicknamed ‘The Gladiator’ by Feyenoord fans, the six-foot-one colossus is exactly the kind of character needed for a relegation battle, and at 24 years of age, still has his best years ahead of him.

Comparing him to Botman in their respective domestic leagues so far this term, Senesi actually averaged more tackles and interceptions per game, while he has also chipped in with two goals and two assists from centre-back (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, he could be a great alternative to Botman, should they be able to get a deal over the line.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now set to bid for here!

With Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as Manchester United’s new interim manager confirmed, a new era has begun at the Theatre of Dreams, and it’s one that could alter several ingrained perceptions.

Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves a huge amount of credit for the good work he oversaw during his two-and-a-half-year reign, but there’s no doubt that a change was needed.

The Norwegian’s tenure had become sour in the final months of his reign as things began to unfold at unprecedented speed.

His preference for allowing individuals the freedom to express themselves and showcase their talent without the constraints of a set system could only take United so far and ultimately became exposed.

And Solskjaer’s style and lack of specific instructions also left certain players vulnerable and susceptible to criticism from frustrated onlookers.

While creative talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood thrived, less technically gifted stars such as Fred often looked like square pegs in round holes.

At times, it was hard to pinpoint what sort of player the Brazil international actually was.

Not physically imposing enough to be a true box-to-box player, not defensively astute enough to be a sole No.6 and lacking the imagination and ability to be an attack-minded playmaker.

However, the 28-year-old appears to have a certain set of skills that should make him the ideal fit for Rangnick’s famous Gegenpressing system, making his once mocked £52m price tag look like a dream deal for United.

Rangnick’s high-intensity, counter-pressing system revolves around winning the ball back high up the pitch, taking a shot within ten seconds of regaining possession and always attacking vertically.

It requires a set of players capable of carrying out the extensive physical workload placed upon them, but with the footballing IQ to match.

“Our idea is clear, it’s very, very similar to my coaching friend Jurgen Klopp,” Rangnick told the Coaches’ Voice YouTube channel (as relayed by inews). “Our Red Bull football is heavy metal, rock and roll, it’s not a slow waltz. We hate square passes, back passes, just having the ball ourselves doesn’t make sense.”

And when assessing Fred’s underlying numbers, it’s clear that the South American – who was once described as “outstanding” by MUTV pundit Ben Thornley – could turn into Rangnick’s main man during their time together in the red half of Manchester.

As per FBref.com, no player with over 270 minutes of top-flight action has bettered his total of 26.2 successful pressures per 90 this season, while he also ranks second for tackles won (2.23) and fourth for progressive passes (4.36).

With a new set of principles introduced for players to be judged on, Rangnick’s arrival could see Fred’s position in this United side transformed over the coming months, transforming his status as the much-maligned scapegoat into an undroppable pillar for the ‘Godfather of German coaching’ to build around.

And, in other news…MUFC can get rocking again with “absolutely exceptional” £33m gem who Rangnick loves