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Liverpool have been dealt a late injury setback ahead of their upcoming Champions League meeting with Benfica this evening.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Dylan Terry, with the Independent journalist revealing in a recent article that, despite returning to training ahead of the Reds’ trip to Portugal, Nabby Keita remains a doubt for the quarter-final first-leg tie on Thursday night.

In his piece, Terry writes: “Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return for Klopp’s side after missing the win over Watford on Saturday. Curtis Jones and Joe Matip are set to be available, but Naby Keita remains a doubt. The rest of the Liverpool squad are all fit and ready for the game.”

Klopp will be gutted

While it is true that Keita has not exactly been a first-team regular at Anfield this season, the fact that the midfielder remains a doubt for the trip to Benfica is nevertheless sure to have left Jurgen Klopp gutted.

Indeed, despite having missed a host of games already this season due to injury, the £27m-rated dynamo has still managed to impress over his 15 Premier League outings, scoring two goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.7 key passes, 0.7 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

These returns have seen the £130k-per-week Guinea international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as Klopp’s ninth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, the news that the 27-year-old could well be set to miss out once again on Thursday evening is sure to have caused the German coach and his backroom staff a great deal of frustration – as it is clear that a fit and firing Keita is a fantastic option for Liverpool to be able to call upon.

AND in other news: Liverpool now plotting bid for “unplayable” £58m machine, it could be bye-bye Salah

Aston Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will back Steven Gerrard in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent claim made by Ashley Preece, with the journalist stating in a recent Birmingham Live Q&A that the 41-year-old manager will get rid of a number of players he does not feel are of the standard required for Villa during the winter market, before going on to claim that NSWE will back the new Villa boss in pursuit of his own targets in the upcoming window.

In response to a question regarding Aston Villa’s January business, the journalist said:

“Gerrard hinted at doing business in January during [Monday’s] interview. He’s going to be backed by NSWE. He’ll get rid of players he doesn’t like and he’ll attract a serious calibre of player [and] should business get done. January is a tough market but the Gerrard factor gives Villa an edge. Gerrard will have the next six weeks to see what he wants and needs in terms of new recruits.”

Fans will be excited

While the appointment of a new manager always brings with it the hope of a side going on to achieve great things under their new coach, the news that NSWE are willing to fund Gerrard’s rebuilding of the Aston Villa squad in January is yet another reason for the Villa Park faithful to get excited.

Indeed, there are a number of players currently taking up space in Gerrard’s first-team squad that are perhaps ready for the chop, such as Anwar El Ghazi and Keinan Davis, while, despite only being at the club for a matter of days, the former Liverpool captain has already been linked with moves for a host of exciting players, such as the likes of Ryan Kent, Julian Alvarez and Jesse Lingard.

As such, despite the fact that Villa are currently languishing down in 16th place in the Premier League standings, there is very much a great deal for fans of the club to look forward to in the coming months, particularly following Preece’s recent claim that Gerrard looks set to be given a war chest in a bid to improve his squad during the January window.

In other news: Purslow must sanction AVFC move for “outstanding” £18k-p/w ace, Gerrard would love him

Leeds United winger Raphinha may have become even more crucial for the Whites than Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha excels on Brazil debut

The 24-year-old has been superb for Leeds since arriving from Rennes in 2020 and he has taken his form with him to the international stage.

Raphinha registered two assists on his Brazil debut on Thursday evening, helping them to a 3-1 victory away to Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Hay hails winger

It was a performance that summed up Raphinha’s brilliance, and taking to Twitter on Friday morning, The Athletic‘s Hay admitted that he could be the first name on Leeds’ team-sheet, ahead of even Phillips:

“One of the questions in the mailbag was ‘Is Raphinha Leeds’ most important player?’ and even though Phillips is the player Leeds really miss, you could easily make an argument for Raphinha.”

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The Verdict: Phillips still the key man

Raphinha is a wonderful footballer who is unquestionably one of Leeds’ star men, but Phillips is still the player they miss the most when he isn’t there, losing seven out of the nine fixtures he was absent for in the top flight last term.

That was highlighted in the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season when the Whites’ midfield fell apart without him in the team.

Phillips has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season – only Liam Cooper (2.7) has more – as well as an 84.6 percent pass completion rate.

The England international brings so much energy, quality and all-round influence in the middle of the park that he has the edge over Raphinha, which isn’t to diminish his own class as a footballer.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to make a ‘breakthrough’. Find out who it is here.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was unable to continue his 100% record in charge of Rangers as his side were held to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.

The Gers ended their Europa League group with a draw against French outfit Lyon, finishing second and qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

Scott Wright handed Rangers the lead in the first half with a deflected effort from distance after excellent work from Glen Kamara down the left. However, an own goal from Calvin Bassey – as he diverted a cross into his own net – ensured that the points were shared on the night.

Let his manager down

One player who let the manager down badly on the night was centre-forward Kemar Roofe. He was handed the opportunity to start against the Ligue 1 side and failed to grasp his chance with both hands as he struggled throughout the match.

Whilst John Lundstram in midfield was able to show the Dutchman why he is deserving of more minutes in the team, Roofe may have played his way out of any more starts in the immediate future. The former Leeds man has scored six goals in six Premiership starts this term, but this latest display will not improve his chances of increasing those numbers.

Off the ball, he was a lightweight. As per SofaScore, he lost three of his four aerial duels and five of his seven battles on the ground, whilst also committing four fouls and making just one tackle and zero interceptions. This shows that he was too weak in his individual duels against the Lyon defenders and was easily marked out of the game, having been unable to impose himself on the physical side of the contest.

He did not fare much better in possession. As per SofaScore, he failed to get an effort on target and did not create a single chance for one of his teammates. He also failed to complete a dribble or cross, whilst only finding another Rangers player with 56% of his attempted passes, completing a meagre 10 in total. He had just 25 touches of the ball, significantly fewer than goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin (66).

Therefore, the Jamaica striker let Van Bronckhorst down badly as he struggled with and without the ball against Lyon. It could suggest to the 43-year-old that he is not a player who can be relied upon in big games, which could work against Roofe as the season progresses and the matches become more important.

AND in other news, Forget Kent: “Exemplary” Rangers beast who won 88% duels finally took his chance…

Many Southampton fans were criticial of the display of Ibrahima Diallo despite their 2-0 win at Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

A James Ward-Prowse penalty and a spectacular effort from Che Adams were enough to give the St Mary’s faithful all three points away at Chris Wilder’s team, but while there were some very good performances in a Saints shirt on the day, Diallo’s flattered to deceive for several supporters.

The central midfielder lost out on four of his duels and also failed to make a single interception, while losing possession of the ball no fewer than 11 times in the game, earning him a quite measly 6.8 overall rating on Sofascore, the second-worst out of any of his teammates to have started the match.

Southampton fan reaction to Diallo display

These Saints fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far to claim that the 21-year-old Frenchman was ‘dreadful’:

“#SaintsFC Diallo needs to wake up and look up before passing, dreadful for giving the ball away.”

Credit: @HackedOffStuart

“Generally happy with that first half, some good attacks, @NathanTella_11 has been on great form, concerned for @IngsDanny injury and some of Diallo’s passing has been worrying. #SHUSOU #SaintsFC”

Credit: @chriskidd

“I said Diallo was rusty but that pass was shocking. Needs to get his brain in gear #SaintsFC”

Credit: @r_c_bennett

“The fact that Diallo completely ignored Armstrong’s run on the left was bad enough, but then to give it away like that OMG! #SaintsFC”

Credit: @thepump74

“Diallo needs a good rollicking at half time…. Incredibly poor but we’re winning!! Adams needs to get on his toes too!! #saintsfc”

Credit: @hampshirehogsfc

“We look like an actual football team with KWP back. Loving Tella. Diallo having a shocker though #SaintsFC”

Credit: @Peleton11

In other news, find out what big incident in the fixture left Saints fans talking here!

Rangers could be set for a huge boost in the coming weeks after Steven Gerrard revealed (via Daily Record) that the club have tabled a contract offer to Allan McGregor in their hopes of keeping the experienced ‘keeper at Ibrox for another season.

The 39-year-old, who reportedly earns £11,000 per week at Rangers, has been a key player this season, making 23 appearances in the Premiership, in which he has conceded just seven goals and kept a hugely impressive 16 clean sheets.

Despite his age, the former Scotland international seems to be getting better and better, emphasising his class with an almost unbelievable save in the 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in midweek.

Following the game in the Czech Republic, Gerrard was full of praise for McGregor and revealed the latest in his contract talks, saying:

“I’ve spoken about it before, how much we rate Allan, how much we love him here, how much we want to carry on.

“At the same time, I’ve told you guys I will respect him. He knows what’s on the table. He’s in discussions with the club and from where I’m sitting, I hope we get it over the line and sign him up for another year because he is more than capable.

“I know that on a daily basis by working with him and watching him closely. The decision is going to be down to Allan, not us. Because we certainly want him.”

He also suggested that the save he made in that game was “another world-class save”, which emphasises just how much the manager values his first-choice ‘keeper and how much he wants him to stay for another season at least.

McGregor’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season and, after his impressive performances this term, you would imagine that he wouldn’t be short of suitors if he did decide to leave the Gers this summer.

However, he is clearly held in high regard by Gerrard and would likely be guaranteed Champions League football next season, so hopefully the champions can convince him to stay and replicate his performances from this season in the next campaign.

And, in other news.. 80% duels won: Rangers beast was Gerrard’s star for more reasons than one vs Slavia

Manchester United have been linked with Pau Torres as a potential new signing this summer, and now Fabrizio Romano has dropped a fresh update on their pursuit for the player.

What’s the latest?

The Italian journalist and transfer insider took to his Twitter account to confirm the club’s pursuit of the Villarreal centre-back.

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Romano tweeted: “Pau Torres is attracting interest from top clubs again as his release clause will be valid this summer: €55/60m, available until the end of the market.

“Manchester United and Manchester City are both interested – Chelsea have also sent their scouts to follow him.”

Supporters will be excited

If the appointment of Erik ten Hag wasn’t enough to excite supporters of Man United, the opportunity being explored to improve the defensive system in the team will surely leave fans even more excited.

One of the biggest problems that have been identified at the club is the poor defensive play in the team, with the side conceding the most goals of the top eight in the league which has contributed to their struggles this season.

With that being said, the £50m Torres could be a huge breath of fresh air for the club, proving how influential he can be in the back-line for Unai Emery’s side, leading them to success.

Last season Villarreal won the Europa League with the 25-year-old playing a key role, and now the team have qualified for their first Champions League semi-final since 2006 which is an impressive achievement for Torres who has been an important part of the process playing every single game in the European competition.

The 6 f00t 2 star has tallied up impressive statistics this season in La Liga too, proving successful in 80% of his dribbles, winning the majority of his duels (67%), making 4.5 clearances on average per game and has a 94% pass accuracy in his own half, proving that he has an influential presence and is progressive on the ball.

The Red Devils have crashed out of every competition squandering their chances of winning a trophy, and their problems extend to the Premier League too as the side is struggling to qualify for the Champions League with just four games left to go, and six points adrift from the top four.

Acquiring a signing like Torres to improve the defence at Old Trafford could make a huge difference to the team next season and could put Manchester United in a better position to make progress in the league and cup competitions going forward.

AND in other news: Ten Hag now personally asks Man Utd to sign £111m “diamond”, major coup is inbound

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Hull City striker Dean Windass has questioned Glasgow Rangers’ interest in Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram.

Lundstram, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks.

The £7m-rated 26-year-old, who has previously been described as a “real menace” by Billy Sharp, has provided eight goals and eight assists in 100 appearances across all competitions for the Blades, via Transfermarkt.

Under Blades boss Chris Wilder, Lundstram has come on leaps and bounds and established himself as one of the first-choice starters in the midfield at Bramall Lane.

However, recent reports revealed that his representatives have rejected a final contract offer from the south Yorkshire outfit and Wilder seems to be resigned to losing him in the January transfer window.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is reportedly keen to bring the defensive-minded midfielder to Ibrox as he bids to stop Celtic from winning ten in a row.

But Windass suggests he isn’t ready for such a step and he instead should have decided to stay at Bramall Lane.

He told Football FanCast’s James Beavis:

“That’s not for me. I don’t get it. I don’t get it at all.

“I’m not being rude, people probably said I was a bad player, it’s just my opinion.

“But I don’t get that. I don’t understand why he’s not staying, maybe he thinks he’s better than Sheffield United.

“Does he want more money? Maybe they just think he’s only worth so much.”

In 12 games in the Premier League this season, Lundstram has supplied one assist so far, whilst he is averaging 1.1 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Gerrard currently has plenty of options in the midfield at Ibrox, including Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo, Steven Davis, Glen Kamara and Bongani Zungu, but a player of Lundstram’s calibre could prove to be a tempting option, as Kamara has previously been subject to transfer interest from Leeds United.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers star deserves new contract for Old Firm heroics alone…

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to increase the pressure on their Premier League rivals when they head to Leeds United in the Premier League this lunchtime.

A place in the top four is within touching distance, so a win over Marcelo Bielsa’s side would put the Lilywhites to within two points of Chelsea before they face league leaders Manchester City later this evening.

Last time out, Ryan Mason’s men demolished Sheffield United 4-0, and that will leave the 29-year-old interim boss with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

What sort of XI could we see from him at Elland Road? Here’s our predicted line-up, as well as the latest team and injury news from N17…

Mason could make just the one change to the line-up which won last Sunday. It’s certainly going to be difficult to tinker with the team after that performance, at least.

He does have two players back from injury as he revealed in his pre-game press conference.

“Ben Davies is the only one that has not been training,” Mason said. “Tanguy and Lucas didn’t train for the majority of last week, they trained the day before the game but this week we have had a fully fit squad.”

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However, just one of the duo is in line for an instant return to the starting XI as Tanguy Ndombele could come in for Giovani Lo Celso in the heart of midfield.

The Argentine took a knock to the head after a questionable stamp from John Fleck and was seen with ice strapped around him following his withdrawal. Although he will likely be fit to feature here, he was perhaps one of the few poor performers last weekend, so Mason may want to freshen it up with the £45m-rated Ndombele instead.

It means that both hat-trick hero Gareth Bale and Dele Alli keep their places in a bold call from the 29-year-old interim boss.

Lucas Moura will need to earn back his place after the Welshman’s exploits, whilst the 25-year-old Englishman impressed with his work rate off the ball (winning three tackles), and more of the same will surely be required against the relentless press of Leeds.

The back four of Sergio Reguilon, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and Serge Aurier, in front of Hugo Lloris, should remain untouched, whilst Harry Kane and Heung-min Son continue to be the focal points of Mason’s attack.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Sanchez: Levy must sanction Spurs swoop for £18m “leader” who’s like Van Dijk…

After making his return from injury last time out in the Premier League, Jack Grealish must surely make Dean Smith’s starting line-up for Aston Villa’s clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

The England international had missed the last twelve games in the top-flight with an injury, and given the number of weeks it took to see him finally back on the pitch, there would have been understandable fears about him missing the entire season.

But, the 5 foot 10 star came on for the final 18 minutes of the 0-0 draw against Everton, and while he couldn’t help inspire a late winner, should start from the off when Villa take on Roy Hodgson’s men.

Speaking after that Toffees game, Smith said: “I think (Grealish) had one mesmerising run where he had five or six Everton players chasing him and you thought it might be one of them days where he comes on scoring the winner.

“It’s really good to have him back. It’s small steps at the moment but it’s great to have him back out there. We’ve got three games now in the next 10 days and we’re hopeful Jack will play a part in all three of them games. Whether it’s Tottenham or Chelsea, we’re hoping to get 90 minutes out of him.

“He’ll be as fit as can be. He’s a naturally fit player anyway. He’s continued to work on his CV (cardiovascular) with a little bit more off feet and, in training, you don’t see a lack of fitness in him, that’s for sure.”

If Grealish is fit, then there’s no questioning he simply has to start against the Eagles, with the influence he has on this Villa side untold – in the 12 games that he missed, the side won just three games, and have completely fallen out of serious contention to finish in a European place.

Former Villa player Paul Merson raved about the kind of quality Grealish brings to the table, saying: “He’s a special player. He’s the best three or four-yard passer I’ve seen in the game for a long time. People will go ‘three or four-yard passes’, but you watch football when it comes back and see how many people roll the ball to a full-back and they have to take a touch or someone goes on the overlap and they kick it out of touch.

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“It is always a pitch perfect ball, that three or four-yard ball and for me he is a special player. Very comfortable on the ball, very gifted.”

Given their recent form, bringing Grealish back into the starting line-up could well be a real game-changer for Villa.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith must never play this Villa star again…