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Celtic have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Sky Sports, Ange Postecoglou revealed that, following the midfielder’s first-half substitution in the 3-1 win over Hibernian in midweek, Tom Rogic now looks set to miss the next two to three weeks of first team action after pulling his hamstring, starting with today’s visit of Livingston.

Speaking about the condition of the 28-year-old prior to the clash against the Lions, the Celtic manager said: “He had a scan on his hamstring. It’s going to put him out for at least two to three weeks.

“It’s not a major one but he definitely won’t be involved in these games. Then obviously we have the international window, and if everything goes to plan, he should be available once we get back from that.

“All injuries are frustrating, but the flip side of that is Tommy has probably played more football in the first couple of months of the season than he has for quite a while. He was probably due a spell anyway.

“Him and Dave Turnbull in particular, because Cal [McGregor] had a bit of time out with injury, have been carrying the burden of the midfield. To be honest, even if he had come through, I probably wouldn’t have played him [on Saturday] anyway.

“Hopefully, if nothing else, this freshens him up for another run at it. But he was outstanding, he has been all year, but in the first half against Hibs he was at the centre of all the good stuff we were doing.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Rogic has been for Celtic so far this season, the news that the midfielder looks set to miss up to three weeks of action is sure to have left fans of the club gutted.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has formed an impressive trio alongside David Turnbull and Callum McGregor over his 11 Premiership appearances this term, with the £1.35m-rated man bagging one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates. He has also taken 1.2 shots and made 1.5 key passes per game, with these returns having seen the Australia international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, the news that Rogic will miss not only the Livingston clash, but also the Hoops’ Europa League crunch match against Ferencvaros as well as the trip to Dundee in November, is sure to come as a big blow to Postecoglou, who will undoubtedly be hoping that the £16k-per-week midfielder can pick up where he left off upon his return from injury.

In other news: Ange must unleash Celtic’s “top-class” £2.7m-rated ace on Saturday, he’s being wasted

Paul Robinson would like Mauricio Pochettino to replace Marcelo Bielsa when the latter eventually leaves Leeds United, although he has admitted how difficult it would be to lure the former Tottenham boss to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Bielsa future always uncertain

This is Bielsa’s fourth season as Leeds boss, and he is of course hugely popular amongst the club’s supporters.

However, his future at the club is constantly up for debate. After all, he is 66 years old and therefore does not have too long left in the game, and his current contract is set to run out at the end of the season (leedsunited.com) as he continues to pen one-year deals.

The Latest: Robinson eyes replacement

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former Whites star Robinson suggested Pochettino as Bielsa’s successor. He said:

“For me, Pochettino would be great.

“It’s a pipe dream at the moment because Leeds are nowhere near attracting a manager with the calibre of Pochettino to succeed Bielsa.

“If you look at where he is now at PSG and look at where Leeds are in the Premier League table, Leeds have to be higher to attract a manager of that calibre and at the moment, that’s nowhere near happening.

“It’s a pipe dream.”

The Verdict: Aiming too high

Bielsa is a legend of the game, with the likes of Pep Guardiola (Sky Sports) and Pochettino (via Give Me Sport) himself citing the Argentinian as an inspiration. As such, Leeds will need to replace with a top-quality manager when he does depart, but Pochettino is surely unattainable at this point.

As the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, he is in a privileged position as he is able to field a side including the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Even if the man hailed ‘a football genius’ by former Spurs player Heurelho Gomes were to be sacked by PSG before Bielsa departs, to then move to Leeds would be a substantial step down, with all due respect to the club.

Of course, the Yorkshire outfit would love to have him, but they may have to set their sights lower until they can compete for European competitions.

In other news, one former Premier League ace has made this Kalvin Phillips claim.

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes West Bromwich Albion should bolster their frontline by sealing Dwight Gayle’s return to the Hawthorns.

Following a summer of change which saw Valerien Ismael swap the Barnsley dugout for West Brom, the Baggies are looking to seal an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation last term.

Ismael has been busy in the transfer market and strengthened his attacking options by completing the season-long loan signing of Norwich City striker Jordan Hugill earlier this week.

But, with the window not shutting until next week, Albion could still welcome more arrivals and Hatfield has advised Ismael to sign Newcastle United’s Gayle.

The 31-year-old frontman, who signed a new contract with the Magpies in the summer, scored 24 goals during a season-long loan spell with West Brom in the 2018/19 season.

With Gayle yet to make a Premier League appearance this term, Hatfield thinks the Baggies should pounce.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “Dwight Gayle is a fantastic Championship striker. Albion fans have seen that up close and personal before.

“As an opinion, I think it would be a fantastic signing for Albion. There is an issue with wages, which has always been there for Albion ever since he came on loan. They wanted to sign him on a permanent basis but they didn’t go up that season and wages wouldn’t really work out.

“He’d definitely be the type of striker that would work brilliantly for Albion. He knows where the back of the net is, has a brilliant ability of being in the right place at the right time and connecting with the fanbase, which was something that shone through during his time at Albion.

“For me, he would be a really good signing.”

Rangers are enjoying a sublime season in the Premiership this term as they sit top of the table with 42 points after 17 games.

They have won 13 of their 17 matches, drawing three and losing just once. In that time, they have scored 38 goals and conceded just 18 times, with Steven Gerrard starting the campaign in charge before Giovanni van Bronckhorst came in last month.

Forget Tavernier

Captain James Tavernier may get the bulk of the plaudits with his outstanding contributions in the final third this season, but his fellow full-back Borna Barisic has also been a standout for the Gers.

Tavernier tops the Rangers squad with an average SofaScore rating of 7.86, whilst Barisic is second in terms of outfield players with a score of 7.26. The former has three goals and ten assists – from 1.8 key passes per game – in 15 Premiership appearances and averages a whopping 97 touches per match.

This shows how the ex-Newcastle man is the main outlet for the Gers in possession as he takes almost 100 touches per game despite playing at right-back.

Barisic, meanwhile, averages 76.6 touches per game and has also averaged 1.8 key passes – racking up two assists. This suggests that he has been more effective in his creation of chances in relation to the number of touches he has compared to Tavernier.

Former Gers player Alex Rae once lauded the full-back’s ‘terrific’ ability on the ball, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in the country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

Tavernier averages 2.3 tackles and interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game, whilst Barisic averages 2.3 and 3.0 in the same categories. The Croatian has also won a higher percentage (62%) of his duels – winning 51 in total –  in comparison to the right-back (52%) in the Premiership. This shows that the left-sided defender has been stronger in his defending this season, to go along with his efficient chance creation.

Therefore, Barisic has been a standout for Rangers and is deserving of immense credit for his performances in the top-flight, potentially more so than Tavernier based on the pair’s underlying statistics.

However, both have been outstanding and are key to how van Bronckhorst’s team operates with their quality from the full-back positions.

AND in other news, Body blow: Concerning Rangers injury update emerges that’ll leave fans gutted…

Wolves manager Bruno Lage wants to sign up to four more players before the transfer window closes, journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

The new Wolves boss has so far brought in the likes of Yerson Mosquera and Jose Sa, with the latter’s arrival particularly an important piece of business.

The 28-year-old, who joined from Olympiakos on a five-year deal, steps in for Rui Patricio following his move to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.

As for Mosquera, he joins to give Lage more defensive options. And if Lage gets his way, it seems more new signings could follow the Colombian youngster to Molineux.

“Lage definitely wants to strengthen Wolves,” the Express & Star’s Hatfield said. “He definitely wants three or four more signings. 

“But I think it will very much be a case of you’ll see a report and then two or three days down the line, it will be done and dusted. Wolves do tend to keep their transfer targets pretty quiet.”

As for outgoings, it will be interesting to see what happens with both Adama Traore and Ruben Neves.

Traore has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including Leeds United, while Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Neves, but nothing is yet to materialise.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped an exciting transfer claim this week…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable football.london reporter gave an insight into Spurs’ likely transfer plans during a recent Q&A session with supporters this week. He revealed that Spurs’ top priority is a new centre-back, whilst interest in long-time target Marcel Sabitzer remains.

Speaking about the Austrian, Gold said: “Still a player that Spurs have liked a lot for a long time but he’ll be in high demand when he returns from the Euros, particularly with his contract situation. Much depends on the new head coach, whether Paratici also likes him and whether there is the money in place from sales.

“Spurs’ priority is a centre-back but Sabitzer has certainly got admirers at the club.”

Exciting times ahead?

Amid all the uncertainty and chaos in their managerial search, this latest suggestion should come as hugely encouraging news, as once that new coach walks through the front door, Spurs mean business.

Individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion in the backline was perhaps their biggest issue under Jose Mourinho during the 2020/21 season. In some ways, you can see why the sacked Portuguese utilised as many as 16 different combinations at the back.

Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have been slammed as the worst pairing in the Premier League by ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara, whilst Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes that Serge Aurier is one of the “biggest liabilities” in the top-flight, so much so that he would put people off management.

Hugo Lloris has endured some blunders and Sergio Reguilon’s form tailed off massively after injury. Therefore, if Spurs are truly eyeing a new centre-back, then this is very exciting to hear from Gold.

The links to Sabitzer seem just as exciting, as the north Londoners have lacked a creative goal threat from midfield ever since Christian Eriksen departed for Inter Milan.

“I think he’d bring a lot to Tottenham. He’s very similar to Christian Eriksen, he’s that sort of player that Spurs have been missing in midfield,” claimed Bundesliga expert Daniel Pinder during an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

It’s hard to ignore the talents of a player who has provided 25 goals and 18 assists since the start of the 2019/20 season. In that same time, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso have combined for just 27 goal contributions between them.

All in all, Gold’s recent claim should have many supporters around north London buzzing.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Heung-min Son claim…

Some Wolves fans have been left fuming at Gabby Agbonlahor after his prediction involving them emerged on talkSPORT.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Sunday show, the former Aston Villa and England international striker has now predicted that the Midlands club will be in a relegation battle this season after their 2-0 home loss at the hands of Brentford in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

As Agbonlahor put it, the performance was ‘shocking’, but some members of the Molineux faithful believe that he is being too reactionary as it is still very early on in the campaign.

There are also his past connections with AVFC to contend with as well, and so it is not a surprise at all to see so many WWFC supporters disagree with his opinion despite the poor result and disappointing performance.

Wolves fans on Agbonlahor prediction

These Wanderers were left fuming as the prediction made by Agbonlahor was shared by talkSPORT on their official Twitter page:

“What a surprise a former Villa player and Villa fan saying his team’s rivals are going to be in a relegation battle after 1 bad performance”

Credit: @JaysonGibbons2

“…and last week you said wolves would be fine this season. You just go with the flow Gabby”

Credit: @dave_golding

“Shock, Villa fan says Wolves are in trouble. Every team in the league has off days. Villa gave taken 1 point out of a possible 6 against newly promoted teams so far.”

Credit: @charlie_bish93

“Bore off”

Credit: @salopwolf

“As bad as we were yesterday one game doesn’t make a season. First 4 games we could have easily had 12 points! On to the next one”

Credit: @Leicesterwolf

“Gabby giving his opinion that nobody asked for again”

Credit: @DanWWFC89

In other news, find out what John Percy update has Wanderers buzzing here!

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will come under increased pressure surrounding his job, should he fail to better their fortunes by the next international break [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Aston Villa make slow start to 2021/22 campaign

The Villans have started off 2021/22 in indifferent fashion, sitting 12th in the Premier League table after amassing four points from four encounters [BBC].

Much expectation has been placed upon the Midlands club this campaign, following an expensive window which brought the arrival of the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Danny Ings and Leon Bailey to the club [Transfermarkt].

Now, there could be trouble ahead for Smith following recent reports.

The Latest: ‘Fighting for his job’

According to a Bodymoor Heath source at Football Insider, Smith will be ‘fighting for his job’ should he fail to improve their league position ahead of the next international break.

Tough fixtures lie in wait for the Clarets, with Everton, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur on the agenda before their players set off to play for their respective nations.

The Aston Villa hierarchy will not waste any time in searching for a fresh face in the dugout should results not improve.

The Verdict: Lange won’t mess around

Confliction surrounds the notion of Smith coming under increased pressure. On one hand, the former Brentford manager has achieved incredible success at Villa Park.

Achieving promotion to the Premier League through the play-off route in 2019, Smith has since restored the profile of his boyhood club in the top-flight with respective 17th and 11th placed finishes.

Despite this, football is unfortunately an ever-evolving results business. With increased ambition comes increased expectation, and sporting director Johan Lange and owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will expect to see a return on their investments this summer.

Following disappointing results such as a 3-2 defeat away to Watford and a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford, Smith may well be running out of time after the looming troublesome run of fixtures.

In other news, Aston Villa fans react to a mind-blowing statistic. Find out more here.

According to Calciomercato, Fabio Paratici has already tried to sign Italy number one shot stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Paratici appointment…

The 48-year-old has been confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new sporting director, working under chairman Daniel Levy.

Paratici has a good reputation in masterminding some noteworthy transfers at former club Juventus, including the certain acquisition of superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo (The Athletic).

As such, there have been no shortage of reports detailing his transfer plans for Spurs, with Calciomercato now dropping a huge claim involving Donnarumma.

The Latest: Paratici tried to sign Donnarumma…

As per the Italian outlet, he has already made an attempt to sign the star keeper for Spurs this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, Paratici was rebuffed in his efforts despite making ‘several’ phone calls to agent Mino Raiola.

In the ‘last few days’, he apparently made repeated attempts to negotiate with Donnarumma’s representative over a possible move to north London.

There was also strong interest from Barcelona, but it now looks like the 22-year-old is destined for Paris-Saint Germain and a link up with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Currently away at the Euros with Italy, Donnarumma will apparently undergo his PSG medical ‘next week’ after the Azzurri take on Switzerland (Fabrizio Romano).

The Verdict: Big loss…

As Spurs contemplate the future of long-time number one Hugo Lloris, a swoop for Donnarumma certainly would have been quite the coup.

He conceded just 38 goals in 37 Serie A matches over 2020/2021, keeping an impressive 14 clean sheets in that time (Transfermarkt).

AFC Bournemouth keeper Asmir Begovic also raved over his capabilities in an interview with the Guardian last year, calling him ‘phenomenal’ and a ‘huge talent’ who has enjoyed a ‘remarkable’ rise.

Indeed, the colossal keeper could have even joined Spurs on a free deal given his AC Milan contract expires at the beginning of next month.

Alas, Paratici’s bold attempt ended in failure with PSG and Pochettino reportedly winning the race – a real shame as Spurs aim to start a rebuild.

In other news: ‘Sources close…’ – Journalist lifts lid on exciting Tottenham transfer development, find out more here.

Monday night’s affair between Crystal Palace and Leeds United saw both sides share the spoils.

Coming into this tie, the Eagles and the Whites will have been cautious, knowing that they are dangerously close to the relegation battle taking place just a few places below.

In theory, Leeds would have wanted the points more, sitting just five points above Everton who are in 18th place. But, on the pitch, it was Vieira’s side who were the aggressors – almost doubling the visitors’ total amount of shots, with 17.

Although Palace failed to score and consequently secure a win, a draw was much needed for the Eagles, who had conceded five and scored just one coming into this fixture in all competitions.

The clean sheet was much-required too, and the goal could have happened for the home side, which is why a section of the fanbase will be disappointed with one player in particular.

With a total expected goals tally of 0.97 xG across his four shots, Jean-Phillippe Mateta will have been astonished that his name somehow evaded the score sheet.

In fairness to him, his movement made him a thorn in the side of the opposition defence, though he failed to take one of his four chances which included an opportunity along the lines of a tap-in.

That chance alone came with an xG total of 0.73, meant that the Frenchman had a high chance of burying that opportunity based on previous shots from that vicinity.

Excluding his runs, the £53k-per-week earner did not offer anything else to the game and rarely helped his side in the build-up play, instead relying on through balls.

His ten passes and fewer touches (32) than goalkeeper Vicente Guaita are a reflection of his failure to assert himself in other aspects of the game and his 25% shot accuracy is perhaps the overall indicator of Mateta’s night against Leeds.

Though it’s the 71% ground duels lost that Eagles fans will be frustrated with the most.

The 24-year-old won just two of his seven ground duels last night and was a hindrance to his side in their attempts to win back possession.

It was not the best night for Mateta, though on another day he could have left with at least a goal to his name.

It’s now been four games without a goal for the Frenchman.

In other news: Vieira must finally unleash CPFC’s £15.3m “delight” today, he will terrify Leeds – opinion