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Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has issued an injury update on Harry Kane after he limped out of his side's draw with Borussia Dortmund.

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• Dortmund take on Bayern
• Kane picks up injury
• Kompany issues update on striker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Just after the hour mark of Borussia Dortmund's home Bundesliga clash with Bayern, a game that ended 1-1, the England international was forced off the field with what looked to be a thigh injury. After the match, manager Kompany quipped he could "sense the English worry" following this setback but hoped for the best for the 31-year-old.

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• WHAT KOMPANY SAID

  Kompany said on the striker: "Harry said it's not too bad. Hopefully that's the case. We'll have the tests today and let’s see what happens. I could sense the English worry there…"

  The coach then spoken about Kane's chance of facing Leverkusen next: "It will be tight. I don't know many players who managed to recover in such a short time. We'll know more tonight.

  "Of course Harry's goals are very difficult to replace, but we said from the beginning that we trust the squad and the team. We managed to create many chances in the second half. The team is very well equipped with a lot of quality in attack. It's tough to replace Harry's quality one on one, but we can solve it differently with the other guys we have in the team."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane has proven to be a goalscoring machine for Bayern over the past 15 months or so, notching a whopping 64 goals in as many games. The England forward became the quickest player to reach 50 Bundesliga goals earlier this month and much of Bayern's success will likely be down to him. He and his team – who are top of the Bundesliga – will hope this is not a serious injury as they bid to win silverware once again following a trophyless 2023/24. Kane said after the game he wasn't sure how bad the injury was, telling Sky Germany reporter Kerry Hau: "I don't know. We have to look. We'll do a scan today (Saturday)."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Kane and Bayern wait to see the extent of the former Tottenham man's injury, the Bavarians take on defending DFB-Pokal champions Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 of the competition on Tuesday night.

Leeds United have around a month left to go to do their business before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the end of August.

The Whites are looking to build a squad that can compete to finally secure promotion to the Premier League, after they fell short in the play-off final last season.

Daniel Farke's side kick-off the 2024/25 campaign with a clash against Portsmouth at Elland Road in less than a fortnight and have added four players to the group so far this summer.

Central defender Joe Rodon has signed permanently, after his loan spell in West Yorkshire last term, and Alex Cairns and Jayden Bogle have both joined on permanent deals. Meanwhile, midfielder Joe Rothwelll has signed on loan from Bournemouth.

The Championship side have also watched players move on from the club, though, as Archie Gray, Charlie Cresswell, and Glen Kamara have left to join Tottenham Hotspur, Toulouse, and Rennes respectively.

Leeds' work in the transfer window may not be done yet, though, as they are reportedly looking to add a young talent to their attacking options.

Leeds interest in teen whiz

According to Ta To Take on Telegram, as relayed by LeedsUnitedNews, the Whites are one of the teams interested in a swoop to sign Metalist Kharkiv winger Hennadiy Synchuk.

The report claims that Sunderland, Derby County, and Middlesbrough are also keen on the teenage talent, alongside teams from Germany, and this shows that there will be plenty of competition for his signature.

It states, though, that Leeds are currently leading the race to bring the 18-year-old sensation over to England ahead of their Championship rivals.

Ta To Take adds that the West Yorkshire outfit have been keeping tabs on Synchuk since the winter transfer window, and it appears as though they could now make their move for him this summer.

The report does not reveal, however, how much money it would take to convince Kharkiv to part ways with their talented young prospect before the deadline.

It, therefore, remains to be seen how likely a deal is this summer as the Ukrainian side's demands are unclear and it is unknown how much money Leeds are prepared to pay for him.

If the Whites do end up securing a deal for the Ukraine U23 international, though, then they could find their next Wilfried Gnonto, who was another teenage whiz snapped up by the club.

Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto masterclass

In the summer of 2022, former sporting director Victor Orta – now of Sevilla – swooped to sign the Italian youngster from FC Zurich for a reported fee of £3.8m.

Like Synchuk, Gnonto was only 18 at the time and arrived as a talented prospect with the potential to develop into a first-team performer for the club.

The versatile forward had produced 12 goals and ten assists in 74 appearances for Zurich in all competitions, and had previously played for Inter at academy level.

Gnonto immediately emerged as a first-team option for Leeds in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign, as he went on to rack up two goals and four assists in 24 top-flight outings that term – along with two goals in three FA Cup matches.

Despite coming in as a teenager from Switzerland with little experience at the top level in Europe, the Italian ace hit the ground running in Yorkshire and has since developed into a star for the club.

Leeds were relegated down to the Championship at the end of his first season at Elland Road and that provided him with an opportunity to drop down to the second tier and showcase his attacking quality on a regular basis.

As you can see in the table above, Gnonto produced ten direct goal contributions in 36 appearances in the division from a right wing position.

He provided a clinical edge at the top end of the pitch, outperforming his xG by almost three goals, but was let down by his teammates, who did not make the most of the opportunities that he created for them.

Overall, though, Leeds played a masterclass with Gnonto as they picked up a teenager from Switzerland for a modest fee and have turned him into a key first-team performer.

Why Synchuk could be Gnonto 2.0

Synchuk could be Gnonto 2.0 as he is another 18-year-old winger who could arrive at Elland Road with the potential to develop into a star for Farke.

Whilst there would not be a great deal of expectation around the teenage whiz, as there was not with the Italian, he could come in and take to Leeds like a duck to water.

As an 18-year-old with no prior experience of English football or a track record of delivering consistently impressive performers, Synchuk could not come in with pressure to immediately perform and that could allow him to play with freedom and showcase the best of his qualities.

The right-sided attacker, who was described as "underrated" and a "magician" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has made 30 first-team appearances for Kharkiv but is yet to score his first senior goal and has only produced one assist.

He has, though, scored three goals in eight games for Ukraine at U19 and U23 level combined so far, which shows that the potential is there for him to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

As you can see in the table above, Synchuk caught the eye at the U19 Euros with his country earlier this month, eventually losing to France in the semi-finals.

His 2.7 key passes per game is particularly impressive when you consider that no Leeds player managed more than 2.6 per match in the Championship last term.

This suggests that the potential is there for him to offer an excellent creative presence down the right flank for Leeds if he can eventually translate that form over to senior level.

Leeds lining up move for £4.2m ace who could shine next to Bogle

Leeds United are looking to strengthen at the back even more.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 30, 2024

There is plenty for the teenage whiz to prove and Farke could provide him with chances to showcase his quality in the first-team and follow in Gnonto's footsteps.

Manchester United are reportedly set to push for an agreement to sign Erik ten Hag's next new star in the coming days.

Man Utd transfer news

So far, so good for Manchester United. They've strengthened their backline with Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro and they've added much-needed firepower to their attack by welcoming Joshua Zirkzee. And to really cap things off, the new striker scored the winner in an opening-day 1-0 victory over Fulham.

That said, things could yet get even better for the Red Devils. The one missing piece to their transfer window has been a central midfielder to replace Casemiro. The Brazilian struggled throughout the last campaign, showing all the signs that his legs were beginning to struggle amid the intensity of the Premier League.

At 32 years old, those signs are unlikely to slow down, creating quite the problem for those at Old Trafford to solve using the transfer window. On that front, names such as Youssouf Fofana and Sander Berge have been mentioned, but one man has always been the main target, with a recent update indicating that's still very much the case.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Manchester United are now set to push for an agreement to sign Manuel Ugarte in the coming days. The midfielder has already been given the green light to complete a move to Old Trafford, but the Premier League giants are yet to reach Paris Saint-Germain's reported £50m+ valuation.

Man Utd rivalling Liverpool to sign "dynamic" replacement for injured Shaw

The Red Devils could get one over on their rivals…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 17, 2024

Whether that changes in the coming days remains to be seen as United step up their pursuit. In a summer-long saga, Ugarte could finally get his move.

"Magnificent" Ugarte would seal superb Man Utd summer

After finishing as low as eighth in the Premier League last season, anyone at Old Trafford would have been quick to admit that Ten Hag's side needed additions all across the pitch. Now, by the end of the summer transfer window, the Red Devils could have exactly that if they complete their overhaul with the arrival of Ugarte, who could slot straight into Casemiro's role.

Ugarte's ability to recover possession would be particularly crucial when replacing Casemiro, who struggled off the ball last season as he edges past the peak of his powers.

Earning plenty of praise at PSG, former manager Luis Enrique said via PSG Report last season: "He was magnificent, wonderful, with or without the ball. He recovered balls, pressed very high, intercepted balls. He had a 10/10 performance.”

Now, it's United who are looking to benefit from that magnificence to complete a summer they will hope to see quickly become a turning point. The Red Devils are certainly among the winners of the window this summer, given their clear upgrades.

Ryan Reynolds has received praise from the co-owner of a Wrexham pub after buying a round for everyone during a recent visit.

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• Reynolds visited local Wrexham pub with Tatum
• Sat and ate a meal before buying a round
• Earned praise of co-owner for his class

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rich Watkin, co-owner of the Fat Boar in Wrexham, has revealed how "classy" Reynolds and fellow Hollywood actors Channing Tatum and Brandon Sklenar delivered an unforgettable night for so many locals ahead of the Red Dragons' 2-2 draw with Cambridge on Saturday. Reynolds created a "buzz" when it was revealed he would be visiting the pub on Friday night and even offered to buy every customer a drink after he had finished eating with his co-stars, as well as filming several video messages for kids of those he had met on the night.

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  WHAT WATKIN SAID

  Speaking to the Daily Star, Watkin said: "It was Friday night in the lead up to Christmas – so the pub was busy. We got the call that Ryan Reynolds was planning to visit the Fat Boar and from there we had about 20 minutes before he arrived. It was probably best that way so we didn’t have time to overthink things.

  "Obviously we want to talk to them – everyone wants to talk to them – but from a business perspective we just want them to eat and enjoy themselves. That was probably the hardest part, making sure people kept away just while they finished their meal.

  "He could so easily just have disappeared out the back door, but instead he put some money behind the bar and came out to speak. It’s obviously great for business, for people to see them in this pub."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reynolds' visit to the Fat Boar is another reason why the Canadian actor is so popular in Wales. While some may have reservations about his role as co-owner of Wrexham, Reynolds has never shied away from getting stuck in with the locals and trying his best to be a man of the people. His dedication to the community has helped put Wrexham on the world map and those who live in the town have the added bonus of knowing one of the most famous faces on the planet could turn up at any given moment.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Reynolds would have been hopeful that his team could have delivered a winning performance with Tatum in attendance at the SToK Racecourse but instead it was a setback in their quest for promotion to the Championship. Next up is a trip to Bristol Rovers next Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways.

The striker was denied by Jordan Pickford from the spot as the embattled champions failed to win for the fifth game in a row

Erling Haaland and Manchester City's miserable predicament was encapsulated when the Norwegian squandered a penalty and was then caught offside as Pep Guardiola's side's awful run of form continued with a 1-1 draw at home to Everton on Boxing Day. The result left City with just one win in their last 13 games in all competitions and still outside the Premier League's top five.

City made a comfortable start and took the lead when Bernardo Silva's shot deflected off Jarrad Branthwaite and into the far corner. Phil Foden was spraying passes like Andrea Pirlo but two bad touches by Haaland and a wayward shot from Bernardo ruined the promising moves he had created.

Everton levelled with a breakaway goal made possible by a Jeremy Doku giveaway and from then on City began to lose their nerve. The quick feet of Savinho won them a penalty but in farcical circumstances Haaland had his kick saved by Pickford, scored from the second phase of play but then saw his effort flagged offside.

Guardiola threw on Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in search of a winner but it was City that were left clinging on for a point deep in injury time and it took some disciplined defending to prevent the Toffees grabbing a first victory at the Etihad Stadium since 2010.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Stefan Ortega (5/10):

  Didn't see much of the ball, couldn't be blamed for the goal.

  Rico Lewis (4/10):

  Left Ndiaye unguarded. Still lacks authority in defence and not making up for it when he is on the ball.

  Manuel Akanji (4/10):

  Flapped at the cross towards Ndiaye. Struggled at times to deal with Calvert-Lewin's hold-up play.

  Josko Gvardiol (5/10):

  An asset going forward, hitting the post early on. Not entirely comfortable defensively.

  Nathan Ake (7/10):

  The one defender who knew what he was doing. Made two great tackles on Calvert-Lewin.

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  Midfield

  Bernardo Silva (5/10):

  Sat deeper than usual although also got forward. His goal had a stroke of luck and he should have buried his second chance after Foden's dream pass instead of shanking wide with the outside of his boot.

  Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

  Couldn't stamp his authority on the midfield battle and came second to Idrissa Gueye.

  Phil Foden (8/10):

  Looked closer to the player he was last season, playing some sublime defence-splitting passes which his team-mates couldn't make the most of.

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  Attack

  Jeremy Doku (5/10):

  Set up the goal and often looked a threat but gave the ball away too easily and didn't try hard enough to get it back in the build-up to Everton's equaliser.

  Erling Haaland (3/10):

  Wasn't sharp enough to make the most of Foden's lovely passes and his lack of confidence was summed up when he couldn't beat Pickford from the spot and was then caught offside in the second phase of play.

  Savinho (5/10):

  His trickery often amounted to nothing apart from when he earned the penalty.

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  Subs & Manager

  Kevin De Bruyne (5/10):

  Tried to make something happen in the final third when he teed up Haaland.

  Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (N/A):

  Replaced Ake with five minutes left.

  Ilkay Gundogan (N/A):

  Brought on in the 85th minute but couldn't help the search for the winner.

  Pep Guardiola (4/10):

  Another uninspiring game for the serial-winning coach and his changes came too late.

Looking to round off their summer transfer window in style, Leicester City have reportedly opened talks with a Serie A attacker who was left out of his side's most recent matchday squad.

Leicester transfer news

It's been a mixed start to Leicester City's Premier League return, having stolen a point from Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day courtesy of Jamie Vardy, before suffering defeat on their travels against Fulham. Now, as they continue to adjust to life without Enzo Maresca and under Steve Cooper, the Foxes may land further reinforcements before the window slams shut this week.

In search of survival at the first time of asking, those at the King Power have been linked with moves for the likes of Bilal El Khannouss – even reportedly going as far as submitting a bid to sign the KRC Gent attacking midfielder. At 20 years old, there's no doubt that the Moroccan has plenty of potential, but when it comes to having an instant impact, the Foxes have reportedly turned towards a Serie A ace.

According to Gianluca Di Marzia, Leicester have opened talks with Jonathan Ikone over a potential late summer move away from Fiorentina, who left the winger out of their most recent matchday squad against Venezia amid the transfer speculation.

Now 26 years old, the 4-cap France international should be at the top of his game, even if he struggled to find his best form last season. Potentially starting afresh in the Premier League, Ikone would offer Cooper competition for Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who would find himself fighting for minutes just months after arriving at the King Power.

With Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly leading the race for his signature, however, Leicester have plenty of work to do.

"Modern" Ikone can compete with De Cordova-Reid

In what would add crucial depth and instantly put two fresh faces in competition for a starting place, Ikone could arrive to complete Cooper's attack and insert the spark that it lacked against Fulham in his side's recent defeat. If he can get back to his best, the winger's arrival would go down as a stroke of genius from the Foxes, having racked up 157 Ligue 1 appearances to go with 79 in Serie A across spells at PSG, Lille and Fiorentina.

Ikone's output was an area of concern last season, but given that he managed six goals and eight assists in the campaign prior, there's certainly a player in there who is capable of producing when it matters. What's more, the 26-year-old's take-on success is something that stands out when compared to De Cordova-Reid. A more direct option, alongside the equally skilful Abdul Fatawu, could complete Leicester's attack once and for all.

Described as a "modern player" by former Fiorentina director Daniele Prade, Ikone has just four days to put a spell to forget in Italy behind him and move on to the Premier League.

Manchester City are reportedly "advancing in discussions" over January transfers for Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush & Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov.

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• Marmoush & Khusanov on Man City's radar
• Guardiola is running thin on defensive options
• Spanish manager urging for January reinforcements

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to City are pursuing both players although no formal agreements have been finalized yet. Marmoush, a 25-year-old Egyptian forward currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking prospects. He has been in sensational form this season, netting 13 goals in 15 Bundesliga matches, while amassing 18 goals and 12 assists across all competitions since his move from Wolfsburg in 2023.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Whereas, Khusanov, a 20-year-old centre-back from Lens, is another player firmly in City’s sights. The Uzbekistan international joined Lens in 2023 from the Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk. In his debut season in France, Khusanov made 16 appearances in all competitions, gradually establishing himself as a reliable defender. This season, Khusanov has been a regular starter for Lens, featuring in 16 of the team’s 18 Ligue 1 fixtures, missing only two games due to suspension after a red card incident in November. His performances have garnered attention from several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but Manchester City appear determined to bring him to the Etihad.

• WHAT KHUSANOV'S AGENT SAID

  Khusanov is not in a hurry to jump on the City ship as his entourage told "The final decision is made by the player and we all must understand that he is the main person. We are in no hurry and after we receive all the offers, the player and his family will make a decision."

  City’s interest in these players comes amidst a challenging season marked by injuries to key defenders. The reigning Premier League champions have struggled with the absence of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji at various points, impacting their title defence.

  Manager Pep Guardiola has also openly acknowledged the need for reinforcements.

  "In some positions we need help," he admitted. "When we're all together we're the team we were but with important players out for weeks and months it's so difficult."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Manchester City remain contenders in the Champions League and the FA Cup. Strengthening the squad with strategic additions in January could prove pivotal in their pursuit of these trophies. They will be back in action against Salford City on January 11 in a third-round FA Cup fixture.

Leeds United fans are slowly but surely adjusting to life at Elland Road without watching the sumptuous skills of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter week in week out, as a new batch of top performers come through.

Back-to-back 2-0 wins for the Whites have certainly calmed down sections of the fanbase that were dismayed by the start the Championship titans had made, as Hull City rolled over in the end for Daniel Farke's men to pick up their first three points at home this season in the league.

There were a number of impressive performers on the day for the promotion hopefuls – who now have climbed up the division to fourth off the back of this second consecutive victory – as Manor Solomon and Wilfried Gnonto proved to be a nuisance all afternoon long for the Tigers to contain.

Solomon and Gnonto's performances vs Hull

Operating down the left flank and the right flank respectively, both the new recruit on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and the familiar Leeds face – who has now penned a new four-year deal – were bright throughout the routine 2-0 win.

The brand new Whites number 14 stood out in particular, not fazed whatsoever by the intimidating Elland Road atmosphere on his debut with his football doing the talking, as Mateo Joseph's opener came about after a tricky run from Solomon then resulted in a cross finding its way into the young Leeds hotshot's path to slot home.

On top of that crucial assist breaking the deadlock, Solomon managed to notch up two successful dribbles on the Elland Road turf, alongside five duels being successfully won as the Israel international operated as a tricky livewire all match for Farke's men.

Gnonto was also near to his best in the 2-0 win but would leave the pitch on the 72nd mark with no goal or assist next to his name, despite tallying up three shots on the busy Tigers net and coming away from the lively contest with an impressive 95% pass accuracy in-tact.

Farke will hope he can rely on these two down the wings to bamboozle Championship defences going forward, softening Summerville's absence in the process.

But, he might well have a different star in his first-team ranks that is also ready to take over the mantle of being Leeds' difference-maker away from the departed Dutchman, as the aforementioned Joseph delivered again up top.

Joseph's performances this season

Seen last season as a player who undoubtedly had a big future at the West Yorkshire club, without ever really making gigantic strides to nail down a first-team spot, Joseph is now a solid name on Farke's team sheet as the lone striker.

Joseph's instinctive finish deep into the second half allowed the Whites to breathe easier, converting his only effort of the game past Ivor Pandur with confidence, after also starring the match before away at Sheffield Wednesday.

Showing a different side to his attacking game away at Hillsborough, with two assists helping his team overcome Danny Rohl's Owls on the road, Joseph could well be the man the Whites can rely on moving forward to score big goals and set up chances when the pressure is ramped up, even with the wide-eyed striker only being 20 years of age.

Summerville was handed his senior Leeds debut back in 2021 when he was still a youngster learning the ropes, however, and he never looked back.

Handed an 8/10 rating by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth after the full-time whistle, Joseph will hope he can push on and continue to deliver the goods for Farke's men, as Leeds try to put together a consistent run of form and unearth their new Summerville-like scoring sensation.

The Elland Road youngster could well help to relieve that burden.

Championship record move: Leeds looked at signing amazing Hamer alternative

Leeds United reportedly attempted to get this top gem in through the door.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 30, 2024

Aston Villa take on Everton in their first Premier League game following the international break.

The Midlands side have started the new campaign in a topsy-turvy fashion, losing to Arsenal but defeating West Ham United and Leicester either side.

It's a big few days for the Villans who also have a UEFA Champions League tie to look forward to, facing off against Young Boys next Tuesday. For now, however, their full attention will be on the Toffees.

Because of said Champions League clash, Unai Emery may make a couple of changes due to several of his players carrying injuries and knocks.

We're predicting two changes to the side that faced the Foxes last time out…

1

GK – Emiliano Martínez

The goalkeeper conceded twice for Argentina in their loss to Colombia in the recent World Cup qualifiers, but he will start his fourth Premier League game of the season against the Toffees.

He is the undisputed number one and won't be dislodged anytime soon.

2

RB – Lamare Bogarde

Due to Matty Cash picking up an injury a couple of weeks ago, Bogarde made his first league start for Villa during the 2-1 win over Leicester City.

With Cash still unavailable, the Dutchman will keep his place in the starting XI against Everton on Saturday over Kosta Nedeljkovic.

3

CB – Ezri Konsa

The Englishman suffered an issue on international duty, meaning he had to withdraw from the England squad, but it appears as though he could be available for Villa.

Lee Carsley believes he has avoided any injury, which is certainly good news for Emery ahead of the crucial league clash.

4

CB – Pau Torres

The Spaniard has started every league match so far this term, becoming an integral part of Emery’s squad since arriving from Villarreal last summer.

He will continue his defensive partnership with Konsa at the heart of the defence tomorrow evening.

5

LB – Lucas Digne

The defender returned to the international fold after a two-year absence during France’s 2-0 win over Belgium, playing the entire 90 minutes.

He will keep his place in the starting XI this weekend, returning from national duty full of confidence.

6

RM – Jacob Ramsey

Leon Bailey could miss a couple of months due to a hamstring injury picked up recently, which opens the door for Ramsey to come into the starting XI.

He impressed against the Foxes after coming on for the Jamaican winger and should be unleashed on Saturday evening.

7

CM – Amadou Onana

The Belgian will relish taking on his former side after an impressive start to life at Villa Park. The midfielder has already scored twice in just three league matches for his new club, showing why Emery splashed out £50m for the player in the summer.

8

CM – Youri Tielemans

Emery needed someone to replace the presence Douglas Luiz displayed at the heart of the Villa midfield, with Tielemans stepping into that role with ease.

The Belgian has grabbed one assist in three league games thus far and will be deployed alongside Onana once again.

9

LM – John McGinn

The Scot may have returned from international duty having suffered two late defeats with Scotland, but he will be keen to continue Villa’s recent good form.

The captain will be aiming to lead Villa to their third league win in four games this season.

10

ST – Morgan Rogers

The January signing has been offered plenty of chances by Emery, starting all three league games and this run will continue tomorrow.

He is yet to score, but his overall performances have been excellent, and the supporters will be hoping he can get on the scoresheet against Everton.

Cole Palmer has been called out for trying a "rude school playground" move during Chelsea's draw against Bournemouth.

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• Palmer scored brilliant goal vs Bournemouth
• Chelsea held to a 2-2 draw
• Palmer compared to Mesut Ozil

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer opened the scoring for the Blues with a delicious strike in the 12th minute before Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo's goals completed a remarkable Bournemouth comeback before the hour mark. Chelsea captain Reece James then scored a late equaliser to secure a point for his team. Despite seeing the Blues drop more valuable points at home, Manchester United legend and pundit Rio Ferdinand was left mesmerised by Palmer's opening goal as he heaped praise on the forward.

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• WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

  Speaking on , Ferdinand said: "It’s rude. It was rude. It’s out of order, it’s in the school playground you do that. It’s rude, outrageous really. I’ll pay to watch him every day of the week because I know I’m going to get something like that that will get me off my seat and make me scream."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ferdinand's former England team-mate Peter Crouch then compared Palmer to ex-Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, adding in the studio: "It reminds me of Mesut Ozil a little bit, the calmness, it’s almost too casual, just sits the goalkeeper down.

  "The amount of people that get in that position, packed stadium and lash it over the bar or wide, the ability for a young man to stop it, put the keeper down and roll it into an empty net, that’s what makes him special."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Enzo Maresca's side will aim to get back to winning ways next Monday when they host Wolves in another important Premier League clash, with Palmer likely to lead the attack once again after bringing his total contributions for the season up to 20 in 21 appearances.