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Tottenham Hotspur will make the trip from north to west London this evening to take on Brentford as Antonio Conte’s men look to strengthen their hold on a place in the Premier League’s top four.

Spurs are currently fourth but their place in the Champions League spots is feeble, with goal difference the only factor separating them and fifth-placed Arsenal.

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Having been dealt a setback last weekend when losing 1-0 to Brighton, Conte’s men can’t afford to slip up again against the Bees.

It is a must-win for the Lilywhites and so here is how Football FanCast believe Spurs will set up.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Emerson, Sessegnon, Betancur, Hojbjerg, Kulusevski, Son, Kane (3-4-3)

In terms of formation, we expect Conte to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 set-up at the Brentford Community Stadium, with Sergio Reguilon dropping out of the XI in favour of the £58k-per-week Ryan Sessegnon.

The Spaniard returned to the starting lineup against the Seagulls having come on as a substitute the week before against Aston Villa, with Matt Doherty sustaining an injury that has since ruled the wing-back out for the remainder of the season.

However, it was a poor display from the 25-year-old who completed just 63% of his passes whilst failing to provide a single interception, clearance or block whilst making only one tackle.

Labelled as “pathetic” by journalist Tom Young, the £43m left-wing-back has featured in six of Spurs’ last seven matches having regained his place after Ryan Sessegnon sustained a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old has since returned from his setback, making the bench for the north London outfit’s last two games and could be in contention for a return to the starting lineup.

Prior to his injury, the Englishman had arguably his best run of games in a Spurs shirt, featuring in seven out of eight matches from late January to early March.

Tottenham insider John Wenham was full of praise for Sessegnon after a 3-0 win over Norwich City, calling the wing-back “amazing.”

Conte will have to get his team selection spot on against Brentford with there being no more room for slip-ups with just six games to go.

AND in other news: Conte must finally unleash “absolutely fantastic” Spurs sensation, he’s a “big talent”

Everton are reportedly in a race with two other clubs in the Premier League to sign Samu Chukwueze, according to La Razon.

As per the news outlet, Arsenal and West Ham United, as well as the Goodison Park faithful, are ‘willing’ to bid for his signature, however he has a release clause of no less than €80m (£69.4m).

It is more likely that Chukwueze would move to the top flight than the interested Atletico Madrid due to this clause, and the Villarreal star is a player that the Merseyside club would be ‘very interested’ in signing.

Everton could splash out on Chukwueze

Chukwueze is certainly a player that would bolster Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad and give them a great option on the wing if the Blues decide to invest the monster sum.

The Nigeria international has scored four goals and made a further seven assists in 36 games in total over all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and offers sheer pace that would frighten any defender in the Premier League.

Former Toffees striker and footballing legend Samuel Eto’o described him as an ‘incredible’ (Goal.com) player back in May 2020, which is certainly high praise, and he was clocked at 34.58 km/hr (via Complete Sports) last season, making him one of the quickest players in the Spanish top flight.

The release clause may be a lot of money, but at 21 years of age, Chukwueze still has so much potential, and it may well be the perfect time now for the Toffees to take the plunge on a possible future superstar.

In other news, find out what injury update has been bemoaned by EFC fans here!

Newcastle United failed to win in the Premier League for the 19th time this season as a late Joao Pedro goal for Watford denied the Magpies a vital three points in the hunt for survival on Saturday afternoon.

Eddie Howe’s side had taken the lead early in the second half as Allan Saint-Maximin scored his fifth goal of the campaign, but they couldn’t hold on for what would have been just their second league victory of the season.

It was Kieran Trippier’s first Premier League game for the Tyneside club after making his debut in the 1-0 FA Cup loss to Cambridge United last weekend, while it was Chris Wood’s debut for the club after his £25m move from relegation rivals Burnley during the week. Unfortunately for the New Zealand international, it was one to forget.

According to SofaScore, the 30-year-old lost possession 14 times whilst making just 35 touches as he struggled to get into the game, losing the ball once for every 2.5 touches. The £5.4m-rated striker also committed three fouls and didn’t manage to get a shot on target as Newcastle were once again frustrated.

Wood had netted three goals in 17 Premier League games for the Clarets this season prior to his move to Tyneside with a further 50 goals in 148 games after making the move to Turf Moor from Leeds United in August 2017.

Newcastle have the top flight’s fourth-worst goal return, having scored just 20 times in as many games. It’s certainly an area where they need to improve if they are to retain their Premier League status.

Moreover, losing points from winning positions in the manner that they did against the Hornets, particularly given that Claudio Ranieri’s side are also in the battle to avoid relegation, is a terrible habit which will need to be broken in order to ensure top-flight survival.

Wood will be heavily relied upon to start scoring, particularly with the absence of Callum Wilson who has scored six league goals this term but will miss eight weeks of action through injury. If that is to happen, though, the 30-year-old will need to improve on today’s tepid debut performance, which was the type of one which could cost Howe and Newcastle their Premier League status by the season’s end.

AND in other news, Newcastle are also eyeing a move for this player who’s been dubbed the “new Vidic”

Southampton travel to Anfield on Saturday night looking to complete a historic double against Liverpool, and Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should unleash Mohammed Salisu in order to give his team the best chance of victory against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Ghanaian produced arguably his best display in a Southampton shirt in their 1-1 draw with Leicester City last time out, as he came on as an early substitute for Nathan Tella following Jannik Vestergaard’s red card and was vital in Hasenhuttl’s side earning a point, making a whopping 11 clearances.

Although the Denmark international has subsequently had his red card overturned, meaning he will be available for the game at Anfield tonight, Salisu’s performance still warrants him a start against the Reds, even if he is deployed at left-back.

Following the game against Leicester, Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach was full of praise for the 2020 signing, saying: “He was heroic tonight. He steps up explosively, getting out and to the ball with unrivaled enthusiasm. He is a monster in one-on-one situations and is, in all honesty, one of the fastest defenders ever to wear Southampton colours.”

Ryan Bertrand’s absence through injury means that the 22-year-old is a likely candidate to start at left-back and he could prove to be a key factor in the result, as he will most likely be up against Liverpool’s danger man Mohamed Salah.

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The Egyptian has been one consistent performer in a disappointing campaign for the Merseyside club, which sees them battling for a top four spot after winning the title so comfortably last season.

Salah has 20 Premier League goals this season and will be a huge threat down the right-hand side with his pace and dribbling, so it would make more sense to go with Salisu there than Jack Stephens, who started in that unfamiliar position against Leicester.

The Englishman is not blessed with pace and is naturally right-footed, so he would likely struggle up against against Salah if Hasenhuttl keeps his faith in him at left-back at Anfield.

Therefore, after his superb performance last time out, Hasenhuttl should definitely start Salisu on Saturday night. If he can keep Salah quiet, then the Saints have a decent chance of earning three points which would secure their Premier League status for next season.

In other news… Southampton suffer huge transfer setback to “exciting” £9m-rated gem, Hasenhuttl must be fuming

Liverpool are prepared to let defender Neco Williams depart Anfield this summer after he struggled to get game time last season.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old academy graduate only signed a new five-year deal with the Reds back in August 2020, but after finding opportunities in the first-team limited, he could be set to depart over the coming months.

That’s according to BBC Sport, who claim a minimum asking price of £10 million has been placed on Williams’ head, although he’s reluctant to leave his boyhood club.

He’s been shocking

With a world-class operator ahead of him in Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Wales international was limited to just 14 appearances in all competitions last season.

Only three of those outings came as starts in the Premier League, though, and after spending extended periods of time on the Liverpool bench, he appears to be destined for the exit door.

And in truth, when he has been given the opportunity to showcase his talents, the 20-year-old has often been unable to produce a telling contribution.

Williams managed a passing accuracy of just 79.6% in 2020/21, while also tackling just 66.7% of opponents who attempted to dribble past him, two statistics that only scratch the surface of showing how shockingly bad he performed.

After failing to see the player excel both with and without the ball at his feet, it’s easy to understand why Jurgen Klopp is ready to part ways with the youngster.

In order for Liverpool to bring in their top transfer targets over the current window, the Merseyside outfit may need to sell some fringe players to bolster their budget.

The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson have been linked with moves away as a result, and Williams is the latest fringe player to be put up for sale.

His £10m price tag and £25,000-per-week wage packet would provide a sizeable boost to the funds available to Klopp, allowing the German tactician more room to maneuver in the transfer market.

With the versatile James Milner and Joe Gomez as part of his squad, Klopp can afford to let Williams go, safe in the knowledge that he does have cover for Alexander-Arnold.

It may be ruthless to push a player out of the door at his boyhood club, but that’s exactly what Klopp should do as Williams’ time in the first team at Liverpool have proven that he simply isn’t up to the standard required.

And, in other news…Liverpool show interest in signing “unbelievable” Euro 2020 star, Edwards must get him 

West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths would be a ‘great signing’ for Portsmouth this summer, according to former Pompey midfielder David Norris.

The Lowdown: Griffiths linked with Pompey move

The 19-year-old enjoyed a superb 2020/21 season, shining on loan at Cheltenham Town and helping them finish the League Two campaign as champions.

Griffiths started 44 of their 46 league matches, proving to be an influential figure and being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by manager Michael Duff.

The youngster has been linked with a move to Pompey this summer as Danny Cowley looks to steer his side into the Championship.

The Latest: Norris keen on goalkeeper signing

Speaking to Football League World, Norris talked up the idea of Griffiths moving to Fratton Park, saying that he could be a great addition for the League One side. The 40-year-old stated:

“I think he’d be a great signing, Cheltenham had a very good defensive record when he was there.

“They kept a lot of clean sheets with him in the team, you know, over 20 clean sheets. So they obviously had a decent keeper in their side, so I think that would be a good signing for the club to make.”

The Verdict: Potential great addition

Griffiths seems to be a wonderful prospect, already thriving at such a young age in a position where players can often peak into their 30s.

He could be an exciting signing by Pompey if they pull it off, replacing Craig MacGillivray after his move to Charlton Athletic and aiding a hopeful promotion push.

Griffiths is still only a teenager and the step up to League One could be significant at this stage in his career, but he showed such confidence at Cheltenham that this seems the next natural step for him.

In other news, Norris has called for one player to return to Portsmouth this summer. Find out who it is here.

Glasgow Rangers fans were far from happy with Charles Green’s claim he tried to sign Steven Gerrard for the Gers in 2013.

Green was Rangers owner for just over a year after the Ibrox outfit went into administration (BBC) after entering financial difficulties. His ownership was far from settled, and doubts were cast over the assets of Green’s consortium by Craig Whyte, who was originally in charge when administration fell.

As such, Green is not the most popular man amongst Rangers supporters, and his latest comments have not gone down too well either. He told talkSPORT he tried to sign Steven Gerrard in 2013, even though the Gers were in the lower leagues at the time while Gerrard was fighting for the Premier League title with Liverpool. It is clear the Gers supporters do not believe the claim.

A video of the comments was shared on Twitter by talkSPORT’s official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Green below

“Why does this guy still get air time when talking about rangers. It’s in the past. Leave it now”

Credit: @graeme_campbell

“Can’t believe you are still giving this man airtime . Did you ask him where the arsenal shares are please no more , im sure all rangers fans would agree”

Credit: @AlanSayers71

“Can we add talksport to the banned list? Constantly giving this old cretin airtime.”

Credit: @manno1990

“Aye, Gerrards wife gets home late and drunk. Pulls out a business card from her gucci handbag and tells Stevie we are off to Glasgow now. Stop giving this guy airtime.”

Credit: @yayacd

“Aye part of a midfield team with Nicky law, Ian black and dean sheils? I’m sure you did Charles, I’m sure you did.”

Credit: @Davidmc50660735

“As a proud @RangersFC supporter, this is the biggest load of tripe I’ve heard yet. In 2013 we were in the lower leagues and Gerrard was the captain of a side that just recently missed out on the league title. Can’t see him trading LA for away days at Arbroath.”

Credit: @OfficialRG90

In other news, Rangers fans react to this update.

Everton are one of the clubs battling for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey, according to 90Min.

The lowdown

It currently seems to be Aston Villa who are at the front of the queue for Bailey. Dean Smith’s side reportedly submitted a £25million bid but saw it rejected.

Bailey caught the eye after he was directly involved in 17 goals (scoring nine and assisting eight) in just 25 Bundesliga starts last season (via WhoScored).

He also ranked in the league’s top five for successful dribbles per match with 2.5. For context, Richarlison led the way for Everton in this department with only 1.8.

The 23-year-old has predominantly been used as a left winger, but can also play on the right (via Transfermarkt). Intriguingly, Everton have already signed a wide player from the Werkself this summer in Demarai Gray.

Back in 2018, former Bayer 04 coach Heiko Herrlich described Bailey as a player who ‘can do anything’.

The latest

Everton are named by 90min as one of the many clubs ‘keen’ on beating Villa to the signing of the Jamaican attacker.

Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are Southampton are also identified as suitors.

The report also notes that three Champions League sides in the form of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have previously monitored Bailey, but currently ‘there’s no indication’ that they’ll enter the fray.

The verdict

Whilst it would raise eyebrows if Everton signed a third winger on the back of Gray and Andros Townsend, it’s clear that Bailey is a cut above in terms of his quality.

However, Leicester’s interest has perhaps changed the landscape. They’re the only named suitor who can offer Bailey European football, having already broken into the top six.

It seems that we’ll either see a bidding war or Bailey will defuse the situation by making his preferred destination known.

For the mid-table clubs in the frame, he’d represent some coup based on his considerable potential and production so far.

In other news, Everton also face a battle for the signature of this defender.

A number of Liverpool supporters after fuming after a fresh update claimed any new Reds signings will likely be put off until next year.

Jurgen Klopp’s side scraped to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, despite constant injury problems holding them back.

The hope from some fans was therefore that Liverpool would have a busy summer in the transfer market to alleviate that issue, but things haven’t panned out that way to date.

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Ibrahima Konate is still the only signing to come in, while the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri have moved on to new clubs.

There is still time for new faces to arrive before next Tuesday’s transfer cutoff, but The Daily Mail [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] claim that signings won’t happen until next summer now, even though David Marshall and Mikkel Damsgaard are mentioned in the report.

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Liverpool fans angry at transfer latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their frustration at the update.

“Ian Ayre is back”

Credit: @DembeReloaded

“Nextyearpool at it again”

Credit: @DarthMoaner

“That magic ‘next year/summer’ phrase again”

Credit: @LangatGodwin_LG

“Mbappe to David Marshall doesn’t feel like the flex I was hoping for”

Credit: @PaulSenior1

“If I had a pound for every time I heard that Liverpool would spend bigger NEXT summer, I would have enough money to make the signings myself”

Credit: @CosmoKhan

“I hate this club”

Credit: @nasir_l

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at an update ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea. Read more here.