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Leeds United are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they head to the capital to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Whites boss Jesse Marsch will be looking to end a run of four games without a victory and last time out, they snagged a point from the jaws of defeat against Aston Villa after Luis Sinisterra was sent off just three minutes into the second half.

But over their run, the Yorkshire outfit have struggled in the final third, registering only three goals across those four outings. Last weekend, the American head coach opted for Rodrigo over Patrick Bamford, whilst the Colombian winger will need to be replaced this time around.

Perhaps he could now turn to Wilfried Gnonto, the 18-year-old forward who only joined the club during the summer. Marsch has often played down his chances of breaking into the starting XI but when you’re featuring for the Italian national team, you really ought to be given a chance domestically.

Italy’s youngest-ever goalscorer is certainly a promising talent, having been lauded as a “real diamond” by scout Jacek Kulig, as well as being “unpredictable” and a “joy” to watch by Zurich sporting director Marinko Jurendic (via the Daily Mail).

The £3.8m gem has racked up six caps for Roberto Mancini’s side but he’s yet to make his senior bow for the west Yorkshiremen. Meanwhile, last season for the Swiss champions, Gnonto registered 15 goal contributions from 36 appearances and did so by playing in six different roles.

He was primarily deployed as a second striker but he can also play up front and out wide, which means he’s capable of filling the void left behind by Sinisterra this afternoon, or he’s an alternative to injury-prone Bamford and Rodrigo.

Given his lack of involvement thus far, he could spring a “surprise” – as director of football Victor Orta described the teenager to The Telegraph – on Patrick Vieira and Palace if Marsch chooses to unleash him down in south-east London today.

Among the nominees for the 2022 Golden Boy award, where names like Jude Bellingham, Gavi and Eduardo Camavinga feature, it’s very clear that Leeds have got their hands on a true prospect but it’s time he was trusted to show the world what he can do in the Premier League.

So forget Bamford or Sinisterra, it’s time for Marsch to unleash the 18-year-old prodigy against Palace this afternoon.

AND in other news, Marsch could find Leeds’ Phillips 2.0 in 19 y/o who “can thread it through the needle”…

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed Newcastle United in their alleged pursuit of Luke Shaw in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Shaw interest

It was reported last week that the St. James’ Park outfit have set their sights on a potential move for Shaw in January.

Manchester United could be ‘tempted’ by a cut-price deal for the left-back, whose contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer.

The Latest: Whelan backs move

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that Shaw would be an ‘exciting’ signing for the North East club, adding that his experience would be ‘invaluable’ and a move would ‘make sense’:

“It’s one of the positions that Erik ten Hag is pondering over.

“He’s thinking about possibly signing another full-back, he doesn’t know who the best option is.

“I think with the way they did it with Trippier, bringing in that experience and quality – they’ll be happy to repeat that success.

“It’s down to the manager as well. I think if you get him playing under Eddie Howe, he’d become a better player.

“It’d be exciting, it makes sense – and having that kind of experience is invaluable for a club like Newcastle.”

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The Verdict: Smart business?

There will be concerns over Shaw’s injury history, but his experience and quality could make his signing a smart piece of business for the Tynesiders come January.

He has amassed 220 appearances for the Red Devils, including playing at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League, and also has 23 caps for the England national team (Transfermarkt).

Matt Targett is seemingly ‘frustrated’ at being left out of the starting line-up by Eddie Howe lately, with central defender Dan Burn playing ahead of him, and so Shaw could slot straight in at left-back should he sign in January.

Nonetheless, it is scary to think that he is just 27 years of age given how long he has been around with Southampton as well as United, and so the Magpies could be buying a player who has not even hit his prime yet.

Liverpool had their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade but have started to pick up points and climb the table after their second consecutive league victory over West Ham United on Wednesday night.

The Reds are now seventh in the league table just four points off the top four, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping this newfound confidence in the team will help them seal their third win in a row and another victory when they face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Many of the players have benefited from the formation and tactical changes implemented by the German coach over the last few weeks but there has been one player who has been looking off the pace and is continuing to struggle despite the improved performances from his teammates surrounding him.

Fabinho has been a stalwart in the heart of Liverpool’s team ever since he joined the club back in 2018, but since returning to action at the beginning of the season has failed to make a positive impact in his position and has since lost his opportunities to start in the team on many occasions already.

The £180k-per-week Brazilian midfielder, who has been criticised for his “sharp decline” by Jack Moore, has started seven of the first ten Premier League outings for the Merseyside giants, and his output reflects exactly why the player is no longer one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Over ten appearances, Fabinho has been dribbled past 1.1 times per game, is winning possession less than once per performance (0.7) and has lost the majority of his defensive duels (51%).

With that in mind, Klopp must consider his long-term future, with any possible new signing in January or summer meaning he should be ditched from the team.

In fact, in his most recent performance against the Hammers last night, the midfielder proved again why Klopp is favouring Jordan Henderson in his position.

The Liverpool ace who was once hailed “class” by Klopp, got the nod from his manager in the 57th minute to replace Thiago Alcantara and during his 32-minute appearance, the 28-year-old was dribbled past twice, lost possession of the ball every four touches and only won one of his four duels.

Whilst Fabinho has been declining, Henderson has been thriving in the formation change and proved this week he can still offer his team a solid presence in midfield with 106 touches, 80 accurate passes and winning 100% of his ground duels against West Ham.

With that being said, it won’t be surprising to see the Liverpool captain keep his place in the starting line-up alongside Thiago when the Merseysiders head to The City Ground on Saturday, as three points against Steve Cooper’s side are crucial for the club’s progression back into the top spots of the league table.

Newcastle United reportedly now have an offer ready to potentially sign Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Maddison alternative?

There have been reports that the St. James’ Park outfit will try and go back in for James Maddison in January, having had a bid rejected by Leicester City for the attacking midfielder in the summer.

However, with the Foxes’ form picking up after two wins and a draw from their last four Premier League games, it may be harder to persuade him to join come in January.

The Latest: Calhanoglu the ‘dream’

As per CalcioMercatoWeb, the North East club now ‘dream’ of signing Calhanoglu in January, but will face competition from Manchester United for his signature.

An offer is already ready on the table from the Tynesiders of up to €40m (£35m), and Inter may be forced to sell given their financial situation.

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The Verdict: Get it done

If Maddison suddenly becomes unavailable, Calhanoglu would be a great alternative.

Hailed as an ‘exceptional’ player by AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli, the Turkey international is now excelling at their city rivals, with ten goals and 16 assists over the past two seasons, including five goal contributions in 13 games this term (Transfermarkt).

Calhanoglu ranks in the 99th percentile for assists, expected assists and shot-creating actions for midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, and is similar in playing style to Manchester City and Premier League superstar Kevin De Bruyne (FBRef), so the 28-year-old would be a worthy addition to the Magpies.

Journalist Chris Lepkowski has been reacting to a change new West Brom manager Carlos Corberan has made at The Hawthorns.

The Lowdown: Training ground weigh-ins

Corberan has already made his mark at the training ground after arriving in the week as Steve Bruce’s long-term successor on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The Spaniard has taken inspiration from his time working under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds by ordering the Baggies squad to weigh themselves before every training session under new rules.

The Daily Mail added that there will also be strict guidance on diet and nutrition under Corberan.

The Latest: Lepkowski reacts

Lepkowski took to Twitter on Friday evening to react to the update regarding Corberan’s changes, name-checking former manager Steve Bruce in the process.

“The Bruce legacy? Or what we can come to expect from the new man? Or a bit of both?”

The Verdict: Good to see

Bielsa’s stern regime at Leeds helped transform them from a mid-table Championship side into title winners in the space of two years.

Corberan played his part in Yorkshire, working in the academy and as a first-team assistant, and also turned things around at Huddersfield, leading them to the Championship playoff final last season.

Therefore, it is good to see that he has already made changes in the Midlands, and hopefully, we will see positive performances on the pitch as a result of his strict plans in the coming months.

Liverpool could be looking to bring in at least two new midfielders during the January transfer window or next summer, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: Midfield woes for Liverpool

The Reds are having a disastrous season in the Premier League, with Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United a new low point in the campaign.

While numerous areas of the pitch are a concern, the midfield has been the Reds’ biggest weakness, with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson looking past their best, and simply nowhere near enough energy and intensity on show in general.

Not signing a midfielder in the summer (barring injured loanee Arthur) was seen as a grave error, and it is an issue which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Double midfield swoop eyed

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Chorianopoulos – editor in chief of Greek outlet Sportime – claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a couple of midfield additions in January and next summer.

He tweeted:

“Liverpool are considering to sign at least two midfielders in January/summer 2023. One DMF and one CMF (Bellingham priority) at the minimum.”

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The Verdict: Exactly what’s needed

It has reached the stage where if Liverpool don’t sign at least one midfielder in the next transfer window, their season really could capitulate even further.

That’s how big an issue the middle of the park is right now, with too many players ageing, or the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones still raw footballers learning their trade.

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A couple of signings would add some much-needed freshness in midfield, which has been blighted by injuries this season, and take the burden off struggling individuals.

A shake-up in this department could help to transform Liverpool’s season in the process.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now scouted Rennes forward Martin Terrier ahead of a potential January move, according to reports.

The Lowdown: New contract signed

The Frenchman was the standout performer in Ligue 1 last season, netting 21 goals for Bruno Genesio’s side, with his efforts seeing him rewarded with a new contract over the summer that runs until 2026.

However, this doesn’t appear to have stopped potential suitors from plotting their moves to sign him, and it sounds like the Old Gold are just one of the several clubs keen on bringing the red-hot attacker to the Premier League.

The Latest: Wolves scout Terrier

According to 90min, Wolves, alongside Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, Leeds, Leicester and Aston Villa, have all ‘watched’ Terrier in action during the last two weeks.

It’s stated that Rennes are likely to demand a record fee in ‘excess of £30m’ for the 25-year-old, which will likely ‘not put off’ any English clubs in the New Year.

The Verdict: Costa replacement

Diego Costa has failed to make the impact that he would have hoped since joining, but the ‘phenomenal’ Terrier, as dubbed by football writer Tim Williams, would be the perfect long-term replacement.

Naturally a left winger, the attacker can also operate as a centre-forward, and has clocked up eight goals and three assists in just 13 league outings this term (Transfermarkt).

Averaging 3.8 successful aerial duels and three shots per game, Terrier is the target man that the Midlands outfit have been crying out for, and it would be a massive coup if they could convince him to make the move to Molineux.

Everton could finally be set to ditch one of their biggest disappointments of the Farhad Moshiri era…

What’s the latest?

As per Football Insider, West Ham United are reportedly showing an interest in taking Michael Keane off their hands for a fee of around £10m.

It marks the second time in as many windows that the Hammers will come in for the English defender, with David Moyes reportedly a huge fan of his.

With three years left on his massive £80k-per-week deal, it would mark a sensational piece of business to ship off someone who was brought in to spell the start of a prosperous era at Goodison Park but is now a reminder of its utter failure.

He has been awful

Signed for a comprehensive fee of £30m back in the summer of 2017, the former Burnley defender marked one of many pieces of Ronald Koeman’s unsuccessful overhaul.

Coming off the back of a seventh-place finish, it was thought that the Dutchman would be the man to oversee the revolution that Moshiri and Evertonians were dreaming of, with this defensive stalwart seemingly of paramount importance to their success.

However, it quickly became clear that Keane suffered when confidence was low, and ever since his debut season on Merseyside, there have been few years to celebrate.

Having featured 189 times for the Toffees, one could be fooled into thinking that this signing was at least mildly successful.

But it was last season that truly outlined him as a failure, as he made 32 Premier League appearances throughout a campaign where they narrowly avoided the drop.

They would concede 66 goals that season, with journalist Ryan Taylor outlining one particularly “pathetic” display from the 29-year-old where he had exhibited “sheer laziness” and a “total lack of commitment”.

The defender still remains in the club’s top ten most expensive arrivals of all time, and given his performances across his stay at Everton, it further outlines just how awful he has been.

To see a club like the Irons willing to spend anything to secure his services must be a welcome surprise for Frank Lampard, who must take this opportunity to finally ditch Keane once and for all.

West Ham United crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening as they suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Blackburn Rovers at the London Stadium.

Jack Vale handed the Ewood Park outfit an early lead before goals from Pablo Fornals and Michail Antonio seemed to be sending David Moyes’ side through to the fourth round.

However, reported West Ham target Ben Brereton-Diaz then responded with a last-gasp equaliser to send the game to the lottery of penalties.

After ten successful penalties from the away side and nine from the Hammers, it was Angelo Ogbonna who stepped up to smash his effort against the crossbar and send Moyes’ side out in their first domestic cup game of the season.

While Ogbonna will be labelled the villain after his wild penalty, it was arguably the performance of summer signing Flynn Downes which was the most disappointing at the London Stadium.

As per SofaScore, the former Swansea City man would earn a 6.8/10 rating for his performance on Wednesday evening, as he featured as a right-winger in Moyes’ 3-4-3 system.

During the 90 minutes, Downes would fail to register a single shot on target, successful long ball or successful cross, which emphasises how little he was involved from an attacking perspective.

He also struggled from a defensive point of view, with just one interception and tackle to his name, while he failed to contribute a single clearance or block.

The young midfielder’s main quality during his time at West Ham has been his ability with the ball but even that looked suspect against a much-changed Blackburn side, as he lost possession 20 times during the game, which was the most of any player on the pitch.

It was no surprise to see the Englishman register a very disappointing pass success rate of just 74%, which is a significant decrease on the 87% he has averaged in the Premier League, which again goes to show just how poor he was with the ball.

Football.London also felt Downes had a poor display, rating him a 6/10 and accusing him of passing the ball back far more often than forwards, which is exactly what Moyes doesn’t need from an advanced midfielder, so he has to show more when he next starts for the Hammers.

Aston Villa reportedly have their eyes on securing a 2023 transfer for AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham. 

The Lowdown: Villa’s previous spending

The Premier League club have not been shy when it comes to spending money to bring new players to the Midlands over recent years.

In terms of their attacking recruits, the Villans have splashed out to sign the likes of Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Philippe Coutinho.

It now appears that Villa have their eye on signing another attacking talent who already knows what it takes to play in England.

The Latest: Villa eyeing Abraham

According to a recent report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Villa are keeping an eye on Abraham’s position at Roma, with his future in doubt and a potential move back to England apparently very much on his mind.

The report also claims that a potential move away from the Stadio Olimpico for the striker will not happen during the upcoming January transfer window, although he is reportedly ‘waiting to see what will happen in June’.

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The Verdict: Villa should move for Abraham

Having made 282 appearances at senior level, the Englishman has scored 121 goals in total – 26 of which came during his loan spell at Villa, where he made 40 appearances in 2018/19.

This shows how capable a goalscorer the centre-forward – who has been hailed for his “magnificent” ability in this regard by Henry Winter – is and how he’d be a big asset for Unai Emery’s side.

With Ings and Watkins only scoring seven goals between them in 14 league appearances each so far this term, perhaps adding a player like Abraham could be just what Villa need in order to be more consistent and clinical in front of goal.

Moving forward, if the opportunity to sign the 25-year-old comes up during next summer’s transfer window, the Midlands club should do all that they can to bring the striker back to Villa Park.