All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tim Sherwood has suggested that one Tottenham Hotspur star is now being brought "back to life" by Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham form this season

Over their best start to a Premier League campaign since the 1960/1961 season, Postecoglou has seemingly rejuvenated this once-dejected side of former Lillywhites head coach Antonio Conte. They're still unbeaten in the league after a run of six wins from a possible eight matches, with the only blemish on Spurs' impressive early-season record being a second round EFL Cup defeat away to Fulham. Postecoglou's men take on the Whites again very soon upon their international break return, and a few star players will be itching to don the jersey.

The likes of James Maddison, who has dazzled for Spurs since joining for just £40 million from Leicester City in the summer window, and Son Heung-min have showcased match-winning quality time and time again so far this season. The South Korea international and Maddison have formed a deadly partnership in the attacking areas, with Son being praised for taking to his new central striker role excellently.

"The way Ange wants Tottenham to play is very football-based, it is not long balls up the pitch,” said BBC pundit Alan Hutton to Football Insider recently.

“Wow, Son is very intelligent, he can link play and run in behind so it actually suits him and it gives you an opportunity to bring in different wide players – the likes of Richarlison, if he is picked to play alongside him, and Maddison who has been excellent since signing. They have got different options to play there. Son has no problem playing there.“

Indeed, the 31-year-old appears to be rediscovering his fine form which saw him share the Golden Boot with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in 2022. Scoring six goals in eight league matches already, Son has now also been praised by former Spurs boss Sherwood.

Son Heung-min news

The forward, according to Sherwood, is now being brought back to life by Postecoglou at Spurs after what was a very difficult 2022/2023 season under Conte.

“They’re the same players, yes they have signed Maddison who has been brilliant," said the pundit to No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.

"Son looks like he has come back to life. You can guarantee they will continue playing this way, they’re a Harry Kane away from winning the Premier League."

On-lookers and supporters alike appear to be running out of superlatives for Son, with Postecoglou recently drawing attention to the leadership side of his game after a 2-2 draw away to north London rivals Arsenal.

Through balls

Key passes

Long shots

Taking set-pieces

Holding on to the ball

“He’s been outstanding as a leader and as a player," said Postecoglou. "His first thought is what’s best for the team and he puts himself into that position and then he has the quality to finish. I’m so happy for him. When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders and Romero.”

Rangers are reportedly in the race to sign a versatile attacking player, but there is also believed to be plenty of interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers will feel like they are back in the Scottish Premiership title race, having picked up a dramatic 2-1 win at home to Hearts last weekend, courtesy of two goals in stoppage. Celtic's 0-0 draw away to Hibernian was an added bonus, leaving Philippe Clement's men just five points adrift of their rivals after 10 league matches this season.

There is a feeling that Rangers will need to address their squad once the January transfer window opens, however, in order to have more depth in various key areas of the pitch. It remains to be seen how much money will be available for Clement to spend on new signings, but it would be a shame if he wasn't backed during his first transfer window in charge.

It could be that the Gers look to make additions in wide attacking areas, and it looks as though they are eyeing a move for a player wanted by a host of Premier League clubs.

Rangers want Jhon Arias

According to TEAMtalk, Rangers are one of numerous clubs keen on signing Fluminense winger Jhon Arias in the near future, saying the versatile attacking midfielder is a target for other teams alongside teammate Andre.

"TEAMtalk has been told one of Andre’s midfield teammates – Jhon Arias – will also come under observation. The 26-year-old is an attack-minded midfielder and can operate both on the left and right.

"Arias has just enjoyed an outstanding campaign in 2023 which produced nine goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for Fluminense.

"His fine form has not gone unnoticed in Britain. Indeed, TEAMtalk has learned seven different clubs have watched Arias for Colombia as well as Fluminense. Arias has 10 caps to his name for the Colombian national side since making his debut in 2022.

We understand Crystal Palace, West Ham, Burnley, Wolves, Leicester, Leeds and Scottish giants Rangers have all checked on Arias."

Arias may not be a player who is too well-known in Europe, considering he is currently playing his football with Fluminense in Brazil, but that's not say that he isn't a footballer of real pedigree.

Passing

Crossing

Good at retaining possession

Dribbling

Key passes

Set-pieces

The 26-year-old has made his mark at international level, with Arias winning 10 caps for Colombia, and he has 56 goal involvements (26 goals and 30 assists) in 135 appearances for Fluminense, standing out as an important attacking player for them. (Jhon Arias stats – Transfermarkt)

The fact that there is such a high level of interest from a number of established Premier League clubs also says a lot about Arias ability, and for Clement to bring him to Ibrox instead could be seen as a statement of intent, giving his side more firepower in the final third in the process. Either way, it is vital that Rangers bring in a few new faces, in order to freshen things up and give the squad an extra boost between January and May, and beyond for that matter.

At the end of Michael Beale's tenure, Rangers found themselves in no-man's land with not much of an idea as to what would come next. The former Queens Park Rangers boss never truly made his mark at Ibrox and went out with more of a whimper than anything else. In need of a new era, that's where Philippe Clement came in, and ever since, the Gers have looked far closer to the side capable of winning the Scottish Premiership.

The Belgian has got off to the perfect start in Scotland, remaining unbeaten in five games and winning four of those, including a Scottish League Cup semi-final over Hearts. Things look likely to get even better under Clement too, with January transfer plans already in place.

Rangers transfer news

Rangers didn't spend well under Beale, especially during the most recent summer transfer window – new arrivals such as Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers are yet to really get going, having scored five Scottish Premiership goals between them in 11 appearances apiece. Under Clement, the Gers have the opportunity to right their summer wrongs and hand the former AS Monaco boss some much-needed reinforcements ahead of what would be a surprise title comeback in Scotland's top flight.

According to TeamTalk, Rangers are working on a number of January transfer targets and Clement has been left buzzing by their promise to back him in the market. The new boss is reportedly looking for three key attributes – power, pace and attitude – as he looks to improve the athleticism of the current squad. Given that Clement has already enjoyed an unbeaten start to life at Ibrox without any reinforcements, the mind naturally wonders just how well Rangers will perform once he has his desired players.

As things stand, it remains to be seen just who Rangers will welcome in January, but the fact that they are aiming to back Clement – and specifically his style – can only be seen as a positive.

Clement to work closely with Rangers Sporting Director

Reportedly looking to add speed, strength and work rate to his Rangers side, Clement may well get his wish come the start of the January transfer window. It's no real surprise that it is pace and power that he's looking for, given that the Gers lost Ryan Kent during the summer. The former Liverpool winger would have ticked at least two of Clement's boxes when it comes to reinforcements, and now Rangers could finally get a replacement for their former star man.

Clement recently spoke about potential January transfers, saying via Rangers review: "I was a part of it, like many parts of it. I like to see first what the potential is there already. I don’t want 10 new players every year and make lots of changes. I want to find the key to get the best out of people. We want to use the next weeks and months to do that in the best way.

"With me, every player starts with a blank slate, maybe not with the fans but that's a different conversation. They'll all get the chance. It is important to be aligned with the sporting director and have the same ideas about football. If it is someone who has totally different ideas about football then it does not work, we spoke about that also in the process. It is good that everyone is aligned, and we had really clear conversations about that."

There was a period in September when Southampton lost four matches in a row but they've quickly turned their fortunes after going eight matches unbeaten in October and November.

It feels as though the Saints have clicked into gear under Russell Martin, controlling most matches with their relentless possession-based style.

Yet, such is the strength of Leicester City and Ipswich Town at the top of the Championship, Southampton find themselves nine points behind the second-place Tractor Boys.

With this in mind, Martin could use January as an opportunity to bolster his squad and field a lineup that is capable of gatecrashing the automatic promotion spots…

1 GK – Gavin Bazunu

Gavin Bazunu has started in every game for the south coast side so far but some have questioned Martin's decision to persevere with the former Manchester City man.

Out of all the 35 goalkeepers to have made an appearance in the Championship this term, Bazunu is rock bottom for goals prevented (-5.17) and the third worst for saves per game (2.3), as per Sofascore.

The 21-year-old, however, is excellent with the ball at his feet so that is why he's invaluable to Martin's possession-orientated style.

2 RB – Kyle Walker-Peters

When Southampton dropped down to the second tier, many expected Kyle Walker-Peters to depart St Mary's.

However, he remained with the club – to the delight of everyone associated with the Saints – and is shining this season, scoring once and providing two assists in 16 league outings.

His boundless energy and attacking threat are crucial ingredients to Martin's system, with the 26-year-old completing the most dribbles per game of any full-back in the division (2.1 – 69%).

3 CB – Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Harwood-Bellis was pivotal in Burnley's title-winning campaign last term and if Southampton are to gatecrash the automatic promotion spots, the on-loan Manchester City centre-back will play a crucial role having featured in all but two matches so far.

Martin must do everything in January to capture the England under-21 star on a permanent deal from the Etihad outfit.

4 CB – Jan Bednarek

Bednarek is a colossus at the back and his form this term has warranted a return to Poland's international squad.

The 27-year-old is vital to how the Saints progress play from the back, averaging the highest pass completion of any defender in the division (95%), while his 7.3 balls recovered per game has bailed his side out on numerous occasions.

5 LB – James Bree

Since replacing Ryan Manning in the draw against Preston North End in October, the former Luton Town star has never looked back, having successfully completed 80% of his dribbles, 89% pass completion and recovered 3.4 balls per game.

If he continues to be the driving force down Martin's left flank, Manning will struggle to dislodge him from the starting XI.

6 CDM – Joel Katongo

According to a report from Alan Nixon [via Football League World], Southampton are looking to raid Man City once more to lure 19-year-old Joel Katongo to St Mary's.

Initially a centre-back by trade, the England under-20 international has featured as a defensive midfielder on loan at Peterborough United this term.

If the Saints were able to capture the teenager permanently, he could be their missing anchor in a ship they hope will sail towards promotion.

7 CM – Will Smallbone

After starring on loan at Stoke City last term, making 43 appearances, Smallbone has returned to the south coast and become a crucial cog in Martin's machine, demonstrating his energy and dynamism in full throttle.

The 23-year-old has featured in all but two Championship matches so far, creating the second-most big chances (5) and the third-most goal contributions in the Saints squad (4).

8 CM – Stuart Armstrong

An ever-present at the heart of Southampton's midfield, Armstrong's all-action displays and effortless ball-carrying are two attributes that often go unnoticed but he's featured in every match so far and is one of the first names on the team sheet.

9 RW – Kamaldeen Sulemana

A club record signing from Rennes in January, Sulemana is a direct and explosive winger, but it's only in recent months that Martin has seen those attributes explode into life.

The 21-year-old has showcased his exceptional ball-carrying by completing the third most successful dribbles in the Championship (3.2), behind only Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke.

He could move over to the right wing to facilitate a move for the star below.

10 LW – Ben Brereton Diaz

One of Southampton's only deficiencies is a lack of serious firepower in the final third. Adam Armstrong has scored nine goals but their second top scorer, Che Adams, has three in 14.

If the Saints move for Ben Brereton Diaz, as reported by TEAMTalk, the 6 foot 1 Villarreal forward could resolve that issue, with the 24-year-old hailed as the "real deal" by pundit Glenn Murray (ITV, 09/11/2022, 23:38), having already "cracked the Championship".

Prior to his move to Spain, the towering "goal machine", as dubbed by Nixon, scored 16 goals for Blackburn Rovers last term predominantly as a left winger – and has 53 Championship goals across his career to date – so clearly knows where the back of the net is.

Tottenham's interest in one particular player is seen as an "interesting" one and supporters have been urged to watch out for his potential signing.

Postecoglou eyes new winger for Spurs

Despite much of the noise surrounding a possible new left-sided centre-back in January, it's also been reported recently that manager Ange Postecoglou is pretty keen to add a new winger. Injuries to Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Richarlison have left just Bryan Gil, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski as Spurs' only natural wide players.

Son Heung-min has shone in that role for Spurs previously, before club-record goalscorer Harry Kane made his move to Bayern Munich, but the South Korea star is now dazzling as Tottenham's main front man.

Son is already just two goals away from matching his entire 2022/2023 tally after just 12 league games, so it could be foolish to move him back out wide. Summer signing Johnson, meanwhile, has apparently failed to impress Spurs chiefs with Gil yet again barely getting a look-in – having played just 17 Premier League minutes so far.

As a result, Postecoglou wants another wide player, with the likes of Samuel Iling-Junior and Antonio Nusa being linked to Spurs this week alone.

Spurs could make "interesting" Jota move

Another attacker mentioned at various points is former Celtic star Jota. The 24-year-old, now of Al-Ittihad, is apparently eager to leave Saudi Arabia and return to Europe. Jota is a player who Postecoglou knows well from his time at Parkhead, and reports have suggested that the winger would be keen to join Tottenham.

Sharing his own update on the situation, journalist Graeme Bailey has told Talking Transfers that Jota to Spurs is an "interesting" one to keep watch over.

“Jota is an interesting one," said Bailey this week.

"Keep an eye on him, they do like Hatate, Furuhashi and Maeda from Celtic as well, but Jota, it may be easier to go and get him from Saudi than going raiding up north in Scotland. Getting some of these players from Celtic would be cheaper than some of these European players, so I wouldn’t rule him out going to Celtic."

During his best season north of the border, Jota notched 11 goals and 10 assists in 29 SPFL outings under Postecoglou. While the Premier League is seen as a far more illustrious and competitive landing spot, Tottenham's boss has so far got the very best out of many in his squad, and there is no reason why he cannot do the same with Jota in England.

Pundit Alan Hutton, commenting on the player in 2022, called Jota an "exciting" and "incredible" player in an interview.

"Jota's only 23-years-old, he's still developing," explained Hutton to Football Insider.

"He's probably only going to get better, I think he can get better. What he's done this season has been incredible, for him to come from his parent club, where he's not really been playing. Benfica are a big club in their own right but to come to another club where there's a lot of pressure, to perform at such a young age, he's stood up to that task.

“Jota's that player fans want to see. He's exciting."

Mikel Arteta’s side have performed to an incredibly high standard this season, which is a testament to the boss’ attention to detail and man management. This has led to the Gunners currently earning first place in the Premier League table and in Champions League Group B.

They've also been scoring for fun in the process, hitting 2.08 goals per match in the Premier League and three goals per game in Europe.

Arsenal and Manchester City look set to be fighting for the title once again this time around, with the north London club seeking revenge after falling short at the final hurdle last season.

Arteta has reinforced and improved his squad, but they are still missing a world-class, clinical number nine, which is what the Sky Blues have in Erling Haaland.

Therefore, a true centre forward who was referred to as a “monster” by reporter Colin Udoh could just give them the edge this year.

Arsenal transfers latest

As per reports, via TEAMtalk, Arsenal are interested in signing Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, who is valued at approximately £130m.

This could imply that the Gunners may switch their interest towards the Napoli player, instead of focusing on Brentford's, Ivan Toney, who has been heavily linked over the last 12 months.

That said, a January move seems unlikely with Osimhen set to stay in Italy until next summer. Napoli are also desperate to keep their star man and they will refuse to part ways with him during the Serie A campaign.

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Kai Havertz could be deployed in attack if Arsenal make this exciting signing.

ByTom Lever Nov 28, 2023 How Victor Osimhen compares to Ivan Toney

The strikers were unplayable last season and finding them on the scoresheet was inevitable. Toney netted an incredible 20 goals in 33 games for a Brentford side that finished ninth, with Osimhen scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances for Serie A winners Napoli.

Osimhen and Toney are two number nines who excel in similar scenarios. Firstly, their hold-up play and ability to retain the ball so that an attack can continue is vital to the way their team plays.

This could be in and around the opponent's penalty box, or on the halfway line directly from the keeper, which always provides the team with an out ball. We saw how effective this can be in the Premier League last season, with now Arsenal 'keeper, David Raya, linking up with Toney at Brentford.

However, the duo thrive inside the penalty box, and they tend to stay away from the buildup phase of play. Based on last season’s league FBref scouting report, they both completed less than 15 passes per ninety minutes, yet this wouldn’t be an issue for Arsenal due to the never-ending amount of technical ability throughout the starting XI.

Both players are also extremely dominant in the air and that is displayed by the aerial win percentage with the Nigerian ranking in the top 96% of strikers for that metric and the Englishman the best 84%. However, Osimhen does provide the side with more movement in behind and on the counter, using his frightening speed and blistering acceleration to devastating effect.

The forwards are simply the definition of true goal-scorers and quite opposite to the current strikers in the Arsenal ranks. Gabriel Jesus is more of a winger or second striker than a goal-scoring centre forward and Eddie Nketiah is often used as a substitute.

Osimhen is a more complete player than Toney, but if Arsenal do sign the forward, Nketiah, let alone Jesus, will fall further down the pecking order.

At 24-years-old, the former should be looking for regular first-team football elsewhere, as unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely at his boyhood club. Arsenal are simply in need of a more fearsome striker. Osimhen is that man.

Manchester United have made contact regarding a deal to bring a new defender to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report.

Raphael Varane exit links

In the top flight this season, Raphael Varane has fallen out of favour having made just four starts and the same number of substitute appearances (WhoScored – Varane statistics), and his situation has recently seen him attracting interest from Bayern Munich and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The Independent have since claimed that the Old Trafford outfit are willing to listen to offers for the centre-back during the upcoming window, so if he is to leave permanently, Erik ten Hag may look to enter the market to find a suitable replacement.

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Even Ten Hag hasn’t been able to get the best out of him…

ByHenry Jackson Dec 2, 2023

Lille’s Leny Yoro has emerged as a potential candidate, with the 18-year-old having worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first team where he’s so far made a total of 34 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Yoro statistics).

Back in October, Graeme Bailey revealed that the Red Devils, Liverpool and Chelsea were all keeping close tabs on the Frenchman, but if the following update is to be believed, it’s the former admirer who are the first to make an official move.

Man Utd make contact for Yoro

According to French outlet Le10Sport, Man United have made contact for Yoro ahead of January. Manchester City have now also entered the race to secure the services of the teenager, so Ten Hag's side could face competition.

The M16 outfit have "made a very concrete move" for their target having initiated "contact" to discover the conditions of a switch, but with Lille wanting to hand him a contract extension, this could be difficult to get over the line.

Yoro has "immense" potential to offer

Standing at 6 foot 2, Yoro provides a real physical presence at the heart of Lille’s backline which he’s proven so far this season where he’s currently averaging 3.2 clearances and 1.7 aerial wins per game in Ligue 1 (WhoScored – Yoro statistics).

The Saint-Maurice native is also extremely calm and composed on the ball, recording a 91.3% pass success rate as it stands, highlighting his ability to dictate and control the match when he has the ball at his feet, not getting pressured by the press of the opposition.

Ten Hag’s target is even capable of making an impact in the final third having scored three goals across all competitions since the start of the campaign from 18 appearances. U23 scout Antonio Mango has also had a lot to say for Yoro’s rise to prominence in France, lauding him as “immense” and dubbing him a “Rolls Royce” calibre defender.

Finally, Yoro shares the same representative, AMS Consulting, as Amad Diallo (Man United agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage when trying to reach an agreement in January.

Newcastle United have waited 68 long years to lift a major domestic trophy, having had glory ripped from their grasp back in February by bitter foes Manchester United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Nevertheless, with the Red Devils, as well as Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, eliminated from the League Cup this time around, the lengthy wait could finally be over.

However, the Magpies must first get past Premier League strugglers Chelsea at St. James’ Park tonight and head coach Eddie Howe may have to piece together his side once more before they take to the field.

Newcastle team news

Having suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions over the past fortnight, Newcastle got back to winning ways with a massive 3-0 victory against ten-man Fulham at the weekend, keeping pressure on the rest of the top four.

Nonetheless, there was still a dark cloud which loomed overhead during the emphatic win as centre-back Fabian Schar was replaced within the first 15 minutes of the game, having suffered a buttock injury and was replaced by Emil Krafth, who has seen merely 217 minutes of action in the 2023/24 campaign.

Adding insult to injury, Joelinton limped off just after the half-hour mark and was replaced by teenage sensation Lewis Miley. The red card in the first half certainly helped Newcastle to cruise to victory, but Howe will be further concerned by an injury list which is growing and growing. The manager has already confirmed that both men face scans to be fit to take on the Blues tonight, but starting either could potentially cause further damage.

With that in mind, Howe does have another solution that is staring him right in the face.

Dan Burn’s stats this season

With Schar being taken off early into proceedings against Fulham, Howe made the wise decision to throw Dan Burn in at centre-back, with the 6 foot 7 giant starting the game at left-back. Tino Livramento was brought over to the left, while Krafth held down the right-back spot.

It was a tactical change that worked in Newcastle’s favour as the side kept a clean sheet and limited the visitors to merely six shots, which recorded an xG of just 0.28 as three of their shots came from outside the penalty area.

Furthermore, Burn managed to grab himself a goal late on against his former club, leaping highest at the back post and eventually bundling over the rebound to seal the three points. This was his third goal of the season in all competitions.

The Blyth-born defender came off two minutes later for Sven Botman, who made his return to the team after three months out with a knee injury, which was welcomed by the home fans. However, Burn’s performance at the back certainly can’t be discounted as he won 89% of his total duels during the game, including 100% of his aerial duels and even contributed to 0.76 xG of Newcastle’s total 3.51 xG, according to FotMob.

Goals

1

Shots

2

Expected Goals

0.76

Big Chances Missed

1

Touches

3

Passes Into Final Third

10

Interceptions

4

Defensive Actions

7

Recoveries

3

Duels Won

8

Duels Lost

1

Stats via FotMob

In addition, Burn has started 317 of his 450 career matches as a centre-half, including 21 with the Geordie club, so it certainly won’t be unfamiliar territory for him.

The 31-year-old has been solid as a rock under Howe this season once again and the £72k-per-week man even earned praise from Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand who called him “phenomenal” after Newcastle put Paris Saint-Germain to the sword earlier in the campaign.

While Botman is now back in the team, the Dutchman did just make a six-minute cameo at the end of the match and starting him against Chelsea could potentially aggravate his knee injury.

After Burn’s heroic showing on Saturday afternoon, Howe should keep the boyhood Newcastle fan in the starting lineup as a centre-back alongside Jamaal Lascelles in Schar’s absence, with Kieran Trippier and Livramento flanking the duo as the fullbacks.

Celtic will be hoping to kick off 2024 in style as they travel away from Parkhead to take on St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership this evening.

The Hoops head into this match off the back of three straight wins in the top-flight and are eight points clear at the top of the table, albeit having played two more matches than their closest rivals.

Brendan Rodgers' side ran out 2-1 winners in the Old Firm clash last time out as goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi secured all three points.

However, the Northern Irish head coach is now set to be without Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate as they head off to play for Japan at the Asia Cup, although Kyogo has not been selected for his country.

The former Leicester boss could now make some alterations to the starting XI that beat Rangers on Saturday. With that in mind, here is FFC's predicted Celtic XI to take on St Mirren…

1 Joe Hart

Rodgers could stick with Joe Hart as his number one once again. The former England international has kept eight clean sheets in 20 appearances so far this term.

Celtic have been touted with an interest in Ipswich Town goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky and that could motivate the English stopper to improve his performances to convince the club to avoid dipping into the market to sign a new goalkeeper.

2 Anthony Ralston

The first change to the XI could come at right-back as Alistair Johnston could be taken out of the firing line to provide Anthony Ralston with a chance to shine.

Johnston's performance against Rangers was embroiled in controversy as his alleged handball when contesting Abdallah Sima in the box has led to the opposition requesting audio from VAR to explain why no decision was made.

The Canada international was also somewhat fortunate not to receive a second yellow during the second half as he was penalised for an elbow on Sima whilst also on a booking.

Ralston could now come in to replace the defender. The Scottish full-back has made nine Premiership appearances this season and made 1.7 key passes per match.

3 Maik Nawrocki

The second alteration could come at the heart of the defence after Stephen Welsh was forced off during the first half on Saturday with a shoulder injury.

This forced Rodgers to bring Maik Nawrocki into the match after just 35 minutes but the Polish defender did not take any time to get into the match as he went on to enjoy a fantastic performance.

The summer signing made four clearances, three blocks, two interceptions, and two tackles in just 55 minutes of action at Parkhead.

Appearances

Three

Starts

Two

Interceptions per game

2.2

Tackles per game

1.7

Duel success rate

58%

As you can see from the table above, the 22-year-old colossus has been rarely used in the Premiership this season but has impressed when called upon with vital defensive contributions, which is why he should be rewarded with a start against St Mirren.

4 Liam Scales

Alongside Nawrocki, Rodgers should once again select Liam Scales on the left side of the central defensive pairing. The Irish ace won 100% (4/4) of his ground duels against Rangers as he snuffed out any danger from Cyriel Dessers on the deck with ease.

5 Greg Taylor

Another player who could keep their place in the starting line-up is left-back Greg Taylor. The Scotland international was dominant on Saturday as he won an outstanding 100% of his nine duels, including five on the deck and four in the air.

6 Paulo Bernardo

In the middle of the park, Paulo Bernardo deserves to keep his place in midfield. The Portuguese starlet scored his second goal in as many matches with a terrific volley to open the scoring against Rangers.

He also showed grit and determination with three tackles won and seven of his 12 duels won, which shows that the young gem can get stuck in as well as being able to provide quality in the final third.

7 Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor is another player who should start once again. The Celtic leader and captain completed 94% of his attempted passes and created two chances against the Gers in what was a composed performance.

8 Matt O'Riley

Matt O'Riley had to battle through the game on Saturday as his nose was left bloodied and needed treatment. The Denmark international stuck with it and did not allow the blow to affect his performance.

9 Liel Abada

The third and final change to the XI could come on the right wing as Liel Abada could finally be unleashed after his injury issues this season.

He made his return off the bench against Rangers and that was his first appearance for the club in any competition since the start of September.

Abada, who was once hailed as a "revelation" by Alan Hutton, could replace Maeda, who struggled on the wing at Parkhead on Saturday.

The Japan international lost six of his eight duels and failed to complete a single dribble or create a chance for his teammates in 83 minutes.

Abada produced one goal, one assist, and two 'big chances' created in his first four league appearances of the campaign before his injury and could provide a spark out wide on the right for the Scottish giants.

10 Kyogo Furuhashi

Kyogo Furuhashi should lead the line for the Hoops this evening after his wondergoal at the weekend. The Japan international produced an outrageous left-footed effort into the top corner from the edge of the box to beat a fully-stretched Jack Butland to make it 2-0 at the time.

He has plundered eight goals in 21 league matches so far this term and will be hoping that his derby brilliance will help him to kick on and hit a rich vein of form over the coming weeks and months.

It's been a whirlwind of a start to the January transfer window for those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, but the movement in the market looks to be setting up success for the business end of the campaign.

Ange Postecoglou was brought in after a disappointing 2022/23 season and has swiftly established himself as a first-class manager capable of leading Spurs to new heights.

The Premier League competitors have, however, been blighted by injuries and a certain fragility in the squad. With centre-back Radu Dragusin and forward Timo Werner joining the fold already, sights are now set on a midfielder.

The latest on Tottenham's hunt for a midfielder

According to the Independent, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will indeed set their sights on a centre-midfielder after tidying up the aforementioned areas of the field, with Conor Gallagher 'still top of the list'.

Gallagher, an all-action and commanding player, is considered the perfect profile and Chelsea are willing to sell, ensuring that they can strengthen their frontline.

However, a deal will fall into the ballpark of £50m, and whether Spurs boast the financial means to make such a move bloom into fruition remains to be seen.

Conor Gallagher's style of play

The imminent African Cup of Nations has snatched Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr away from the Tottenham fold for the next month or so, but bolstering the engine room would not be carried out in haste.

Gallagher would be the perfect player to waltz in and make the centre of the park down the N17 his own, having supplied four assists across 19 appearances in the English top-flight this term, as per Sofascore, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.3 key passes, 2.7 tackles and 6.8 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 77% of his dribbles.

Described as a "monster" both in and out of possession by one football content creator, Gallagher has been a shining light in another abject year at Stamford Bridge and the news of his possible departure has left a bitter taste in the mouths of supporters.

But with the Blues board seemingly intent on cashing in, Spurs are only too happy to take advantage of a star who ranks among the top 19% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 17% for tackles and the top 2% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

#1 Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)

#2 Konrad Laimer (Bayern)

#3 Hicham Boudaoui (Nice)

#4 Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

#5 Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

The stats-led site also links Curtis Jones as a similar player to his fellow Englishman, with Liverpool's unsung hero proving across recent months why a player of his skill set is pivotal for a team challenging for prominence.

How Gallagher compares to Curtis Jones

Jones has long been considered an exciting player after rising from the Anfield youth ranks but it is only before the summer that he truly came into his own, starting the final 11 Premier League fixtures as Liverpool enjoyed a resurgence.

Jones' blooming presence as a goal threat has been instrumental in his rise within Jurgen Klopp's ranks, and after scoring against Fulham in the Carabao Cup the 22-year-old has taken his seasonal tally to four goals from 14 starts, with three assists to boot.

Among the crispest midfielders in possession, he ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for pass completion and the top 10% for progressive carries, 15% for successful take-ons and 18% for tackles per 90, which highlights the all-action semblance in style with Gallagher.

Gallagher, while having not scored this term as he plays a more creative role, has proved his goalscoring prowess in the past and plundered eight strikes from 34 matches when he was on loan with Crystal Palace two years ago.

He must be signed, offering the final piece of the puzzle to complete Tottenham's midfield and ensure Postecoglou's vision is realised in all its vibrant colours.