Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign an exciting young attacker ahead of rivals Manchester City next year.
Man Utd transfer news…
The Red Devils splashed the cash on three high-profile additions over the summer, with Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund all arriving at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir, Sofyan Amrabat, Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon also made the move to Manchester, but on the pitch, things haven’t been going to plan.
Erik ten Hag’s side have lost half of their opening eight Premier League games and their opening two Champions League group stage fixtures, with the Red Devils returning to action this weekend against Sheffield United.
The January transfer window is also fast approaching, and by the looks of things, those at Old Trafford are already identifying potential targets for 2024, one of which being "one of the world's biggest talents" in the eyes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Sport Witness relayed a Florian Wirtz transfer update in the last 48 hours, claiming that Man Utd, Man City and Newcastle United are all in the picture to sign the player alongside Bayern Munich. The report adds that Wirtz is going to receive ‘very high proposals’ from England, with Leverkusen wanting around €85m (£74m) for his services next summer.
Wirtz is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide or slightly further forward if needed. The Germany international has been on the books with Leverkusen since 2020 and has seen his transfer valuation rocket to a career-high €85m after starting at €10m when he arrived at the club. (Florian Wirtz profile – Transfermarkt)
Statistically, Wirtz has been a regular in recent years and has now made 113 senior appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 26 times and providing 34 assists, netting three times and registering four assists in 10 appearances during the current campaign. (Florian Wirtz stats – Transfermarkt)
Wirtz’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has even compared the player to Lionel Messi earlier this year, saying:
"There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient. Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: 'You're in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!' It's not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."
Therefore, with Bruno Fernandes approaching 30 years of age and Christian Eriksen already over 30 years old, United could see someone like Wirtz as a shrewd long-term addition, and by the looks of things, a deal is one to keep an eye on.
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is in the market for reinforcements and is now eyeing a short-term solution to a key problem at Old Trafford, according to a report.
Manchester United's goalscoring woes…
Despite bringing in Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million in the summer window, Manchester United have struggled in front of goal this term and have scored just 18 times this campaign in the Premier League, making them the sixth-lowest chance convertors in the division.
Man Utd now eyeing £80m+ deal for "incredible" player to replace Martial
Martial will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season…
BySean Markus Clifford Dec 19, 2023
Only Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Luton Town, Burnley and Luton Town have scored less than the Red Devils in the league, which is a damning indication of where they need to spend in January in order to keep pace in their hunt for continental qualification.
Aside from Hojlund, who is yet to net a single Premier League goal for the club, Anthony Martial exists as Ten Hag's other striking option; however, the Frenchman now looks to be firmly on his way out of Old Trafford after The Athletic revealed that Manchester United will not trigger his 12-month contract extension clause, leaving him free to depart either in January for a fee or next summer on a free transfer.
In light of this, acquiring a new centre forward in January will become a crucial priority for the Red Devils as they seek to offer Hojlund assistance following his tough start to life at Old Trafford.
Now, one man who could add a wealth of experience to Manchester United's forward line has been identified as a potential loan target, according to a report.
Mauro Icardi wanted by Manchester United
According to Football Transfers, Manchester United are considering a loan swoop for Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi in January as Ten Hag urgently looks to bring in another attacking option at Old Trafford.
Similar players to Mauro Icardi (based on statistical profiles from FBRef)
Player
Club
Cyle Larin
Mallorca
Dusan Vlahovic
Juventus
Akor Adams
Montpellier
Ludovic Ajorque
Mainz 05
Davie Selke
Koln
The 30-year-old is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League and any deal to bring him to the North West on loan would likely include a clause to make the agreement permanent. Argentina international Icardi netted against the Red Devils alongside former player Wilfried Zaha in the Champions League earlier this campaign, condemning Manchester United to a 3-2 home defeat.
Mauro Icardi in action for Galatasaray.
Labelled an "animal" by former boss Luciano Spalletti, Icardi has been in brilliant goalscoring form this term, registering 17 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across all competitions (Icardi statistics – Transfermarkt).
Having also averaged around four shots per match in the Turkish top-flight term, Icardi knows where the goal is and could provide some crucial short-term cover in the final third for Manchester United (Icardi statistics – WhoScored).
Leicester City supporters have been through all levels of emotions in recent years, from the highs of winning the Premier League title in 2016 to the lows of being relegated to the Championship in 2023.
The Foxes defied all odds in that 2015/16 campaign and were written off from the get-go having survived relegation by the skin of their teeth in the season prior.
Despite being tipped for the drop, the industrious and energetic performances of midfield duo N'Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater as well as the formidable attacking partnership of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy dragged Leicester to England's top prize.
Throughout that campaign, that unplayable attacking pairing were involved in a whopping 59 of Leicester's 68 Premier League goals, etching their name into Foxes folklore in the process.
While Vardy is still plying his trade in the Championship at the age of 36, Mahrez has achieved world domination since departing the East Midlands.
How much did Leicester City sign Riyad Mahrez for
In January 2014, Leicester captured a 22-year-old Riyad Mahrez for around £400k from Ligue 2 side Le Havre, a fee which turned out to be one of, if not, the biggest bargains in the club's history, aside from Vardy's £1m move from Fleetwood Town in 2012.
A skilful right winger, who possessed incredible attacking attributes, including his precise ball control, ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and his wand of a left foot – all combined together to produce countless match-winning moments.
In his first 18 months at the club, he helped Leicester win the Championship title in 2014 and then consolidate in the Premier League in 2015, but in 43 appearances across those campaigns, he only managed to post seven goals and eight assists.
While he showed glimpses of his world-beating class during the early stages, the true potential of his talents were showcased in the following campaign as Leicester scooped the Premier League and the Algerian startled defences with his fleet-footed dribbling and ruthless finishing.
As previously mentioned, his indispensable partnership and telepathic understanding with Vardy was instrumental in their success and Mahrez had the season of his life, plundering 17 goals and supplying ten assists in the top flight.
Those tremendous returns saw him get shortlisted for the 2016 Ballon d'Or alongside world-class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
In the 2016/17 season, Mahrez tailed off in the top flight, only recording six goals and four assists, but did play a vital role in Leicester's run to the Champions League quarter-finals with six contributions in nine appearances.
The 5 foot 10 whiz used the allure of Champions League football as fuel to earn a move to an elite European club and on the back of his 12 goals and 11 assists in 2017/18, Manchester City came calling.
How much did Leicester sell Riyad Mahrez for
Man City smashed their transfer record at the time to capture Mahrez for £60m from Leicester and the rest is history.
Across his five-year spell at the Etihad, which came to an end in the summer as he completed £30m move to Al-Ahli, the 83-cap Algerian was instrumental to City's trophy-laden period, winning the Premier League title in all but one of his seasons at the club.
Dubbed by Pep Guardiola as "exceptional", Mahrez had to contend with a whole host of star-studded competition in Manchester, battling it out with Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva among others for a spot on the right flank.
Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez.
Despite falling victim to the Spaniard's rotation policy, he was still adored by his former teammates and centre-back Aymeric Laporte was one of many who showered him with praise, labelling him as "unbelievable" for his performances in a City shirt.
He may have bid farewell to Manchester this year, but he capped his time at the club in the best way possible by playing a crucial role in their treble-winning campaign, scoring three times in the Champions League, five times in the FA Cup – including a hat-trick in the semi-final against Sheffield United – and posting 15 goal contributions in the Premier League.
15 goals / 13 assists
24 goals / 9 assists
14 goals / 9 assists
13 goals / 16 assists
12 goals / 12 assists
In 236 appearances for the Citizens, he plundered 78 goals and supplied 59 assists – not bad for someone who was originally discovered by Leicester in the French second division and cost them a measly £400k.
Now currently ripping it up for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli with four goals and six assists in 11 matches, Mahrez will always be remembered by the Foxes faithful for dragging them to an unthinkable title win, yet what could have been had he remained at the King Power instead…
Sunderland return to action after the international break in the Championship this afternoon as they travel to Loftus Road to take on Queens Park Rangers.
What was Sunderland's last result?
The Black Cats head into today's game off the back of an emphatic 5-0 win against recently relegated Southampton at the Stadium of Light.
Tony Mowbray's outfit swept the Saints aside with relative ease as they produced a phenomenal and clinical performance on Wearside to secure all three points in style.
Jack Clarke opened the scoring with a well-timed run and header within the opening minute of the match and a double from midfielder Pierre Ekwah, with both goals coming from distance, put the team 3-0 up at half-time.
Bradley Dack pounced from close range and Chris Rigg headed past Gavin Bazunu to finish off the scoring during the second 45 to wrap up the 5-0 victory over Russell Martin's Southampton.
That result left Sunderland ninth in the Championship table after two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their first five matches of the campaign.
What's the latest Sunderland team news?
Mason Burstow and Adil Aouchiche are both available for selection after their deadline day moves to the club, although it remains to be seen if Nazariy Rusyn's visa has arrived in time for him to feature.
Aji Alese and Eliezer Mayenda are both back out on the grass but Mowbray has confirmed that they will not be in contention to play this weekend, whilst Jay Matete and Corry Evans are both set to be out until the festive period as they continue to recover from long-term injuries.
The absences in the midfield area of the pitch could open up the door for 16-year-old talent Chris Rigg to gain more first-team experience and the head coach should unleash him from the start today.
Will Chris Rigg start against QPR?
Mowbray should bring the teenage sensation in for his first-ever Championship start as a reward for his excellent performances so far this season.
Rigg was afforded the chance to start a first-team match for the first time in his career last month as the ex-Blackburn Rovers manager selected him in the starting XI for the EFL Cup clash with Crewe.
Sunderland ultimately lost on penalties to the League Two outfit but that should not be a slight on the 16-year-old dynamo as his display in the middle of the park was superb.
The England youth international produced a fantastic all-round performance in midfield as he showcased his qualities in and out of possession for the Black Cats, despite his young age.
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
As per Sofascore, Rigg won 60% (6/10) of his duels and made two tackles to go along with one clearance. He also completed both of his attempted dribbles and 91% of his attempted passes, two of which resulted in chances being created for his teammates.
The talented ace, who scored Sunderland's equaliser to send the game to penalties, was handed a Sofascore rating of 8.2 for his display, which was the second-highest score on the pitch behind Alex Pritchard's 9.0 rating.
Mowbray rewarded the excellent youngster with a cameo off the bench against Southampton last time out and the 16-year-old hotshot made the most of his opportunity with a fantastic leap and header to find the bottom corner after some superb wing play from Jewison Bennette on the left flank.
Rigg recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.3 for his eight-minute goalscoring showing against the Saints and these statistics show that the versatile gem, who can play in a variety of midfield roles or out wide on the right, has the potential to offer a big attacking threat for the club.
The former England U16 captain could also provide a creative presence in the middle of the park as he has registered four assists in 15 U18 matches for the Black Cats to date.
He showed glimpses of his creativity with his aforementioned two key passes against Crewe and this suggests that the academy graduate could be an exciting player for supporters to watch against QPR this afternoon, as he has the ability to score and assist goals.
Who could Rigg replace?
Mowbray could bring Rigg in to replace French dynamo Abdoullah Ba, who started on the right of the attacking midfield trident against Southampton, today.
However, this is not a necessary change borne out of poor performances from the 20-year-old ace. In fact, the former Le Havre prospect registered an assist against the Saints and has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.97 across four Championship appearances this term.
Rigg, on the other hand, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.75 across his two first-team outings in all competitions this term and has scored two goals to go along with two chances created.
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
Whereas, Ba has failed to score a single goal and has provided his teammates with five key passes in five games in all competitions for the Black Cats.
These statistics suggest that they both offer a similar level of creativity but Rigg's average performance level and goalscoring threat could be greater than the French ace's if Mowbray offers him the chance to play regular senior football over the weeks and months to come.
Rigg, who Mowbray once hailed as an "animal" with a "wonderful" left foot, has taken his opportunities so far this season and now deserves to be rewarded with the next step in his development – a senior league start.
The exceptional teenager excelled against Crewe in the EFL Cup after being named in the starting XI and grasped his chance to find the back of the net off the bench against Southampton earlier this month, which shows that he has the ability and physicality to compete at first-team level in spite of his age.
Therefore, the Black Cats head coach must now see whether or not the English whiz has what it takes to deliver consistent quality over the course of an entire Championship match, starting today against QPR at Loftus Road.
So it is time for Ba to move over to the bench, or another position in the attack, for this clash in order to provide Rigg with the chance for him to prove himself after some impressive displays so far this season.
Manchester United will be bidding to boost their hopes of Champions League progression with a positive result at home to Turkish giants, Galatasary this evening, with the Red Devils having lost their opening match in the competition away to Bayern Munich.
That 4-3 loss to the Bundesliga outfit came amid what has been a dire start to the new campaign for Erik ten Hag and his men, having also now lost four of their opening seven Premier League games, following the defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.
A major issue for the former Ajax boss of late has been the growing list of injury absentees, with the Dutchman set to be without a number of first-team figures yet again tonight.
What's the Man United team news vs Galatasaray?
As Ten Hag revealed himself on Monday, the Old Trafford outfit are still set to be without summer signing, Sergio Reguilon for the visit of the Super Lig side, ensuring that the hosts will be forced to deploy a makeshift option at left-back in the continued absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
The Spaniard remains on the sidelines alongside the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, while both Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek – who has not been included in the Champions League squad – are also still unavailable.
One notable change that could occur later today, however, is the return of Antony – as Ten Hag confirmed – ensuring that young Facundo Pellistri may lose his place in the side.
Will Pellistri play against Galatasaray?
Having been handed a second successive start against Palace last time out – after also starting against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup victory just days earlier – the promising Uruguayan was unable to truly make his mark in his 60-minute outing, with GOAL's Richard Martin writing that he 'couldn't make any tangible impact'.
As Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst also noted, the 21-year-old is 'still more useful as a substitute than a starter', having been unable to nail down a starting role on the right flank, despite the absence of both Antony and Sancho of late.
Man United's Facundo Pellistri
It would then be no surprise to see Pellistri return to the bench this evening – particularly with both Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount also able to slot in out wide – although the youngster may not be the only casualty of the weekend defeat.
What changes will Ten Hag make vs Galatasaray?
Despite the shortage of options in the defensive unit, one change that Ten Hag may look to make is at centre-back, with it perhaps time that Victor Lindelof makes way, in favour of former skipper, Harry Maguire.
As the aforementioned Luckhurst suggested following the loss to Roy Hodgson's men, the experienced Swede is 'still of it' and thus could let Maguire 'back into the side', having looked rather unconvincing despite the return of Raphael Varane alongside him.
Manchester United's Victor Lindelof andCasemirolook dejected after Brighton & Hove Albion's first goal
Previously described as a player who gets "bullied" by former boss Jose Mourinho, Lindelof certainly 'did not relish any of the physical duels' up against the likes of Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Jordan Ayew – as per Luckhurst – having won just three of his eight total duels on the day.
Also dubbed 'pretty shaky' by Martin, the £120k-per-week dud is failing to warrant his inclusion in the side at present, hence why turning to Maguire could be a much-needed solution, as Ten Hag's men seek to stop the rot later today.
West Ham United are said to have declared their serious intention to sign a £60 million striker in January, with the player also planning to leave as his club decide whether to green-light a winter exit for the forward.
Julen Lopetegui wants new striker at West Ham in January
TalkSport were among the first national media outlets to report that manager Julen Lopetegui has requested new signings when the transfer window reopens, and it is believed a new No 9 is high on their agenda.
West Ham "look set" to move for Euro 2024 star in £17 million striker
He absolutely dazzled at the summer tournament.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 30, 2024
Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has been sidelined since September with a persistent Achilles tendon injury, with the German unable to get off the mark for his new club nor justify his price tag after a 16-goal season in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund.
Maximilian Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Mohamadou Kante
Paris FC
Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Man Utd
€18m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
Loan transfer
Carlos Soler
PSG
Loan transfer
Flynn Downes
Southampton
€17.85m
James Ward-Prowse
Nottingham Forest
Loan
Maxwel Cornet
Southampton
Loan
Nayef Aguerd
Real Sociedad
Loan
Kurt Zouma
Al-Shabab
Loan
Said Benrahma
Lyon
€14.4m
Angelo Ogbonna
Watford
Free transfer
Thilo Kehrer
Monaco
€11m
Nathan Trott
FC Copenhagen
€1.5m
Ben Johnson
Ipswich Town
Free transfer
Joseph Anang
St Patrick’s Athletic
Free transfer
There are even reports that West Ham could decide to part ways with Fullkrug, which would surely make him go down as one of the Premier League’s biggest flops in recent memory, even if that tag would be harsh considering that he has no control over his Achilles issue.
That being said, GiveMeSport recently suggested that West Ham hold some regret over Fullkrug’s transfer, and this has motivated technical director Tim Steidten to explore emergency short-term alternatives.
West Ham are targeting Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze amid the Ligue 1 side’s precarious financial situation, which could yet doom them to life in Ligue 2 next season.
The Hammers could take advantage of their woes to strike a cut-price move for the Georgia international, given Lyon could be forced to sell players mid-season as they attempt to balance their books.
Meanwhile, another intriguing target linked in the last week is Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson, who is finding it difficult to break into Fabian Hurzeler’s starting XI on a regular basis this season.
West Ham declare intent to sign Evan Ferguson
According to CaughtOffside, the Republic of Ireland international is planning to leave in January, and Brighton won’t stand in his way – piquing interest from east London in the promising £60 million striker.
West Ham have “confirmed their intention” to sign Ferguson in the winter, as per the outlet’s sources, and it is believed they are the current favourites to seal a loan deal for the 20-year-old ahead of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Hammers apparently have the most concrete interest in Ferguson and want to progress on a move for the attacker, who Ian Wright called “very mature” for his age.
“When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace, he has all the attributes at 18. Very mature in the way he plays,” said Wright in 2023, when Ferguson was just a teenager.
“All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing, and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. You can’t find that guy to come around, who is 18, in the Premier League and at the perfect club to continue to grow.
“They aren’t going to be able to hold onto that guy if he carries on doing what he is doing. He is too good. So intelligent – for 18, it’s really, really composed finishing.
“He is fearless at 18. Can you imagine being in the Premier League at 18? You’re not under the pressure you would be under like Garnacho would be under at Manchester United – you watch the way he plays, all the top teams, the top-six teams. He can play in any of those teams. We know Brighton, at some stage, they will sell him.”
Aston Villa suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. The Villans, who could have moved into the top four with a win in North London, suffered a calamitous 4-1 loss, and are now sixth in the Premier League with 18 points to their name, one point off the Champions League spots.
Surprisingly, despite domination from the home side in the first 45 minutes, it was Unai Emery’s men who took the lead. In-form Morgan Rogers got himself on the scoresheet, firing home a loose ball to give the Villans a lead at halftime.
Ange Postecoglou’s side bounced back almost immediately into the second period. Wales international Brennan Johnson, who has been in sparkling form of late, scored again, getting on the end of a teasing cross from captain Son Heung-min.
Spurs’ second and third both came from summer signing Dominic Solanke. The England international scored his first with a cute chip over Emiliano Martinez after a smart run in behind the Spurs defence, and his second from six yards out, tapping it into an open net. James Maddison added a fourth late on for the Lilywhites.
It was a devastating collapse from the Villans who had the lead despite a lack of control of the game. There were several frustrating performers, including Pau Torres, who struggled at the heart of defence.
Pau Torres’ stats vs. Spurs
It was a bad day at the office for Spanish defender Torres against the Lilywhites on Sunday afternoon. Normally so calm and composed, he made a critical error on the ball and struggled defensively against Solanke.
Indeed, he received a rating of just 4/10 from John Townley, Villa correspondent for Birmingham Mail. The journalist explained that Torres had a ‘difficult afternoon’, noting he ‘gave possession away when trying to play out from the back’, an action that led to Spurs’ third goal of the day.
His stats on Sofascore show just how tough of an afternoon it was for the 27-year-old. He made one error that led to a shot, and one error that led to a goal. Normally so safe in possession, Torres lost the ball ten times and had a pass accuracy of just 82%. It was certainly not the best performance.
Despite the fact Villa’s number 14 is such a trusted player for Emery, someone he also coached at Villarreal, he may well decide to drop him ahead of their next game. The Midlands side faces Club Brugge in the Champions League later today, and after a poor performance, he could certainly be on the chopping block.
That pressure is increased more after one player’s excellent outing in the Carabao Cup last week, and he could prove to be a perfect replacement.
The Aston Villa star who could replace Torres
The player in question here is England international Tyrone Mings. It has been a long road to recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but in his first game back – which remains his only appearance of the season – the 31-year-old impressed against Crystal Palace in the cup.
Townley was certainly impressed with the defender’s efforts against the Eagles last week. He gave him an 8/10, explaining he ‘looked sharp’ and praising a ‘really promising performance’ on his return.
The “dominant” defender, as football statistician Statman Dave once described him, certainly had good stats on Sofascore. He won seven out of eight aerial duels and made five clearances, completing 57 of 71 attempted passes along the way.
Stat
Number
Touches
86
Pass accuracy
80%
Passes completed
57/71
Aerial duels won
7/8
Clearances
5
Blocks
4
Key passes
1
Mings is certainly a candidate to replace Torres in the starting lineup against the Belgian side. Not only is the Spaniard coming off the back of a poor performance, but the Englishman – who is still waiting to make his debut in Europe’s premier competition – must surely be feeling confident after a commanding showing following his long spell on the sidelines.
It certainly leaves the Villans boss with a selection headache ahead of a critical Champions League clash, but it might be hard to ignore Mings’ impressive form, especially after Torres’ disappointing effort last weekend.
As bad as Watkins: Emery must drop 4/10 Aston Villa star after Spurs
Aston Villa suffered an almighty collapse on the road against Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s been an interesting start to the Premier League season for Ipswich Town this year.
Before a ball was kicked, fans and pundits alike were fearful that the club would be in for an extraordinarily tough campaign, as just two years ago, they were still fighting to get out of League One.
However, we are now ten games into the season, and the good news is that Kieran McKenna’s side have only been on the losing side five times, but the bad news is that they are still without their first win.
It’s too early to say with any certainty whether Ipswich will be able to beat the drop come May, but with young stars like Liam Delap in the side, anything is possible.
1
Liverpool
2-0 Defeat
2
Manchester City
4-1 Defeat
3
Fulham
1-1 Draw
4
Brighton & Hove Albion
0-0 Draw
5
Southampton
1-1 Draw
6
Aston Villa
2-2 Draw
7
West Ham United
4-1 Defeat
8
Everton
2-0 Defeat
9
Brentford
4-3 Defeat
10
Leicester City
1-1 Draw
Moreover, the 21-year-old’s sensational form makes the club’s decision to sign him over another striker they were interested in this year look even better.
Liam Delap's form this season
Ipswich opted to hand Manchester City around £20m for Delap’s services in July and to say he’s proven to be an excellent signing in the months since would be an enormous understatement.
The Englishman has played in all ten league games for the Tractor Boys so far, and while he scored just once in his first five games, he now has five goals to his name.
This utterly brilliant form in front of goal means he currently has as many goals as far more established Premier League stars such as Ollie Watkins and Luis Diaz.
Moreover, with his brace against Aston Villa, which secured his side an unlikely point, he’s shown that big games are not an issue for him and that he does, in fact, have the mentality to make it at the highest level.
In all, signing Delap in the summer was a masterstroke from Ipswich, especially when they were supposedly interested in another striker who has looked entirely out of his depth in the top flight this season.
The failing striker Ipswich could've signed
Before Ipswich got their hands on Delap in July, they were linked to another striker who had just enjoyed a relatively successful six-month stint in the Premier League with Sheffield United: Ben Brereton Diaz.
Yes, following a disastrous switch to La Liga side Villarreal in the summer of 2023, which saw the Chile international fail to score a single goal in 20 appearances, he moved to the relegation-threatened Blades in January, where he proceeded to score six goals and provide one assist in 14 top-flight appearances.
Now, considering the “extraordinary” marksman, as dubbed by former manager Tony Mowbray, averaged a goal involvement every other game in the Premier League last season, the Blues’ interest in him made sense, but given how he’s played for Southampton so far this year, it’s safe to say they dodged a bullet.
Since his £7m move to St Mary’s, the former Blackburn Rovers star has failed to score a single goal for the club in eight appearances across the league and League Cup, and worse yet, the south coast side’s only win in the league so far this season came when he wasn’t in the squad.
Ultimately, the Stoke-on-Trent striker might still be a talented forward in a bad run of form, but as things stand, his transfer has to be considered a flop, and considering how well Delap has done at Portman Road, Ipswich undoubtedly made the correct decision over the summer.
Signed by Keane: Ipswich loan ace who left in 2010 is struggling in Turkey
The veteran attacker had a short stint with Ipswich Town.
Glasgow Rangers travel away from Ibrox to face Dundee at Dens Park this evening as they look to quickly bounce back from their defeat at the weekend.
The Light Blues suffered a bitterly disappointing 3-2 defeat at the hands of Ross County away from home on Sunday, despite leading the game 1-0 at half-time.
Philippe Clement's side chucked the game away and now find themselves in a position where even a win against Dundee tonight leaves them second in the table and behind rivals Celtic, on the same number of games played.
This means that the Gers may need to pick up all three points at Parkhead in their final league meeting with the Hoops, if they want to win the Scottish Premiership title.
Firstly, though, Rangers need to secure the win at Dens Park tonight, in a fixture that has already been postponed twice due to a waterlogged pitch, and the manager could make some changes from the team that lined up on Sunday.
Clement must brutally ditch Kieran Dowell, who struggled at the weekend, from the starting XI and finally unleash Nicolas Raskin in his place.
Kieran Dowell's performance against Ross County in numbers
The central midfielder, signed on a free transfer from Norwich City last summer, was selected to play in the middle of the park alongside John Lundstram and behind Todd Cantwell.
Unfortunately, Dowell did not make the most of his opportunity to show the manager that he deserves to be starting week-in-week-out during the title run-in.
Instead, he gave the Belgian boss a reason to brutally ditch him from the lineup for this clash with Dundee tonight, due to his struggles on and off the ball.
Minutes played
63
Sofascore rating
6.5
Key passes
0
Shots
0
Dribbled past
2x
Tackles won
2
As you can see in the table above, Dowell was dribbled past as many times as he completed tackles to win the ball back for Rangers, which illustrates how inconsistent the midfielder was out of possession.
On the ball, the left-footed dud did cause Ross County any problems as the former Canaries star failed to register a single shot or key pass throughout his 63 minutes on the pitch.
In fact, the 26-year-old Gers man has only averaged 0.3 key passes per game, with zero 'big chances' created, and scored two goals in nine league appearances for the club so far this season.
Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell.
This is surprising when you consider that Dowell scored five goals, created six 'big chances', and grabbed three assists in just 14 Championship starts for Norwich during the 2022/23 campaign.
His impressive attacking work down south has not translated over to his time in Scotland, thus far, and his dismal performance against Ross County was just the latest in a line of dull displays.
Why Nicolas Raskin should start over Kieran Dowell
Raskin must finally be unleashed from the start, for the first time since the 2nd of March against Motherwell, after being an unused substitute on Sunday.
The former Belgium U21 international, who was not fit enough for the bench against Celtic, enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and fitness issues have prevented him from carrying it into the second half of the season.
However, a start against Dundee tonight could help him to kick on and return to his best form, which is why Clement should choose him to replace Dowell in the starting XI.
Appearances
9
14
Goals + assists
2
2
Key passes per game
0.3
0.8
Pass accuracy
78%
86%
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.5
2.6
Duel success rate
49%
55%
As you can see in the table above, Raskin has been more effective in and out of possession in comparison to the English midfielder this season.
He has produced over twice as many key passes per game whilst also completing a significantly higher percentage of his attempted passes, which shows that his work on the ball has been considerably more efficient.
The former Standard Liege star has also made more tackles and interceptions per game whilst winning a higher percentage of his duels in the middle of the park.
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin
These statistics show that the £19k-per-week star, who was once hailed as "different class" by journalist Josh Bunting, is a well-rounded midfielder who is effective on and off the ball at his best.
This is why Clement should finally bring Raskin back into the starting XI as Rangers would have a terrific box-to-box midfield operator in the team if the Belgian whiz can rediscover his early-season form during the title run-in.
However, it is also worth noting that the Gers head coach does have a plethora of options to select from in the midfield positions for this clash.
The alternatives to Nicolas Raskin
Mohammed Diomande was absent for the defeat to Ross County with a thumb injury and has not recovered in time to return to action this evening.
The winter signing has scored two goals and made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game across eight Premiership appearances for the club since his loan move to Glasgow.
Tom Lawrence, who came off the bench to replace Dowell on Sunday, is also an option to play alongside Lundstram in the middle of the park as a creative presence.
Tom Lawrence
The Wales international has assisted three goals and created four 'big chances' in ten league starts for the Scottish giants, has the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third on his day.
Clement also has the option of moving Dujon Sterling back into a midfield position, where he has been deployed at times this season, to provide a more combative and athletic option.
However, Dundee have conceded 54 goals in 32 league matches this season and Rangers should be looking to put them to the sword with a fluent attacking performance, and Sterling – who is a full-back by trade – does not offer much in the way of quality in the final third.
It will be down to whoever starts, whether that is Raskin, Sterling, Dowell, or Lawrence, to put in a strong performance and ensure that they help the team to pick up all three points.
It's never easy, is it? Be that as it may, Liverpool overcame unlikely adversity against Sheffield United to reclaim their place at the Premier League summit heading into the season's final stretch.
Expected victories for Arsenal and Manchester City the day before increased the pressure on Jurgen Klopp's side and while the soon-to-step-down manager did not ring the changes as many anticipated, with Old Trafford awaiting on Sunday, Liverpool were complacent and wasteful in attack.
Darwin Nunez scores for Liverpool
Darwin Nunez's tenacious but fortuitous first-half goal was cancelled out by Gustavo Hamer's deflected equaliser, going down as a Conor Bradley own goal, and while Cody Gakpo sealed the all-important victory with a precise header late on, it was Alexis Mac Allister who stepped up with a stunning strike to restore the lead after 76 minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister's performance vs Sheffield United
Mac Allister is proving to be quite the sensation on Merseyside this season, and while he's been impressive throughout his maiden campaign for Liverpool, his wonder goal against the Blades takes his goal contribution streak to six successive matches in the Premier League.
It was a goal of the highest order, at the biggest moment. There's something very Ilkay Gundogan-esque about the manner in which the 25-year-old is fashioning results himself with frightening constancy right now.
Unfortunate not to add a delightful second after his shot from a direct free-kick careered off the bar, Mac Allister is truly the real deal and might just have a say in whether Liverpool glean gold in less than two months.
Not just popping up with a staggering strike, he put in a real shift and deserves all the plaudits after another barnstorming performance.
Minutes played
90'
Goals
1
Touches
103
Accurate passes
77/87 (89%)
Key passes
2
Shots taken
3
Hit woodwork
1
Duels won
6/10
Tackles
4
Interceptions
2
Saved by his Argentinian teammate, Ryan Gravenberch will be bitterly disappointed after failing to impress for the Reds, having been hooked on the hour mark after resembling something of a passenger against the bottom-placed opposition.
Ryan Gravenberch fails to take his chance
So much talent, so much still to prove. Gravenberch signed for Liverpool from Bayern Munich in a £34m deal back in August to complete a summer of sweeping midfield change, but he's ebbed and flowed throughout the year and did himself little justice against the valiant Blades.
With Mac Allister anchoring the midfield, Gravenberch was handed the chance to impress after missing recent matches through injury, but he failed to impress with a peripheral performance.
As per Sofascore, he did complete 85% of his passes but took less than half the touches of his starting midfield peers, failing to make a single key pass and winning three duels and two tackles.
The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle felt that Gravenberch left much to be desired, branding him with a 5/10 match rating and writing: 'often on the fringes of the action, understandable after so long out the starting line-up. Looked particularly off the pace after interval. Subbed.'
It feels important to stress that this is a 21-year-old player with an abundance of talent and many matches to make the requisite improvements. Here stands a young gun with talent lofty enough to entice the likes of Bayern and Liverpool.
He will be disappointed with his failure to make his mark against Sheffield United but with so much on the line across these culminating weeks of the top-flight campaign, it's hard to envisage a world where Klopp feels comfortable starting him in the engine room.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Harvey Elliott, Bobby Clark and Curtis Jones are all pushing for that coveted starting berth and Gravenberch, while talented, might be better off introduced in later phases with so much on the line.