Rangers v Aberdeen travel disruption

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over some news ahead of their game at home to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership tonight.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, there are disruptions to access routes for those travelling to the match, due to the COP26 United Nations Conference.

There will be additional congestion on certain roads, while some are closed altogether, as supporters of the Light Blues are encouraged to look at alternative routes.

Public transport is also likely be busier than normal, meaning that fans will have to take additional time and plan ahead.

Of course, the timing of the conference is not ideal ahead of a big game for the Light Blues in the SPFL, and so it is not a surprise at all to see some who are planning on going to the match furious with the travel disruptions and late notice.

Rangers fans on travel news

These Gers fumed as the news was shared on Twitter:

“Gonna be an absolute nightmare on the M8 getting into Glasgow and over the Clyde”

Credit: @colegamble_

“Carnage”

Credit: @ksc4273

“More pain imposed on the ordinary people so the elite can have their 2 week leisure”

Credit: @RFC_Falkirk

“Shambles”

Credit: @AidenL72

“Dreading this”

Credit: @TheRailwayBears

“Going to be horrendous on the Kingston Bridge”

Credit: @r0cketbaws

In other news, find out what huge blow RFC may face in their next game against Celtic here!

Newcastle team news vs Crystal Palace

Chris Waugh has now shared a double Newcastle United injury boost before they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League tonight.

The Lowdown: One more win?

With the St. James’ Park outfit currently on 37 points in the top-flight table, one more win would take them to 40, and so should all but guarantee their safety in the division for another season.

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That could well come in front of the Toon Army against the Eagles, who have just come off the back of a tiring 2-0 loss against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium over the weekend.

The Latest: Team news

Sharing some pre-match news on Twitter, The Athletic journalist Waugh relayed some comments made by Eddie Howe in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match.

The manager revealed that both Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson are ‘still on track’ in terms of their recoveries from their respective injuries, and added that they will ‘hopefully play’ again this season, although neither of the pair will return tonight.

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, the fact that Howe could recall two of his key players for the rest of the run-in is no doubt a big boost for the North East club, even despite missing the clash with the Eagles.

Trippier is currently ranking as their best performer in the Premier League so far this term, while Wilson is still their top scorer with six goals, despite a long spell out with injury (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, should they not be able to get the result that they want against CPFC, both players will be key in ensuring that they get enough points on the board to stay up.

In other news, find out which ‘special, special’ ex-Magpie NUFC are now targeting here!

Rangnick must unleash Lingard vs Palace

New interim manager Ralf Rangnick will take charge of his first Manchester United game over the weekend when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils steadied the ship under former temporary boss Michael Carrick in recent weeks, stringing together a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions thanks to some battling performances.

An entertaining 3-2 victory over Arsenal last time out saw United jump up to seventh place in the Premier League table and to within three points of West Ham United, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

However, a new era is set to begin on Sunday when Rangnick takes over the reins, potentially sparking a raft of changes in the style of play and team selection.

The 63-year-old is widely regarding as the Godfather of German coaching after popularising his Gegenpressing style of play, either directory or indirectly influencing a host of elite-level coaches.

Rangnick’s philosophy is based around pressing the opposition high up the pitch, attacking vertically and taking a shot within 10 seconds of regaining possession.

As a result, players who fit the profile of Rangnick’s specific system are likely to be preferred by the highly regarded tactician as he looks to transform United’s fortunes over the coming months.

And that could be very good news for Jesse Lingard. The £75k-per-week gem has found himself watching on from the sidelines for the majority of the campaign but could find himself back in the starting XI in the weeks ahead.

So far this season, Lingard has recorded 30 pressures per 90 and 8.18 successful pressures, bettering his teammates in both metrics, as per FBref.com, highlighting his suitability for Rangnick’s style.

With Marcus Rashford currently on a six-game drought since he scored his last goal and struggling for form, now could be the time for the 28-year-old to shine.

Following his return to form last season, England manager Gareth Southgate described the 32-cap gem as “immense”, and now Rangnick must unleash Lingard at club level, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his true quality.

Starting the versatile attacker from the off could prove to be pivotal in Rangnick’s quest for a fast start at United, with Lingard likely needing less time to adapt to his pressing demands than most.

And, in other news…Ralf can get MUFC firing with “intelligent” £42.3m-rated gem, he has “no weaknesses”

Everton must avoid selling Calvert Lewin

The last thing Everton needs right now is losing any key players, as they try to navigate their way through an injury crisis and a lack of depth in many areas of their squad that has resulted in only five wins from 17 games in the Premier League, leaving them 15th in the table.

With the transfer window in less than 72 hours, Rafa Benitez must avoid the departure of any important players in his side to ensure he can rebuild and climb the table to get back into the top half for a satisfactory finish with the Toffees.

Everton superstar, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has been rumoured with a move away to Arsenal for weeks, and even pundits have been adding fuel to the flames by encouraging the injured striker to make a move to Arsenal.

Gunners legend, Lee Dixon, spoke to the MailOnline about the potential of Arsenal signing the Toffees forward in the January transfer window;

“Would I like to see Calvert-Lewin at Arsenal? I think yes.

“It would be a step up for Calvert-Lewin, no disrespect to Everton.

“He is fit and athletic, he is strong and good in the air and a good finisher. I would take him.”

The MailOnline did also reported earlier this month, that Arsenal were interested in signing Calvert Lewin, but there has been no further links or official interest made by the London club as of yet, despite both Dixon and Paul Merson making their feelings clear about Arsenal’s potential signing of the player this week.

Fans will be fuming

If Benitez wasn’t already unpopular with fans, due to his successes as manager of fierce local rivals Liverpool, selling Calvert Lewin would be the final nail in the coffin for fans of the club and considered unforgivable, with the goal machine being arguably Everton’s best player, scoring 56 goals and bagging 16 assists in 176 appearances.

Selling the centre forward would be unwise with Everton’s severe lack of goals and creativity conceding more than they’ve scored this season so far, even with or without the fans on the manager’s back, it doesn’t make sense to cash in on him when what he can potentially offer to the side in the second half of the season is priceless.

It would be unlikely that Everton would let the £40.5m-rated star go, unless there was a huge, inflated offer from interested clubs, which actually isn’t unheard of in the January transfer window, Andy Carroll to Liverpool for £35m springs to mind, especially with many clubs desperate for prolific goal-scorers to assist with securing a good finish in the second half of the season.

The 28 year old has been side-lined since the early stages of the season sustaining a quadriceps injury and a broken toe, meaning he hasn’t played since scoring against Brighton on August 28th 2021.

He then suffered a setback with his recovery progress, and is only now in contention for selection for the side as we head into 2022, with the possibility of an appearance against Brighton on Sunday, although the England international did expect to be back in the side on Boxing Day, however postponement of fixtures hasn’t allowed that.

In other news: Benitez could solve problems by signing Vecino

Celtic hit the jackpot on Grady Diangana

Back in the summer of 2020, Neil Lennon’s Celtic scouts were reported to have been incredibly impressed by the form of Grady Diangana, who had lit up the Championship during a season-long loan spell with West Bromwich Albion.

Indeed, over his 30 second-tier appearances in 2019/20, the West Ham United winger played an influential role in the Baggies’ promotion back to the Premier League, scoring eight goals, registering six assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the former England U21 international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Albion’s third-best player in the league that year.

And, as a result of this form, the likes of Celtic, Ajax, Newcastle United and Everton were all reported to be interested in the 23-year-old, for whom West Ham were demanding a fee in the region of £15m-£20m in order to part with.

However, it would ultimately be West Brom who went on to secure the forward on a permanent basis, with Slaven Bilic’s side coughing up around £18m in order to prise the youngster away from the London Stadium.

Although, while Diangana’s switch to The Hawthorns would undoubtedly have come as a gutting blow to Celtic at the time, nearly two years down the line, it is becoming apparent that the Baggies massively overpaid for the winger.

Indeed, over his 20 Premier League appearances in 2020/21, the £7.2m-rated forward failed to make any real mark on the top flight, scoring one goal, registering no assists and creating no big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of just 0.7 shots and making 0.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Lee Hendrie dubbed a “magnificent” talent who’s “easy on the eye” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.47, ranking him as Albion’s joint second-worst player in the division.

Things have not improved much for the £25k-per-week attacker over his 35 Championship outings this season, with the 23-year-old having scored two goals, provided one assist and created three big chances, with these metrics seeing the winger average a SofaScore match rating of 6.67 – ranking him as Steve Bruce’s joint eighth-worst performer in the second tier.

As such, it is clear to see that Celtic hit the jackpot when missing out on the £18m signing of a player who Adrian Goldberg labelled “desperate” and claimed looks “like a youth player playing in a men’s game” back in 2020 – as Diangana’s form has fallen off a cliff since his permanent move to West Brom.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Ange reveals major Lennoxtown development, it’s brilliant news for Celtic

Everton reject second PSG bid for Gueye

[ad_pod ]PSG have seen a second bid worth £26million for midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye rejected by Everton, per Times journalist Paul Joyce.

What’s the word?

Gueye has been linked with the French club throughout the January transfer window butÂSky Sports reported on Thursday morning that Everton had resolved to keep the midfielder. An initial £21.5m offer was made earlier this week, per a separate Sky Sports report.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

However, a further bid was tabled with the deadline looming according to Joyce, which has again been rebuffed by Marco Silva’s side.

Gueye has made 21 appearances for Everton in all competitions this season, according to Transfermarkt.

No need to sell

Sometimes clubs get to keep their best players.

In previous years, Gueye could well have moved to the French capital, forcing his way out of the door at Goodison Park.

But Everton have resolved to keep the midfielder and have achieved their goal, boosting their own chances of success as a result.

The club are only two points behind seventh-placed Wolves and should still harbour hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

Gueye may well be disappointed for now but the club’s goals come first, and Everton are far more likely to overhaul Wolves with Gueye on Merseyside.

Newcastle: Magpies close on Rogerio

A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Sassuolo’s left-back Rogerio in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Brazilian outlet TNTSports, the Magpies are on the verge of completing a deal to sign the full-back for a fee in the region of £12.5m (€15m).

The report claims that the transfer is close to being agreed and the player has decided to pursue a switch to St. James’ Park over other options in Europe.

Howe will love it

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will surely be in love with this update as it suggests that his fourth signing of the window is set to be completed.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood are the only official additions of the window thus far and Bruno Guimaraes is poised to arrive from Lyon as the third, with Rogerio potentially set to come in after his compatriot.

The Magpies are currently 18th in the Premier League table and could be facing relegation down to the Championship unless their results turn around and they are able to string together a run of form.

Bringing in new players to improve the team could increase their chances of being able to do this and that is why Howe will be buzzing to have another potential improvement to his XI.

Rogerio could come in and prove to be an upgrade on Matt Ritchie at left-back. The 24-year-old has 107 Serie A appearances under his belt, which shows that he is an experienced player at the top level despite his age and can handle playing regularly in a big European league.

This season, the Brazilian has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.82, creating 1.2 chances per game from full-back for the Italian outfit and making 1.8 tackles and interceptions.

Ritchie, meanwhile, has averaged an unimpressive score of 6.66 for the Magpies. This shows that he has been consistently letting the side down and has been unable to deliver solid displays for the club, with his rating ranking him 17th in the Newcastle squad.

Therefore, Howe will love the prospect of being able to select Rogerio ahead of him in the Premier League in the weeks and months to come. If he is able to adapt to English football, his statistics suggest that he could be a dependable option for the head coach and provide quality at both ends of the pitch to aid them in their battle against the drop.

AND in other news,  Forget Lascelles: NUFC now eye late bid for £20m “leader”, he’d be “integral” for Howe…

West Brom fans react to Jayson Molumby news

West Brom confirmed on Wednesday that midfielder Jayson Molumby has had to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad through injury.

As to be expected, a number of Baggies supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Molumby made the switch to The Hawthorns over the summer, joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. He has had to be patient for a chance under Valerien Ismael but has now featured in seven of West Brom’s last eight Championship fixtures.

The 22-year-old was called up by Ireland for World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Luxembourg, but he suffered a hamstring issue in training and has now returned to the Midlands for further assessment.

Molumby now joins a long list of injured Baggies players, with West Brom sweating over the extent of the midfielder’s muscle issue.

WBA fans react

Here is what these Baggies fans had to say in reply to the club’s official post on Molumby’s injury.

“Can’t we just sack this season off at this rate?”

Credit: @LukeRowland015

“are you kidding me”

Credit: @Lottie1546

“Squad getting thinner and thinner by the day”

Credit: @JakeWBA97

“OH NO”

Credit: @WbaOllie

“NO DEPTH LIKE WE SAID WHO WOULD’VE THOUGHT IT”

Credit: @Adam_WBAFC

“IRELAND MAN, I SWEAR IF YOU INJURE ROBBO”

Credit: @Jayden_WBA

Spiers hints at Traore leaving Wolves

Wolves winger Adama Traore could want a new challenge away from Molineux in the January transfer window, according to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Wolves exit

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a curious Wolves career in many ways, proving to be a hugely entertaining player but also flattering to deceive too often.

Despite this, Traore doesn’t seem to be short of potential suitors this month, with a number of clubs linked with making a move for him, as reports on Friday believe Tottenham are the latest team to make an approach.

The 5 foot 10 Spaniard’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, meaning Wolves risk losing him on a free transfer if he doesn’t leave by this summer.

The Latest: Spiers further hints at move

Taking to Twitter to respond to a question on Thursday, Spiers suggested that Traore is eyeing up a move elsewhere currently:

“Easy to forget this is his fourth season at the club as well, might want a new challenge, to maybe test himself in the CL etc, which is pretty normal for any ambitious player.”

The Verdict: Time to part ways?

Traore showed what he is capable of on Monday, making a clear impact from the substitutes’ bench against Manchester United and playing a part in Joao Moutinho’s winning goal, but his inconsistency remains his biggest shortcoming.

The winger is still yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League this season and this is why a move away from Wolves could make sense for all parties, despite him being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by pundit Tim Sherwood.

It would allow Traore to test himself at a new club, while Wanderers would earn a hefty sum of money to spend on a strong replacement.

In other news, some Wolves fans are buzzing over an update that has emerged. Read more here.

Aston Villa fans slam Buendia vs Brighton

Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming the display of Emi Buendia in their game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

The summer signing from Norwich City did not have the best game by his standards, and was subsequently subbed off for Ashley Young in the 74 minute when the score was still 0-0.

Buendia lost out on five of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on target, dribble or key pass, as he was also unsuccessful with all of his attempted crosses and long balls (SofaScore).

The Argentine also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 11 different occasions in the match, in what summed up a frustrating afternoon for him personally, despite the 2-0 win in the end.

Aston Villa fans on Buendia display

These members of the AVFC faithful slammed the midfielder’s performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘lightweight’:

“Buendia is all wrong right now”

Credit: @SandbrookNick

“Buendia biggest waste of money”

Credit: @DG_Villa1

“Get that Buendia off and onto the transfer market please”

Credit: @harry79050597

“Buendia is way too lightweight for this league. The pretty flicks and tricks are lovely…. when they work, the hard yards are needed and the basics and he’s left wanting.”

Credit: @Racingfan211

“Buendia poor so far. Think Bailey could work better in this system”

Credit: @Jacko_AV

“New manager….Buendia still gone missing! So frustrating”

Credit: @Timtimmedia

In other news, find out what Steven Gerrard insight Gregg Evans has dropped here!

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