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Wolves reporter for The Express & Star Liam Keen has shared an injury boost for Wolves involving Goncalo Guedes.

The Lowdown: Chelsea worry

Guedes was taken off at half-time in the 3-0 loss at Chelsea last weekend, and while the score was only 1-0, it suggests that the winger had picked up an injury.

The Molineux outfit signed him from Valencia in the summer, in a deal worth up to a reported £35m.

The Latest: Guedes OK

Taking to Twitter, Keen has shared some early Team News from interim manager Steve Davis ahead of their game at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this afternoon, with not only Boubacar Traore returning to the squad, but Guedes as well, who has ‘recovered well’ after a ‘knock’ that he picked up at Stamford Bridge:

“The injuries have stayed the same. Boubacar is back, Guedes had a knock but is OK and has recovered well.”

The Verdict: Big boost

To have Guedes available after an injury scare is no doubt a big boost for the Midalnds club.

He may have only managed one assist in his eight appearances so far in the top flight, but his underlying numbers suggest that he still carries a threat in the team.

Guedes ranks highly among his team-mates in terms of shots, key passes and crosses per game, while no other Wanderers player is fouled more than him on average (WhoScored).

The Old Gold may have only scored three goals in the division so far, but Forest have conceded 22, and Guedes will be key if they are to get on the right end of the scoreline this afternoon.

West Ham United will be hoping to move themselves away from danger with victory over Bournemouth this evening at the London Stadium, with David Moyes’ side currently languishing just two points above the relegation zone after an underwhelming start to the new season.

After having secured European qualification in each of the past two campaigns, the Hammers have endured something of a slump this time around, having picked up just three wins from their opening 11 Premier League fixtures so far in 2022/23.

The east Londoners will be facing a Cherries outfit who only recently saw a six-game unbeaten run under interim boss Gary O’Neil ended in midweek following a narrow defeat to Southampton, albeit with the Irons having run out 4-0 winners when the two sides last met back in January 2020.

That meeting saw a brace from Mark Noble and strikes from Sebastian Haller and Felipe Anderson secure a home victory for Moyes’ men, with it likely to be a much-changed starting XI from that last encounter this time around.

Ahead of tonight’s clash, here’s how Football FanCast predicts that the hosts will line up…

West Ham are set to once again be without summer signing Lucas Paqueta due to injury, although both Craig Dawson and Maxwel Cornet could have a “chance” of making a return to action, according to Moyes.

With that in mind, we believe that the former Everton boss will make just three changes from the side that lost to Liverpool in midweek, with the only defensive alteration set to see Angelo Ogbonna come into the backline in place of Ben Johnson, with Thilo Kehrer shifting to right-back.

The Hammers had seemingly enjoyed their “best form” last term – according to Moyes – with the veteran Italian partnering Kurt Zouma in the heart of the defence, with there having been something of a “dip” once the 34-year-old was sidelined with injury.

In midfield, a likely return to a 4-2-3-1 formation could well see Flynn Downes make way, while the absence of Paqueta might see Said Benrahma take on the playmaking berth, with the “unplayable” £55k-per-week menace – as described by Joe Cole – having enjoyed a “promising cameo” at Anfield, according to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas.

On the flanks, Jarrod Bowen will likely keep his usual place on the right wing, while Michail Antonio could well be unleashed in place of Pablo Fornals, with the Spaniard having underwhelmed last time out.

That will see £35.5m man Gianluca Scamacca lead the line once again, with Moyes needing to be “bold” – according to the aforementioned Thomas – to get both the towering striker and Antonio in the same side.

Manchester United could be forced to retain the services of a player they don't want to keep this summer, according to a new update from transfer insider Dean Jones.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have been linked with plenty of new signings since the January transfer window closed, ahead of what supporters will hope is a busy summer at Old Trafford. Highly-rated Benfica midfielder Joao Neves is a player who journalist Fabrizio Romano claims has been scouted a number of times by United, with the youngster seen as a potentially huge signing in the middle of the park.

Another young player in Bayern Munich starlet Mathys Tel has also been backed to complete a move to the Red Devils, although his heart may be set on staying put at the Bundesliga club for the foreseeable future.

The transfer rumours don't stop there, though, with exciting Lille defender Leny Yoro seen as another long-term acquisition – one who is already a key player for his current club, despite still being 18 years of age. It is clear then, that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co want to revolutionise the Old Trafford squad with young high potential players.

Man Utd may be forced to keep Ten Hag's flop

Speaking to Give Me Sport about possible outgoings, Jones claimed that Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be happy to sell Antony this summer, but will likely be "forced" to keep hold of him.

"Christian Eriksen is much easier to get rid of than Antony is and he's also low maintenance compared to Antony. I think Eriksen will leave in the summer. He'll have some good opportunities ahead of him to choose from. But that's not really going to be the case for Antony. United would sell him if they could, I do believe that. But it's no surprise to anyone that he does not have a market at the moment given he's an out of form £80m luxury player.

"Eriksen is a player that can play various roles in various types of teams, Antony's not. For that reason, United are probably going to be forced to persist with Antony unless something like a Saudi Arabia situation crops up and they're able to get as much of that money back as possible."

Antony has arguably been one of the most disappointing signings of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at United, considering they spent £85m on signing him from Ajax back in 2022.

In that time, the winger has scored just nine goals and registered four assists in 69 appearances, which represents a dreadful return for an attacking player. Too often, he can look threatening but ultimately not affect games enough, and United would be wise to cash in on him this summer, if they are able to.

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd have scouted Benfica prodigy "multiple times"

He has “been scouted multiple times” by the Red Devils.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 18, 2024

Antony may still be young, but he has had long enough to prove himself now, and with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford better options to start when they are fit and firing, a squad role at best should come his way moving forward, especially if new signings come in.

Bob Willis Trophy match between the sides was abandoned after Northants player not in squad had Covid-19

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2020Northamptonshire’s Vitality Blast match against Gloucestershire will go ahead as planned on Friday as three Northants players have all tested negative for Covid-19 after coming into contact with a team-mate who tested positive.Northamptonshire’s Bob Willis Trophy match at Bristol was abandoned after lunch on the opening day after a player in their squad tested positive for Covid-19.Although the player was not part of the group that travelled to Bristol and had been self-isolating at home, three members of the Northamptonshire squad had been in contact with the player within 48 hours of the player developing Covid-19 symptoms.The ECB Board has confirmed that Northants and Gloucestershire will each receive eight points for a draw in the abandoned match, plus bonus points accrued before the abandonment, leaving Northants with ten points from the match and Gloucestershire eight. Neither team was in contention to qualify for the Bob Willis Trophy final as group winners.In a statement on Wednesday, Northamptonshire said that all members of the Steelbacks playing and coaching staff had undergone Covid-19 testing, with no positive tests reported.”Ensuring the health and safety of players, staff and officials has been the priority for the ECB and first-class counties since the Bob Willis Trophy match at Bristol was abandoned on Sunday due to a COVID-19 related issue,” the statement said.”The Club can now confirm the three players who came into contact with a team-mate, who tested positive for Covid-19 but was not part of the squad in Bristol, have since tested negative for Covid-19.”Under Government and ECB guidelines these players are required to isolate until Tuesday 15 September, when they will be available for selection. The player who tested positive for Covid-19 will continue to self-isolate for the mandatory 10-day period from onset of symptoms.”Players not isolating will return to training tomorrow ahead of Friday’s match at Northampton’s County Ground. Wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rossington will be among those returning to training after recovering from a finger injury which kept him out of the previous two fixtures.Northants have fielded largely different squads in the T20 Blast and Bob Willis Trophy this season. Only two of the team playing in the Bristol game were part of their most recent Blast fixture.

Leeds United have been dealt a late fitness setback ahead of their Premier League meeting against Liverpool tonight.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, Phil Hay relayed comments made by Jesse Marsch in his pre-match press conference, in which the 48-year-old revealed that Liam Cooper is now a doubt for the trip to Anfield, with the centre-back suffering from a glute injury.

In his tweet, The Athletic journalist said: “Decision also needed on Liam Cooper’s fitness. Another player who might miss Anfield.”

In a further post, Hay went on to state that Rodrigo, Joe Gelhardt, Luis Sinisterra, Leo Fuhr Hjelde and Tyler Adams are also doubts for the meeting with Jurgen Klopp’s side, while both Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas remain sidelined.

The journalist continued: “Injury latest from Marsch – injury doubts over Gelhardt, Rodrigo, Sinisterra and Adams. Still being assessed. Dallas and Forshaw missing. Hjelde is a doubt too.”

Huge blow

Considering just how influential Cooper is in the heart of the Leeds defence, the potential absence of the club captain for what would typically be considered one of the most challenging away trips of the season will undoubtedly have come as a huge blow to Marsch – especially when taking into account the further concerns regarding Rodrigo, Gelhardt, Sinisterra, Hjelde and Adams.

Indeed, despite Leeds’ struggles in the league last season, the £6.3m-rated defender was extremely impressive over his 21 Premier League appearances, helping the Whites keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 2.0 interceptions, 2.0 tackles, 3.4 clearances and winning 6.4 duels – at a success rate of 64% – per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week stopper average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Marsch’s best-performing outfielder in 2021/22 – playing a key role in his side avoiding relegation from the top flight.

It has been a similar story over the Scotland international’s five league outings in the current campaign, with Cooper having helped Leeds keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 2.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.6 clearances and winning 5.0 duels – at a success rate of 63% – per game.

These metrics have seen the 31-year-old average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.84, currently ranking him as the Whites’ seventh-best performer in the Premier League.

As such, while it is true that eighth-placed Liverpool are enduring something of a stuttering start to their 2022/23 campaign, being without the services of Cooper against a team that boasts the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Roberto Firmino, Fábio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott in attack will nevertheless come as a huge blow to Leeds’ chances of picking up a result at Anfield.

Leeds United were one of the busier sides in the summer transfer window, with the Whites’ director of football, Victor Orta, bringing no less than nine fresh faces to Elland Road prior to September’s deadline.

And, despite Leeds’ difficult start to the 2022/23 campaign – with Jesse Marsch’s side currently sitting down in 15th place in the Premier League standings – a number of the club’s new arrivals have already become a key part of the American’s starting XI.

Arguably Orta’s most impressive summer recruit has been Tyler Adams, the central midfielder who moved to LS11 from RB Leipzig in a deal reported to be worth around £15m back in July.

The 23-year-old has quickly established himself as a crucial part of Marsch’s midfield, playing the full 90 minutes in 11 of Leeds’ 12 Premier League outings so far this season, with his only absence – in the 3-2 defeat to Fulham – coming as a result of a knock.

However, not only has the USA international been a regular fixture in the Whites side, but he has also been one of the club’s most impressive performers – so much so that Manchester United are reported to be interested in a January move for the midfielder.

And, it is not difficult to see why Adams is attracting admiring glances, as the £32m-rated talent has made an average of 4.0 tackles – the second-most in the league – 1.4 interceptions and won 5.8 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per top flight fixture.

The American has also impressed in possession of the ball, creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 46.5 passes, 1.7 long balls and 1.3 key passes – the third-most in the Leeds squad – per game.

These returns have seen the player who James Marshment dubbed an “excellent addition” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.96, currently ranking the 23-year-old as Marsch’s fourth-best player in the league.

As such, considering just how quickly Adams has settled into life at Elland Road, coupled with the midfielder now boasting a market valuation that is 113% higher than the £15m Leeds paid for his services a matter of months ago, it is clear to see that Orta well and truly struck gold when bringing the 17-cap international to LS11 this summer.

Newcastle United’s run of form has seen them keep three clean sheets in their last four games, and they most recently thumped Aston Villa 4-0 last weekend.

Much of this work is owed to Eddie Howe, who has recruited intelligently to add Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett to bolster their backline over the past two transfer windows.

However, the work already done with the likes of Fabian Schar is arguably the most impressive, as at times the Switzerland international has kept £35m summer signing Botman out of the starting line-up.

Perhaps now that the Magpies have a more solid standing in the Premier League once more, Howe could look to the academy for further improvements to his defensive ranks.

He need only look out on loan to find someone who might soon be pushing the current options, as Kell Watts seems to finally be returning to fitness whilst out at Peterborough United.

The 23-year-old seems to have settled as a centre-back recently, although his exploits for the Magpies’ under-18s – for whom he scored 12 times in 34 games – would hint at a more advanced role.

Perhaps his time further up the pitch will have enhanced his skills with the ball at his feet, as defensively he seems mature and composed for his age. Despite having only played three times for the Posh, he has clearly been a massive coup for the League One side, boasting their second-best passing average at 87.5%.

Manager Grant McCann was quoted as claiming: “ He is 6ft 4, strong in the air and comfortable on the ball and is a left-sided centre back, so I am pleased we have managed to get it over the line. He has a really good pedigree and is an excellent defender.”

This is due to his role in Wigan Athletic’s promotion from League One last season, where he featured 26 times in this same division.

This composure and intelligence in possession could draw comparisons with John Stones, who for Manchester City has flourished into one of the Premier League’s best ball-playing defenders.

He too had to wait for his opportunity to arrive at Everton, and when it did he shone to the extent that the Cityzens were forced to splash out £47.5m for his services. The former Barnsley man has since featured 204 times for the English champions and turned out 59 times for his country.

Should Watts go on to enjoy half as good a career as the 28-year-old has had up to now, it would be a resounding success for Howe and Newcastle if they give him his chance at St James’ Park.

Jesse Marsch could be moving in to sign one for the future as Leeds United plot to raid a Premier League rival…

What’s the word?

As per ExWHUemployee, speaking on his West Ham Way Patreon page, it seems that West Ham United are resigned to the fact that Harrison Ashby will now leave the London Stadium.

The young right-back reportedly rejected the offer of a new deal, and with Newcastle United and the Whites having shown interest in the summer they can be expected to resurrect their interest once again.

Transfer insider Dean Jones reported in September of the east London club’s reluctance to offer him a new bumper deal, as he said to GIVEMESPORT: “They’re very cautious about giving him a big, new contract because of the knock-on effect it might have to other players within the set-up.”

It seems they have opted against the big contract he desires, and will have to now see him exit the club.

Kristensen heir

The 20-year-old has earned praise in recent years for his rapid rise to the outskirts of the first team, culminating in his two appearances for the Hammers in their Europa Conference League run this season.

Boasting incredible energy and the ability to also play right midfield, he clearly has the technical ability to be a success at Elland Road and one day surpass Rasmus Kristensen who would stand in his way.

Jesse Marsch would likely demand a lot of effort and some form of attacking presence from his fullbacks, and in Ashby, he would get both of these in abundance.

He already boasts one assist in just four Premier League 2 appearances this season, and last season scored twice and assisted five more in the same competition.

His performances have led to a total of seven well-earned senior appearances for the club, marking how well-thought-of he is.

Even journalists Sam Delaney and Roshane Thomas, speaking on the U Irons Podcast, were full of praise for him nearly two years ago.

They noted that “he looks like a really good player” before dubbing him “one to watch” and outlining his physical assets too: “He’s big as well. He’s like a big unit. He’s only young, but he’s like a giant. Usually, you’re used to seeing smaller players in those wing-back positions, but he looked big, strong, he was very fearless, decent on the ball.” 

Although Leeds’ £10m summer signing has enjoyed a solid start to life in Yorkshire, boasting a 6.95 average SofaScore rating, it is clear that Ashby has all the attributes to soon surpass him.

It would mark a huge coup to snatch him from a Premier League rival.

With Nathan Jones now confirmed as the new Southampton boss, he will be handed this weekend’s Premier League fixture before an unprecedented World Cup break will allow him to truly assess his squad and implement his ideas.

Inheriting a team sitting in the relegation zone, it is clear that this season has been a tumultuous one for the players.

Whilst some stood up and announced themselves as fine options for Ralph Hasenhuttl, plenty have wilted and offered little in the way of their push for safety.

Jones must now quickly work out who he can rely on for the second half of the season.

One man who is quite clearly a problem for the Saints is Theo Walcott, who made a romantic return to the club he started his career with after being released by Everton in the summer of 2021.

Joining on a two-year deal, the 33-year-old was handed a mouth-watering £75k-per-week contract despite having hardly starred during his loan spell with the club.

He had scored three and assisted a further three but given his age and declining ability, it was clear he would not be a starter.

Since then he is yet to score or assist again, and this season has featured just twice in the Premier League.

It marks a rare transfer blunder from the south coast outfit and hands Jones the perfect way to endear himself to his new fans by binning off this ageing waste of money.

What made the initial deal even more baffling was that he had clearly been a declining force for the Toffees, with just 20 goal contributions across 85 appearances.

So to make him their highest-paid player, which he remains today, seems to completely abandon the model usually employed by Southampton.

Back in 2017, Kevin Campbell and Glenn Hoddle launched a joint assault on Arsenal for not allowing him to blossom into the player that the latter believed should have been “world-class”.

With an impressive career under his belt, but one which likely should have yielded more from the talent that burst onto the scene at just 16 years old, it seems a shame that he will likely have his career brought to a close by the incoming manager.

However, it will be a decision that fans will likely agree with wholeheartedly.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Konrad Laimer in the summer with nothing materialising, however, they could now reignite their interest in January with a new update emerging.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to TEAMtalk, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Jurgen Klopp could be interested in signing the RB Leipzig midfielder in January.

Bailey revealed: “One name very much in contention is Konrad Laimer. The Austrian saw a move to Bayern Munich fall through, but now he very much has his options open. He is out of contract in the summer and RB Leipzig are ready to do business.

“He has just returned from injury and will be fully fit for the season re-start, and Liverpool do like him.”

Arthur upgrade

There is no doubt that the midfield is an area of concern at Anfield with many of the players in the centre of the pitch out of contract at the end of the season or coming to the latter stages of their careers.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita will all be out of contract in June 2023 whilst Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are both well into their 30s, reducing in game time and availability at this point.

As a result, the signing of Laimer could be a great piece of business in January, especially now that newly joined Arthur Melo has suffered a long-term injury – and would undoubtedly represent a huge upgrade on the Liverpool loanee.

Over last season, the £25m ace – who was hailed a “sprint monster” by former Austria teammate Martin Hinteregger – outperformed Arthur in many attributes, including goals scored (four v zero), assists (four v zero), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.47 v 1.59), tackles and interceptions won (42 v 32) and aerial duels won (50% v 40%).

Not only that, Laimer ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for blocks, as well as ranking in the top 15% for assists, dribbles completed, touches and progressive passes received over the last 365 days – proving that he offers great defensive traits alongside an attacking threat.

With that being said, the signing of Laimer could be the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to add a quality midfielder in January who can make a genuine impact in the centre of the pitch over the second half of the season.