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Everton will take on West Ham United when they return to action tomorrow afternoon in east London, and Frank Lampard will be hoping that his team can pick up where they left off in the Premier League after a big three points earned against Newcastle United.

West Ham are in inconsistent form, with just two wins from their last five league games, but they are still chasing their outside chance to secure a Champions League spot at the end of the season. There is no doubt that David Moyes’ side will feel they have everything to play for tomorrow at the London Stadium, and Lampard must do all he can to ruin their opportunity.

With that being said, being wise about team selection tomorrow is imperative to the 43-year-old securing points and raising momentum after crashing out of the FA Cup at Crystal Palace, so picking the right players to deliver in their roles in the team is a must.

The Everton boss must axe Andre Gomes from the side if he wants to impose a real threat on the Hammers on Sunday and should look to his other midfield options to better control the game.

This season, the 28-year-old has made 12 Premier League appearances, losing five out of the last six league games in which he has been involved, with only a two-minute performance in the win over Newcastle before the international break, and his defensive attributes in the centre of the pitch have been questionable.

According to SofaScore, Gomes – who was dubbed a “walking red card” by Greg O’Keeffe – only averages 29.9 touches per game, losing the ball once every three touches during his game-time in the league this season, with only 37% of his duels won and a 77% passing accuracy rate.

Although Lampard has had his midfield options limited due to Allan serving a three-match ban following a red card in his last league game, the 43-year-old still has plenty of options in his squad with Donny Van de Beek, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dele Alli available, while Fabian Delph could make an impact as he is predicted to return for selection next week.

With that in mind, it is high time that the ex-Chelsea boss axes the unreliable Gomes, given how high the stakes are over the remainder of Everton’s Premier League season.

In other news: Everton handed fresh lift as update emerges, Lampard will be buzzing

Newcastle United will be looking to make it four wins from four as they take on West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Magpies have picked up maximum points from their last three games as they beat Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa. These results have now moved the club out of the relegation zone and four points clear of 18th-placed Norwich.

One change Eddie Howe could make from their last outing against Steven Gerrard’s side is ruthlessly axing Joe Willock in favour of Bruno Guimaraes because of the physical edge the Brazilian could bring.

In the Premier League this season, Willock has lost 124 of his individual duels – including 74% of his aerial battles in midfield. His lack of physical strength was on display last week in the win over Aston Villa as he lost 10 of his 17 duels on the pitch, whilst he was also dribbled past three times – as per SofaScore.

It is worth saying that the £80k-per-week lightweight also completed 100% (11/11) of his attempted passes and created one chance, although he also failed in 75% (3/4) of his attempted dribbles. This gave him a SofaScore rating of 6.7 – the joint-lowest in the team on the day.

Whilst one performance does not define a player and he was enjoying an upturn in form prior to that match, this upcoming clash with West Ham may not be best suited to his skillset. The statistics suggest that will be bullied by David Moyes’ midfield battlers, with Declan Rice having won 138 duels this season and Tomas Soucek having won 161 individual battles.

This shows that both of them excel at winning duels by getting about the midfield and making challenges and that is why Willock could struggle in this game as he has been a lightweight in his duels. He could be bullied by the West Ham duo and that could cost the Magpies if it allows the Hammers to dominate the match.

Guimaraes, meanwhile, won 158 contests in 20 Ligue 1 matches for Lyon in the first half of the season – winning 58% of his duels overall. This suggests that he is physically superior to Willock and could, therefore, be a better option for Howe in this particular match where physicality could hold the key to winning the game in the middle of the park.

AND in other news, ASM 2.0: NUFC must land deal for “beyond talented” flyer, he “impressed” Kylian Mbappe…

Mark Guidi has dropped an update on Celtic’s bid to secure a deal to bring Jota to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

Speaking recently to The Go Radio Football Show (via Vital Celtic), the Daily Record journalist stated his belief that Celtic are comfortable concerning the situation of Jota, as Ange Postecoglou’s side have an option to purchase the 22-year-old written into the winger’s loan contract at Parkhead.

Guidi went on to state that the Portugal under-21 international also appears to be enjoying his time in Glasgow, something that the journalist believes will make it easier for the Bhoys to agree personal terms with the Benfica loanee.

Concerning Celtic’s potential signing of Jota, Guidi said: “I think Celtic will be comfortable with the Jota scenario because what we’re led to believe [is] they do have [a] first option. It’s there in black and white.

“That was part of the loan agreement – that Celtic have the first option at an agreed fee. The fee is already agreed so there’s probably no negotiation [to be had with Benfica]. The negotiation is really with the player, in terms of his individual package.

“So, in terms of financial outlay, if Celtic fancied doing A, B and C just now, and [then] leave [signing] Jota [until] the summer [they could], because they know Jota is theirs if they want him – provided they can agree personal terms.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Jota has been since his arrival in Glasgow on a season-long loan deal last summer, Guidi’s reassuring words regarding the 22-year-old’s permanent switch to Parkhead are sure to have left the Hoops’ fanbase buzzing.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/?post_type=web-story&p=664142″ title=”Check out the latest Celtic news!”]

It is easy to see why fans would be excited for the Bhoys to secure the winger’s signing. Over his 12 Premiership outings in the current campaign, the £4.95m-rated trickster has been in astonishing form for the Hoops.

Indeed, the Portuguese forward has already scored five league goals, registered four assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.8 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £7.1k-per-week forward average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking him as the joint seventh-best player in the Scottish top flight.

As such, should Postecoglou indeed manage to get a deal over the line for Jota this season, particularly for the reported fee of £6.5m, it would undoubtedly be a major coup for the club. Not only is the winger likely to be a continuous source of goals and creativity during spell at Parkhead, he could also become a hugely valuable asset for the Bhoys further down the line in terms of making an enormous sell-on profit.

In other news: Celtic dealt huge blow as fresh twist emerges on 24 y/o, Postecoglou will be fuming

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a saída de Anderson Martins na última terça-feira, o Vasco está na procura de dois novos zagueiros para compor o setor, se juntando a Breno, Luiz Gustavo e Ricardo Graça de olho na Conmebol Libertadores. Após o acerto nesta quarta-feira com Erazo, por empréstimo do Atlético-MG, o clube foi atrás de Fausto Grillo, do Vélez Sarsfield (ARG). A cúpula liderada por Eurico Miranda aguarda uma resposta por sua proposta até o fim da semana.

A informação foi publicada inicialmente pelo site da “Globo” e confirmada pelo LANCE!. O empresário de Grillo é Martin Guastadisegno, o mesmo do também argentino Andrés Rios, já no Vasco, e o que chegou a negociar Cristaldo com o Cruz-Maltino – que não foi para frente. Grillo tem contrato com o Vélez até o meio do ano, podendo assinar um pré-contrato agora, mas o Vasco quer uma liberação imediata.

Nas últimas semanas, vale lembrar, o Vasco esteve observando muitos jogadores do Vélez. Chegou a efetivar a contratação do volante Leandro Desábato. Aos 24 anos, jogou 11 vezes na atual temporada da competição nacional no país hermano. Assim como o companheiro, também é cria das categorias de base da equipe do Vélez Sarsfield.

O LANCE! entrou em contato com o próprio Grillo, mas não obteve retorno. Assim como com o empresário Martin Guastadisegno. Caso acerte com o Vasco, Grillo pode ser o sétimo estrangeiro do time comandado por Zé Ricardo. Já estão no time o goleiro Martin Silva, o volante Leandro Desábato, o meia Escudero e o atacante Andrés Rios. Estão para assinar o zagueiro Erazo e o atacante Riascos.

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Lots of Sunderland fans have been left blasting the performance of Lynden Gooch in their 6-0 defeat away at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

It was a dismal day for the Stadium of Light faithful in their race to get promoted from League One, and while the defenders were truly awful in trying to keep the ball out of the net, the attackers were equally as poor going forward.

None more so than Gooch, who failed to record a single shot on goal or key pass, and was inaccurate in three of his attempted crosses and long balls (SofaScore).

The winger also gave the ball away on no fewer than on 21 separate occasions in total, the most out of any player on the pitch, in what was a disappointing game for him and the whole team.

Sunderland fans blast Gooch

These SAFC supporters were left blasting his display on Twitter, with one Black Cat even going as far as to claim that he is an ‘imposter’:

“100% convinced Gooch is a imposter”

Credit: @freddiesafc27

“Lynden Gooch plays every week, surely the “management team” can see he’s simply not good enough, it doesn’t matter who we face or any other excuses he’s simply not a good footballer.”

Credit: @jfoster3_

“Gooch has to be dropped now”

Credit: @woodylad83

“They were all atrocious. Gooch just stood out. LJ’s tactics aren’t working either.”

Credit: @Lauren_McLeish

“Leave Lynden Gooch in Bolton”

Credit: @mackemroy66

“Never want to see Gooch in a Sunderland kit again”

Credit: @omiddsafc

In other news, find out what transfer update has Black Cats buzzing here!

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a fresh setback in their bid to bring John Souttar to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, which relayed a claim made by Hearts manager Robbie Neilson stating that it would take a “crazy bid” for his club to part ways with the centre-back this month.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side recently won the race to sign the 25-year-old on a pre-contract deal, beating the likes of Sheffield United and Blackburn to the defender’s signature for a free transfer at the end of the season, although it is reported that Ross Wilson is now weighing up an offer to bring the Scotland international to Glasgow in the current window.

However, in a recent statement, Hearts backed up their manager’s claim that they are firmly against letting Souttar leave Tynecastle in January, with the club announcing: “The club reiterates that John is an important member of the squad and will remain so until the end of the season unless a significant and satisfactory offer is made during the January transfer window.”

Van Bronckhorst will be fuming

Considering just how impressive Souttar has been for Hearts so far this season, in addition to the fact that Van Bronckhorst is currently experiencing issues in the heart of his defence – with Leon Balogun and Filip Helander out injured and Connor Goldson being free to discuss a move away from the club – the news that the Jam Tarts look set to play hardball over sanctioning the 25-year-old’s departure this month with have left the Dutchman fuming.

Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances in the current campaign, the £900k-rated defender has been in remarkable form, helping his side to keep five clean sheets, scoring three goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.1 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

The £3.1k-per-week centre-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 44.9 passes and winning 71% of his duels per match.

These returns have seen the Scotland defender average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43, not only ranking him as Neilson’s best performer in the league, but also as the fifth-best player in the entire division.

As such, it is clear to see that bringing Souttar to Ibrox this month would undoubtedly provide Rangers’ chances of going on to secure a second Premiership title in two years with a considerable boost.

However, following the latest update from Tynecastle, it would appear as if Wilson has a lot of work to do if he is to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old in the current window, while missing out on the centre-back in January would certainly come as a blow to Van Bronckhorst and his side.

In other news – Negotiations ongoing: Report delivers huge update on Rangers dud which will delight fans

According to Sky Sports, a fresh transfer claim has come to light involving Newcastle United and Odion Ighalo.

The Lowdown: Newcastle set for January moves?

Ahead of what looks likely to be a long and arduous relegation battle for Eddie Howe’s side, the Magpies and their new owners PIF have been linked with a plethora of January swoops to boost their chances of Premier League survival.

The likes of Ousmane Dembele and Kieran Trippier have been mentioned in recent weeks, with the Magpies aiming to maintain their top-flight status and kickstart a new era on Tyneside.

It appears that some players are even keen to be a part of Newcastle’s new age as Sky Sports now share news on former Manchester United marksman Ighalo.

The Latest: Sky make Ighalo claim…

According to their information, the 36-cap Nigeria international has now been asked by his current club Al Shabab whether he would agree to join Newcastle and Howe should they make a move for him.

Ighalo’s response was apparently that he would seriously consider a move to St James’ Park should the Magpies and PIF come knocking.

The Verdict: Should they swoop?

Once called ‘superb’ by Geordie legend and all-time Premier League top scorer Alan Shearer (via African Football), the 32-year-old has previously turned it on for his former club Watford. Indeed, Ighalo bagged 16 goals and five assists in 27 Premier League appearances for the Hornets over 2015/16, but that was his last great season at an elite level.

Prolific campaigns have followed in both the Chinese Super League and Saudi Professional League but this arguably isn’t enough to prove that he could come in and seriously bolster Howe’s chances of Premier League survival.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle do make contact, but it’s arguable that Ighalo’s signing wouldn’t pull up any trees.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC are now ‘most likely’ to sign here!

Betty Wilson, one of the greatest women’s cricketers who was sometimes called Australia’s female Bradman, has died aged 88

Cricinfo staff22-Jan-2010Betty Wilson, one of the greatest women’s cricketers who was sometimes called Australia’s female Bradman, has died aged 88. Her decade-long international career lasted till 1958 and, in an era where there was little women’s cricket, she averaged 57.46 with the bat and 11.80 bowling offspinners in 11 Tests.She made a spectacular entrance to top-flight cricket, scoring 90 and taking ten wickets on debut against New Zealand in 1948. In her next Test, she became the first Australian woman to make an Ashes hundred, and topped that effort with nine wickets in the match. Other highlights in a legendary career include becoming the first woman to take a Test hat-trick, becoming the first person to achieve the double of a century and ten wickets in a Test, and signing off with a couple of centuries and 21 wickets at 9.71 in her final series.In 1985, Wilson became the first woman cricketer to be inducted into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame and and that year the Under-21 National Women’s Cricket Championship was renamed the Betty Wilson Shield.She was born in Melbourne in 1921 and became part of the club cricket scene by the age of 10, joining Collingwood. In four years, she had graduated to the second XI of the Victoria side and at 16 she was in the state side. A natural athlete, she was also admired for her work ethic – practicing daily when most of her team-mates trained once a week.

Newcastle United host Manchester United at home in the Premier League tonight as they go in search of their second win of the season.

The Magpies are on ten points after 18 matches and have won just one game as they sit in the relegation zone heading into the half-way stage of the campaign.

They now come up against Ralf Rangnick’s United side off the back of losing three games in succession to Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City.

St. James’ rocking

Newcastle need to get St. James’ Park rocking tonight to create an intimidating atmosphere for the Red Devils to play in and Howe could ensure that happens by unleashing Allan Saint-Maximin from the start.

The tricky winger was left on the bench against Manchester City last week and should now be brought straight back into the starting XI as he is a player who can get fans off their seats. He has the quality on the ball to lift a crowd and this could be vital to gain momentum throughout the match.

This season, the forward has averaged 1.9 shots, 1.5 key passes and 4.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League for Newcastle. He is constantly involved in the play and wants the ball at his feet in order to make things happen, which brings with it an air of excitement every time he is in possession as the fans know that there is the potential for something magical to happen.

Gary Neville previously lauded the £93k-per-week gem, saying: “To see his speed, his movement, it’s absolutely breathtaking. We were defenders in the Premier League and played against lots of good players.

“But every team now has three or four players who are unpredictable and brilliant, he’s breathtaking.”

The 24-year-old also has three goals and three assists in the league this term, which shows that he has been able to provide the end product to make him a genuine threat in the final third. He can scare defenders with his trickery and Howe must use this weapon against Rangnick’s team tonight.

This is why the Magpies boss must ensure that he is in the starting XI ready for kick-off at 8pm. He can get the St. James’ Park crowd rocking with his direct running and that could give the team the boost they need to pull off a shock result under the lights.

AND in other news, Howe must ruthlessly axe “laughable” NUFC dud who Shearer dubbed worse than an “U10″…

Everton have received a potential injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford over the weekend after it was revealed the club are hopeful that Yerry Mina will be able to make his return to action.

What’s the word?

The 27-year-old last featured in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United on 2nd October before picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.

However, according to the Liverpool ECHO, Mina could be in line to make his comeback for the trip to west London after making a full recovery.

Phil Kirkbride’s report states that: “Everton are hoping Yerry Mina is passed fit to play in London at the weekend.

“The Colombian centre-half has missed the last four league matches because of a hamstring issue but it is believed he was left out as a precaution.”

Rafa Benitez will be buzzing

News that Mina could play some part against the Bees on Sunday will have Everton manager Rafa Benitez buzzing with excitement, given his importance to the first-team squad.

Prior to his fitness woes, the South American had made six Premier League appearances this season, losing on just one occasion.

In his absence, the Toffees have lost four of their five encounters, keeping just one clean sheet in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. And his underlying numbers indicate why.

As per WhoScored, Mina has averaged 1.5 interceptions per top-flight fixture, four clearances and 0.7 blocks, placing him in the top four amongst his teammates for each metric.

With Everton currently in desperate need of a positive result against Brentford, Benitez will be delighted to have Mina back at his disposal, providing a huge boost to their chances of securing all three points.

And, in other news…Forget Iwobi: Rafa must unleash rarely-seen 18 y/o “top-player” amid huge EFC setback