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Ben Davies has not featured for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League since the team’s 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United on January 13.

The Wales international has had a lot of criticism this season, but the Tottenham fans are pleased to see that the left-back has returned to the training field.

Indeed, after missing the games against Watford, Newcastle United and Leicester City, the Spurs supporters are now asking if Davies might be available to face Burnley this weekend.

Tottenham have won their last four games in all competitions, including a 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on February 13.

Jan Vertonghen has been playing left wing-back in the absence of Davies, but head coach Mauricio Pochettino now has another option in a key area of the field.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Davies’ form this season has not always been terrific, but Tottenham need a strong squad at this stage as they are fighting on two fronts.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Spurs supporters can be seen below:

Newcastle United finally got their first win of the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory at home to Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Callum Wilson pounced on some spillage from goalkeeper Nick Pope to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net and give his team all three points at St. James’ Park.

There were some spirited performances from Eddie Howe’s side on the day, but some may have been disappointed with their own individual displays.

As such, The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes) for the Magpies were:

Fabian Schar

Schar may count himself unlucky to have been ranked third given that he got the assist for Wilson’s goal, but nonetheless SofaScore decided to give him a 6.6 overall rating.

The central defender lost out on 11 of his duels in total, the third-most out of any of his teammates, as he also failed to record a single interception or tackle in the game.

Schar was also guilty of giving the ball away on no fewer than on 20 separate occasions in the match, the most out of any Toon player.

Joe Willock

Willock was also given a 6.6 rating by SofaScore, but ranks in second here courtesy of Schar’s assist.

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The former Arsenal man lost five duels, and also never managed a shot on target, interception or tackle, while he lost possession a total of 11 times.

Allan Saint-Maximin

So often the bright spark in the North East, Saint-Maximin was lively as usual, but nothing really came off for him. As such, SofaScore decided to give him just a 6.1 rating.

The winger lost out on nine duels, and failed with three of his shots on goal, while he also failed to put in an accurate cross or long ball.

Saint-Maximin also gave the ball away on 18 different occasions, the joint-third most out of any of his teammates.

In other news, find out which Gazza-like technician NUFC now have ‘the opportunity’ to sign here!

Everton have been drawn to face Championship side Hull City in the third round of the FA Cup. 

The tie will be played at The MKM Stadium between the 7th and 10th of January.

Hull are struggling

Everton have already suffered an upset at the hands of second-tier opposition this season – back in September, Queens Park Rangers knocked them out of the EFL Cup on penalties.

But while QPR are in the play-off places, Hull find themselves down in 19th place. They’re only six points above the relegation zone as the season nears its halfway point.

Can Everton finally end trophy drought?

The FA Cup was the last major trophy won by Everton, way back in 1994/95.

They got within one game of the semifinals at Wembley last season, only to be downed by Manchester City.

The Toffees haven’t been knocked out of the competition by lower-league opposition since 2011 though, when Reading won at Goodison Park.

Everton’s official Twitter account relayed news of the draw, and here’s what supporters made of it, with plenty of pessimism due to the club’s brutal and ongoing trophy drought…

These Everton fans far from optimistic ahead of Hull clash

“[checks where Hull is in the Championship… 19th]. Well, so much for the FA Cup…”

Credit: @dtaylor334

“Oh well, there’s always next season”

Credit: @AndyBlueWalker

“Congratulations Hull”

Credit: @OwenJH_

“We’re getting mauled by the tigers”

Credit: @Manners16

“Hull licking their lips”

Credit: @sludvigs

“Hull away? Well. We had a good run”

Credit: @FoximusPrime81

In other news, fans flocked to this Alex Iwobi revelation. 

This is part of The Transfer Tavern’s Talking Tactics series, where we analyse two changes the manager should make in their upcoming fixture.

The Lowdown: Spurs return to action…

Tottenham take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round today after a near-two week hiatus as Antonio Conte’s side look to kick off February with a win.

Lilywhites supporters will be hoping that their side’s arguably lack-lustre January transfer window, in which the Lilywhites fell short of delivering Conte’s alleged demand of three major signings, won’t came back to haunt them.

The two signings Spurs managed to get through the door, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus, are in fact available but Conte has confirmed neither will start.

Regardless, if the latter man does get to make his debut off the bench today, we believe Spurs could finally unearth an heir to former club favourite Christian Eriksen if Conte takes a gamble and deploys Kulusevski in an attacking midfield role.

Kulusevski…Eriksen 2.0?

The Sweden international is highly versatile and has played in a variety of positions across midfield, both out wide and through the middle (Transfermarkt).

Conte himself as raved over Kulusevski’s ability to slot in many different roles, including as a number nine or number 10, whilst also hinting he could be deployed as a wing-back (Twitter).

We believe, however, that the 21-year-old could come as the surprise heir to Eriksen and replicate his creativity in an attacking midfield role.

While Conte hasn’t really chosen to use a 3-4-1-2 at Spurs, today could be the perfect time to revisit that tactic with Kulusevski’s arrival, especially considering the player himself admitted in 2020 that he sees himself as a ‘trequartista behind the strikers’.

Indeed, he has been described in past seasons as an ‘athletic phenomenon’ and ‘advanced playmaker’ with ‘above average intelligence and decision making’ in the final third by Football Talent Scout Jack Kulig.

As well as this, during his best season in Serie A for ex-club Parma over 2019/2020, the attacker averaged a brilliant 2.2 key passes and 2.1 completed dribbles per 90 according to WhoScored.

These numbers somewhat replicate that of Eriksen’s best years in north London, and taking this into account, a Conte gamble with Kulusevski as a 10 could end up being a huge win.

Lucas Moura…a RWB ‘monster’?

While Conte has hinted the Scandinavian could play right-wing-back after Tottenham missed out on Adama Traore for that specific role, we believe Spurs’ boss has actually had the perfect solution all along in Lucas Moura.

The Italian is clearly looking for a threatening outlet for Spurs in that area, as evident by transfer chief Fabio Paratici wanting Traore, who averaged a phenomenal 4.2 successful take-ons per 90 for ex-club Wolves in the Premier League (WhoScored).

This is a higher number than any of Conte’s current crop, but with current winger Lucas, Tottenham could also win the lottery with another gamble by trying him at RWB.

The Brazilian’s numbers in terms of completed dribbles, while not as impressive as Traore’s, still trump that of any Lilywhites man in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, Lucas has averaged a noteworthy 2.4 successful take-ons per match whilst also attracting the second-most fouls behind compatriot Emerson Royal (WhoScored).

The 29-year-old also ranks third in terms of shots at goal and key passes per 90 out of Spurs’ squad (WhoScored), highlighting his obvious threat.

Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has even endorsed him for this role before, and we believe Conte could certainly strike gold by utilising Lucas as a wing-back.

Leeds United playmaker Raphinha has even called Lucas a ‘monster’, coming as yet more evidence the South American potentially has what it takes for a makeshift new position.

In other news: ‘A question of when’…Source close to ENIC makes Spurs sale claim after what Levy has ‘said’, find out more here.

‘Celtic have knocked back an approach’ from Serie A side Udinese for centre-back Stephen Welsh, according to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph. 

The lowdown

Welsh came through the youth ranks at Celtic and has now played 41 senior games for The Hoops.

He’s featured nine times in the Scottish Premiership this season, including back-to-back starts prior to the winter break, and eight times in European competition (including qualifiers).

The 21-year-old is thought to earn £3,600 per week and is valued at around £1.3million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

‘It’s understood’ that Udinese approached Celtic over taking Welsh on loan with an option to buy, Joseph reports for Sky,

However, ‘Celtic are keen’ to keep hold of him and they’ve rebuffed the interest.

Joseph points out that Welsh signed a new four-year contract as recently as April 2021.

The verdict

It’s no surprise that Celtic are reluctant to potentially lose Welsh. The Scottish Under-21 international could well establish himself as a key player at Parkhead in the coming years if he continues to improve.

He’s performed reasonably well when called upon this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.1/10 and winning just shy of 60 per cent of his duels overall.

The ‘excellent’ Welsh, hailed as such by pundit Paul John Dykes, will hope that he can earn even more frequent starting opportunities from Ange Postecoglou in the second half of the campaign.

In other news, a fresh update has emerged on an attacking target.

Flocking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have erupted over a fresh transfer update from ExWHUemployee involving Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard.

The England international, who enjoyed a fine stint on loan at the London Stadium over the second half of 2020/2021, has been on West Ham’s radar since the summer as they eye a permanent move. (The Telegraph)

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Despite manager David Moyes’ best efforts, Lingard elected to stay in Manchester and fight for a place under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – a decision which has resulted in him playing just 88 Premier League minutes (WhoScored).

Now, reports suggest he is open to leaving in the January transfer window as his new contract talks stall with West Ham in the fray to sign him (ESPN).

His current deal expires in 2022, meaning he could leave at the end of this season for free unless United sell next month.

Sharing news on West Ham’s involvement, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has updated supporters, saying Lingard is in fact still a top target for the club with an early January move expected (West Ham Way). However, they will face competition for the 29-year-old with Newcastle United also keen.

West Ham fans erupt…

Flocking to Twitter, it’s little wonder some West Ham fans are ecstatic given he is a proven player under Moyes – having scored nine goals whilst assisting four others in 16 Premier League starts for him last season (WhoScored).

Lauded as the best English top-flight player on current form at one stage during his loan, Lingard’s signing could be a real injection of quality as West Ham aim to keep chase in the Champions League qualification quest.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder some Irons fans called this the ‘best news’ of the week – find out more here.

“The band is coming back together again”

Credit: @VintageLanzini

“WE ARE BACK”

Credit: @tsss67

“Thank God. Top target is what I wanted to hear. The homecoming”

Credit: @ovo_forbes

“sign the ting”

Credit: @tobigtocarry

“Bring him home Dave”

Credit: @ejr_00

“Best news I’ve had all week”

Credit: @LocksmithDuude

In other news: Insider says club could sell their ‘top drawer’ mainstay to West Ham, he’s ‘very keen’ to join, find out more here.

After being overtaken in the Premier League table by West Ham United, who handed Liverpool their first defeat of the season prior to the international break with a 3-2 defeat at the London Stadium, Jurgen Klopp’s side will want to ensure that doesn’t happen again when Arsenal visit Anfield this evening, with Mikel Arteta’s side one place and two points behind the Reds.

In terms of which players Jurgen Klopp could include in his starting XI to take on the Gunners, the Merseysiders are suffering something of an injury crisis at the moment. That is particularly the case in midfield, with the likes of Harvey Elliott, Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and potentially club captain Jordan Henderson all out injured for this match.

With this in mind, one midfielder who should be available for the clash and should be in the starting XI is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Ox could make the difference

Since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2017 summer transfer window from Arsenal in a deal worth a reported fee of £35m, the 28-year-old – who has been described as “brilliant” by Klopp – has made 116 appearances for the Reds across all competitions. He has scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists along the way, showing that he has what it takes to pop up in the right place at the right time to set up or score a goal for the team.

This could well make him a dangerous and potentially terrifying opponent for Arsenal if Klopp does start him against his former club this evening.

As well as his attacking prowess, Oxlade-Chamberlain – who is currently earning a wage of £120k-per-week according to Spotrac – also showed his defensive capabilities in the game against West Ham.

Despite the overall disappointing result, the 28-year-old made two tackles and one clearance and won six of his 10 duels against the Irons that evening.

Taking all this into account, even though Klopp may have little option other than to play Oxlade-Chamberlain against Arsenal due to the spate of injuries, the England midfielder could well end up being the difference between Liverpool picking up a positive result and being handed another disappointing one.

In other news: “Incredible” Liverpool ace with 2.2 shots per game has been Klopp’s unsung hero this season

Charlie Nicholas has dropped a claim on Celtic’s potential business over the remainder of the January transfer window.

What’s been said?

Writing recently in the column for The Scottish Daily Express, the former Celtic centre-forward stated his belief that, despite recently missing out on the signing of Riley McGree and claiming that he has nothing currently in the pipeline regarding transfers, Ange Postecoglou is not done yet this month – particularly if the 56-year-old can cut loose a number of the Bhoys’ fringe players.

Regarding Celtic’s transfer business, the former Sky Sports pundit wrote: “Ange said last week he has nothing else in the pipeline as it stands. I still think he will do more business before the window closes, especially if he could get players out as well.”

Fans will be delighted

While it is true that Postecoglou has already secured the arrivals of four fresh faces this winter – with all of Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny making a move to Parkhead – considering just how much success the Greek-Australian coach has had with almost all of his signings for Celtic so far, the claim that there could yet be more additions made to the first-team squad this month is sure to have delighted Bhoys fans.

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Indeed, since his arrival last summer, the 56-year-old has brought in the likes of Jota – who has scored eight goals and registered six assists over his 19 appearances for the club – and Kyogo Furuhashi – who has bagged 16 goals and five assists over 26 outings.

That’s as well as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and Carl Starfelt – who are averaging highly impressive SofaScore match ratings of 7.46, 7.29 and 7.28 in the Premiership respectively.

Furthermore, both Hatate and goalscorer Maeda highly impressed during their Celtic debuts in the 2-0 over Hibernian on Monday evening, with the duo looking to be yet another two signings that will massively improve the Hoops squad.

As such, considering his rather remarkable record with incoming signings, should the Bhoys’ winter business not be over yet, as Nicholas suggests, it is undoubtedly hugely exciting news for the Parkhead faithful.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist reveals fresh Parkhead development which will worry Celtic fans

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to a claim that Roberto Firmino hasn’t decided if he will stay put at Anfield or not.

The Brazilian has been a wonderful servant for the Reds, joining from Hoffenheim in 2015 and becoming one of the poster boys of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Firmino has made 311 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 94 goals and registering 73 assists, proving to be the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

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At 30, the striker is not getting any younger, however, and his current Reds deal expires in the summer of 2023, with little sign of a new contract being agreed.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg on Twitter, Firmino will be the man to decide over whether or not he stays at Anfield, with talks taking place in the coming months.

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Liverpool fans react to Firmino claim

It suggests that a Liverpool exit isn’t out of the question and these fans reacted negatively to that possibility on Twitter.

“Never want to see Bobby leave, whatever his role in the squad becomes I hope he retires here”

Credit: @JoshuaKekana

“It will be a sad, sad day when Bobby moves on. He might not be quite what he was but the integral part he’s played can’t be overstated and his personality and selflessness has been invaluable to the culture and success of the side. One of my favourite ever #LFC players”

Credit: @reid1892

“I want Bobby to stay at Liverpool”

Credit: @JuniArga2

“Really hope we keep Bobby. Legend such a great player”

Credit: @MartinT_LFC75

“He’s a legend whatever decision he takes”

Credit: @supermanelfc

“HE CANNOT GO ANYWHERE”

Credit: @dantewillz

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited after a transfer claim emerged. Read more here.

Alasdair Gold has delivered the latest on Tottenham’s plans for the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

During a Q&A for football.london, he said: “I think, with the current state of the game, Paratici will certainly be looking at free transfers and more loan to buy deals. He loves the latter in particular, as we’ve already seen at Spurs. Funnily enough I’ve just started watching the Amazon All or Nothing series on Juventus last season, where you see Paratici having to work within pandemic hit financial constrictions.

“I should stress that I do think Spurs will look to spend some money, not just frees or loan deals, although it’s also worth pointing out that they’re going to have to shell out around £65m on making Romero and Kulusevski’s deals permanent. It doesn’t make much financial sense to take the latter on his second season of loan rather than making him a Spurs man this summer.”

Great news for Conte

After seeing deals for the likes of Luis Diaz and Adama Traore fall through in the January transfer window, it was no surprise to see Antonio Conte express his disappointment at the club’s work in the market.

The 52-year-old said: “Four players left in January – four important players for Tottenham. Two have arrived, so even numerically, instead of reinforcing yourself you may have, on paper, weakened.

“Then precise choices were made for many reasons, but I certainly never expected that in January four players who I still considered important would change their shirts for a thousand reasons. This shows the difficulty.”

However, the north Londoners did manage to bring in Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, both of whom have managed to clinch a first-team place reasonably quickly, but the summer transfer window represents the big crossroads moment for both Conte and Daniel Levy.

The Italian will know that he has the fan support behind him to make strong demands of the club’s board, given that he is a marquee name in managerial terms and is a serial winner wherever he goes.

Gold’s news that Spurs will “look to spend some money” should be music to the ears of Conte, who will be keen to get this Spurs side challenging for trophies sooner rather than later.

AND in other news – Left in 2019, now worth £50m: Levy suffered shocking Spurs howler over “insane” star