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Rangers have the chance to make it three wins in a row under Gio van Bronckhorst as they prepare for Premiership action on Wednesday night.

The Gers travel away to play Hibernian in the top-flight, shortly after their 3-1 defeat to them in semi-final of the League Cup prior to the Dutch manager’s official arrival at Ibrox.

They have beaten Sparta Prague and Livingston in his first two games in charge, with the latter coming in the form of a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Time to shine

One change van Bronckhorst could make to the starting XI is unleashing central midfielder John Lundstram, who is yet to make his first appearance for the Dutchman.

The summer signing from Sheffield United has not hit the ground running in Scotland and has been unable to secure a regular place in the side. However, the arrival of van Bronckhorst offers him a clean slate and a chance to show what he is truly capable of at this level.

Therefore, it could now be his time to shine for the Gers. He can use the frustration of his season so far to motivate him further to put in an excellent display against Hibernian and help the ex-Feyenoord coach to win his third game in succession.

Last year, former Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed that he is ‘exemplary’ with his attitude off the pitch. 

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

This shows that the £6.3m-rated beast has the mentality required to come in from the cold and be ready to perform, as Wilder pointed to his professionalism.

He has shown signs of promise in the Premiership this season, with a 91% pass completion rate over the course of the campaign. The midfielder has also won 56% of his duels, showing that he has the strength to go along with his impressive passing.

However, his goal contributions from midfield could be unlocked by van Bronckhorst. He managed five goals and three assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, but only has one goal contribution in 11 league matches for Rangers.

By unleashing him against Hibernian and showing faith in his ability, the 46-year-old coach could give Lundstram the confidence to show off his full potential as a Rangers player. This is why he should be offered the opportunity to start in central midfield.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann have been ruled out of the first two one-day internationals against South Africa

Cricinfo staff18-Nov-2009Graeme Swann has joined Stuart Broad on the sidelines for the first two one-day internationals against South Africa, after failing to recover from the side strain that ruled him out of Tuesday’s warm-up match against South Africa A at Potchefstroom. James Tredwell has been drafted into the squad as cover.It means England will be without two key members of their squad for the series opener at the Wanderers on Friday. Broad had already been ruled out of the game after missing the Twenty20 series and two practice games, including Tuesday’s match. He incurred his shoulder problem while tumbling in the outfield during the first warm-up game in Bloemfontein.The England management reasoned that on a long tour with four Test matches after the five one-dayers, it was not worth risking such a crucial player. Broad, 23, voiced concerns at the beginning of the tour about player burnout and now has nine days to get himself ready for the third ODI in Cape Town.In better news for the injury-plagued tourists, Paul Collingwood hopes to overcome a back injury in time for Friday’s series opener, in which he could become England’s most-capped one-day player. He is currently level with Alec Stewart on 170 matches and is confident about his chances of making Friday’s match.”[The injury] is actually progressing really well. If I was playing today I would have been 50-50, but I’ve got a couple of days to go so the chances are going to be very high,” Collingwood told reporters in Johannesburg. “It was very, very sore on Sunday and I had two injections on Monday [but] everything seems to have settled down. I’m doing the work in the gym and progressing really well, so I’ve got a very good chance for Friday.”Collingwood was one of five players unfit for England’s tense victory over South Africa A on Tuesday and injuries have blunted England’s attack. With the injuries to Broad and James Anderson, England have been unable to bowl sides out so far on this tour, and with Sajid Mahmood and Tim Bresnan failing to impress, the selectors have called up Liam Plunkett as cover.They had already opted for youth ahead of this tour, ditching Steve Harmison and Ryan Sidebottom and given the strength of South Africa’s batting, it could be a tough experience for the inexperienced line-up. But Collingwood is not concerned and feels Anderson will play a pivotal role when he does return.”I think we’re aggressive as a unit, I think we’re getting more experience and we’ve obviously got Jimmy Anderson to come back into the side, which is crucial. He’s a real kind of leader for us now in terms of the bowling stakes. For such a young guy, I know that’s a big statement, but he is a real leader in bowling.”But again, we’ve got a lot of potential and very dangerous bowlers, obviously with Broady coming back in as well. We have missed those two when they were injured. Hopefully they will be fit pretty soon and we can get back to bowling sides out.”

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will oversee his first game in charge of the club when they take on Brighton at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Villa lured the former Liverpool captain away from Ibrox as the man to replace Dean Smith in the dugout, and he will have his task cut out to claim a victory against a Seagulls side performing above expectations this season – ahead of the weekend, they find themselves in seventh place and not far off the top four.

Given the wretched run of form that Villa have had, losing five league matches on the spin, getting the home crowd roaring by naming a forward-thinking line-up ahead of the game could be the perfect start for Gerrard in the Midlands.

While Danny Ings hasn’t exactly enjoyed a barnstorming start to his own career at Villa Park, his inclusion in the starting XI could spark a fire up front.

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison once compared him to Robbie Keane for his “first-class” movement, while Ralph Hasenhuttl, his former boss at St Mary’s, lauded his exploits as “unbelievable”.

The £16m-rated striker enjoyed a decent campaign in the Premier League last season, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games – that followed up from his outstanding season the year before when he bagged 22 goals and finished just behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy (23).

The 29-year-old got his Villa career off to the perfect start with two goals in his first two games, but goals have been far harder to come by since then, with his team’s overall struggles not being the most ideal situation either.

However, with Gerrard having worked with the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe north of the border, the Villa boss will feel confident that he can get Ings firing again, and he could start by doing it against Brighton on Saturday.

A new manager and a new setup could be exactly what the summer signing needs to thrive at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa must finally sign this long-term transfer target…

Lalit Modi denied the IPL franchise owners were unhappy over the delay in compensation for the extra expenditure incurred during the 2009 tournament

Cricinfo staff27-Nov-2009Lalit Modi, the Indian Premier League commissioner, has denied that the franchise owners were unhappy about not being compensated for the extra expenditure incurred during the 2009 tournament in South Africa.”It’s absolute hogwash and there’s no truth or merit in the reports that have appeared. Our franchise owners are not like that,” Modi said. “It’s an ongoing process. Part-payments were done. It has to go to the IPL Governing Council for approval.”The first edition of the IPL was held in India in 2008. The second was shifted to South Africa because the tournament was scheduled to be held at the same time as the general elections in India, and the government could not guarantee adequate security. The shift in venue involved extra costs for all the franchises, who were promised compensation by the IPL. The tournament will return to India for the third edition next year.

Newcastle United are lining up a move for Niklas Sule, according to reports…

What’s the word?

NewcastleWorld journalist Liam Kennedy has revealed that the Magpies have entered talks with the Germany and Bayern Munich defender ahead of the January transfer window.

The northeast outfit are keen to bolster Eddie Howe’s backline this winter and it is believed the central defender is open to a move despite the club occupying a place in the relegation zone.

Sule, who has also been a target for Chelsea in recent times, is out of contract at the Allianz Arena in the summer and the Bundesliga giants are yet to strike a fresh long-term agreement with him.

Bayern haven’t been afraid to let some of their big names depart for nothing after David Alaba was allowed to leave for Real Madrid this off-season.

Defensive fix

Howe has a massive task on his hands, not at least because of the pressure that he will be under to lead this exciting new era to glory. Indeed, United occupy a place in the dropzone and will likely be in a dogfight for the remainder of the current campaign.

One of their biggest issues has been in defence, where Steve Bruce’s backline has leaked goals for fun.

Only rock-bottom Norwich City (20) have conceded more times from open play than the Magpies (16), whilst the side have been amongst the most error-prone in the division, having conceded more goals from penalties (four) than any other team and committed the most fouls (24), as per WhoScored.

Bruce and then Graeme Jones often opted for a back three, in which Ciaran Clark (6.50), Jamaal Lascelles (6.40) and Federico Fernandez (6.37) have racked up the most minutes but all three are outside the Magpies’ top-seven best performers, via WhoScored ratings.

It’s evident that a new centre-back or two is required in January, certainly if Howe is to stand a chance at keeping the Saudi-backed giants in the big time.

Sule has vast experience across Europe’s biggest competitions as well as on the international stage – the £31.5m-rated beast has racked up 37 caps, and has a Champions League winners’ medal and four Bundesliga titles to his name.

Even though he has been at a stalemate with the club, Julian Nagelsmann has still trusted him to start regularly in the league, earning a respectable average WhoScored rating of 7.00.

“He also has everything that a world-class central defender needs,” claimed the Bayern boss to Sport Bild (via the Metro).

At 6 foot 5, Sule still offers a rare combination of pace and power that has led to teammate Thomas Muller describing him as “difficult to stop”, whilst he has also earned the praise of being “world-class” from Jupp Heynkes and a “great defender” by Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

If PIF want to hand Howe the best chances of turning things around, then they must sanction a move for the German powerhouse this January.

AND in other news, PIF can revolutionise Newcastle United by hiring 56 y/o supreme in “huge coup”…

Newcastle United are eyeing an ambitious transfer swoop for Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz.

What’s the story?

According to a report from German publication SportBild, the Magpies have joined a number of clubs in keeping a track of the young German, and that they had sent a scout to watch him during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against FC Koln at the weekend.

The report does add however that the 18-year-old is unlikely to leave in the near future, and any potential fee to let him go would be very expensive to say the least.

He’s a massive Almiron upgrade

When Newcastle signed Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United a few years ago for what was then a club record fee, Magpies fans were no doubt hoping that he would come in and add some much-needed goals from midfield.

Instead, the Paraguayan has been a complete let-down with his end product, being a bundle of energy but without any calmness or conviction – in fact, in 100 games for the club, he’s scored just 13 goals and provided only five assists.

On the other hand, Wirtz has proven already in his fledgling career with Leverkusen that he is destined for the big time, already making a major impact for one of the biggest sides in German football.

This season alone has seen him net six goals and set up another six in just 12 games in all competitions, including bagging two in the Europa League and striking against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

It’s no surprise then that plenty of people have delivered some rave reviews, with former teammate Aleksandar Dragovic even comparing him to a current Premier League star.

He said: “The lad has a lot of potential and if he keeps his feet on the ground, he could be another Kai Havertz.”

And, one of his current teammates, Julian Baumgartlinger, added: “He’s really emerged quickly. During the lockdown, he came to first-team training, and you could see he’s a special player even though he’s young.”

As per Whoscored, Wirtz averages significantly more shots, key passes and dribbles per game than Almiron, while his average match rating completely trounces the Newcastle man – 7.58 to a measly 6.54.

With his age and goal-scoring record already – he is the youngest scorer in German top-flight history –  there’s no questioning that Wirtz is not only a major upgrade on Almiron already, but could leave the Paraguay international in the dust in the future.

The starlet valued at a mammoth £127m by CIES could be the poster boy of this Newcastle revolution under PIF.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could get St James’ Park rocking by hiring this man…

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey could well be facing up to six weeks out after picking up an injury in the 4-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.

That’s according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece, and, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the latest setback on social media.

Ramsey’s ninth Premier League appearance of the campaign was cut short after 15 minutes against the Hammers, with the 20-year-old appearing to go over on his ankle after colliding with Tomas Soucek.

Danny Ings, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Bertrand Traore all missed the meeting with David Moyes’ side, and Ramsey is the latest to join them on the sidelines ahead of the trip to Southampton on Friday.

Villa fans react

Preece posted the estimated six-week time frame regarding Ramsey on Twitter on Monday lunchtime.

The AVFC Faithful shared Preece’s update, which led to these fans interacting with both posts, with one labelling it as ‘more injury worries’.

“Remind me of the area that Villa are really struggling in, again. That’s another central midfielder out for the foreseeable future…”

Credit: @KevHughesie

“Just goes from worse to terrible.”

Credit: @amc89avfc

“More injury worries. JJ now out for possibly up to 6 weeks McGinn & Mings one booking away from a ban too”

Credit: @TheVillaHome

“Looking doom and gloom”

Credit: @FinchTheyer

“Sack the medical team”

Credit: @OcBen

“Remember over the summer when everyone could see central midfield was a weak area for us and needed improving? And we just chucked in low ball bids for players. Now we have Ramsey out, Luiz potentially out and Sanson who’s never fit. Top work lads”

Credit: @andrewstone85

In other news: ‘Bigger issue than Mings’ – Many Villa fans slam ‘useless’ player v West Ham

Offspinner Gareth Batty has rejoined Surrey from Worcestershire, signing a three-year contract from next season having left the county in 2001

Cricinfo staff27-Aug-2009Offspinner Gareth Batty has rejoined Surrey from Worcestershire, signing a three-year contract from next season having left the county in 2001.The addition of Batty will strengthen Surrey’s spin attack, adding to Chris Schofield and Simon King who are already in the squad.”Getting Gareth on board will certainly bring healthy competition for bowling places within the squad,” said Chris Adams, the Surrey manager. “Having several options within the spin department is integral to a successful team and I now feel confident that we have a lot of depth there now.”Batty, 31, already had a stint at The Oval from 1998 to 2001, but moved to New Road where he has taken 318 wickets with an average of 33.37 and hopes the move will boost his international chances.”I still have aspirations to get back playing Tests for England again and I feel that the move to Surrey will help me do that,” he saidBatty has played seven Tests for England having made his debut against Bangladesh in 2003 and was part of the one-day squad that toured the Caribbean earlier this year.

Fabio Paratici is lining up an exciting transfer swoop at Tottenham Hotspur, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb claimed that the Spurs sporting director could launch a bid to sign Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, on whom his former club Juventus are also keen.

It’s thought that the north London outfit are capable of offering more money than the Serie A giants in what could be a double move that also includes Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

Both would cost around €105m (£88.5m) combined.

Winks upgrade

Midfield reinforcements could sit quite highly amongst Nuno Santo’s priority list, particularly as it seems as if Harry Winks will look to move on from his boyhood club, having struggled to break into the starting XI once again this campaign.

The Times believe that the Englishman is looking for a loan move this January, so a berth in the engine room could become available, and that should be filled by Tchouameni if Spurs have any sense.

Aged just 21, the Monaco powerhouse is a real star of the future and could help Paratici form a scary-looking midfield in north London for years to come.

Just imagine him, Oliver Skipp, Bryan Gil and Pape Matar Sarr in a few seasons’ time – all of whom are currently 21 years old or under.

Tchouameni is something of a box-to-box workhorse, having averaged 2.9 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 1.9 shots and 1.2 dribbles per Ligue 1 outing so far this campaign, via WhoScored.

That shows his capability in his team’s own half, often being there to thwart the opposition, and then also in the final third, where he can drive the ball forward with his physical presence to also provide an additional threat on goal.

It’s no wonder he has previously been branded a “complete midfield player” by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas on Twitter.

“He’s not a boy; he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him; he provides a lot, plenty of energy, technical quality and extraordinary physicality,” compatriot Paul Pogba added.

Having already picked up five caps for France, who are blessed with midfield options, Spurs must ensure they are the team to secure the £26m-rated beast in 2022.

Tchouameni would be a welcome upgrade on Winks, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops exciting Spurs transfer claim ahead of January…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have been left excited by news on Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic as the Sky Blues continue their search for a centre-forward.

Pep Guardiola guided City to a Premier League title and Carabao Cup-winning campaign last year, as well as a Champions League final, while barely playing with a natural centre-forward.

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Club legend Sergio Aguero was the subject of many absences through fitness issues or coronavirus, while Gabriel Jesus was arguably struggling to find his best form at some points.

As such, Guardiola often deployed a false nine or makeshift centre-forward options like Raheem Sterling, and despite their success, much of City’s summer window was dominated by discussion of signing a star striker.

The likes of Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo were targeted by sporting director Txiki Begiristain with news now emerging on yet another target.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the club ‘dream’ of signing La Viola star Vlahovic amid his ongoing contract dispute at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

His deal runs out in 2023 as it stands, meaning City could have some leverage in potential negotiations to sign the dazzling 21-year-old who scored 21 Serie A goals last season and 35 in all competitions since his move to Fiorentina (Transfermarkt).

Begiristain and co are showing an intense interest as as supporters get excited by this news, find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Man City fans excited by Vlahovic news…

“MY BABY”

Credit: @ZinnySZN

“Vlahovic would be a Beast under Pep”

Credit: @izzy900is

“Go all out!!”

Credit: @Hiz_Zam

“SIIIUUU”

Credit: @rubenbias_

“YESSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @Kelvinclasher

“Get it done

Sterling + cash”

Credit: @Dhayveed15

“Bring him home in January I beg”

Credit: @LordAtrexia

“He’s coming to Manchester”

Credit: @Jacob4rmstrong

“a competent striker at this club am I dreaming”

Credit: @c_c__cc_c

In other news: ‘Finally’, ‘Yesssss’, ‘Get him home’ – Many Man City fans erupt as claim emerges on 163-goal superstar, find out more here.