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Glasgow Rangers are getting ready to face Livingston at Ibrox in their first game in the Scottish Premiership since Steven Gerrard’s side beat Celtic 2-0 at Parkhead in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

Rangers have arguably gone from strength to strength, as they go into the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League. James Tavernier opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before a wonder goal from Kemar Roofe secured the victory on Thursday night, whilst Livingston fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at home last weekend.

Are you a massive Rangers fan? Know everything about the club? Well do you know your Gary Stevens from your Michael Ball? This quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

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Gerrard almost has a full strength squad to choose from, as the club continue to monitor Borna Barisic after he was sent for a scan on a thigh strain, whilst Nikola Katic and new recruit Bongani Zungu remain the only other absentees.

Here at Football FanCast, we’ve worked on a predicted starting lineup, which sees Gerrard make four changes to the side that beat Standard Liege at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

Barisic started both games against Celtic and Standard Liege respectively, before he was replaced just before half-time during the 2-0 Europa League win, with Calvin Bassey expected to start in his absence.

The 20-year-old excelled in a back four consisting of Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and James Tavernier, so Gerrard could opt for a similar system, or otherwise bring Filip Helander back into the fold to partner Goldson at the back.

Gerrard is hardly short of midfield options, as Steven Davis dropped to the bench to make room for Ryan Jack, so the Rangers boss may decide to ring a change as Jack has only recently returned from injury, whilst Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield continue to stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Roofe made all the headlines for his extraordinary effort in the midweek win, but Gerrard has warned the striker that he isn’t guaranteed to start against Livingston, saying that Rangers will need to “get him up to speed”. After a month out with a calf injury, his chances of starting seem to be incredibly remote, although we wouldn’t be surprised to see him make an appearance from the bench at some stage in the second half.

This means that Alfredo Morelos will start at the top of the pitch, with Ryan Kent resuming duties on the left wing. However, Ianis Hagi failed to make the most of the opportunity against Standard Liege, as GlasgowLive criticised him for a slow start, saying he “was sloppy in possession at times.”

So, it’s perhaps hardly surprising that Jordan Jones is in contention to start on the opposite flank in what could be his third start this season so far.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe steals the show against Standard Liege…

Leicester have a big battle ahead of them as they prepare to take on Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League challenge. The two potential title contenders will lock horns in what will be a massive boost for whoever comes away with the win.

If the Foxes can hurt Spurs on their turf, they will go two points clear of their competition.

Brendan Rodgers has given fans a big chunk of good news ahead of the match, confirming that Timothy Castagne is in contention to start. Having the £50,000 per week Belgian back from his recent hamstring injury is a huge boost that could prove to be crucial against Spurs. Not only will it allow James Justin to take a more attacking role, but it will give Leicester a better chance of defending against Jose Mourinho’s blistering attack.

Castagne must have his wits about him though. After missing seven Premier League games and featuring in just five so far, he could return to the action to face off against one of the deadliest players in the league. Son Heung-min has caused almost every team he’s faced some serious problems this season and he doesn’t look like he’s prepared to show any mercy.

The winger has been linking up beautifully with Harry Kane and is currently the Premier League’s leading goalscorer. Son has tallied a mammoth 11 goals and four assists in 13 games played so far and he will be rubbing his hands together at the idea of facing Castagne.

He will be hoping that the recently injured right-back will be a bit behind his teammates in terms of fitness and will be doing everything he can to try and exploit this potential weakness. Castagne cannot afford to slip up or he will be punished by the South Korean dynamo.

It’s a huge occasion for the returning defender, but if he can keep the Spurs attack at bay, it will be a huge confidence boost for him following his absence.

In other news, Carlton Palmer waxes lyrical about Leicester’s transfer policy…

Up-and-coming Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher is set to join Crystal Palace on loan ahead of the new season.

The Blues have boasted a very successful transfer window so far after welcoming five major targets through the door. But they are also working hard on securing some outgoing deals as well, with one being a loan move for one of their promising young talents.

Gallagher, 20, spent last season away from Chelsea after impressing with his 2018/19 performances with the reserve team. During his double loan stint with Charlton and Swansea, he had a strong season despite the Addicks’ unfortunate relegation into League One.

“Gallagher was really impressive when I watched him last season,” Noel Whelan told Football Insider. “He has great energy, likes to get on the ball and make things happen. He was a player that stuck out for me when Leeds were playing against Swansea. Very, very competitive and he knows his role inside out.”

The England youth international played all but one Championship match last term, making 45 league appearances in total as well as two play-off games under Swansea.

Gallagher tallied an impressive six goals and 11 assists overall, finishing inside the top ten for Championship assists registered (via worldfootball.net).

The versatile midfielder will now look to showcase his abilities on the Premier League stage under Roy Hodgson. Should he impress, he could return to Stamford Bridge and become part of Frank Lampard’s senior squad.

The Chelsea icon has done well in integrating young talent including Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham into the first team, Gallagher could be one of the next in line.

“He gets into very good areas and pockets in between the lines so it does not surprise me that Crystal Palace want him because he looked a different class of player in the Championship last season,” Whelan said. “He was involved in everything.”

 Do you think Conor Gallagher has a big future at Chelsea? Join the conversation in the comments below!

The transfer window is always an exciting time of the year for fans as they hope for the team they support to add some good additions to the squad, and a lot of Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to their club’s transfer links with Chey Dunkley.

The Star journalist Dom Howe tweeted: “Led to believe #SWFC are interested in signing former Wigan defender Chey Dunkley. The 28-year-old is available on a free transfer, having left Wigan at the end of last season.”

The centre-back is at a good age to be signed and he has good experience in the Championship. He played 26 times in the division last season, keeping seven clean sheets and averaging 3.9 clearances a game, per WhoScored.

The player is valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt, so the fact that Sheffield Wednesday could get him on a free transfer would seem an astute piece of business. The only worry, however, is that he is only recently fit again after suffering a double leg break in February, so he would need time to recover in order to get match-fit for the 2020/21 season.

Here is what these Owls fans said following the tweet from Howson:

Owls fans, what are your thoughts on the possible signing of Dunkley? Comment below with your views!

Australian defender Matthew Jurman has reflected on his time with Sunderland and revealed that he would like to return one day.

The 30-year-old has recently seen his contract expire at Western Sydney Wanderers and is available on a free transfer this summer.

Having spent the majority of his career in his homeland winning the A-League title on three occasions, Jurman also had a spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad.

With Sunderland now looking to bolster their side ahead of a third spell in League One after failing to gain promotion to the Championship for a second successive season, Jurman has seemingly offered himself to the Wearside club.

Speaking to FTBL, Jurman who had a trial with Sunderland at the age of 18, said: “I’d been in Scotland trialling but after they said they wanted me back in pre-season. So I got a trial at Middlesbrough.

“Then I got a chance to trial with Sunderland. I was at Sunderland for a week. The facilities at the training centre in Sunderland were absolutely unbelievable.

“While I was there I watched one of Sunderland’s Cup games at the Stadium of Light. Honestly, it was incredible.

“I stayed near the water in Roker I think, and they really looked after me. It was a nice place.

“I have good memories. Seeing all the training facilities. Everything was really professional. I met Roy Keane [then Sunderland manager] but I was a bit intimidated by someone like him. I was excited to meet him but I mainly worked with Sunderland’s youth coaches.

“And while I was training at Sunderland, they had another young player called Jordan Henderson. I’m a Liverpool fan and now he’s their captain, so that was pretty amazing and I recall the striker Martyn Waghorn was there, too.

“It’d be a mad experience to play at a club like Sunderland.

“You don’t quite know where you’ll be with the way the world is now, but that’s also quite exciting.”

Aside from Jurman’s comments, the FTBL article also comments on Sunderland reported plans to sign Australian defender Bailey Wright this summer.

Why not have a look at Jurman if you are Sunderland? Linking him up with Bailey Wright could be a good thing.

Indeed, the Black Cats do need new recruits at centre-back given that they have already lost three players in that position this summer, including Alim Ozturk.

One thing that may halt a potential deal for Jurman to Sunderland is the fact that he has never played in English football before, and that could be a gamble in itself. But in the current climate where all walks of life are facing financial restraints, he could be worth a punt on a free.

Do you think Jurman would be a good signing for Sunderland? Let us know in the comments section below…

Glasgow Rangers showed their intent to strengthen their squad and battle Celtic for the Scottish Premiership as they signed Cedric Itten earlier this week.

The 23 year-old striker came from Switzerland having made 36 appearances last season in the Swiss League, scoring 20 goals and providing 6 assists, per Transfermarkt. Throughout his whole career, including the 2019/20 campaign, Itten made 204 appearances, scoring 78 goals and picking up 26 assists. This highlights his potential to be a prolific striker in Scotland and many will be excited to see how he gets on.

Clearly the player is excited to join the Scottish side as he

/CDjphlOn3EB/”>posted a picture of himself on Instagram in the kit, with the caption: ‘I’m very happy to join @rangersfc. It’s a big honour to play for such a huge club with a lot of glory and a big history. I can’t wait to start with the team’.

His post also showed that he will wear the number 11 shirt next season, and some supporters have written on his post to welcome him to the club. The number has been worn by former Glasgow Rangers players like Denmark Legend Brian Laudrup, who scored 33 league goals whilst at Ibrox.

It is never easy signing for a new club as a striker, as you have a lot of pressure on you to score, and everyone associated with the Gers will hope that he hits the ground running.

Glasgow Rangers fans, are you excited by this signing? Comment below!

Former Glasgow Rangers striker Kevin Kyle has said that the Gers should look to bring in Martin Boyle from Hibernian if Ryan Kent does leave the club this summer.

23-year-old Kent has been the subject of interest from Leeds United over the past couple of weeks – the Whites have even had a £10m bid rejected for the left-winger. Whilst Steven Gerrard will not want to see one of his star players leave, he will need a contingency plan if the Liverpudlian cannot resist the bright lights of the Premier League.

Kyle believes that the Gers should target Boyle if he does depart. He told Open Goal:

“I think Kent, he could be replaced by a (Martin Boyle, of Hibernian).

“What do you want in a winger? You want somebody to get at the full-backs. Martin Boyle does that week in, week out, so why not? I think he would be a very cheap replacement and I think we would get just as much quality. People might disagree with that.

“I’m not saying he’s at the same level (as Kent). What I’m saying is, we’re in the Scottish game. If Martin Boyle is ripping it up for Hibs against most teams, week in, week out, in the Premier League playing with Rangers, Martin Boyle should be able to do the same. Maybe with a bit more quality because he’s surrounded by a bit more quality. In terms of the league he’s in, Martin Boyle would be able to a job for any of the teams, I would think.”

Boyle would certainly be an interesting choice. He has been a regular scorer or provider of goals during his time with Hibs, managing 36 goals and 36 assists in 193 games for the Edinburgh outfit, whilst he also has two goals in three caps for Australia.

Kent, though, cost the Gers £7m, which they paid as much for his potential as for his current ability. He has started to show just how good he can be this term by scoring three in his first five matches, and the fact that the likes of Leeds are eyeing him shows he has a big future ahead of him.

Valued at £900,000 by Transfermarkt, Boyle would certainly be a cheaper option. Whether he could replace Kent, though, is a different discussion.

Let us know what you think below!

The Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder has revealed why Mike Ashley’s pause on spending this summer is a “positive sign” for Newcastle.

What did he say?

Ashley’s reign at the club appears to be finally reaching its end, and has been relatively quiet throughout the whole process. And now, Ryder has revealed why the current Newcastle owner’s lack of action and spending this summer is actually good news for the Magpies.

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He said: “Mike Ashley is running the clock down on his time at Newcastle United. The Sports Direct magnate is still in the United States but is believed to be making minor decisions from his base in Miami through close aide Justin Barnes. Indeed, as some contracts head closer to their expiry dates, such as Andy Carroll, Javier Manquillo and Rob Elliot, Ashley appears to have opted for delaying tactics to avoid signing off fresh multi-millon pound deals.

“This should be classed as a positive sign with Ashley’s business interests now lying elsewhere after he accepted his painful run at St James’ Park was coming to an end.”

Almost over

Even though there is still yet to be an official announcement or even an exact date as to when that could actually happen, recent reports do suggest that it will go through very soon, with The Telegraph’s Jason Burt claiming it is expected to be resolved next week.

And whilst Ashley not spending much is hardly a surprise, in the context of the takeover, it is certainly important. It indicates that he is now accepting that his primary concern no longer lies with Newcastle, and that he is beginning to move on from it.

Essentially, Ashley is leaving the contract situations of some of the players to the prospective owners, and that in itself is one of the biggest signs of why the takeover may well be nearing completion.

Newcastle United’s prospective £300m takeover continues to be in the hands of the Premier League with a decision seemingly still some way from being final.

The whole process has been a long and tedious as it fastly descends into a third month of doubts and deliberations. Reports first broke in early April that Mike Ashley had agreed to sell the northeast club to Amanda Staveley’s Saudi Arabian-backed consortium.

But that’s where the PL have been forced into a tight corner as it’s believed that the Middle Eastern state is behind pirate streaming service beoutQ, which illegally broadcasts English top-flight matches.

This week, the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has delivered a fresh verdict over the takeover, but it’s a rather bold and worrying call.

Speaking on the ‘Everything is Black and White‘ podcast, he said:

“My gut feeling – and it’s only a feeling – is that it will be passed but I am now at the point where I am probably reducing myself to 50/50. Now that’s where I am. I think it’s a 50/50 call on which way it will go.”

Edwards has been on the ball throughout the process, so his inclination that it’s going to be a 50/50 decision on the Premier League’s part is cause for concern.

He does state that he thinks it will hinge on the positive side of things, but given how long it has already taken, there is an air of uncertainty floating around the St James’ Park faithful.

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In reality, no one really knows what the PL will decide to do, and it’s fair to argue that they’ve had the ‘Project Restart’ fiasco on their hands, too.

Only time will tell if United will begin a new era in the northeast.

AND in other news, George Caulkin reveals why Newcastle takeover has been delayed…

This article forms part of our Total Duds feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how bad a deal the club got.

Glasgow Rangers are still looking to catch up to their fierce rivals Celtic.

The previous decade was not a good one for the Gers. In 2012, they were demoted to the fourth tier of Scottish football after encountering financial problems, and they had to battle to drag themselves up to the top flight once more. Now there, they have found it easy enough to establish themselves once again in the top two, but they have failed to give the Bhoys a real fight so far – they are currently 13 points behind in the league table.

Some of their transfer business has made their task an awful lot harder – the signing of Carlos Pena, for example, is one they will rather forget. Before making the move to Ibrox, he previously plied his trade at Club Leon and Deportivo Guadalajara – he had scored 52 goals in 188 games for the former despite being a central/attacking midfielder, with him costing £6.75m when he moved to the latter. Rangers themselves paid £2.2m for his services in 2017.

On paper, his spell in Scotland was not a disaster – he managed to hit the back of the net five times in just 14 matches – but off the field, he was a loose canon. His main struggles were with alcohol, and the problem was that he was never fit enough to show his true ability often enough.

After just six months, he was shipped out on loan to Cruz Azul and, although he was still on the books of the Gers until March 2019, he never played for the Gers again. When he departed, it was on a free transfer, meaning that a considerable fee had been thrown down the drain. Even now, questions must be asked of Pedro Caixinha – why did he sanction this transfer?

Let us know what you think below!