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Craig Hope doesn’t believe Joe Willock will start on Sunday but has admitted there are mixed noises coming out of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Eddie Howe has some tough decisions to make

Newcastle are heading into their biggest game of the season and modern history on Sunday with a relatively clean bill of health with the likes of Willock back fit and also Bruno Guimaraes returning from his three-game suspension.

While that will be good news for fans and Eddie Howe, it does indeed leave the Toon boss with a selection dilemma over who to start between Willock or Allan Saint-Maximin impressed last time out against Liverpool hitting the bar.

Willock has started 20 league games this season but has not played since he limped off against Bournemouth on February 2nd he may well be rusty and not worth the risk on Sunday at Wembley.

The Latest: Willock’s starting spot is still unclear

Hope has admitted on the True Faith podcast that he doesn’t believe Willock will start, however, after speaking to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie the midfielder could still get the nod from Howe.

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He said: (43:20) “I was talking to Keith [Downie] today as well with the word being Willock is going to be available. I think he will put Willock on the bench but Keith thinks he’s going to put him in.”

The Verdict: Could be a match-defining decision

If Howe decides to start Saint-Maximin on the huge stage this weekend then that could well be what defines the game because if he’s on form and raring to go he’d give Manchester United players a nightmare all game and could pin them back.

However, if he decided to not turn up and struggles to get into the game and make an impact then it would very easily leave the Magpies exposed at the back having to carry someone who’s not performing.

Therefore, the sensible and safe option would be for Howe to revert back to a tried and tested lineup that consists of Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the middle with Joelinton on the left

Leeds United could still bring in a new centre-back before the January transfer window closes, according to an update on deadline day.

The Lowdown: Centre-back needed

The Whites have struggled in the Premier League so far this season, with back-to-back relegation battles looking on the cards for Jesse Marsch’s side.

Leeds have conceded 33 goals in just 19 league outings, which is more than three of the five teams below them, highlighting the need for a central defender to come in this month in order to address their issues.

While the hours are ticking by on deadline day, a positive update emerged around lunch-time that a late deal is still a possibility.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton [via Leeds All Over on Twitter], there is hope that Leeds could still sign a centre-back to replace to outgoing Diego Llorente:

“It (Llorente’s exit) means LUFC are assessing their central defensive options and they are looking at potential targets today.”

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The Verdict: Vital piece of business

Llorente’s exit to Roma has only heightened the importance for the Whites to make a last-gasp move for a defender, in terms of their squad depth in the second half of the season.

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Granted, there is depth there at the moment, even without the Spaniard around – he has only started seven league games this season – but as many options as possible are needed in the coming months, especially if injuries occur.

It remains to be seen if Leeds can produce some late magic in the transfer market but it could ultimately make a key difference in their relegation fight, taking the burden off the likes of Robin Koch, Liam Cooper and Max Wober to remain fit and in form throughout the duration of the season.

Everton completing a deal for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres is no longer something that is on the cards, according to journalist Christopher Beesley.

The Lowdown: Everton need a striker

As the transfer window edges closer to completion, the Toffees are still searching for a new attacker, having not received good news so far today, with L’Equipe reporting that target Kamaldeen Sulemana has chosen to move to Southampton. (via Daily Mail)

Other forwards that the Toffees have been linked with include Andre Ayew, and Paul Onuachu, while it was reported yesterday that they were ‘in talks’ with Gyokeres, however this now seems like it will no longer be possible.

The Latest: Beesley’s update

Taking to Twitter to give an update on Everton’s pursuit of a striker, Beesley said: “It’s a quickly-changing situation on transfer deadline day but I’m now being told that an Everton move for Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City is not on the cards.”

The Verdict: Everton missed out?

The Sweden international has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Christopher Sutcliffe, and he has shown a good eye for goal in the Championship this season, scoring on 12 occasions in 28 outings in the second tier.

However, the 24-year-old is unproven above the second tier, and his form has recently dipped, failing to find the back of the net in his last five league appearances, indicating he may not be at the level to be a success at Goodison Park.

Onuachu is a more consistent goal scorer, netting a remarkable 85 goals in 134 appearances for current club Genk, and Sean Dyche should make the Nigerian his priority signing at striker before the window closes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers crashed out of the FA Cup in the third-round replay on Tuesday night as they lost out to Liverpool 1-0 at Molineux.

Harvey Elliott’s first-half screamer was enough to secure progression for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the Old Gold failing to really test Caomhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal, in what was an underwhelming display from the home side.

Julen Lopetegui will feel aggrieved after his side were denied a winner by a controversial VAR call at Anfield last week but can now focus fully on remaining in the Premier League after seeing his side drop out of both cup competitions this month.

While there were a number of poor performances on display from Wolves players at Molineux, it was arguably Raul Jimenez who was the most disappointing on Tuesday night.

As per Sofascore, the Mexican forward would earn a poor 6.5 rating for his display, with only four players rated lower from both sides of everyone to feature in the game.

During his 84 minutes on the pitch, the former Benfica man would manage just 36 touches of the ball, completing a measly 11 passes with a completion rate of just 69%.

For context, Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa would manage 37 touches and 24 passes with a success rate of 84%, which emphasises how little Jimenez was involved during the game.

On the rare occasions that the Mexico international did see the ball, he was extremely wasteful with it, losing possession on 12 occasions, registering no shots on target and failing with both of his dribble attempts.

Ahead of the World Cup, Jimenez’s relationship with fans and Lopetegui was already strained as he travelled to Qatar despite missing the majority of the Premier League season through injury, and that situation won’t have improved with his recent performances either.

The experienced striker has not looked the same since his injury and that was certainly the case against Liverpool, as he missed one big chance for the Old Gold, which was one of very few that they created during the game.

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Considering Matheus Cunha has already joined the Midlands club this month, with more attacking additions potentially on the cards, it seems as if Jimenez’s time at Wolves could end on a disappointing note.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that Everton may look to sign Ben Brereton Diaz in the January transfer market.

What’s the latest?

With the winter market now open, plenty of players will be linked with numerous Premier League clubs over the next month. And the Blackburn Rovers striker is one man who has now been tipped to make the step up from the Championship.

Indeed, in a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Jones said that the Toffees could be keen on trying to sign Coventry City man Viktor Gyokeres and then Brereton Diaz in the hopes of landing either player in January.

He said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if they go after both Gyokeres and Brereton Diaz at the same time to just see what becomes possible. I’m not sure they could do a deal for both of those players, but at least to know that they could get one through the door so they have some potential for goals.”

Everton striker salvation

Seeing as Everton lost Richarlison in the summer, they were always going to have a tough time replacing his goals. He netted ten times in the league last term to help save the club from the drop.

This term, however, no player in the squad has managed more than four goals in the division, with Demarai Gray sitting on that many and then behind him Antony Gordon on three, while new striker Neal Maupay has just one.

What’s more, key striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not been able to stay fit of late – with just five league starts all season – and so he can’t really be relied upon for regular goals.

Brereton Diaz, who has been hailed as ‘extraordinary’ and has ‘many qualities’, however, has had no issues with injuries or struggles finding the back of the next for Blackburn in recent times. Indeed, in the Championship so far he has nine goals and three assists in 25 outings.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why he may be chased by the Toffees this winter.

Manchester United have made contact to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer in 2023, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Contract situation

The Switzerland international’s contract in the Bundesliga is set to expire at the end of the season which has seen him attracting interest ahead of January, in what will be the final opportunity for Daniel Farke’s side to cash in.

The Red Devils have reportedly entered talks with David De Gea regarding a new long-term contract but this hasn’t stopped them from looking elsewhere as the 34-year-old Bundesliga stalwart could be on his way to the Premier League.

The Latest: Sommer contact made

According to German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness), United have already ‘had contact’ with Sommer regarding a potential move, but are set to face stiff competition from Bayern Munich.

Whilst Monchengladbach ‘don’t intend’ to let him leave in the winter market, they do have a ‘pain threshold’ of €5m (£4m), with any kind of offer made in this region enough for the club to consider sanctioning his sale.

Bayern are wanting to take the shot-stopper on a short-term deal until the end of the season which would then allow him to ‘fulfil his dream’ of moving to England and Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer.

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The Verdict: De Gea backup?

Sommer likely wouldn’t have a large enough impact to come in and take the shirt from De Gea but he could be an ideal backup, having been hailed ‘out of this world’ by Jacek Kulig.

The Morges native has kept 202 clean sheets throughout his career and has vast experience with 80 international caps to his name (Transfermarkt).

United won’t be in a rush to seal this deal in the New Year due to having Martin Dubravka on loan, though a free switch could definitely be one to keep an eye out for at the end of the campaign.

Under Steven Gerrard, it seemed that the 42-year-old had got it spot on with his transfer recruitment at Aston Villa.

Seemingly snatching the much-needed Diego Carlos from Newcastle United and bringing in Philippe Coutinho permanently appeared to be a steal for Aston Villa, but admittedly neither have worked out since arriving.

It, therefore, marks a policy that must be deemed unsuccessful, with Unai Emery hoping to be the man that can change that.

With his pedigree and numerous major trophies, there is a certain calibre of player that the Spaniard can hope to attract, however, it is whether he would prefer the risk of a mercurial forward or the solidity a good defender or midfielder can bring.

It seems like he might be opting for the latter this January, as he hopes to prey on the financial constraints at Barcelona by making a move for Franck Kessie.

As reported by Italian publication CalcioMercatoWeb earlier this week, the Catalonian giants could use the Ivorian ace as a bargaining chip to tempt Douglas Luiz from Villa Park.

This would therefore leave John McGinn with a new midfield partner, however, he would likely thrive with the added defensive security and work rate offered by the 25-year-old.

Although he has not had the best start to life in Spain, his heroics for AC Milan still remain fresh in the memory.

He became a vital cog in the engine room that helped them win their first Serie A title in 11 years.

Featuring 39 times in all competitions, the £151k-per-week monster also chipped in with seven goals from a predominantly defensive position.

Boasting a 7.07 SofaScore rating throughout that season, he also managed to average 1.3 tackles per 90.

This balanced “tank” – as dubbed by writer David Amoyal – would provide the perfect partner to the similar generalist McGinn.

He too has faltered this season but has amassed 16 goals and 23 assists for the Villans whilst acting as a solid and ever-present figure for the Midlands outfit.

What suggests that the two would marry well together is further supported by the remarks of Kessie’s former manager Vincenzo Montella, who labelled him an “extraordinary player” with “sublime intelligence”.

Perhaps he could put this knowledge to good use and move to Villa Park, becoming the figurehead star of Emery’s new-look midfield.

Scottish champions Celtic are currently flying high following what’s been a sparkling start to the new season, with manager Ange Postecoglou having fashioned a truly relentless outfit who have been simply dominant on the domestic front of late.

With the World Cup break now upon us, a handful of the Hoops’ key men will be looking to shine for their respective nations in Qatar, with the aim to translate their stunning club form onto the global stage.

The Parkhead giants are, of course, no stranger to seeing their assets go on to blossom at international level, having been blessed with a stellar cast of talent over the years who have been leading figures for their country.

As this latest edition of the eagerly-anticipated tournament gets underway,  it feels as good a time as any to put your Hoops knowledge to the test, taking a look at some of the Old Firm outfit’s most memorable names who also featured in the World Cup arena.

Below will be a set of questions relating to the Glasgow side’s stars – both past and present – who have featured at the tournament previously, or could go on to this time around, with the aim to identify the correct pick from the potential red herring.

You’ll be shown the career path of one Celtic ace from the current squad or yesteryear, but can you name the player?

Leeds United should be looking to sign a centre-forward alternative to Patrick Bamford instead of moving for Cody Gakpo, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Gakpo linked with Leeds

The Whites could delve back into the transfer market in January as Jesse Marsch looks to ensure that his side have enough quality to remain in the Premier League.

Leeds have been linked with an audacious move for PSV Eindhoven star Gakpo, although there is still competition to potentially snap up the Dutchman in 2023.

It could be argued that Marsch is short in central attacking options, though, especially with Bamford becoming an increasingly injury-prone figure who’s yet to score this season.

The Latest: Jones says Leeds are “lacking” up top

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed signing a centre-forward as a plug-and-play alternative to the 29-year-old is more important for Leeds than bringing in wide attacker Gakpo.

He stated:

“I think they just need that out-and-out goalscorer. They need that Patrick Bamford alternative or replacement. They’re just lacking a goalscorer.”

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The Verdict: Makes sense

While Gakpo would clearly be an outstanding signing for Leeds, it feels far more likely that he will end up at a club either playing in the Champions League or the Europa League, given his astonishing return of 13 goals and 17 assists already this season.

It makes sense for the Whites to instead focus on that central striker role instead, with Bamford arguably not quite as deadly as he was and Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood still developing as first-team players.

It will be interesting to see if a centre-forward signing is made in January or if funds are held back until the summer – there would be a risk in doing the latter, should Marsch’s side be in or around the relegation zone when the mid-season transfer window rolls around.

Everton have had their ups and downs when it comes to their recruitment strategy under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri and have spent well over £500m on transfer disasters since he joined the club in 2016.

Despite their financial struggles and relegation concerns over the last 18 months, it hasn’t entirely been a poor strategy from the powers at Goodison Park, something that we are starting to see this season after signing eight new players over the summer transfer window.

Everton are now 11th in the Premier League table, matching their bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool for points at the moment, something that has been achieved with the help of new recruits like James Tarkowski, Conor Coady and Amadou Onana over their first eight outings in the top flight so far.

However, there is one player who has been with the team since 2017 that has been one of the stand-out performers in the team over the campaign to date, as Jordan Pickford has been Lampard’s saviour on many occasions.

The Sunderland-born goalkeeper joined Everton for £30m in a club record fee at the time and has proven that he has been worth every single penny in a rare Moshiri transfer masterclass.

This season, Pickford has the third highest save percentage in the entire Premier League (84.2%), with only Bournemouth’s Neto (92.9%) ahead of him. Meanwhile, he has the joint most saves made (30) alongside Nick Pope and David Raya.

His most notable performance came in the Merseyside Derby when Pickford made a whopping eight saves against Jurgen Klopp’s side to deliver his team a point, collecting the Man of the Match award for his outstanding contributions throughout the game.

Frank Lampard is a huge admirer of the England number one, and lavished praise on Pickford for his performance against Liverpool:

“I’ve relied on Jordan a lot he’s an amazing keeper and we’re fortunate to have a player of this level.”

The talented 28-year-old who was dubbed a “hero” by BBC broadcaster John Bennett during their relegation fight, has also been attracting transfer interest with reports that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in signing the ‘keeper. However, he remains in contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2024.

With that being said, Lampard will be incredibly thankful that Pickford has returned to action after sustaining an injury, as the season certainly looks like it’s in safe hands for Everton with the England stopper in fine form.