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Aston Villa target Mauricio Pochettino is keen on potentially taking over from Steven Gerrard, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Pochettino rumours

Speculation first emerged towards the end of August regarding Pochettino and Villa. FI stated that Pochettino was on a list of targets for NSWE, stating that they wouldn’t be afraid to part ways with Gerrard, should results fail to improve.

Gerrard has guided Villa to a draw with Manchester City and a win over Southampton since then, however, rumours regarding the former Tottenham and PSG manager moving to the Midlands are still circling.

The Latest: Update

FI shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Pochettino after he turned down the job at Ligue 1 side Nice.

They claimed that the Argentine ‘would be very open’ to the possibility of taking over at Villa Park, with his next role in management not depending on Champions League football.

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The Verdict: Pressure still on Gerrard?

Villa may have picked up three points prior to the international break, however, it wasn’t a convincing display.

The much-needed victory took Villa into 15th place with seven points from seven games, but the six games in October could be crucial in regards to Gerrard’s future.

If things don’t improve further, then perhaps NSWE would be willing to pull the plug and step up their interest in Pochettino, especially as he is now keen on a possible return to England.

Glasgow Rangers have been gifted another injury boost before they play in the Premiership at lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Roofe back in training

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match at Hearts, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Kemar Roofe is back in training, doing ‘big parts’ of the session with the squad, adding that they will keep assessing him ahead of the next set of fixtures.

The striker has not yet featured this season as he continues his recovery, but will be hoping to be involved before the World Cup starts in Qatar in the middle of November.

The Latest: Davies back in squad

Van Bronckhorst also confirmed that Ben Davies is ‘back in the squad’, having injury in August, although John Souttar is now expected to be out until after the World Cup.

The Rangers boss stated: “Ben [Davies] is back in the squad. John [Souttar], we expect him after the World Cup. Kemar Roofe is back in training now, doing big parts of the session with us. We will keep assessing him.”

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The Verdict: Big boost

With Souttar now out until after the World Cup, having Davies back in the squad is a big boost for Van Bronckhorst, as it increases his central defensive options.

In the three games that he played prior to his injury, Rangers won two, scoring seven goals and keeping two clean sheets in the process (Transfermarkt).

Davies has come with a reputation since signing from Premier League giants Liverpool, and supporters will surely want to see more of him in this upcoming run of fixtures, starting at Hearts this lunchtime.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has criticised Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane following a ‘stupid’ incident in the north London derby.

The Lowdown: Spurs take down turn?

Barring their brilliant 6-2 victory over Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month, it’s fair to say Antonio Conte’s side have struggled to find an attacking spark recently.

Their latest outing, a 0-0 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, was a frustrating one for Spurs, and the north London derby spoils were taken by arch rivals Arsenal, who humbled the Lilywhites 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday.

Tottenham are still in good shape, having lost just once in the Premier League so far, yet they aren’t exempt from criticism as Sky pundit Robinson goes after a ‘stupid’ moment from Kane at the weekend.

The Latest: Robinson criticises ‘stupid’ Kane…

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Spurs keeper has claimed the 29-year-old was ‘daft’ for his two swings at Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes.

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Kane luckily escaped without consequence, but according to Robinson, he was lucky to do so.

“You cannot get away with anything now because there is cameras everywhere.

“There is cameras in every single stand that they have got. You do not see it much now because players know they are going to get caught.

“It was a daft niggly one from Kane. He was frustrated because they were losing the game. You could see the way the game was going.

“It was a stupid one. He is running the risk of VAR intervening.

“Look, he should not have done it even though there was not much in it. I’m glad the referee just got on with the game.”

The Verdict: Silly…

The presence of Video Assistant Refereeing makes incidents like Kane’s almost in-excusable and there is certainly a case the England international was fortunate not to be punished further.

Tottenham’s striker appears to leave his leg in twice on the Brazilian but referee Anthony Taylor judged it to be unworthy of a booking or punishment.

Upon replay, Kane’s contact does appear worse than in real time, so Robinson’s point comes as a sound one and a fair warning to the England skipper.

Crystal Palace are one of three sides looking at Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies, according to Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Norrington-Davies profiled

Norrington-Davies is 23 years of age and is primarily a left-back who can also play further forward or as a centre-back.

The Wales international, who also holds Saudi Arabian citizenship due to being born in Riyadh, has been with the Blades since 2017 after leaving Swansea as a teenager.

He enjoyed a breakthrough season at Bramall Lane last season after loan spells with Barrow, Rochdale, Luton Town and Stoke City, starting every Championship game so far in 2022/23.

The Latest: Palace links

O’Rourke took to Twitter on Monday to share an update regarding Norrington-Davies.

He revealed that Palace, as well as Bournemouth and Leicester, are all ‘tracking’ the ‘Wales star’.

The Verdict: One to watch

Norrington-Davies has shown his versatility under Paul Heckingbottom, turning out as a centre-back and a left-midfielder in recent weeks.

You can see just why Steve Parish and co could be keen to make a move for the full-back, with Tyrick Mitchell the only out-and-out senior left-back available to Patrick Vieira.

The Wales man would also be able to provide cover in other areas and will be entering the final 18 months of his Sheffield United contract in the New Year, so a winter window swoop could be one to keep an eye on.

Adding to the injuries sustained by Reds duo Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip is also now sidelined, reports The Athletic’s James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Diaz and Trent hurt at Arsenal

After just 42 minutes of play in the 3-2 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, Diaz was forced off the pitch after sustaining a knee injury.

According to Sky Sports, the 25-year-old is expected to be out of action until after the World Cup, although a scan revealed a welcome boost as the Colombian will not require surgery.

During the same game, Alexander-Arnold was substituted at half-time having suffered an ankle injury accidentally inflicted by Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli, and the full-back will miss around two weeks.

The Latest: Matip out

Adding to an already decimated Liverpool back-line, Pearce has now revealed another injury blow for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist said:

“Liverpool’s injury problems have deepened with Joel Matip expected to be sidelined for around two weeks by a calf problem.”

The Verdict: Bad to worse

Having returned from injury towards the end of August, Matip featured for Klopp in all three of the Reds’ Champions League fixtures this season.

He also returned to the starting line-up for the previous two Premier League outings, and the absence of the former Cameroon international will come as a big blow to the side’s build-up from the back due to his ‘quality’ attacking abilities, in the words of Virgil van Dijk.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the defender ranks in the top one percent for progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area, and also in the top four percent for assists and shots total.

With Ibrahima Konate making a late cameo during the Arsenal clash after a two-month injury absence, Klopp will be hopeful the Frenchman can step up in Matip’s shoes, but the likelihood that Joe Gomez will be filling in for Alexander-Arnold means there is virtually now zero depth in the heart of defence.

Everton will head to Craven Cottage this weekend for their Premier League clash against Fulham following their fantastic 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, and now some early team news has emerged which will delight the Goodison Park faithful.

What’s the latest?

According to Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, Nathan Patterson has a 50% chance of featuring against the Cottagers this weekend after recovering from an ankle/foot injury during the international break last month.

Dinnery has updated the Scottish full-back’s injury status on his Premier League Injuries website to reflect the increased likelihood that the 21-year-old could return as early as Saturday evening.

Lampard should be delighted

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard should be delighted that Patterson could be potentially ready to reprise his role in the Everton team this weekend, as the manager will be hoping for the team’s improvement to continue with his key players available to perform.

The young right-back spoke out on his potential return to action on the Everton Live pre-match show ahead of the Crystal Palace game last Saturday, saying: “Yeah, I am doing well. I am nearly back, next week hopefully. I am recovering well.”

Patterson was a standout performer for the Toffees prior to his injury problems and has proven how crucial his inclusion in the line-up has been when you consider some of Everton’s most recent results.

The Merseysiders went five games unbeaten whenever the talented ace featured across 90 minutes in the lead-up to the international break in September, but have since gone on to lose three out of the five games that he has missed during his recovery.

Despite his absence, the 21-year-old remains the fourth highest-rated player in Lampard’s squad according to SofaScore, and it’s not hard to see why he has had such a positive response to his performances.

Across seven appearances this term, Patterson has made 1.3 interceptions, four tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, along with winning the majority of his duels (63%) and creating one big chance to show that he is a noticeable presence in the team, especially in terms of his defensive output.

If Patterson is available to feature against Fulham, it seems likely that Lampard will gives him some minutes or may even start him, and the Everton manager will be hopeful that the full-back can pick up where he left off by producing another fantastic performance upon his return to action.

New Aston Villa manager Unai Emery won’t be present for the weekend Premier League clash with Newcastle United, reports Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Emery takes charge of Villa

The Spaniard was confirmed as the Villans’ new manager earlier this week, following the end of the doomed reign of Steven Gerrard.

Emery looks like an exciting appointment at Villa Park, given his managerial pedigree in the game after winning four Europa League titles in his career.

It was hoped that he would be in charge for Saturday’s trip to in-form Newcastle but a new update suggests otherwise.

The Latest: Evans provides key update

Writing on Twitter on Friday morning, The Athletic‘s Evans confirmed that Emery likely won’t be at St James’ Park, with his first match in the dugout coming at home to Manchester United a week on Sunday:

“Unai Emery will watch AVFC at NUFC tomorrow but he’s not expected to be there. Emery has also started preparing for Villa’s game with MUFC. He starts officially on Tuesday.”

The Verdict: Watching from home

While Emery doesn’t properly get started in the job until next week, he is still sure to make his influence known this weekend, liaising with Aaron Danks.

In truth, the trip to Newcastle almost feels like something of a free hit, considering the Magpies’ excellent form and the transitional period going on at Villa.

A draw or a win would feel like an added bonus before Emery properly gets started, as what is hopefully a successful new era at Villa Park gets underway.

After West Bromwich Albion’s first victory under Carlos Corberan, they now face one of the toughest tests that the Championship has to offer with a trip to Queens Park Rangers today.

Michael Beale has earned huge praise for his exploits with the west London club, leading them to fourth in the table. This has led to links with the likes of Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have both sought new managers over the past month.

After the Rs’ draw on the road to promotion-chasing Norwich City in midweek, they will now be hoping to capitalise on the woes of an Albion side who have lost three of their last four games.

The Spaniard will still be unsure of what his best side is, having only recently arrived at The Hawthorns, but with a new manager comes a fresh slate for the players who have largely watched on amid the Baggies’ slump to 23rd in the table.

Such is the way, there will likely be plenty of changes with each passing game week. This week, Corberan is expected to make just three alterations from their last match against Blackpool.

However, the back four should remain untouched after picking up a clean sheet against the Tangerines, who boast the league’s joint-top scorer in Jerry Yates.

Alex Palmer remains between the sticks, whilst Kyle Bartley will be hoping to maintain his successful return to the side alongside Dara O’Shea at the heart of defence. Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong will occupy the full-back spots.

Their match-winner from midweek will definitely retain his place, as Okay Yokuslu’s steely resolve in midfield should nicely complement Tom Rogic, who comes in for Taylor Gardner-Hickman. The Australian could provide a touch of class beside the commandeering Turkish destroyer.

Just in front of them is John Swift, who still retains the highest SofaScore rating of any West Brom player this season. He will be flanked by Matt Phillips, while Grady Diangana could be recalled in place of Jed Wallace.

The “magic” winger, as he was dubbed by journalist Graeme Brown, now has a chance to shine after the former Millwall man’s disappointing display against the Tangerines, when he posted the lowest Sofascore rating of any Albion starter with just 6.4.

They will all supplement the final change to the line-up, as Brandon Thomas-Asante should replace Karlan Grant, who suffered an ankle injury on Tuesday night and will be out of today’s match.

Predicted West Brom XI (4-2-3-1): Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, O’Shea, Townsend; Yokuslu, Rogic; Diangana, Swift, Phillips; Thomas-Asante.

Southampton have just today confirmed that Nathan Jones will be the successor to Ralph Hasenhuttl, with the turnaround between managers just two days.

The hierarchy of the south coast outfit were decisive in appointing their new man, but the former Luton Town manager does boast a system that strays from the all-action aspirations held by their Austrian ex-boss.

Having led the Hatters to an unlikely playoff push last season in the Championship, this success was underpinned by the 53-year-old’s three-at-the-back system with bombarding wing backs.

Whilst the recent goal-scoring form of Romain Perraud will likely benefit from this system, arguably the defender who will improve the most is Armel Bella-Kotchap, who has excelled since his summer move.

The German, who was recently selected for his nation’s World Cup squad, a decision that was noted as a “big surprise” by Manuel Veth, has boasted a7.00 average SofaScore rating this campaign at the back for a side that has conceded 24 goals.

His defensive prowess and ability on the ball make him a fine Premier League player already, and with the added security of another central defender, he could be turned into a fine ball-playing defender who could be the catalyst for many Saints attacks.

The £13m-rated star ranks in the top 1%for interceptions over the last 365 days when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, and with an added impetus to step out of defence knowing he has another body behind him could see the ball stolen and distributed whilst the opposition is stuck in broken play.

With journalist Mark White also outlining the “technical quality” that Bella-Kotchap and plenty of other mid-table centre-back partnerships possess, the 20-year-old would surely have the ability to find a pinpoint pass too.

Jones’ sides have often boasted a verticality in their offensive play, looking to move the ball quickly once it has been won. This can be showcased best through Luton’s average possession, which is just 43.2%.

The 6 foot 2 goliath has already taken to life in England with ease, but with the principles upheld by the incoming manager, as well as his surprising World Cup nomination, it could see him truly explode and reach the heights that some former Southampton centre-backs have done before him.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are struggling in the Premier League this season and are currently rock bottom in the league table ahead of the World Cup break, which will be troubling for both the club and supporters.

Indeed, there is still plenty of time to turn things around and Wolves will be hoping for a fresh start now that newly-appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui has taken the reigns and the Spanish manager will have the January transfer window to look to in an attempt to tackle the challenges the club are facing.

Lopetegui has already outlined his expectations and some of his plans for the transfer window going forward when Wolves return to action after Christmas in his first press conference this week:

“I agree because my responsibility is to try and improve. When the market opens we have this possibility and I think we are going to do that. I am not going to speak about names out of respect for our players.”

“We have to play the next four matches with this squad. We believe in this squad and we believe we can improve their performance.”

Although the manager will be thinking about incomings that can improve the team he will also need to consider the players that aren’t capable of providing Wolves with the consistency and quality they desperately need to retain their Premier League status not only this season but in campaigns to come.

One player who has struggled to make his presence known at Molineux is Ki-Jana Hoever, who this season was sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven after failing to impress former manager Bruno Lage but is now failing to make his mark in the Eredivisie either.

The Netherlands-born defender who was signed by Wolves for £13.5m from Liverpool back in 2020 has only made five appearances in the Eredivisie and the former PSV manager Aad de Mos questioned Hoever’s defensive capabilities, labelling him as such:

“Hoever is vulnerable on the inside. He is a central defender. He is brought in on the basis of his international games with the Dutch junior team, the Dutch U19 team and the Dutch U17 team.”

“To the eye, he is a nice player, but his weakness is of course his defensive qualities.”

Despite registering two assists this season, the Wolves youngster averages 0.8 interceptions and 0.6 clearances while only winning possession 0.2 times per game. Furthermore, he has only won 50% of his aerial duels, proving that he is not solid in his defensive play.

With that being said, Lopetegui must ruthlessly ditch Hoever when an opportunity arises to move the player on.

He is clearly not a defender who has been deemed a good fit for the club due to his loan move and the youngster is still struggling to prove to Wolves he has a chance at first-team football whilst on loan too.