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Celtic are currently sat in sixth place in the Scottish Premiership after eight games as the Hoops twiddle their thumbs ahead of a return to action next weekend following the second international break of the campaign.

The break could not have come at a worse time for the Hoops as their last match was their first win in three Premiership matches. Instead of having the chance to build some positive momentum, Ange Postecoglou has seen various members of his squad jet off across the globe.

One player who is away on international duty is Scotland midfielder David Turnbull. The former Motherwell man has been one of Postecoglou’s key players this season and is proving himself to be a quality option for the Hoops in the middle of the park.

Turnbull has been a phenomenal signing at Parkhead, having been brought to the club by Neil Lennon in the summer of 2020. He did not get off to the best of starts, though, as he began the 2020/21 campaign with one goal and two assists in 13 appearances, with eight of those games coming at Celtic.

This led to Transfermarkt valuing him at £1.62m in January 2021, less than the £2.7m Celtic reportedly paid Motherwell for his services six months earlier.

He was able to adapt to life in Glasgow, however, and enjoyed a terrific end to the campaign under Lennon as he finished on nine goals and eight assists for the Hoops in all competitions, having managed zero goals and two assists in his opening eight games.

The £7.4k-per-week wizard has carried that form over to the 2021/22 season with Ange Postecoglou in charge and the Australian already loves him. Turnbull has played 18 times in all competitions this term and produced six goals and three assists, starting all eight of Celtic’s Premiership matches.

Only Anthony Ralston, who has started six games, and Ryan Christie, who has since left the club, have averaged higher SofaScore ratings than Turnbull for Celtic in the Premiership. The attacking midfielder has averaged a sublime score of 7.60 across his eight starts, creating an eye-catching 2.8 chances per game for Postecoglou’s side whilst also scoring three times.

At the time of writing (11/10/21), Transfermarkt value Turnbull at £4.5m. This is a 177.7% increase from his value in January of this year, which shows that he has progressed immensely over the past ten months, now establishing himself as a favourite of Postecoglou’s.

Speaking about him in August, the Aussie said: “He has all the ingredients, physically, he works hard, great technique, good temperament.

“The challenge for David is not to put any limits on the player he can be and the levels he can reach.”

His game time this season shows that the Australian already feels that he can rely on the 22-year-old to churn out quality performances on a consistent basis. Managers love this in players as it means they can select them week-in-week-out without worrying about whether they will perform or not. Turnbull’s average rating proves that he has not let the manager down in that respect.

AND in other news, Celtic could solve big issue by signing “extraordinary” 19 y/o, he may be the next Lahm…

Sheffield United are interested in a deal to bring Willy Caballero to Bramall Lane over what remains of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun on Sunday (via Football League World), who claim that the former Manchester City and Chelsea goalkeeper is on Slavisa Jokanovic’s list of potential Aaron Ramsdale replacements, with the Serbian hoping to bring in a new shot-stopper prior to the closure of the transfer window on Tuesday.

The report continues by stating that the Blades have gone as far as to open contract talks with the 39-year-old free agent, however, the length of this deal, or whether or not the Argentina international would be open to a move to the Championship club, is not disclosed.

Big mistake

While Caballero is undoubtedly a player who boasts a vast amount of experience, having made 117 appearances in LaLiga, 34 appearances in the Premier League and 22 appearances in both the Champions League and the Europa League, when taking into account the goalkeeper’s age and recent history, it is not a difficult argument to make that his signing would be a big mistake on the part of Jokanovic.

Indeed, following his move to Chelsea back in 2017, the £225k-rated man went on to make just 38 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, with only 11 of these fixtures coming in the league.

Furthermore, when the former Malaga ‘keeper was selected in the top flight, he very rarely impressed, earning a SofaScore match rating of 5.7 in his one Premier League appearance last season – a 3-3 draw with West Bromwich Albion – and picked up a disappointing average SofaScore match rating of 6.58 over his five league fixtures in 2019/20.

As such, whether or not Caballero is a goalkeeper who can be trusted over the course of what is sure to be a long and arduous Championship season is very much up for debate – with the stats appearing to suggest that the 39-year-old would not be up for the task.

So, while time is running out for Jokanovic to bring in a replacement for Ramsdale, it would nevertheless appear highly advisable for the Serbian manager to turn his attention over what remains of the summer transfer window elsewhere, as his side can do much better than Caballero.

In other news: SUFC given possible boost in move for “unbelievable” £25k-p/w ace, fans would love him

Liverpool were recently linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman and the player could be available for a transfer at the end of the season if the opinion of a former Bayern official is correct.

What’s the story?

The Reds were one of several sides believed to be keen on securing the highly-rated 25-year-old’s services over the summer, but he ended up staying put due to his £86 million price tag despite the extensive speculation.

Now though, in an interview with German outlet BILD TV (as relayed by The Mirror), Bayern’s ex-sporting director Christian Nerlinger was asked about Coman’s future as he continues to be linked with a move away from Bavaria.

“I don’t think he will stay in Munich. Bayern had a recent tendency to lose players for free,” Nerlinger stated.

“But you can’t do that in the long run; you have to sell players from time to time if the offer is right. Coman is an excellent player, but given the situation, I think Bayern will consider selling him.”

Coman’s current contract expires in the summer of 2023, meaning Die Roten may only have the next two transfer windows to secure a substantial fee for the forward’s services.

Fans would be buzzing

The France international is set to be out until October, after making just four appearances this season, due to discovering a minor cardiac arrhythmia, which had seen him struggle with shortness of breath.

“‘King’ had an operation yesterday, he had a minor heart rhythm disturbance. I’ll explain that with my little medical expertise,” Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann revealed at a press conference on Saturday:

“There are two strands that activate the sinus node. One of them was cut off so that there would be no additional blow. Sometimes he had less air for a short time and was less productive.

“That’s why we did a long-term ECG (electrocardiogram) and found something that could be fixed quickly,” the young tactician explained.

It’s a potentially concerning setback for Coman, but the skilful forward has already achieved so much in his career. Despite being just 25, he has already won 24 major trophies in his career, including the Champions League, and was lauded by his youth coaches from an early age.

“His reading of the game and his technique stand out and make him formidable,” claimed France’s Under-17 coach Patrick Gonfalone back in 2012, when Coman was just 16.

Liverpool supporters would likely be buzzing if their club could secure a deal for Coman.

The Reds do seem a bit short of attacking options following the departure of Xherdan Shaqiri, and Klopp’s charges lack the strength in depth of their domestic rivals.

Coman’s arrival at Anfield would change that, though, and he could provide the necessary spark for Liverpool to return to the Premier League summit.

And, in other news…Signed for £34m, now worth £90m: Edwards struck gold with “exceptional” Liverpool gem 

Rangers travel to face St Mirren today as they look to reclaim their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership after Hearts leapfrogged them on Saturday.

The Gers are sat on 20 points and are currently behind Hearts on goal difference, with a draw against today’s opponents enough to see them move back to the top.

Steven Gerrard’s side come into the match off the back of a 2-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe scoring the goals.

How many changes will Gerrard make for the game? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that the head coach will bring four players into the side, with Jon McLaughlin, Calvin Bassey, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield taking up spots in the XI.

The first change we are predicting comes between the sticks. McLaughlin could come in for Allan McGregor as Gerrard rotates his goalkeepers. The 39-year-old academy product has started the last four games, which means that it could be time for McLaughlin to get the nod in goal.

At centre-back, Leon Balogun could miss out after Gerrard revealed that they will make a late decision with the Nigerian. He said:

“We will give Leon every chance for the weekend, he is still a doubt but not ruled out just yet.

“We will assess him as the day goes along and we will try and get him recovered.

“He has an outside chance for the weekend but we also have to analyse the risk so we will make a really late decision on that one but it is probably 50-50.”

This leaves a gaping hole next to Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey, a left-back by trade, could slot in as a makeshift option. He played at centre-back against Sparta Prague earlier this season and may be called upon again to cover for Balogun.

Glen Kamara watched on from the stands against Brondby due to his suspension and now returns to the fold for this clash with St. Mirren. Gerrard could axe 27-year-old John Lundstram from the team, after his struggles against Brondby, and start the Finland international in the heart of the midfield set-up.

We published an article explaining why Steven Davis should be taken out of the XI for Arfield. The Scottish-born Canadian deserves a chance to show what he can do from the start after an impressive cameo on Thursday night, which is why he should play alongside Joe Aribo and Kamara.

The front three may stay the same. Ianis Hagi, Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe could be given another opportunity to prove that they can function to a high level as a front three.

AND in other news, Forget Davis: Gerrard must unleash £16k-p/w Rangers beast who “shows fight”…

Ian Evatt has had a strong start to the campaign with Bolton as they currently sit unbeaten after five competitive matches.

The Trotters have won three and drawn two of their first five games, winning two in League One and progressing through in the Carabao Cup by beating Championship side Barnsley on penalties.

They now travel to fellow League One outfit Wigan in the second round of the Carabao Cup as they attempt to extend their unbeaten run and make their way into the next stage of the competition, which is where the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool enter the draw.

Will Evatt shake things up? Here is our predicted XI for the match tonight:

We are predicting that he will make four changes to the side from Saturday’s win over Oxford, with Matt Gilks, Harry Brockbank, Liam Gordon and Elias Kachunga all coming in.

Between the sticks, we are predicting that experienced veteran Gilks will be handed the gloves to give 27-year-old Joel Dixon a rest. The latter has started the last four matches in all competitions, so it could be time to give the 39-year-old a match in goal to prove that he still has it in him to perform at this level.

In defence, we are predicting the two full-backs to switch out. Young prospects Brockbank and Gordon should be given the opportunity to impress, allowing Evatt to omit Gethin Jones and £8.4k-per-week gem Declan John in order to give them a rest.

We believe that the spine of the team will remain the same, though. Ricardo Santos, George Johnston, Jordan Williams, Josh Sheehan and Antoni Sarcevic all registered SofaScore ratings of 6.6 or higher in the 2-1 win over Oxford last weekend, and keeping the core of the team could help to build momentum and confidence moving forward.

This is also why we think that Eoin Doyle and Oladipo Afolayan will keep their places in the team. They both scored in the win against Oxford and will be on a high after their respective performances, so it would be counterproductive to then place them on the bench for this game.

The final change we are predicting is Elias Kachunga coming in for Lloyd Isgrove. The former Southampton winger was given a disappointing SofaScore rating of 6.3 against Oxford, as he lost 10 of his 14 duels on the pitch and relinquished possession 14 times.

This is why we are predicting the Welshman to be dropped, and we have published an article explaining why Kachunga should come in, stating that he could provide quality end product given the impact he has made as a substitute in recent games.

AND in other news, Evatt must unleash “fantastic” £720k-rated Bolton gem vs Wigan, he’s a game-changer…

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Watford on Saturday.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by football.london, manager Antonio Conte revealed that winger Steven Bergwijn missed out on Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Southampton on Tuesday afternoon as the 24-year-old forward was suffering from a calf strain picked up in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

The 52-year-old went on to state that, as a result of this knock, the Netherlands international looks as if he will remain sidelined for the visit of Watford on Saturday afternoon, as the player will need more time to recover before returning to first-team football.

When asked whether Bergwijn was injured for the Saints game, Conte said: “Yeah, yeah. During the game against Crystal Palace, he felt a problem in his calf. Yeah, he was injured. Together with [Giovanni] Lo Celso and [Cristian] Romero and [Ryan] Sessegnon.”

The Italian was then asked whether the winger would be back for Watford, to which he replied: “I don’t think so. He has a muscular problem and he needs to recover more time than 10 days or only a week.”

Conte will be livid

As we are well and truly in the thick of the busiest period of the Premier League calendar, with Spurs having at least six fixtures to play between now and the end of January – with the potential of more being scheduled due to earlier postponements – the news that Bergwijn will be unable to feature against Watford is sure to come as a huge blow to Conte, as well as leaving the manager livid.

Indeed, with the 52-year-old recently revealing that he considers the forward as a backup to Harry Kane – currently Tottenham’s only recognised centre-forward – something that is evidenced by Bergwijn replacing the 28-year-old at Selhurst Park last week, the Dutchman’s injury severely limits the Italian’s options should he wish to give the England captain a rest in the club’s upcoming games.

Furthermore, with the likes of Lo Celso, Romero and Sessegnon already in the Tottenham Hotspur treatment room, a fresh injury is the last thing Conte needs heading into 2022, as the former Inter Milan manager will need as many of his first-team squad fit and firing as possible if he is to have any chance of guiding Spurs to a top-four finish in the league this season.

In other news: “Serious chance”: Romano drops teasing Spurs transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing

Jesse Marsch’s track record when it comes to developing young players is certainly impressive, so Leeds United’s latest up-and-coming prospects are in very good hands.

During spells in charge of Red Bull conglomerates, Salzburg and Leipzig, the American coach had many a talent at his disposal, trusting them to start for him in the senior game.

These names ranged from goalscoring superstar Erling Haaland and Patson Daka, who is now at Premier League rivals Leicester City, to mooted Whites transfer target Brenden Aaronson.

Whilst the likes of Hwang Hee-chan, Takumi Minamino, Dominik Szoboszlai, Karim Adeyemi, Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol have all benefitted from his influence.

Some of the players listed went on to score a pretty neat profit but who could follow in the footsteps of say, a Haaland, at Elland Road?

The Yorkshire giants are blessed with a pretty exciting academy set-up, where we have seen players such as Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood go from starting for the youth team week-in, week-out, to earning minutes in the top-flight of the men’s game.

But it could be Leo Hjelde who benefits most from the arrival of Marsch.

The 18-year-old defender has recently been absent through injury but made his return on Monday night as the U23s were walloped by West Ham United, though these valuable minutes are positive for his comeback.

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Described as “rusty” in the game by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, it was more of a first runout for the Nottingham-born Norwegian in two months.

Capable of playing at left-back and in the middle, Hjelde could be hugely valuable to the 48-year-old going forward, particularly into next season, where the makeup of this Leeds squad is surely set to change following a torrid season full of injury and inconsistency, leading to them largely fighting a relegation battle.

His debut for the Yorkshiremen came against West Ham United earlier this season highlighted his true potential, earning immense praise from club legend Jermain Beckford, who told the club’s official podcast:

“The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen. I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”

Meanwhile, during his time at Ross County, his former manager John Hughes likened him to a current Premier League star, which only bolsters claims that Hjelde could emerge as a big money-making sensation in the future.

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that,” he said. “The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo. He’s got massive things in front of him.”

Also dubbed a “massive talent” by his ex-boss, it’s clear that Leeds – and Marsch particularly – have a special defender in their grasp. He should be in line for more game time next season as the league’s worst defence will surely be altered.

The Norway U21 international could earn Leeds a pretty penny one day.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops 12-word Kalvin Phillips transfer update…

Celtic target Fernando Henrique has followed the Hoops on Instagram, @about_celtic report.

The Lowdown: Henrique links

Ange Postecoglou appears to be on the lookout for midfield reinforcements in the winter window after relying heavily on Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic when fit this season.

Michael Nicholson and co made contact with Gremio over a move for Henrique last month, with the 20-year-old strong with both feet and able to play in three different midfield roles.

Reports in recent days from Brazil, cited by The Daily Record, have suggested that a move to Parkhead for Henrique is ‘likely’, and it seems as if a possible Scotland switch is on the cards following the midfielder’s social media antics.

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The Latest: Instagram follow

Hoops fan page @about_celtic posted two pictures on Wednesday afternoon.

They shared an image of Henrique’s verified Instagram account, with Celtic now one of the 1,253 accounts he follows.

The Verdict: January move imminent?

This latest spot regarding the Brazilian midfielder appears to be pointing in the direction of a Scotland switch in the New Year, especially after the reports in Brazil shared by The Daily Record.

Celtic’s two midfield additions over the summer, Liam Shaw and James McCarthy, have both struggled to make the impact they would’ve hoped for in Glasgow, so should Henrique seal a move in January, hopefully, he’ll make an instant start.

However, he hasn’t featured in Gremio’s last 14 games, so on that basis, it could take him a while to get up to speed at Celtic Park, so perhaps the 20-year-old could be a long-term project for Postecoglou.

In other news: Injury woes continue for Ange as worries on ‘excellent’ Celtic beast emerge prior to semi-final. 

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a summer move for Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Lowdown: Awoniyi having a ‘remarkable’ season

As per Bundesliga journalist Stefan Bienkowski, the Nigerian striker is having a ‘remarkable’ season at Union Berlin.

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He has scored no fewer than 17 goals and supplied a further four assists in 37 games across all competitions so far this term (Transfermarkt), so a number of clubs will no doubt be looking at him over the summer.

The Latest: Newcastle lurking for Awoniyi

As per Soccernet, sources close to Awoniyi have revealed that he is now ‘set’ for a move to the Premier League at the end of this campaign, but he has not yet decided who he would like to sign for.

Newcastle are joined by West Ham United and Southampton in having already ‘signified interest’ in the Nigeria international, and his departure is expected to be a record sale for Union.

They signed him for just €5m (£4.2m) last summer, so they could end up cashing in for a tidy profit.

Sources believe that Awoniyi has ‘unfinished business’ in English football after leaving Liverpool, where he was sent out on loan seven times before being sold without ever playing for the Reds.

The Verdict: Get it done

Currently rated at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, Newcastle could snap up Awoniyi for a tidy fee.

Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems, and with Chris Wood only finding the net twice since signing from Burnley in January, Eddie Howe could do with another option up top, and the Nigerian powerhouse would be perfectly suited to the pace and demands of the top flight.

Described as having ‘explosive power, a poacher’s instinct and cool head’ on the Bundesliga website, the 24-year-old could thrive on Tyneside, and of course he will have the extra motivation to show everyone what he can really do on these shores.

In other news, find out what amazing PIF claim this transfer insider has now dropped

Celtic picked up a huge result in the Europa League on Thursday night as they beat Ferencvaros 3-2 away from home.

Kyogo Furuhasi, Liel Abada and Jota scored for the Hoops as they picked up the three points, which leaves them third in the group with two matches left to play and guarantees them some form of European football after Christmas.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are one point behind Real Betis and four points off Bayer Leverkusen, with matches against both of them to come before the turn of the year.

The likes of David Turnbull, Abada, Furuhahsi and Jota may get the acclaim for scoring and setting up the crucial goals, but Celtic’s unsung hero in the match was holding midfielder Nir Bitton.

Celtic needed a solid base from which to build and the Israeli provided that by putting in a sublime performance in the middle of the park. He started in the number six role behind Callum McGregor and Turnbull and was able to perfectly anchor the midfield to allow the forwards to thrive in the final third.

Defensively, he was superb. As per SofaScore, he won nine of his 11 individual duels on the pitch (81.8%) whilst making three tackles and one block throughout the match. This shows that he was strong in his battle against Ferencvaros and did not allow himself to be bullied in midfield, which helped Celtic to control the game and limited the number of attacks that the opposition were able to build.

He also offered value on the ball. As per SofaScore, he completed 88% of his attempted passes, including two of his four longer pass attempts, and only gave possession away five times from 53 touches. He also had a 100% dribble success rate and was fouled three times, highlighting his ability to retain the ball under pressure and force the opposition into giving away a free-kick.

Therefore, Bitton was Postecoglou’s unsung hero against the Hungarian side. He provided the balance in midfield to allow Celtic to be at their best at both ends of the pitch, and the Australian head coach will surely be over the moon with the 30-year-old’s display. The manager will surely be hoping that Bitton can maintain this level of performance throughout the rest of the season, particularly in Europe.

AND in other news, Forget Jota & Kyogo: “Quality” Celtic gem who made five key passes ran the show for Ange…