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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…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has revealed that the club’s ‘intention’ is to act in the January window after the huge news of an injury to Kalvin Phillips.  

The Lowdown: Phillips’ surgery

Marcelo Bielsa’s squad has been impacted massively due to a number of injuries this season, with plenty of key players sidelined.

Phillips is one of the latest out after suffering a hamstring problem against Brentford earlier this month. Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford also injured the same muscle in the 2-2 draw with the Bees, whereas Rodrigo is sidelined with a heel issue and Pascal Struijk with a foot problem.

News emerged on Monday that the holding midfielder has now had surgery to repair the issue but is expected to be out for at least two months as a result.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay ran a Q&A on The Athletic prior to Leeds’ defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

He was asked for an update by one fan in regards to any January incomings, to which he said:

“The intention is there after the injury to Phillips. But it will depend on budget and available options. You know the drill.”

The Verdict: Good news…

A midfielder appears desperately needed at Elland Road following the injury to Phillips. Bielsa has just four midfielders on the books, two of which are injured after Jamie Shackleton hobbled off at the Etihad.

That leaves just Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich as his remaining options, although Stuart Dallas can provide cover when needed.

However, it is clear to see that the Whites would benefit from a midfield addition for the second half of the season, and it’s good to see that owner Andrea Radrizzani is ready to take action over the coming weeks, should the right deal appear.

In other news: Leeds now back in for summer target who is ‘like a beast’ – reliable journalist. 

Liverpool are interested in making a move for Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: De Jong is a huge talent

The 24-year-old has stood out as possibly one of Europe’s most gifted young central midfielders in recent years, having emerged from Ajax’s youth system.

While Barca are struggling badly as a club, exiting the Champions League in midweek, De Jong has been a silver lining in the squad, starting 11 La Liga games this season and averaging a remarkable 91.7 pass completion rate in the competition.

Xavi has hailed De Jong as an ‘extraordinary’ player in the past but it could be that the Dutchman feels his future lies away from Barca if these reports are to be believed.

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The Latest: Liverpool linked with move

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are eyeing up the midfielder, with the report stating that they are ‘crazy to sign him’.

There are concerns at Barca that De Jong isn’t happy and there are ‘important offers on the table’ for his services, even though it is not known whether the Reds have made a concrete bid.

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The Verdict: Magnificent summer signing

De Jong is an outstanding footballer and he could be the perfect summer addition at Liverpool next year, at a point where some fresh blood will be needed in the middle of the park.

The likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are all in their 30s – Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are 28, too – so De Jong could be a brilliant young option to address the long-term future in the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Not only is he a class act on the ball, averaging 1.5 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per game, but also works hard off it, making 1.7 tackles per match – more than Thiago (1.6), Milner (1.5), Fabinho (1.4) and Henderson (1.1).

In other news, Liverpool are still believed to be monitoring a rumoured signing. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri is closing in on a move to Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, as reported by prominent transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio on Twitter.

In 2020/21, the Switzerland international registered five goal contributions in 22 fixtures for the Reds; one goal and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he looks set to depart Anfield after three years at the club owing to recent developments. As relayed by Di Marzio to his followers on social media, Shaqiri is ‘very close’ to a move to France.

The French giants are said to have offered a fee of around €6million to Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s men believed to be holding out for around €8M for his services.

With an agreement expected to be reached soon, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to social media to vent their reactions to the update.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to Gianluca Di Marzio on Twitter, here is what some Liverpool fans had to say about the notion of Shaqiri departing for France:

“Absolute bargain for Lyon. They have robbed us. Still hoping other interested parties might bid more for him.”

Credit: @nayanmoha”8 million isn’t good enough we might as well keep him he’s to good to let go at that stupid price”Credit: @MrDPsmith1″Quality player and £6m is a bargain. If we didn’t already have him, I’d say we should sign him. Keep Shaq and sell Origi.”Credit: @_MarkL33″What’s the point at that price. Keep him”Credit: @KierT82″That’s a disgrace”Credit: @footballlfc3690″Peanuts that, might as well keep him”Credit: @DDaliniIn other news, Liverpool fans fume at a transfer update.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has revealed in an interview with The Athletic that there was some animosity between himself and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy when he opted to turn down the opportunity to join PSG.

THE LOWDOWN: VILLAS-BOAS WAS WANTED BY PSG

Villas-Boas was in charge of Tottenham for just over a year but failed to pick up any silverware in his time with the north London club. The 43-year-old was linked with the managerial vacancy at French giants PSG back in 2013 whilst contracted to Spurs, but turned down the opportunity to take charge with them as he opted to stay with Spurs.

However, he was sacked from his role in charge of Spurs in December 2013 after they were thrashed 5-0 at home by Liverpool, which left them seventh in the Premier League.

Spurs are now searching for another manager after parting company with Jose Mourinho during the 2020/21 season, although Graham Potter is now believed to be the ninth candidate to turn down the club’s approach this summer.

THE LATEST: VILLAS-BOAS ISSUES INSIGHT INTO RELATIONSHIP WITH LEVY

Speaking in a recent interview with The Athletic, Villas-Boas has issued an insight into his failed move to PSG, whilst also highlighting the animosity between himself and Daniel Levy during that time at Spurs. He revealed:

“I understood Tottenham wanted me to go to Paris. I had an offer from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. But I said, “No”.

“So I didn’t have the best of relationships with Daniel. We were correct throughout but we were not in love with each other and I think they wanted me to accept the offer.

“I have a different vision of football and, for me, whenever somebody declines something that’s normally better — be it contract-wise or the possibility of you winning — for me, you are entitled to a contract renewal. That’s how I see things. It wasn’t the case. And that led to a bad, bad animosity between us.”

THE VERDICT: IS LEVY A DIFFICULT MAN TO WORK WITH?

His comments will be a real eye-opener to some supporters, and he does make some fair points in terms of the bar potentially being too high at Spurs.

It’s been a case of ‘so close, yet so far’ for Tottenham in recent years, and it certainly seems surprising to hear that the club were keen on Villas-Boas to leave in favour of a move to PSG. When he duly turned them down, it’s not a surprise to see that the relationship with Levy went south thereafter.

Spurs haven’t had the best of luck with managerial appointments in recent seasons, which makes it even more important that they get this next one right. Alas, this anecdote from Villas-Boas indicates a warning to the club’s next manager as to how difficult it can be at times to work with Levy, with the word “animosity” eliciting concern.

In other news, this Tottenham player has been linked with a return to his homeland.

A number of Liverpool supporters have bemoaned an injury update regarding Thiago, with the midfielder set to miss this week’s two matches.

The Reds enjoyed another productive weekend of Premier League action, winning 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday thanks to goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita.

An otherwise positive afternoon was ruined slightly by Thiago’s injury, with the Spaniard limping off with a calf issue in the second half.

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It is the latest fitness setback for Liverpool, who have already lost Harvey Elliott to a dislocated ankle injury suffered at Leeds United earlier this month.

On Monday, the club’s official Twitter account and website confirmed that Thiago would miss Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City, as well as the trip to Brentford in the league on Saturday.

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Liverpool fans react to Thiago injury latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to rue the news, with Thiago putting in some impressive performances so far this season but now stricken by yet another injury setback.

“Lol we really can’t have nice things”

Credit: @PsychoRelic_

“Here we go again”

Credit: @elmohuh

“What’s going on with this club?”

Credit: @_Bhokisi

“Pls get him back in time for City I beg”

Credit: @lfcKar

“Day ruined”

Credit: @santandaves

“We’ve been here with Thiago, 2 games better not turn into 3 months”

Credit: @__nxlo

In other news, some Liverpool fans love one Reds player’s recent social media post. Read more here.

Many West Brom supporters have reacted to Valerien Ismael’s post-match comments after the 1-1 home draw with Millwall on Saturday.

The Baggies currently lead the Championship after six games, with four wins and two draws from their league campaign thus far.

Yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Millwall put them above Fulham after Marco Silva’s side fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at Blackpool, but they failed to muster any real clinical touch as they only registered two shots on target from 11 taken throughout the game.

Daniel Ballard cancelled out Kyle Bartley’s opener in the second half after Karlan Grant missed a first-half penalty, as Ismael’s side saw their four-game winning streak in the division ended despite having a succession of late chances.

The manager admitted afterwards: “We had our opportunities on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to win the game.

“We have to learn from that game. We will face this type of test plenty of times in the season when opponents come to The Hawthorns.

“They want to make us frustrated and take all of the intensity out of the game. Our purpose from that game is to learn from what happened and make sure we maintain our intensity.”

The Baggies received criticism from some fans for their tactics throughout the game as they played 75 long balls compared to Millwall’s 71, while hitting just two accurate crosses out of 19. In a game in which they were favourites, West Brom had fewer shots and fewer big chances than their London opponents.

It’s only their first points dropped since the opening day draw with Bournemouth, but Ismael’s style of play has received stick from his supporters, some of whom referenced the crude tactics of Tony Pulis during his reign at The Hawthorns in recent years.

West Brom fans react

These West Brom fans took to Twitter to react to Ismael’s comments following their disappointing draw with Millwall.

“Didn’t win a ball in the air for the first 40 minutes yet kept playing it high, was like watching Pulisball all over again. No plan B, just hit it long and hope for the best. Very poor today”

Credit: @rogeriley2

“Pulis would be proud”

Credit: @stujay4

“Need to learn how to pass instead of whacking it all the time”

Credit: @TibbsAiden

“Rubbish”

Credit: @Baggies684

“Play the ball on the deck more might help, that’s when we play our best football!”

Credit: @allnewswba

“Long throw should be a nice bonus to score a goal. Can’t be the entire gameplan. Not enough quality today needed to play football to beat these”

Credit: @OlArnie2

In other news, many Baggies fans are happy with one piece of transfer business. Find out more here.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has shared some enticing insight on what the funds raised by Glasgow Rangers fans will be used for at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Rangers fan share

After a meeting with managing director Stewart Robertson, fans have been offered the chance to help future-proof the Glasgow club.

Gers supporters have been given the chance to gather their resources via the fan group Follow Rangers, and can now take part in the scheme for as little as £10 – £500 was initially required for them to buy a stake at Ibrox.

Stakeholders will have voting rights and will be allowed to attend the annual general meeting (Football Insider), and Rangers have now decided what they aim to do with all of the funds raised.

The Latest: Maguire shares insight

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire has shared that vice-chairman John Bennett would like to put the money into growth projects, and will primarily be used to help improve the infrastructure:

“I believe that Rangers have spoken to some other fan groups as well as Club 1872.

“This would allow them to vote as a bloc. It is a form of democratisation that will help.

“I spoke to John Bennett for the podcast (The Price of Football) and he is very clear in what he says. He wants to put the money into growth projects.

“There’s Edmiston House which is going to be used as a museum and for conferences, so in that, they are trying to sweat the assets and be business-savvy.

“Rangers fans can welcome this because the money isn’t being used to pay down the loans which the directors have put in.

“The investment is there to ensure that club continues to grow as they come out of their recovery phase. It’s for infrastructure, primarily.”

The Verdict: Can only be a good thing

The fact that the Gers have decided to invest in growth projects and the overall infrastructure of the Glasgow club can only be seen as a good thing in the longer term.

As Maguire points out, the investment will ensure that they continue to grow as a football club for the long term, coming off the back of a very successful season in which they snatched the Scottish Premiership title off of the hands of Celtic.

The opportunity to become a stakeholder is one that a lot of Gers fans will take with open arms, as they can truly have their own voices heard as they plan for what comes in the near future and beyond.

Nonetheless, the scheme is one that seemingly benefits all parties involved with the club.

In other news, find out what Bennett comments on transfer policy have Gers talking here!

Arsenal fans will be extremely excited about the future of Folarin Balogun given his superb performances in Ligue 1 with Stade de Reims so far this season but Mikel Arteta could have another superstar waiting in the wings at London Colney.

Nikolaj Moller arrived at the Premier League leaders with a big reputation and will be hoping to make an impression in the first team in the coming years, having spent time away from the Gunners on loan in recent seasons.

Who is Nikolaj Moller?

The 20-year-old joined Arsenal from Malmo in October 2020 and was an instant hit with the U23s side, hitting seven goals and three assists in 18 appearances in the Premier League 2 in the 2020/21 campaign.

He was sent out on loan to FC Victoria Koln the following season, and while he failed to find the back of the net in ten appearances in Germany's third tier, he did score three times and assist once in just two appearances in the DFB Pokal.

The Sweden U20 international has spent time with FC Den Bosch in the Netherlands in each of the last two campaigns, notching a combined five goals and two assists in just 27 appearances, which suggests that he is not struggling to adapt to senior football.

Moller, who is described on Arsenal's website as "a towering striker with devastating finishing ability and strong link-up play", will draw natural comparisons with legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, because of his style of play and 6 foot 4 stature.

Indeed, he has already been compared to the great Swede, with one of Moller's former youth coaches, Robin Asterhed, not only labelling him a "super talent" but suggesting "there are some similarities with a young Ibra."

The former Barcelona and Inter forward is still going strong at the age of 41 with AC Milan and boasts an incredible record of 493 goals and 202 assists in 819 club appearances across his career thus far.

He has also scored a phenomenal 62 goals in 121 appearances for his country and has won a plethora of awards across a glittering career that has spanned across Europe and America, with 32 club trophies under his belt.

Naturally, if Moller was able to reach anywhere near that level in his time with Arsenal, then he could prove to be a huge success at the Emirates, and fans will be hoping that they can finally possess their own Ibrahimovic, having famously failed to sign the striker when he was just 19.

With Balogun attracting interest from across Europe after hitting 17 goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, Arsenal may have to look towards Moller as their next young striker to take up the wonderkid mantle.

Football.London’s Sam Inkersole reckons that Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has missed his chance to get a big move away from Selhurst Park.

Zaha was strongly linked to both Arsenal and Everton two years ago following a transfer request.

However, the 28-year-old, whose previous big move ended in disaster when he joined Manchester United in 2013, has remained in south London despite increased pressure over his Palace future.

He’s continued to perform excellently for the Eagles, even with the increased speculation, and scored a career-best 11 Premier League goals last season to help Palace finish 14th.

However, soon after Goal reported that both Everton and Tottenham are interested in signing the Ivorian for around £40m, Zaha expressed his desire to leave once again.

But Zaha turns 29 in November, which will have seen his value has decreased significantly, meaning Palace will be even more reluctant to cash-in on their star man given they won’t come close to receiving a fee that has been mentioned in the past.

And when speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Inkersole all but ruled it out:

“He’s been trying for so long to get out, Palace have overvalued him, and clubs have been put off. He was very close to Arsenal, and they signed Pepe.

“If it were going to happen it would have happened in the last couple of years. I don’t think he’s going to get that move to Arsenal or Spurs – his time for a big move is passed.”