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Karl Darlow is set to be replaced by Martin Dubravka for Newcastle United in their home fixture versus Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday night.

That is according to The Daily Telegraph, claiming Steve Bruce has decided to change his goalkeeper for the game against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

Darlow can count himself unlucky

Darlow can count himself very unlucky to be dropped as he has put in some stellar displays for the St. James’ Park faithful over the course of the 2020/21 term so far.

The 30-year-old makes no fewer than 3.5 saves on average per game in the Premier League and has also saved a penalty and made no errors that have led to shots or goals (Sofascore).

Alan Shearer was particularly full of praise for him during the North East club’s 0-0 home draw with reigning EPL champions Liverpool back in December of last year, describing Darlow as ‘exceptional’.

Nonetheless, Dubravka is a safe pair of hands and is more than capable of filling into the Englishman’s shoes against the Molineux outfit.

After all, the Slovakia international was Bruce’s first-choice ‘keeper before his injury which meant that Darlow had to step in, and now he will take his place in between the posts again for the Magpies as they look to get a vital three points to ease off fear of potential relegation.

In other news, find out what inside claim Luke Edwards has dropped on Bruce’s future here!

Everton loanee Anthony Gordon produced a lively performance as Preston North End beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 in the Championship on Saturday.

Gordon moved to Deepdale on Deadline Day last month after sealing a last-ditch temporary switch for the remainder of the season, chasing the prospect of regular first-team football.

Carlo Ancelotti had only awarded the 20-year-old three starts in seven games across all competitions this term, but Gordon has already started three of five second-tier outings with the Lilywhites.

The Toffees product’s last outing in royal blue came in a 14-minute cameo at home to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, having helped Everton through to the fourth round with an assist against Rotherham United 15 days prior.

Despite his role in Cenk Tosun’s early opener and him baffling the Millers’ with his vision and pace, Gordon was slammed for displaying poor body language as the £4.5m-rated prospect let his promising start fade into a miserable afternoon.

Ancelotti’s decision to send Gordon out on loan a week later is now proving a masterstroke, with the youngster getting regular action and being praised for his efforts under Preston boss Alex Neil.

After the Lilywhites romped to a 3-0 win at home to Huddersfield on Saturday, Lancs Live lauded Gordon’s efforts and noted how the Liverpool-born winger was lively throughout the first half and caused the Terriers’ issues with his pace and skill.

Carlos Corberan’s John Smith’s Stadium natives were often forced into fouling Gordon to get him off the ball, while Deepdale Digest compared the Everton prospect’s performance to ex-Blues forward Aiden McGeady for how he is taking control of Preston’s set-pieces and how he‘looks a class act’.

McGeady moved to Deepdale on loan from Everton for the 2016/17 season, in which the current Sunderland attacker scored eight times and assisted nine goals in 34 Championship games.

Gordon is yet to open his account for goals or assists under Neil, but he fashioned a range of chances during his lively afternoon at home to Huddersfield over the weekend.

The midfielder’s closest attempt saw the ball curl over the bar whilst the Terriers searched for an equaliser at 1-0 and he ended his 77 minutes on the field with three shots – far eclipsing his Championship average of 1.2 per game to date, per SofaScore.

Gordon also met his average 1.6 key passes by creating one goalscoring opportunity and he dominated in the duel up against Huddersfield right-midfielder Juninho Bacuna.

While Bacuna lost 10 of his 11 contests on the ground, Gordon won eight of his nine.

The Everton talent also dribbled past opposing players twice from three attempts – only Scott Sinclair (3) and Greg Cunningham (3) made more for either side.

Ancelotti will no doubt be pleased with how Gordon has taken to life on loan with Preston, and he’ll be keen to see his early promise provide results down the stretch ahead of a return to Goodison Park this summer.

AND in other news, Everton are tracking a prolific 15-goal winger backed to reach another level…

When Leeds travelled to League Two Crawley Town on Sunday afternoon, they did so with plenty of confidence.

The Whites have played some swashbuckling football in the Premier League this season and after Marcelo Bielsa chose to field £30m summer signing Rodrigo up top, there really should have only been one winner.

However, the hosts defied the odds to win 3-0. It was one of the biggest upsets we’ve seen in the competition over the last few years with 64 places separating the two sides in the football pyramid.

Leeds were abject but Crawley were superb, playing wonderful counter-attacking football that put Bielsa’s side to the sword.

Kiko Casilla started ahead of Illan Meslier in goal but he failed to cover himself in much glory, putting in a pathetic performance between the sticks – one that rather sums up how his spell at Elland Road has played out.

The Spaniard let the ball through his hands for the first goal and then somehow allowed it to slip between his legs for the second.

However, if we’re looking at outfield players who disappointed, then Kalvin Phillips has to take the blame. The England international was picked at centre-half and clearly wasn’t very comfortable playing in that position.

Alongside Casilla, he was also at fault for the first goal. Nick Tsaroulla dashed past two Leeds players, including Phillips, who didn’t get tight enough to his man and allowed the shot on goal. Had the 25-year-old been more mobile, then he could have blocked the effort or at least made it harder for the player to go beyond him.

That wasn’t the peak of his problems though. Clearly lacking the competency to play at centre-back, he lost possession a mammoth 24 times and completed just 78% of his passes.

For someone like Phillips, a player usually so reliable in possession, this was incredibly surprising to see. The midfielder is normally a robust individual but he also struggled with the physical side of things.

The academy graduate won only six of the 15 duels he contested and was also given a yellow card for his troubles.

Phillips is traditionally one of Leeds’ most reliable players but on this occasion, he let Bielsa down. For someone with ambitions of playing more regularly for England, this display will have done himself no favours.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano hints at possible “opportunity” for Leeds, it would usurp Rodrigo deal…

Much like Celtic’s season as a whole, the January transfer window has been an insipid affair.

They are currently 23 points behind their fierce rivals in the race for the SPFL title and remarkably, they are yet to welcome any new players to the club.

This is a big month for the club’s hierarchy but they are only failing their supporters more.

It’s a desperate time at Parkhead but that being said, not even a couple of additions to the playing staff would bridge the current gap.

On the chalkboard

Come the summer window, Celtic could have plenty of holes to address in the squad. Odsonne Edouard continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League while Kristoffer Ajer has attracted the interest of AC Milan.

Though, they will also have to find someone to replace Mo Elyounoussi – that’s if he doesn’t pen permanent terms in Glasgow. He’s only on loan at the moment and given their lack of depth in a wide position, will need someone new.

That player could well be Karamoko Dembele’s brother – Siriki Dembele. The Hoops have been tracking the attacker since November but face increased competition for his signature. He has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Peterborough which has led to a bid for his services from Nottingham Forest.

Though, if the Bhoys stole a march in the race to sign Dembele, they could well find themselves their new Aiden McGeady.

The Irishman is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players we’ve seen in the green and white over the last 20 years, bringing unrivalled trickery and energy to the Celtic team.

In making 200 appearances for the Bhoys, McGeady scored 32 times, racking up 48 assists in the process. Furthermore, the 34-year-old won the Fans Player of the Year and became a 2x winner of the Player’s Player of the Year. If that wasn’t enough, his senior professionals voted him the best player in the Scottish Premiership for the 2007/08 campaign.

He was a brilliant winger for the Hoops, going on to create his own trick – the McGeady spin – and offering dribbling skills that not many players in Scotland could provide.

For a glimpse of what he’s offered in his career, the former Republic of Ireland international managed 2.3 dribbles per game for Spartak Moscow in the 2010/11 Champions League.

At Preston in the English Championship, he managed 2.5 dribbles an outing and then for Sunderland at the same level, he amassed a tally of 2.3 successful take-ons per match.

That’s remarkably similar to Dembele, a man currently playing his football in League One – the same division as McGeady. Just 24 years of age, the flanker – who can also play as a striker – has scored six goals.

Pivotally, though, is his ability to trick defenders and beat them with his dribbling. Described as “absolutely outstanding” by Posh manager Darren Ferguson, he has completed 2.9 dribbles a match this season.

For context, no player in the third tier of English football is more successful. The next best happens to be on 1.8 dribbles – that’s how good Dembele is.

A rampant attacker, his skills in this regard have huge similarities to McGeady. Nick Hammond may well have a chance of finally finding his successor this year.

AND in other news, Time to go Lenny: Desmond could revitalise Celtic by appointing “fantastic” 60 y/o…

Glasgow Rangers striker Jermain Defoe scored on his 800th career appearance as Steven Gerrard’s side strolled to a 4-0 win at Ross County to increase their sizeable lead over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Kemar Roofe gave the Gers the lead before James Tavernier benefited from a defensive lapse of concentration, Callum Morris scored an unfortunate own goal, and Defoe put the finishing touch on a fine team performance.

In typical fashion, the former England international came off the bench to score on the turn from close range – his fourth goal from his past seven appearances in all competitions.

Just weeks after he scored his 300th goal in club football against Livingston at Ibrox, the clinical finisher, who turned 38 earlier this year, celebrated yet another landmark to cap off a remarkable run of form, which prompted praise from Rangers coach Michael Beale, who described him as a “top professional and a role model for younger players.”

Defoe initially arrived at Ibrox in January 2019 and he has scored 29 goals and supplied 10 assists in 59 games for the Gers since he swapped the South Coast of England for Glasgow.

Valued at £1.26m via Transfermarkt,  his current contract with Rangers is set to expire in 2021.

Despite his age, the wily veteran hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon, and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Ross Wilson simply must tie Defoe down to a new contract, given his current vein of form.

His latest display against the Staggies is just further proof that he adds depth, strength and quality to Gerrard’s striker options, which is more than can be said for Cedric Itten, who once again failed to get on the scoresheet.

Per SofaScore, Defoe provided two passes, completed one dribble attempt successfully, and took one shot on target – which is more shots on target than Alfredo Morelos managed, despite the fact the Colombian played the majority of the game.

He’s certainly not done yet, not by a long shot.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers forward Kemar Roofe was the man of the hour against Ross County…

David Moyes must wield the axe on Sebastien Haller when West Ham United visit Everton on Friday night after the striker’s struggles at Southampton.

Haller was given the starting role at St. Mary’s as Michail Antonio made his long-awaited return to a matchday squad with a seat on the bench, having missed the Hammers’ previous five Premier League fixtures through his second hamstring injury of the season.

Antonio had been a huge loss for the Irons after sustaining a second strain in his return at home to Aston Villa last month, but came through Tuesday night’s trip to the south coast unscathed and will now be pushing for a start at Goodison Park.

Moyes is keen to award minutes to those he feels are proving themselves in training but accepts that Antonio’s injuries forced him to seek alternative options, with Haller stepping in yet only returning two goals while registering just a single shot in each of West Ham’s last three top-flight fixtures.

Haller severely struggled to leave a positive impression on the pitch at Southampton before being replaced by Antonio with 13 minutes still to play and the scoreline locked at 0-0, having caused the hosts very few issues and left Moyes with little food for thought.

The Ivory Coast international often cut a lonely figure yet still managed to register 35 touches of the ball, with which he could complete just nine of 13 passes and attempt a single shot on Alex McCarthy’s goal which was off target, per SofaScore.

He was able to offer one key ball yet let the chance to shine slip through his fingers again, as Haller went on to lose seven of his 12 ground duels, three of five aerial contests, possession 13 times and committed three fouls.

Moyes will likely have to spend little time considering his attacking option for when West Ham visit Everton on Friday night should Antonio show no signs of struggle in training this week, believing his absence has left the Irons forced to muddle through in recent weeks.

“We have missed him, we have been muddling through a little bit without him, trying to find ways of getting goals from other sources if we can. The players have done a good job but obviously getting him back playing, we have to tread carefully with him, be patient with him,” Moyes said after the Southampton game, via quotes by football.london.

Antonio and Haller have each scored three times in the Premier League so far this season despite the London-born hitman featuring for 332 fewer minutes, while also winning just four fewer ground duels (34 to 38), playing four fewer key passes (6 to 10), taking eight fewer shots (14 to 22) and has registered a higher number of successful dribbles (14 to 9) than his strike partner, per SofaScore.

AND in other news, a £7m-rated West Ham dud betrayed David Moyes with a sloppy Saints horror show.

Newcastle could have signed the perfect partner in crime for Allan Saint-Maximin in Lille’s Jonathan Ikone.

What was the story?

Reports from France earlier in the summer suggested that both Newcastle and fellow Premier League side Tottenham had made enquiries for Ikone, and that he could have left Lille if a considerable bid had been made.

In the end, Ikone stayed put, with the Magpies completing a free transfer for Ryan Fraser, who had left Bournemouth after the expiration of his contract.

When you look at what Ikone could have brought to the table, however, there’s a real argument that he could have been the dream partner for Saint-Maximin.

Bye-bye Almiron

With his ability to play anywhere across the front-line, including on both flanks, Ikone would have comfortably fitted in well with Saint-Maximin, giving Newcastle boss Steve Bruce the option of deploying the duo at the same time.

Valued at £32.4m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman is incredibly direct, either with the way he can drive forward or get his shot away. Last season, as per Whoscored, the 22-year-old averaged an impressive combination of 1.3 shots, 1.1 key passes and 2.6 dribbles per game.

Having Ikone on one wing and Saint-Maximin on the other could have seen Newcastle have a twin threat, and opposition defences wouldn’t have been able to double up on the latter and nullify the Magpies’ biggest danger.

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His arrival in the summer could also have been a hammer blow to Paraguay international Miguel Almiron. The former MLS ace has really struggled to hit the heights at St James’ Park, managing just nine goals in 61 games since joining.

If Ikone had made the switch to Tyneside, then Almiron may have been the one pushed to the side with even fewer opportunities to shine.

Crystal Palace signed no fewer than five players in the summer transfer window but perhaps one position in particular eluded their clutches – namely, a prolific goalscorer. Let’s face it, Michy Batshuayi has failed to find the back of the net even once so far this season, although that isn’t for want of trying.

What’s the word?

According to FootMercato, Olivier Giroud’s agent Michael Manuello has given the green light for potential suitors to try and sign the Chelsea striker in the winter transfer window.

“Deep down there is a bit of disappointment when you give (Tammy) Abraham a chance rather than him,” Manuello said. “It’s not an ideal situation.”

Now, a new English club can make him think because the big difference with the Premier League (to other leagues) is it remains an extraordinary championship,” he added.

“So if a really good Premier League club came along, yes that could (be an option).”

It’s been previously claimed that Palace were interested in the French international last year as Roy Hodgson was desperate to bolster his firepower up front, but evidently, a move failed to materialise. The Eagles could revisit their pursuit of Giroud either in January or next year.

The 34-year-old could be signed on a pre-contract agreement as a free agent in January as his contract will run out next summer.

Bye Benteke

Steve Parish did add an attacking option after bringing in Michy Batshuayi from the Blues on an initial loan deal in the end instead, though that is only a temporary move at the moment so Hodgson could face the same sticky situation in the summer. Namely, a lack of goals, as he cannot be expected to solely rely on Wilfried Zaha alone.

Whilst Palace may be prepared to play the waiting game, they may not want to not wait too long before tossing their hat in the ring, as West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign him in the winter transfer window, amid interest from Inter Milan, Roma, Lazio and Juventus.

In six games this season, Giroud has scored once so far in the 6-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup, which is more than Batshuayi has managed in the same amount of appearances for the club.

Chelsea signed the Frenchman from Arsenal for £18m on an initial 18-month deal in 2018. Since then, he has scored 29 goals and supplied 14 assists in 94 games in all competitions for the Blues, which makes him the ideal man to become the second-choice striker behind Jordan Ayew.

Last season, the veteran, who’s market value is rated £4.5m via Transfermarkt, scored eight goals in 20 games in the Premier League, whilst he averaged 2.2 shots per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, Christian Benteke only managed to score two goals and supply one assist in 30 appearances for the Eagles, as he made only 1.7 shots per game, as per WhoScored.

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer singled Giroud out for praise for his “superb” performance against Everton earlier this year, while Frank Lampard labelled him “a big character” following his goalscoring display against Norwich back in July.

Parish must return for the centre-forward in January, that’s for sure. Otherwise, he may never get another chance.

AND in other news, Hodgson must convince Patrick van Aanholt to stay as Crystal Palace contract talks face collapse…

Celtic have regained their footing at the top of the Scottish Premiership table temporarily following a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Sunday afternoon, but it wasn’t an easy three points by any means.

In fact, the defending champions looked particularly poor as substitute duo Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala came off the bench to salvage the win in injury time.

The Hoops had three shots on target all game as Neil Lennon persisted with a 3-5-2 formation which was pronged at the top by Odsonne Edouard and Saints loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi –  and the latter’s display may highlight a massive cause for concern.

In 76 minutes of action, the Norweigen attacker failed to record a single shot, successful dribble or cross. He also lost possession 12 times and won just 21% of his duels both aerially and on the ground, as per SofaScore.

Whilst playing as a striker is not his natural position, he can still deliver the goods as shown in outings before this one – he’s bagged two goals from four games in this role.

But with Griffiths back in the mix and Klimala pushing for a place in the team too. His days starting could be numbered, especially within this system as Greg Taylor is preferred at wing-back.

Lennon is even in the market for a new left-sided player too, according to reports, so it could certainly spell trouble for Elyounoussi very soon.

The 26-year-old winger is valued at £8.55m by Transfermarkt, which is only bettered by Edouard within this Bhoys squad and whilst it remains to be seen how much he’s making here at Parkhead, he was on £60k-per-week wages at the Premier League outfit.

Given their financial problems this summer, they surely wouldn’t have let him return to Scotland if Celtic weren’t paying a substantial chunk of his pay packet.

So if Elyounoussi’s performances continue to be as poor as this one, then the lightweight is immensely letting down his manager and the club.

AND in other news, Nick Hammond cannot afford to have a John McGinn 2.0 scenario over EFL “diamond”…

After reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that DeAndre Yedlin was set for a Newcastle exit, it came as a bit of a shock when the USA international was named in the club’s 25-man squad sent to the Premier League for this season.

The right-back has yet to feature at all in the top-flight in the opening five games of the campaign, and hasn’t even been named in the match-day squad for four of them. The only action he has seen, has been two Carabao Cup appearances against Blackburn Rovers and Morecambe respectively.

And speaking after that 7-0 thrashing of Morecambe, Steve Bruce admitted that Yedlin’s future at the club was indeed up in the air. He said: “The most difficult job that I’ve got is keeping everybody happy. Ultimately, we have to make the decision on 22 players. There’s the difficult situation itself. I am sure that DeAndre wants to play regularly.

“We have three recognised right-backs at the club which is not really that healthy to be honest. However, DeAndre is somebody I like, as a pro, as a player.”

In the end, Yedlin couldn’t find himself a new club, and whilst he may have been fearful of missing out on a place in the Magpies’ squad for the Premier League, he wasn’t one of those who were left out.

Sometimes all it takes is for a player to realise just how close he was to leaving for him to truly appreciate what he’s got. Yedlin has now made well over 100 appearances for Newcastle since joining, and Tyneside should well and truly feel like home for him now.

If he can get that motivation again to get back to his best, then he has all the attributes to become a permanent fixture in the starting line-up. His speed is something that the modern game demands, and it was no surprise that former boss Rafa Benitez opened up on how impressed he was when he first saw him.

He revealed: “We were watching some games and we watch a right full-back, and he’s really, really fast. I called my assistant ‘I love this player, how quick’ I like to have this kind of player with some pace.”

Yedlin could shock everyone by making a return from the wilderness.