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Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side head into Saturday’s Premier League meeting against Aston Villa in an excellent run of form, having picked up 15 points from a possible 18 over their last six league outings.

Indeed, since the turn of the year, Spurs boast the second-best form in the top flight, with only Liverpool picking up more points than the 52-year-old’s outfit in 2022.

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However, what has perhaps been most impressive about the Italian’s team in recent weeks is the dominance they have displayed in victory, scoring 22 goals over their last six Premier League fixtures, including a 4-0 win at Leeds United, a 5-0 victory over Everton and a 5-1 win over Newcastle United last time out.

This is something Conte will undoubtedly be hoping to continue at Villa Park this evening, and considering that Steven Gerrard’s outfit are currently on a run of three straight defeats in the league, the 52-year-old will be well aware that, as long as his side maintain their recent standards, they will be in with a fantastic chance of taking all three points back to north London.

With Tottenham receiving the pre-match boost of both Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon being declared available for selection, the Italian will have a very welcome selection headache at both wing-back positions, something which should see Emerson Royal drop out of the starting XI.

Conte must axe Emerson

The £62k-per-week defender enjoyed one of his better games in a Spurs shirt against Newcastle last time out, scoring his first goal for the club and turning in a decent defensive display. However, the quite incredible performance of Matt Doherty – who was deployed out of position at left wing-back – should have been enough to convince Conte that he is now Tottenham’s undisputed first choice on the right.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch against the Magpies, the 30-year-old enjoyed 45 touches of the ball, completed 27 passes, found his man with both of his attempted long balls and completed one dribble. He also made one interception, one tackle and two clearances, not to mention putting Spurs 2-1 ahead with an exceptionally well-taken header at the back post.

These returns saw the Republic of Ireland international earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.6, ranking him as Tottenham’s third-best player last time out.

As such, with one of either Reguilon or Sessegnon likely to start on the left, it would appear very wise for Conte to move Doherty back to the right against Villa, as the Irishman is clearly a much better choice than the Brazilian who Alex McLeish claimed is “struggling” in England and Alan Hutton stated “isn’t the answer” for Spurs.

AND in other news: Conte could land Spurs’ next Poyet as contact made for “sensational” £83.5m “talent”

Glasgow Rangers are back in action tomorrow with another Old Firm clash on the cards for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox outfit.

This time, the Glasgow rivals will be battling it out for a place in the Scottish Cup final.

The Gers head into the showdown riding a wave of confidence after securing their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League thanks to a 3-1 midweek win against Braga in front of a rocking Ibrox.

In addition to this, it seems as though the Dutchman’s side have been handed a huge injury boost that will surely be a massive weight off the shoulders of everyone involved with the Light Blues.

What’s the news?

Speaking after the win on Thursday (via The Herald), Gers left-back Borna Barisic revealed that it was cramp that led to him leaving the pitch just before the end of regular time, rather than any serious injury.

Assuming that this cramp is no longer an issue for the player, having him available to feature against Celtic will be great news for Van Bronckhorst.

With 19 league appearances to his name in this campaign, the 29-year-old has managed to deliver three assists for his side.

Also, only James Tavernier (3.2) and Alfredo Morelos (2) have racked up a higher average of key passes per game than the Croatian – who makes 1.9 per 90.

From a defensive point of view, the full-back has also made 27 tackles in the league this season, leaving only Tavernier (41) and Joe Aribo (32) with more.

These metrics highlight how important Barisic is for his side in both an attacking and defensive regard, as well as how much of a nuisance he could be for Celtic to play against tomorrow.

In terms of his overall performances, the left-back is currently listed as the joint-fourth highest rated player at the Ibrox club with a WhoScored rating of 7.24.

With the Hoops having scored more and conceded fewer goals than any other side in the SPFL, having Barisic on the pitch will certainly give Rangers’ chances of beating their rivals a huge boost – a result that would delight everyone involved with the Light Blues.

AND in other news: £10.1m in the bank: Rangers hit the jackpot on “brutally ruthless” £31.5k-p/w machine

Last night saw Manchester City somehow scrape past Schalke in their round of 16 first leg clash in Germany. The Citizens were saved at the death by goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, but when they were 2-1 down to a Nabil Bentaleb double and saw Nicolas Otamendi sent off for a second yellow card things were looking bleak.

At the time of Nicolas Otamendi’s dismissal, a lot of the fans were starting to turn on Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard very rarely gets it wrong when he’s setting up his side, although the fans were more than happy to stick the knife in when they saw that Otamendi had been shown a red card, as they’d never have started the 31-year-old Argentine from the get-go in such a big game.

Otamendi has appeared in the Champions League four times this season and was even given the captain’s armband by Guardiola in the club’s final group stage game, a 2-1 home win against Hoffenheim. However, this season has seen Otamendi drop down the pecking order at the club, with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte the two first-choice options for Guardiola, so to see him mix things up and use his unreliable Argentine was a shock to the fans.

You can read the Citizens’ thoughts on Otamendi’s dismissal here:

The Citizens were far from happy with Guardiola as his side limped over the line yesterday and will be keen for swift improvements when they meet Schalke at The Etihad.

Aston Villa have seen many players move in and out of the club over recent years on loan and permanent deals, highlighting how active the Midlands club have been in the transfer market.

With the next summer window in mind, it seems as though the Villans could have the chance to get rid of one of their current outcasts and replace him with a new fresh-faced talent.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from 90min, Villa are one of the clubs interested in signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle United have been in contact with Nunez’s representatives to check on the sort of deal it will take to land him.

The striker apparently has a release clause of more than £100m, but a deal worth around £65m is set to be enough to land his signature.

Time to axe Wesley

With Wesley spending the season on loan at Club Brugge and then Internacional in his homeland, it seems unlikely that he will have a future at Villa Park under Steven Gerrard.

With just one goal scored in 14 appearances in this campaign across three different clubs, it would be hard to see the £46k-per-week striker being able to make a name for himself back at the Midlands club.

This, therefore, could present the Villans with a chance to strengthen their attacking force by signing Nunez, who has racked up 40 goals and 14 appearances with Benfica, showing just what a capable striker he is at just 22.

To further highlight the youngster’s offensive prowess, he has managed to register more shots on target (35) than any other player in the top-flight of Portuguese football this season.

Labelled as a “predator in front of goal” who “holds the ball up well,” as well as being “tenacious” on the pitch with a “superb” work ethic by journalist James Dodd, Nunez could be an ideal replacement for Villa’s Brazilian outcast and really give some competition to the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

In other news: AVFC can land Gerrard’s own Grealish in “super-talented” gem who won’t cost a penny 

Glasgow Rangers earned all three points in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime to set themselves up nicely for their UEFA Europa League clash.

Scott Wright and James Tavernier ensured of the win in the end, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team did make it hard for themselves, as Leon Balogun was given a straight red card just shy of the half-hour mark, as they conceded to Ross Tierney just a few minutes later.

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As such, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the visitors on the day, with these three perhaps looking over their shoulders regarding their places in the XI on Thursday:

Glen Kamara

With a 6.6 overall rating, Kamara ranks in third here as both Balogun and Amad Diallo did not play 45 minutes.

Criticised for his role in Motherwell’s goal, the Finland international lost the ball cheaply eight times in total, while he also lost three of his duels, made no clearances and did not block any shots on his goal.

Calvin Bassey

Coming on for Diallo in a defensive change after Balogun’s sending off, Bassey did not shower himself in glory with a 6.5 rating.

The 22-year-old lost one of his two duels, made no interceptions or tackles, blocked no shots and gave the ball away twice, making one foul in the process.

Borna Barisic

Barisic ranked as the Teddy Bears’ worst performer with a 6.3 rating given.

The left-back was unsuccessful in six of his duels, while he also failed to block any shots, was dribbled past twice and lost possession a mammoth 27 times, the second-most of any player on the pitch.

In other news, find out what ‘huge blow’ for the Gers has now emerged here!

Many Liverpool fans have erupted at the news that midfielder Thiago Alcantara could be back for their next match. 

According to The Liverpool Echo, the 30-year-old should return to full team training ahead of the FA Cup fourth round clash with Cardiff City at Anfield next Sunday. He may well be in contention to start at the weekend, or at least make an appearance from the bench.

Elsewhere, Divock Origi should return to the fold before the end of February as he recovers from a knee problem, while Harvey Elliott is building up his ‘general fitness’ at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby after missing more than four months with a serious ankle injury.

Why is this a big deal?

Thiago hasn’t played a Premier League match since the 3-1 victory over Newcastle United nine days before Christmas.

Significantly, Liverpool have won all eight top-flight games that the Spaniard has started this season, so his comeback is a welcome boost as the Reds try to reel in Manchester City at the top of the table.

Fan feed Anfield Watch relayed The Liverpool Echo’s report, and here’s what some supporters had to say about the Spain midfielder’s impending return to action. For some Kopites, it adds to the positive vibes around Anfield after the signing of Luis Diaz in recent days.

These Liverpool fans buzzing over Thiago news

“Omg what a dayyyyy”

Credit: @97HassanM

“Honestly what a week”

Credit: @LFCVik2

“This day gets better and better”

Credit: @moe_y11

“GOAAATTTT”

Credit: @amaadcx

“Things I love to see”

Credit: @mmawuli27

“Wow, welcome Thiago”

Credit: @frankymavhura

In other news, there’s a big update on Neco Williams from The Athletic

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on YouTube, the football.london journalist revealed that, despite recent reports claiming that Conte would be interested in taking over from Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, people close to the 52-year-old have claimed that there is nothing to these rumours.

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Regarding the Italian’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gold said: “We should also talk about Conte and PSG. Reports coming out from one French outlet say that Conte dreams of managing PSG. Look, I’ve spoken to a few people around Conte, and they say it’s not true… his people claim there is nothing to it.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the extremely impressive job Conte has done since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham dugout back in November, the news that the 52-year-old is not currently planning on leaving the club for PSG this summer is sure to have left the Spurs faithful buzzing.

Indeed, while there have been a number of Premier League fixtures against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February – it is undeniable that Conte has improved Spurs’ performances on the pitch.

Indeed, having won 13, drawn four and lost six of his eighth in the top flight standings to fifth – just two points behind Arsenal, who currently occupy the last Champions League spot in fourth.

And, with Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy having already committed the best part of £60m on the signings of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in the January transfer window – both of whom are very much Conte-type players – it would appear likely that the former Inter Milan boss will receive the backing of the Spurs hierarchy once again this summer.

As such, it is clear to see that Gold’s suggestion the club can plan for 2022/23 with the Italian overseeing operations is undoubtedly fantastic news for all involved with Tottenham, as the prospect of Conte having a summer transfer window and a full pre-season to work with his Spurs side would appear to bode extremely well for the club’s chances of success next time out.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream signing as Spurs plot bid for “stunning” £60m “baller”

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah this summer, as speculation regarding his future continues.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future up in the air

Salah has been a sensational player for the Reds since joining from Roma in 2017 – he has scored 153 goals in 239 appearances and you could certainly argue he is the world’s best footballer on current form, with 38 direct goal involvements from 36 matches in all competitions this term.

Unfortunately, Liverpool and the player’s representatives are yet to agree a new deal for the 29-year-old, with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2023.

Salah’s future continues to dominate the headlines and a fresh transfer rumour has now emerged.

The Latest: Barca keen on move

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Salah’s name is ‘on the table’ at Barca, as they look to pull off a stunning move at the end of the season.

Their interest in the Egyptian has ‘grown in recent days’ and they see him as an alternative to Erling Haaland if they fail to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker.

The report claims they are ‘monitoring’ Salah’s contract talks, which are ‘far from reaching an agreement’.

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The Verdict: Such a sticky situation

This feels like a saga that is going to run and run, which is far from ideal, considering Liverpool are battling across four competitions and could do without any distractions.

In truth, it looks as though Salah is going to move on if a compromise can’t be met, with the Reds willing to up his wages but his agent seemingly still unhappy with the terms offered, even going so far as to drop hints on Twitter during Jurgen Klopp’s press conferences.

It would be devastating for Liverpool to lose their star player, but equally, no individual is bigger than the club and if an agreement doesn’t come to fruition, the Reds will continue to shine without him, hopefully using the funds received to good effect.

In other news, Liverpool are thought to be leading the race to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United are bracing themselves for interest in three key players this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic, who understand that the Yorkshire outfit are expecting to receive ‘strong interest’ in goalkeeper Illan Meslier, Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds held firm over interest in the latter two stars during the January transfer window but the off-season could present an opportunity to cash in on huge profits, which would then help bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad.

The Whites are in the driving seat, however, as Raphinha and Phillips are under contract until 2024, and Meslier signed a fresh extension to 2026, so any departures are certainly likely to be on their terms.

A losing battle?

However, this is to be expected, especially with Leeds dwindling at the wrong end of the table – the prospects of offering some sort of European football seems rather slim, at least very much in the short term and by then, the players may have moved on.

It’s also hardly a surprise that these three stars are going to generate the most interest as outside of their injury woes and inconsistencies, it’s they who have shone the most.

Raphinha leads the squad in pretty much every attacking metric, having bagged the most goals (eight), provided more assists than anyone else (two) and is leading the way for key chances created (2.1), dribbles (2.4) and shots attempted (3.1) per game, as per WhoScored.

Bayern Munich and Liverpool have been linked with moves in the past.

Meanwhile, Phillips – who has been a crucial presence in Bielsa’s system – emerged as a key player for England on the international stage in the summer and he has not looked back.

West Ham United chanced their arm last month with a £50m bid but it’s the likes of Manchester United and the Reds that Leeds will worry about.

Meslier has impressed since arriving in England and establishing himself as the Whites’ no.1 between the sticks and at just 21, he’s nowhere near reaching his peak, which is why some teams may become keen to sign him.

Either way, this latest claim is sure to leave many around Elland Road worried – if not a little angry – as it could well be a losing battle for the club should bids start to come forward for such an important trio this summer.

AND in other news, Forget Brenden Aaronson: Bielsa may already have Mateusz Klich 2.0 at Leeds in “gifted” teen sensation…

Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur are both eyeing Bristol City’s Alex Scott, according to The Daily Mirror. 

The lowdown

At the age of 18, Scott has racked up 32 Championship starts, and 35 appearances overall, for Nigel Pearson’s side this season.

He’s been used in a wide variety of positions, ranging from defensive midfield, to the no. 10 slot, to the right-hand side.

He’s said to be at his best, though, when deployed in attacking midfield.

Scott, who’s under contract at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2025, is considered an ‘elite’ talent by sources at the club.

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The latest

The Mirror’s James Nursey reports (via MOT Leeds News) that both Leeds and Spurs sent scouts to watch Scott in action on Good Friday ‘with a view to a summer move’.

Bristol City, significantly, face ‘a wrestle to comply with the EFL’s profit and sustainability rules’, weakening their negotiating position.

Scott is apparently ‘rated’ at around the £10million mark.

The verdict

Would Leeds’ recruitment staff been impressed by what they saw from Scott away to Stoke City last week?

Operating at right wing-back, he won seven out of the ten duels he contested, completing three out of four dribbles. He also made three clearances and drew three fouls from his opponents (via SofaScore).

On the other hand, though, he was a little sloppy with a possession, finishing the game with a passing accuracy of just 67%. Neither of his crosses found a team-mate, nor did any of his six long balls.

Still, given that he’s only 18, Leeds may well regard him as a rough diamond. City’s financial situation means he could be available for a reasonable price, and so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them test the waters with an offer.

In other news, Paul Robinson identifies a player who could face the axe on Monday.