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After falling to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea before the international break, Southampton are back in Premier League action this weekend with a clash against Leeds United at St Mary’s to try and secure their first top-flight win of the campaign.

In his latest press conference ahead of the match against the Yorkshire club, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that Southampton will be without Che Adams and Jack Stephens through injury, while James Ward-Prowse is ruled out after he picked up a red card and a three-game ban from the game against Chelsea.

Bednarek deserves to start

Jan Bednarek also featured against the Blues and will be available for the match against Leeds, and we feel he should definitely be in the starting XI today.

Southampton signed the Poland international, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £20k-per-week according to Spotrac, back in the summer of 2017 from Polish club Lech Poznan.

Since then, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has made a total of 122 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and four assists along the way.

So far this season, he has played in four of Southampton’s seven Premier League games, completing 90 minutes in each of their three previous league outings.

Looking at the Chelsea game in particular, despite conceding three goals, Bednarek still made four clearances, three tackles and three interceptions, won three ground duels and racked up a passing accuracy percentage of 83% according to SofaScore, which shows that he is capable of being an active defensive unit for the team.

Additionally, the fact that Bednarek has racked up more interceptions (two) and clearances per game (3.8) than any other Southampton player in the league so far this season says to us just how useful he has been at the back, and that explains why he should be in the starting XI to face Leeds as a potential game-changer if he can help the Saints to keep a clean sheet this afternoon. That could certainly be the case if the in-form Raphinha does return in time to feature for the visitors today.

Whether or not Hasenhuttl decides to go with the 25-year-old in his starting XI against the Whites, we feel that this is a must-win game for Southampton not only because of their poor start to the season but also with Leeds winning just one of their league games so far this season whilst conceding 14 goals in the process, making this a very winnable game for the Saints in our view.

In other news: Saints could repeat their Livramento masterclass by signing “fantastic” 19 y/o talent

Lots of Wolves fans have been left buzzing over some news that has emerged on Joao Moutinho.

As per Ekrem Konur, the Midlands club are now planning to give the central midfield player a one-year extension to his contract.

Moutinho has been a key player for the Molineux faithful over the years, having played in every single game so far this season, and notched up a total of 142 appearances over all competitions across the last four consecutive campaigns, scoring three goals and making a further 22 assists (Transfermarkt).

The 34-year-old has so much experience and is also key in the dressing room, and so keeping a character like him at the club for another year is a wise decision.

Wolves fans on Moutinho news

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the news on Moutinho was shared on Twitter, with one Wanderer even going as far as to claim that the Portugal international is a ‘class’ player:

“Like a fine wine”

Credit: @OldGoldPrints

“I’m all for this”

Credit: @cal_wolvesfc

“He deserves it, been class for us, need to invest in a younger midfielder in January though”

Credit: @TheBuck24

“Definitely needed for quality squad depth”

Credit: @iBradderz

“Worth it for experience and status, having someone like him about can only make us more desirable to the younger Portuguese players that come join.”

Credit: @sndw0

The guy leads by example. Looks after himself, still hungry and competitive. The perfect role model and General for our young staff to aspire to. Earned and worth every penny of a new deal. I’d be proud for JM28 to retire as a Wolf”

Credit: @TalFerox

In other news, find out what update before Brentford has Wanderers fuming here!

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is believed to be under consideration for the Barcelona job, with Ronald Koeman on the verge of being sacked as manager.

The Lowdown: Bielsa transforms Leeds

The Whites have enjoyed a great period in their history and it has been largely down to the brilliance of Bielsa as a manager.

The Argentine guided Leeds back into the Premier League in 2019/20 and has arguably got his side playing some of the most vibrant attacking football in the division, even despite the poor start to this campaign.

Bielsa is adored by anyone of a Whites persuasion – he has also been hailed as ‘incredible’ by Mikel Arteta – and the hope is that he stays on as manager for years to come.

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The Latest: Barca keen on Whites hero

According to Cuatro [via Sport Witness], however, Barca see Bielsa as a candidate to come in and replace Koeman, with the La Liga giants struggling hugely currently.

They believe that ‘if the offer is good’, the Leeds boss’ head could be turned.

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The Verdict: Man of his word

Bielsa signed a new one-year deal in the summer and seems to be a loyal figure, so it would be a huge surprise if he upped sticks and suddenly left Elland Road in the near future.

It may be that the 66-year-old decides to move on at the end of the season due to the nature of the one-year deals he signs, but he will surely respect his contract and look to get his side’s stuttering campaign back on track.

In other news, a pundit has reacted to an exciting update regarding a Leeds player. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Wolves central midfield target Ilaix Moriba, regarding how much money Barcelona want for his services this month.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet ARA, via Molineux News, Barcelona are demanding £12.8m (€15m) for Wolves target Ilaix Moriba this month. The Spanish giants are yet to receive an acceptable offer for the youngster and have now outlined their valuation of his talents.

Wanderers are one of a number of Premier League clubs reportedly interested in signing the teenage midfielder, who is out of contract next summer and seeking an exit from the Camp Nou.

Bargain

Bruno Lage must sanction a £12.8m deal for Moriba this month as it could represent a bargain for the club in the long run. The beast only turned 18 in January and has already made strides in the Barcelona first-team, suggesting that he has the potential to play at the very top level.

He has experience of playing in La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona, having made 15 appearances for the first-team last season. The Spanish youth international has also been tipped by his former coach to progress further.

Speaking about Moriba and Konrad de la Fuente last year, Former Barcelona B manager Garcia Pimienta said that the pair have an incredible future in the game. He said: “Both Ilaix and Konrad have been decisive. Ilaix has a lot of merit because he is a first-year youth, but Konrad is third, and in such an important match they have shown that they have an incredible future.”

This suggests that the 18-year-old has the potential to continue growing and developing as a player, which is why this £12.8m deal could end up being a bargain for Wolves. If they are able to bring him in and help him become a player capable of playing for a title-winning side regularly competing in the Champions League – as he has shown glimpes of at Barcelona – then they could either make a sizeable profit on him or have a fantastic player in their side.

Wolves have spent more money on 11 different players since 2017, which suggests that £12.8m would not be a massive loss for the club should the experiment fail. This is why Lage must take the gamble and sign Moriba, as it could end up being a snip at that price if he is able to live up to expectations in years to come.

AND in other news, Lage must avoid first Wolves howler over £77k-p/w “monster”, fans would be livid…

Celtic have been rocked in their pursuit of Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet following news that English Football League club Swansea City have submitted a £5m offer for his services, as per PLZ Soccer on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Nisbet is one of the most recognisable players in Scotland

Enjoying a rapid rise up the Scottish footballing pyramid, the 24-year-old has become one of the most recognisable players in the country due to his goal-scoring consistency. Last season, he excelled for Hibs in his maiden top-flight campaign, netting 18 goals in 44 appearances [Transfermarkt].

Unsurprisingly, he was labelled as ‘excellent’ by his manager Jack Ross after a stellar performance against Celtic last term [Edinburgh Reporter], and he could be set for a move to the English Championship following a recent update.

The Latest: Hoops rocked as Swansea submit late offer for Nisbet

Despite being a known target for Celtic in the summer transfer window, Swansea City have made a move for Nisbet for around £5m with deadline day fast approaching, as reported by PLZ Soccer on Twitter.

Football League World had also reported of the south Wales club’s interest and claimed that, with three years left to run on his contract at Easter Road, there may be stumbling blocks in the way as the Swans attempt to strike a deal.

The Verdict: Celtic should firm up Nisbet interest or risk missing out

As speculation continues to swirl regarding Odsonne Edouard’s future at Celtic [The Guardian], potentially missing out on a predatory striker such as Nisbet would no doubt come as a blow to Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Capable of executing a variety of finishes, the Partick Thistle youth product has become a fully-fledged international, scoring on his debut for Scotland in a 2-2 draw against Netherlands in June [BBC].

He would provide a reliable focal point for the Celts in attack, illustrated by his average shots per game ratio of 3.02 last term in the Premiership [FBRef].

Nisbet is also a boyhood Celtic supporter, so potentially passing up the chance to sign someone who understands the honour of playing for the Hoops may prove to be a regret in the future.

In other news, Celtic look set to sign a Greek international. Find out more here.

Aston Villa announced on Wednesday that Sil Swinkels, Oliwier Zych and Aaron O’Reilly have all signed professional deals at the club.

Villa shared the news on their official Twitter page, which led to a number of supporters giving their positive thoughts to the news on the trio.

The three 17-year-old’s have become the latest youngsters to commit their future at Villa Park, with defender Swinkels and goalkeeper Zych helping the club to a first FA Youth Cup triumph since 2002 last season.

O’Reilly, who played for the Under-18’s and Under 23’s last season, only made the move to the Midlands last summer from Irish club St Patrick’s Athletic.

Swinkels, Zych and O’Reilly have joined seven U23’s and six U18’s who penned new Vila terms earlier this summer, with the club also bringing in new signings to their academy.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the club’s tweet on the three teenagers’ professional deals, with one describing it as ‘class’.

“Here we go”Credit: @TorbjornNes”Love to see it”Credit: @GW_94″Class seeing the young lads coming through”Credit: @Lou10Carter”Huge dub”Credit: @MatijaSarkic”Congrats to all three! Well deserved! Swinkels looks a top prospect! Big hopes for him!”Credit: @ChrisDriver”SWINKLESSSS”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ

In other news: Smith now willing to cash in on two Villa players before the end of the window. 

According to Hampshire Live, Southampton could make a move for Duje Caleta-Car as they look to replace Jannik Vestergaard.

The Lowdown: Vestergaard set to leave

Vestergaard has completed a move to Leicester City (lcfc.com), which of course means Southampton will need another defender in the heart of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team.

The back-line looked shaky to say the least in the opening weekend of top flight action, as Rafa Benitez’s Everton pounced on mistakes to rack up three goals at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Saints could move for Caleta Car

As per Hampshire Live, the Saints could make a move for Caleta-Car this summer.

West Ham (L’Equipe) and Tottenham (SportKlub) have previously been linked with a move for the Croatia international, but there has not yet been any concrete news in regards to his future.

The Verdict: Good option

Losing Vestergaard, who had grown in importance under Hasenhuttl after a shaky start, is a blow to the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit, but Caleta-Car would be a worthy replacement if they were able to make a move.

Valued at £22.5m (Transfermarkt), he was set to replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool (rousingthekop.com) when the Netherlands international was injured last year before a deal fell through (RMC).

He has won four league titles, albeit with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, and he now plays for Marseille, one of France’s biggest and most historic clubs. He was a part of Croatia’s squad at the World Cup in 2018 as his country made the final, and he also featured at Euro 2020.

There is clearly some talent in there, and at 24 years of age, he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop.

It remains to be seen what becomes of the defender, but the constant links to the Premier League suggest this one may be something to keep an eye on.

In other news, Southampton fans were livid with this man’s comments.

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some comments emerges from James Rodriguez.

Speaking on his Twitch channel (via Toffee TV), the Colombia international said: “They’re asking me where I’m going to play. I don’t know. I don’t know yet. It’s complicated. Wherever I’m wanted. Someone has to be at a place they’re wanted.”

It has recently been reported that Rafa Benitez “doesn’t count” on Rodriguez and so the former Real Madrid star could be heading through the exit door at Goodison Park after just one season.

Rodriguez was a key player for the Toffees in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring six goals and supplying a further nine assists in 26 matches in total across all competitions (Transfermarkt), and so would be sorely missed should he make a move away from the Merseyside club.

Nonetheless, his latest comments suggest that he may not be wanted at the Blues, which could be an indication that he will leave before the summer transfer window shuts.

Everton fans on Rodriguez comments

These EFC supporters fumed as the comments were shared across Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that they were ‘insane’:

“Sad day when a player of his calibre isn’t wanted at a joke club like @Everton”

Credit: @jayhow15

“Sigh! How can a player like him be unwanted? Jeez!”

Credit: @Mattydoherty10

“All down to Benitez, they’ve got history. Our only real top quality player and he wants him gone but he’ll keep Iwobi. Insane.”

Credit: @Petepatriot

“Unbelievable dreading this season”

Credit: @slcarey_

“We are a shambles. We act like were run by kids!”

Credit: @wootang1878

“Genuinely makes me sick to think James Rodriguez wants to stay and we’re forcing him out, this club will never learn”

Credit: @KaneEFCH

In other news, find out what transfer update has Toffees buzzing here!

According to Turkish outlet Takvim (via Inside Futbol), Fenerbahce have set a price tag of €5m (£4.3m) for Glasgow Rangers transfer target Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers eye Osayi-Samuel

The Ibrox outfit were interested in the winger before he made the move to Fener from Queen’s Park Rangers in January (Football Insider via completesports.com).

However, after just 19 appearances for the 28-time Turkish champions (Transfermarkt), he could be on the move again, and the Gers are once again in pursuit of the winger (Fotospor).

The Latest: Fener set asking price

Takvim (via Inside Futbol) reported that Fenerbahce have set their asking price for Osayi-Samuel.

The Turkish outlet claimed that the Istanbul club are looking for €5m (£4.3m) to part ways with the 23-year-old.

The Verdict: Negotiate

Osayi-Samuel showed at QPR that he has plenty of ability – he netted five goals and provided nine assists in 37 Championship matches during the 2019/20 campaign and was labelled “outstanding” by former QPR and Gers boss Mark Warburton after a resounding win over Cardiff (kilburntimes.co.uk).

He has found life difficult at Fenerbahce, though, managing just one goal and one assist during his time there, so the £4.3m price tag could be a bit steep. However, if Ross Wilson is able to negotiate and shave a bit off that figure, Osayi-Samuel may just be worth a punt for the 55-time Scottish champions.

In other news, Dave Kings slams Rangers fans after this development.

Celtic have had an exciting week as they continue their preparations for the new season.

They’ve signed a plethora of new players including Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi while the Hoops’ Champions League qualifying campaign kicked off on Tuesday.

On the chalkboard

Celtic looked productive in the final third against Midtjylland but unfortunately, they were only able to come away from their first-leg clash with a 1-1 draw.

One of the primary reasons was some lacklustre defending.

Stephen Welsh gave away a cheap free-kick that was plundered home when arguably, Vasilis Barkas, should have done a lot better to prevent it from going in.

Abada had opened the scoring for the Bhoys on his debut but his fellow countryman, Nir Bitton, let his side down once again.

He was given a second yellow card after a severe rush of blood. He was annoyed with Anders Dreyer for simulation and consequently, poked a finger in the attacker’s face which was enough to provoke his marching orders.

Bitton was somewhat of a liability last season and this latest calamity will do himself no favours with the Celtic supporters.

Speaking after his dismissal, Bhoys Analytics said on Twitter that he was a “walking joke.”

The solution

Celtic are planning to replace the exit-bound Kristoffer Ajer with the signing of Carl Starfelt from Rubin Kazan.

However, in order to improve on their dismal defensive record last term, they will also need to find a way to improve on Bitton.

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The Hoops shipped 16 more goals than Rangers in the Premiership last season and without Ajer, you sense the gap will only grow larger.

Though, if Ange Postecoglou lands two capable centre halves, they should be able to narrow things instead.

Celtic have also been linked with a move for Hajduk Split defender Mario Vuskovic this summer, a player who should be an instant upgrade.

One of Bitton’s biggest criticisms is a lack of composure. However, Vuskovic doesn’t lack anything in that department.

After being named in the Guardian’s Next-Gen list for 2018, reporter Aleksandar Holiga was effusive in his praise: “He’s not just dominant in challenges but also exceptional in build-up play. He often scores goals and can score from free-kicks like a No 10.”

The young Croatian isn’t a typical defender but that’s what sets him apart from Bitton, a player who can be rather hot-headed.

The 6 foot 2 colossus won fewer aerial duels than the Israeli last season but won fractionally more defensive duels as a whole in terms of percentages.

A deal may cost Celtic in the region of £5m and after their defensive display on Tuesday evening in the Champions League, he’s clearly needed.

A defensive duo of Starfelt and Vuskovic has enormous potential at Parkhead.

AND in other news, As bad as Bitton: £5.5k-p/w Celtic dud who lost possession 19x massively let Ange down…