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Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from mid-week embarrassment when they head to the south coast to face Brighton in the Premier League this evening.

And Jose Mourinho has plenty to ponder as his side have slipped to sixth place, some four points adrift of the top four.

Despite deploying three centre-backs and two wing-backs against Liverpool only three nights ago, Spurs still leaked three goals to a side that had failed to score in four straight league outings.

Something must be done defensively, and one decision could be to take away Matt Doherty’s place in the starting XI…

On the Chalkboard

The summer arrival started at left wing-back before reverting back to his natural right-sided position during the second half against The Reds but he still endured a nightmare evening against the defending champions.

And Mourinho let him know about it as he was playing on the side of the dugout in each half.

According to journalist Julien Laurens on ESPN FC, the Spurs boss was “roasting him the whole game.” He added: “Mourinho had a go at Matt Doherty pretty much from minute one to minute 90. He had him in his ear all the time because he made mistakes because he was not very good.”

Indeed, the 29-year-old’s performance was far from pretty, which is why he must be facing the axe tonight.

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As per SofaScore ratings, the Irishman graded as Spurs’ worst player (6.1).

In 90 minutes of action, he lost possession 17 times from 55 touches, meaning he handed the ball back to the Reds once every five minutes. It also meant that, on average, he lost the ball once every 3.2 touches.

Sloppy and wasteful returns.

In addition to that, Doherty was hugely lightweight against the tricky exploits of Saido Mane, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson as all four received better ratings whilst the Spurs defender managed to win just one of his five duels (20%) on top of committing two fouls and being dribbled past twice, via SofaScore.

No other Tottenham player managed more fouls, so clearly he was a bit of liability and this cannot be risked tonight as the north Londoners need to get back on track against a side battling against relegation.

The right wing-back, valued at €40m (£36m), must be dropped.

Mourinho’s constant berating of the calamitous defender on Thursday night is surely enough to see either Serge Aurier or Japhet Tanganga utilised instead.

AND in other news, Levy must sanction Spurs move for £45m “warrior”, he offers something Ndombele doesn’t…

Sheffield Wednesday are among the teams chasing a loan move for Jarrad Branthwaite this month, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Owls are said to be one of several Championship sides lining up a temporary spell for the promising Everton centre-back, as per the ECHO.

The 18-year-old is thought to be open to the idea of a short stint away from his parent club to gain some valuable first-team minutes under his belt after a frustrating campaign.

League rivals Blackburn Rovers are the only other side mentioned in the report.

Shades of Michael Hector

With the Toffees teen down the pecking order, behind the likes of Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey, a move to Hillsborough Stadium would certainly prove beneficial.

In recent weeks, Wednesday have suffered injuries to their backline, notably Chey Dunkley and Julian Borner, whilst last season’s Player of the Year, Dominic Iorfa, has been ruled out for the entire season.

The Owls have even lost central defensive loanee Aden Flint back to parent club Cardiff City, so there is a need for additions at the back.

Since his debut last season, Branthwaite has been restricted to a total of only five senior appearances and requires game time, and Wednesday know all too well how loans like this can turn out as Michael Hector was a massive hit in south Yorkshire only two seasons ago.

Many fans wanted his return after a successful loan spell from Chelsea, though he went on to sign for Fulham for £8m.

And the two bear some similarities – both are at least 6 foot 4 inches in height and have pacey attributes despite their towering presence.

Indeed, Branthwaite has been dubbed one of the fastest players at Goodison Park (Sky Sports, via the News and Star) whilst Hector was lauded for his speed by the Premier League’s official website after transforming Fulham’s backline.

The teenager’s former manager at Carlisle has previously waxed lyrical over his potential, claiming: “The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer.”

Considering he’s only on a reported £15k-per-week, he could fit into the Owls’ wage bill nicely as Flint was thought to be on the same amount and he’s no longer at the club.

Dejphon Chansiri must swoop for Branthwaite before one of their rivals get to him this month.

AND in other news, How Sheffield Wednesday could look under managerial front-runner Paul Cook…

As the clock ticks closer to transfer deadline day, concerns from a recruitment point of view will surely start to grow for West Ham United.

The Irons haven’t been very active at all this month with the most eye-catching piece of business being the one to sell striker Sebastien Haller to Ajax.

The club’s record buy is no longer a Hammers player and as a result, they need to severely invest in their attacking line. Michail Antonio has been a good remedy in recent weeks with two goals in two games but they need someone else to bolster their ranks.

A plethora of forwards have been linked with the club and in recent days, Edin Dzeko and Andre Silva top their agenda. However, there is a far more striking individual catching their eye.

That happens to be Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard. According to The Daily Star, David Moyes’ side are interested in recruiting the Frenchman.

Edouard is currently valued at £35m so it would take a hefty amount of money for him to move from Glasgow to east London. Though, if they can pull off a deal it would be incredible business.

In short, this move could take West Ham to a new level. The forward is a genuine goal scorer and has been running riot over the last few years.

The 23-year-old netted 28 strikes last season, also contributing 19 assists for his teammates. This term, meanwhile, he has beaten the goalkeeper on 11 occasions.

With a record like that, it’s bound to get you excited, especially when his potential new team have struggled for goals.

In years gone by, finding the net has been an arduous task for many players in the West Ham squad. Not since Teddy Sheringham in 2004/05 have they had a striker capable of scoring over 20 goals in one season, and depressingly, not since Carlton Cole in 2011/12 has their top scorer netted 15 or more.

That speaks volumes about the Hammers, a team who have generally underperformed. Therefore, by signing a player like Edouard, it could finally help take them to the next level.

Described as a player with “magic in his feet” by Frank McGarvey, he is a fearsome individual and judging by his goal record, West Ham could finally find someone capable of scoring over 15 or 20 in one campaign.

Moyes’ men are currently seventh in the league and just two points off the Champions League places. Therefore, with the addition of Edouard, they could potentially make a late dart towards the top four. Failing that, a Europa League spot could well be on the cards.

This would undoubtedly be a different level for West Ham. They have struggled for a consistent period of time now. It’s time for them to sign a proven scorer and really establish themselves in the top half of the Premier League.

AND in other news, WHU sealed dream deal over “top quality” £27m-rated gem “playing out of his skin”…

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has been praising Anwar El Ghazi for his recent performances at the Midlands club through the December period.

What Hutton had to say about El Ghazi

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton said: “I’ve played with him and played against him. In training, he can be unstoppable. In games, I’m watching him thinking, do that, take them on, go forward. You’re urging him to do it because you know he can do it.

There’s been question marks hanging over him for a while now, he’s been getting a bit of stick from fans. But I think he showed what kind of character he is in the Wolves game when he stepped up for the penalty. That’s where it’s turned for him. He’s definitely a confidence player. He’s the type of guy that sometimes needs the arm around him, and that’s just his personality, that’s the way he is.

In his recent form, he’s been absolutely outstanding. I hope he keeps with it because there’s no reason he can’t. He’s got five in five, he’s playing in a strong team, they’re attacking, they’re going forward, and they are playing to his strengths. So I think he can keep it up as long as he wants to.”

The winger has turned things around at Villa

It has been a remarkable turnaround for El Ghazi, who has scored five goals in his eight Premier League appearances so far this season (Transfermarkt). These goals have come in his last six games and before the first of these in December, the attacker hadn’t scored in the division since January 12th 2020.

El Ghazi has been a great attacking threat and has been a handful for defences as he has managed an average of three shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.9 successful dribbles per game (WhoScored).

It truly is magnificent to see how much a goal can help a player’s form and confidence, and it is understandable to see why Hutton praises El Ghazi’s play so much following his recent run of form.

In other news, two defenders could leave Aston Villa in 2021, find out more here!

Christmas is here, which means 2020 is quickly drawing to a close, and what a year it has been for West Brom.

The Baggies clinched promotion from the Championship after a two-season absence from the Premier League, though since, things haven’t really gone to plan…

Captain of the ship Slaven Bilic received his P45 earlier this month with Albion second from bottom on just seven points.

The West Brom hierarchy have turned to Sam ‘the firefighter’ Allardyce in their time of need for yet another survival bid despite the 66-year-old being out of the game for two-and-a-half years.

In his first game in charge, the Midlands outfit were thrashed 3-0 by arch-rivals Aston Villa, so Big Sam has it all to do if they are to remain a top-flight team in 2021.

But forget those worries for now, and take a look back at some finer moments with this tricky quiz.

We bet only die hard Albion fans will get close to 75% on this one! Go on, give it a go…

AND in other news, West Brom Exclusive: Sam Allardyce tipped to sign former star in January swoop…

Leeds United are enjoying being back in the Premier League after a long 16 years away. They’ve started their returning season strongly too, banking ten points from their seven games played so far. Their season opener saw them give holding champions Liverpool more than a run for their money in a thrilling 4-3 result.

The Whites also recently held league heavyweights Man City to a 1-1 draw, which will certainly be something to be proud of.

Star striker Patrick Bamford has been on song as usual, enjoying a run of fiery form. His six goals tallied so far puts him level with Harry Kane and just two behind top goalscorer Son Heung-min (via BBC Sport). The 27-year-old late bloomer is irreplaceable for Leeds right now, which takes us on to imagining a double strike force involving him and former Whites man Chris Wood.

Leeds should have kept Chris Wood

It was a short Elland Road career for the now Burnley superstar. Leeds signed Wood back in 2015 from Leicester City for a reported £3.2million, according to Transfermarkt. His two years in Yorkshire saw him bring in an impressive goal return of 44 goals to 88 games played.

Wood’s form naturally attracted some interest and before long, Burnley came knocking with a club record fee of £15million to snap up the New Zealand international. The 28-year-old made the move in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since, much to the dismay of many.

The striker has established himself as one of the Clarets’ key players and he has enjoyed playing in England’s top flight for three years now. But with Leeds making their grand return, Marcelo Bielsa will be looking at his recent form and imagining a partnership between him and Bamford.

The two senior forwards could produce masterful displays in the heart of the Leeds attack that will keep oppositions guessing. Had Wood gone on to achieve glory with his new club, it would be a different story. But to see him playing in a club of similar calibre to Leeds, it will have Bielsa up at night knowing that he could have created something magical had he got his hands on him.

In other news, Exclusive: Chris Kirkland believes Leeds should’ve signed a Championship keeper this summer…

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has heaped praise on midfielder Grant Leadbitter for his recent performances for the Black Cats.

Parkinson’s side have started the season in superb form and sit fifth in the League One standings, having drawn one and won two games out of three.

The weekend victory over Peterborough came after a 81st minute penalty from Leadbitter, who started his second consecutive game in the centre of midfield.

The 34-year-old made 14 League One appearances during the 2019/20 season but was handed a spell of compassionate leave in February due to personal reasons.

“He really deserves it. No one is more determined to play a part than Grant Leadbitter,” said Parkinson via the club’s official website.

“He wants to have a big year for the club he loves, for the fans and for his family. He wears his heart on his sleeve. I am so pleased for him and he will have felt ten-foot tall on Saturday night, I am sure.”

Now that he is back in action, the midfielder will be looking to add to his tally of 539 career appearances.

Leadbitter’s role for Sunderland this term is vitally important and Phil Parkinson can be extremely pleased that the midfielder has returned to action and is playing with such good form.

Sunderland have started the season in superb form, and fans can be happy with how the club are progressing at the present time.

It will now be up to players like Leadbitter to ensure that it continues.

Do you think Leadbitter should start every game? Let us know in the comments section below…

After easing to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dundalk in the Europa League on Thursday night, Arsenal return to Premier League action when they renew their rivalry with Manchester United.

The Gunners are in the midst of a difficult patch in the top-flight, falling to defeats to the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester in a short few weeks, leaving them stumbling.

And with United seemingly flying at the moment after a couple of huge Champions League victories, including over PSG and RB Leipzig, things look ominous for Mikel Arteta’s side when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Below is a look at the line-up Arteta may put out as he seeks for a momentum-boosting win in the Premier League.

After dropping out for summer signing Runar Runarsson in midweek, Bernd Leno will surely reclaim his number one spot in between the sticks.

In front of the German, the Arsenal boss may revert back to a five-man defence in order to give his team more security, and having rested a few of his key first-team stars on Thursday, will surely all return at the weekend.

That could see Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka come in, with Shkodran Mustafi keeping his place from the game against Dundalk.

With Granit Xhaka surprisingly named as a starter in the clash against the Irish high-flyers, the Swiss star may be the man to drop out against United, with Thomas Partey and Dani Ceballos holding down the midfield.

And further forward, Arteta could make the huge call of giving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the nod up front, with a returning Willian and Nicolas Pepe flanking him on either side.

Predicted XI: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Tierney, Saka; Partey, Ceballos; Pepe, Aubameyang, Willian.

Tottenham Hotspur have relinquished their place atop the Premier League table as they were beaten by defending champions Liverpool at Anfield this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side had plenty of chances to win the game at 1-1 through Harry Kane and Steven Bergwijn, who both should have done better in front of goal.

Heung-min Son cancelled out Mo Salah’s fortuitous opener before half-time but Roberto Firmino popped up with a header beating Toby Alderweireld in injury time.

Indeed plenty of Spurs fans watching from home were desperate to see the Dutch dynamo hooked off earlier than he was, but arguably, another player cost them a result in Merseyside.

Kane was uncharacteristically lightweight and wasteful, missing two sitters during the second half.

The 27-year-old was graded as SofaScore’s second-worst player (6.4) having lost four duels (33% won) and possession ten times as well as firing four shots off-target, via SofaScore.

He had scored nine and assisted ten in the Premier League prior to kick-off this evening but his blank this time actually cost them the win, if not at the very least, a point.

Kane also made just 12 passes at an accuracy rate of 71%, failing to register a single key pass nor could he manage a successful dribble either.

A vast difference to his usual mean of 1.8 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game, as per WhoScored.

football.london lambasted Bergwijn in their post-match ratings but perhaps their attention should be averted to the England captain as he badly let Mourinho down with his missed opportunities.

The Express were more scathing over Kane, giving him a five out of ten – “Anthony Taylor likely touched the ball more times than the England captain, who had one glorious chance from a corner but completely fluffed his header.”

Valued at a whopping £108m by Transfermarkt, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse must be doing better.

As we say, it was so unlike Kane but still, a horrible night to forget.

AND in other news, £64m-rated Spurs sensation has become Mourinho’s incredible sacrificial lamb…

It really feels like Manchester United are on the verge of getting back to greatness.

The Red Devils went unbeaten for their final 16 league games, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process, and with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes adding a lot more gumption going forward, it seems as though they’re close to getting it absolutely right at both ends of the park.

The defence seems to be as strong as it needs to be with that gluttony of clean sheets, but it seems as though United are after a new attacking option, with the reported Jadon Sancho move edging ever closer, and if he does sign that will be one frightening prospect for any backline.

Watch Manchester United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

We’ve seen some incredible attacking trios over the years with Barcelona’s fabled MSN featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymer, while their El Clasico rivals fielded a frontline known as the BBC with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo helping them to four Champions League titles in five years.

However, those trios are now a thing of the past with Ronaldo and Neymar both moving on, and United’s new-look frontline has the potential to be the envy of the entire footballing world.

Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are all still incredibly young, but they’re putting up numbers that even the world’s elite attackers would be envious of, contributing to a combined 87 goals in all competitions last season, and with Martial being the oldest at the age of 24, this is a trio that could be deadly for the best part of a decade.

The BBC and MSN have been and gone, and it may be time for United to form the RMS with Rashford, Martial and Sancho, and with the potential nickname being inspired by a ship, perhaps this trio could steer United to a league title.