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After it was revealed that Benjamin Mendy will be out for up to three months following knee surgery, it is between Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko for the left-back role at Manchester City – for now at least.

At the back end of last season, the Ukrainian international Zinchenko performed very well and caught the eye with a number of impressive performances as he showed excellent stamina to get up and down the left flank.

Of course, Delph is far more experienced and is extremely dependable in an unnatural left-back role, but 21-year-old Zinchenko has a higher ceiling and could become a starter in that role one day.

Playmaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

It must also be mentioned that Mendy’s professionalism has been called into question a number of times, with the Frenchman turning up late to physio sessions whilst he should be trying to rehabilitate.

So, we put the question to Manchester City fans over whether or not they think Zinchenko could take Mendy’s place whilst the former Monaco man battles back from yet another injury.

Conclusively, a telling 67% of you felt that the former Shakhtar Donetsk man could become first choice and take Mendy’s starting spot, as shown in the results below…

Throughout the season, Jurgen Klopp has tinkered a handful of times with his Liverpool team, but there are certain areas that pick themselves.

Generally, the front three consist of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, while the defence only has minor tweaks.

The midfield, though, is where Klopp does not seem to know what works best.

The German coach has a handful of options, with Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita now fit.

Against Watford, Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum sat in the middle of the park in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but the former was sent off.

James Milner could come into the side, while Fabinho and Keita are also pushing for places.

If you haven’t seen Patrice Evra’s bizarre new Instagram post then you need to check out the video below…

Liverpool will need to get a result against PSG at Parc des Princes in order to alleviate the pressure heading into their final group game against Napoli.

So, if Klopp adopts a two-man midfield in France, who do you think should start the away clash?

Let us know by voting below.

Despite their recent loss to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, Everton still remain sixth in the Premier League table on 22 points. 

Jose Mourinho, however, whose Manchester United team sit just below the Toffees on goal difference, does not expect them to be there come the end of the season.

The Breakdown

“Obviously there was a great improvement in that team [Everton] from last season in relation to this season,” Mourinho was quoted saying by the Independent ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal tonight.

“But I don’t think Everton will be in front of Manchester United at the end of the season. There are six teams that should stay in the first six positions, season after season two of these teams are staying outside the top four. For example, last season it was Arsenal and Chelsea.”

With the players Manchester United have at disposal including Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, the club easily have enough in their arsenal to turn things around.

But considering how the team are currently performing, Mourinho is silly if he thinks Everton do not have a chance of finishing above them.

After all, this is a Manchester United side who are constantly finding themselves trailing games and could not beat Southampton despite the dire form they have been in this campaign.

At this rate, it would not be a surprise if Everton secured sixth place ahead of Manchester United come May. With the way the Red Devils are playing right now, Mourinho should probably be showing Marco Silva and his men much more respect.

Celtic currently find themselves at the top of the table at this moment in time, after securing an emphatic 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock last time out. 

The Hoops won’t accept anything less than another treble in the current campaign, having already secured the Scottish League Cup this season. Although, with Rangers closely following behind in the Scottish Premiership table, the slightest of setbacks could tilt the title race in their favour.

Indeed, the Glasgow club will be desperate to hold onto their star players with the January transfer window on the horizon, having witnessed their huge impact so far this season. But, Callum McGregor could be heading for a possible exit in January, as Bournemouth will not hesitate to meet Celtic’s £10 million asking price for the Scotland international, according to the Sun on Sunday (09/12; page 57) (via HITC).

THE BREAKDOWN

Callum McGregor has been one of the standout performers for Celtic in the current campaign, with four goals and six assists to his name at this moment in time. He has been the source of all things brilliant in the final third for the Hoops this season, with his link up play and creativity working wonders for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Sadly, with Bournemouth reportedly willing to meet Celtic’s asking price for the attacking star, the Hoops may have to wave goodbye to him in the January transfer window.

Indeed, losing the Scotland international could cost Celtic dearly in the race for the title as they will struggle to find a direct replacement that can have the kind of impact that the 25-year-old has had this season. This could mean that they aren’t as decisive in the final third, which will have a negative impact on their ability to find the final ball.

So, Rangers could soon find themselves in a promising position in the race for the Scottish Premiership title, with the Hoops possibly struggling to adjust to life without McGregor.

Celtic fans, should they be looking to sell McGregor at all?

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According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are keen to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow in the January transfer window.

Darlow, 28, is currently on the sidelines with an elbow injury, but is expected to return to action in the early stages of 2019.

The stopper is no longer first choice at Newcastle following the arrival of Martin Dubravka, and is reportedly keen to move on in search of first-team football.

Indeed, Darlow has just one EFL Cup appearance to his name this season, with Newcastle not exactly short of options in the goalkeeping department.

The Magpies value Darlow at £4m but Leeds are keen to secure a loan deal in the January transfer window, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Newcastle fans have been on social media offering their views on the situation, and it would be fair to say that not everyone is in agreement.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Playmaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Steven Gerrard must see the error of his ways and make the needed changes before Celtic comes to Ibrox or Rangers will be humiliated.

On the chalkboard

The Gers once again let points slip away, as Hibernian were able to scrape a draw on Boxing Day, leaving Rangers trailing Celtic by three points going into Saturday’s Old Firm derby having also drawn nil-nil with Hibs a week earlier.

Rangers had the better of the chances on Wednesday, but missed opportunities to extend their single goal lead and were caught out by a late Darren McGregor equaliser.

Had midfield duo Ryan Jack and Lassana Coulibaly combined better, the Teddy Bears may have managed to hold onto their lead and take on their rivals with a chance of ending the year on top.

Summer signing Coulibaly in particular failed to impress in the 1-1 draw, with the 22-year-old struggling in every aspect of his game.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he often received racist abuse after North London Derbies – Check out the video below…

Gerrard must drop Coulibaly

If Gerrard were to drop Coulibaly, he could look to bring in someone who offers more creativity – which will be key for his side to beat Celtic on Saturday.

It has become a recurring theme for the former Liverpool captain’s side to struggle with creating chances, and the 38-year-old has alluded to the issue multiple times over the festive period.

The Celtic derby comes too early for any new player, coming in from outside the club, to make a difference, but new signings must be considered heavily in the coming days and weeks as Angers loanee Coulibaly continues to disappoint.

What does he actually offer?

Sometimes it is unclear what exactly Coulibaly has to offer, according to ex-Light Blues striker Gordon Dalziel.

Speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, via The Scottish Sun, Dalziel stated: “I have no idea what he offers to Rangers.

“He doesn’t score goals, he doesn’t create, he runs about, he throws in an odd tackle.

“If Rangers lost their goalkeeper and centre-forward, they’re an average football team.”

Leeds United are absolutely crying out for another goalkeeper in January, and Phil Hay might have just given fans the news they all wanted to hear.Leeds came from behind to secure another downright insane victory on Boxing Day, as Kemar Roofe scored twice in stoppage time to keep the Whites three points clear of Norwich.Despite the brilliance of Marcelo Bielsa and the fighting spirit of the team though, they are still a little light at the back, especially in goal.Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Playmaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…Jamal Blackman returned to Chelsea for treatment after breaking his leg, meaning Bielsa has no goalkeepers over the age of 22.Bailey Peacock-Farrell was one of the few silver linings in the miserable end to last season, but the young stopper has been largely poor in this campaign, making vital mistakes that could damage the title charge.Well, Leeds fans’ prayers have now been answered, as Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post says he expects the club to get a keeper “quickly†in the January transfer market.

The front-runner, Karl Darlow, was sensational during his time at Nottingham Forest, racking up 100 league appearances for the club.

The 6 ft 3 in ace is out of favour at Newcastle, but bringing him to Elland Road could just be the final push Bielsa needs to bring Leeds back to the big time.

Liverpool took full advantage of Manchester City’s defeat to Leicester to move six points clear at the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp welcomed Rafael Benitez back to Anfield for the visit of Newcastle on Boxing Day, and Liverpool were in fine form yet again. The scoring was opened by Dejan Lovren before Mohamed Salah doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Liverpool’s dominance continued with goals from Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho opening a gap at the top of the Premier League.

Once again, Klopp utilised the 4-2-3-1 system that the German has favoured against the weaker sides in the division. Salah has been used as the central striker and has struggled at times despite his impressive scoring record. The Egyptian looks far more dangerous on the right side of the three meaning Klopp should look to sign a new forward in the January transfer window.

One man who could be on his shortlist is Bournemouth forward – Callum Wilson. Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, the England international was a crucial part of the side that helped the Cherries achieve promotion to the Premier League, scoring 20 goals in just 43 Championship appearances. Wilson’s impressive showings have continued in the higher divisions despite injuries plaguing him in recent seasons.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form yet again this season, scoring eight goals. His excellent finishing ability and blistering pace would make him an instant hit at Anfield, alongside the likes of Mane and Roberto Firmino – his talents would be elevated even further. Wilson has also chipped in with six assists this season highlighting why he would be the perfect player to lead the line on Merseyside.

Bournemouth won’t want to lose their prized asset on the cheap, but Liverpool have been known to pay the price when the player is right.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?

Former Rangers loanee Ovie Ejaria completed a similar temporary deal to join English Championship club Reading from parent club Liverpool on Monday, and Gers fans on Twitter were quick to react to the news.

The 21-year-old moved to Ibrox on a season-long loan deal during the summer transfer window, and despite making 28 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership giants, the midfielder became unsettled and returned to Merseyside towards after the loan was brought to an end early last month.

The England U21 international, who scored twice and provided one assist during his spell north of the border, has now joined Championship strugglers Reading until the end of the campaign which allows him to be closer to his birthplace of London, and he will be keen to make a big impact.

Rangers supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the transfer deal for a player that some will feel abandoned them, and while one said “Ejaria will never get bigger than Rangers”, another said that they “don’t see the need to slate him”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Check out Neymar’s controversial new haircut for 2019 and Xherdan Shaqiri as you’ve never seen him before in the video below…

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It may not be a done deal, or potentially anywhere near it, but Aston Villa have been tipped to land Rico Henry in the January market, with the Birmingham Mail claiming the Lions are interested in the move.

The Brentford defender has played under the guidance of Dean Smith throughout his senior career, and made his professional debut at the age of 17 under the current-Villa boss when the pair were at Walsall together back in 2015.

Henry then followed Smith to Griffin Park after 18 months in the Saddlers first-team, and could be set for a repeat with the Villa boss identifying his former star as someone who can reinforce his squad.

Should the deal go through, however, there are a hoard of potential consequences for Villa and those already on the roster. Football FanCast ponder them below…

Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden was at the crucial relegation 6-pointer between Bolton and Rotherham. Check out the video below…

Centre-backs take more of the brunt

Due to how Smith likes his full-backs to push up the field, the centre-backs are already overloaded with defensive responsibilities, and the stress load would only grow with Henry in the side.

The 21-year-old may have demonstrated excellent defensive skills at times, but he has also shown how much he likes to join attacks, to the extent that he’s probably more suited to playing as a wing-back than a traditional No.3. Aston Villa have conceded the fourth-most goals of any Championship side this season, and adding Henry to the mix will probably make them even more open.

Neil Taylor’s dreams shattered

Smith may be looking to strengthen his side with an eye on clinching promotion back to the Premier League, but Henry’s arrival could have cataclysmic effects on the desires of Neil Taylor.

Taylor has been Smith’s go-to guy at left-back when fit, and spoke back in October about his desires to earn another call-up to the Wales squad, having been overlooked by Ryan Giggs for the penultimate and  final squads of 2018.

The 29-year-old has also consistently delivered at Villa Park, but would be under significant pressure to retain his starting spot should Smith land a player he has adored throughout his career.

Mounting injury concerns

As noted, Taylor has been Villa’s go-to left-back when fit, but the Welshman has continually suffered from injuries this season, which is likely a key part of the reason why Smith is searching for further options in the transfer market.

Whenever he has been sidelined and kept out of action, it has forced his manager to tie one hand behind his back and field right-back Alan Hutton on the left – something Smith or formerly Steve Bruce have been forced into on 14 occasions this season.

Unfortunately, though, Henry has a horrific injury record despite only being 21-years-old, and has missed more than 600 days, totalling 117 matches.

The worst of his blows has come during his Brentford days, when a collision led to 14 months out after surgery, only returning in November.

Henry has since featured eight times, and played the full 90 minutes on six occasions.