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Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to substitute Pablo Zabaleta for Ryan Fredericks at half-time on Friday evening could finally be the sign that the manager has more faith in Fredericks than the 34-year-old.

Zabaleta was poor in closing down Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon last time out at the London Stadium and the right-back was largely at fault for the Whites opening the scoring as early as the third minute.

The Hammers recovered well to win the match 3-1 in the end but Sessegnon was quite easily able to put a low pass behind Zabaleta, which Ryan Babel calmly pounced on and put away to give Fulham an early lead.

Fredericks, who started West Ham’s previous two league games against Liverpool and Crystal Palace looked much more composed and organised at the back in the second-half, making it difficult for the likes of Sessegnon to find space on the wing.

The 26-year-old showed in the matches against the Reds and the Eagles that he is well and truly capable of handling the pressures of the Premier League and looked very comfortable at right-back.

The victory over Fulham was West Ham’s first in five league matches and it certainly boosted their chances of making a strong finish to the league.

Pellegrini should continue with Fredericks as a regular starter for the remainder of the season and use Zabaleta as a substitute when needed.

The former Manchester City man’s experience can undoubtedly not be questioned but given Frederick’s good showings of late, he might be of higher value when used from the bench in critical times.

Fredericks showed against Crystal Palace that he is a modern day right-back, who is capable of attacking down the flank with pace, while making quick recoveries in defence when needed.

Fredericks, who is valued at £3.6 million (by Transfermarkt), will definitely add to the East London club’s lethal attacking threat.

Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Morgan Gibbs-White has been lavished with praise for his performances away from Molineux.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by YorkshireLive, Sheffield United centre-forward David McGoldrick stated his belief that the 21-year-old is a player who has the world at his feet, after the midfielder inspired his side to a 3-2 win over Cardiff City on Saturday.

Speaking about the ability of the England U21 international, the striker said: “There was a bit of brilliance from Gibbo for the first goal and he got two assists. He’s a great player, he got in positions for us and that helps us. He’s got the world at his feet, a great kid and great player with all the ability in the world but he needs to play games.

“He’s doing that here. He’s expressing himself and has the licence to be a free spirit. We want him to go and create things. He’s going to lose the ball sometimes, but all good players do that. As long as it’s in the right positions and as long as he keeps scoring goals like that, I don’t mind what else he does.”

The report went on to state that, with Wolves having an option to recall the youngster in January – something the Premier League side did when he was on loan with Swansea City last season – there are increasing concerns at Bramall Lane that they could lose Gibbs-White in the January transfer window.

Gibbs-White could transform Wolves

While things at Molineux are undeniably on the up under the leadership of Bruno Lage, with the west Midlands side winning five, drawing three and losing just two of their last ten Premier League fixtures, the club’s lack of goals will undoubtedly be something that is troubling the 45-year-old manager.

Indeed, Wolves’ 12 league goals scored ranks them as the second-worst attack in the top flight, with the club’s current midfielders offering very little in the way of creativity and attacking impetus.

So far this season, Ruben Neves is the only midfielder to have found the back of the net in the league, while Leander Dendoncker’s one assist ranks him as one of Wolves’ most creative options in the middle of the park.

As such, it is plain for all to see that Lage’s side are crying out for a player who can both create and finish chances, something that Gibbs-White is doing on a near-weekly basis at Sheffield United.

Indeed, over his 15 Championship appearances for the Blades, the £8.1m-rated man has scored five goals, registered four assists and created a whopping nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game, per SofaScore.

These returns have seen the youngster, who football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed a “superb” talent, average a SofaScore match rating of 7.33, ranking the 21-year-old as the fifth-best player overall in the Championship so far this season.

As such, bringing a player whose aforementioned metrics better every single one of the current Wolves’ first-team squad back to Molineux in January would indeed appear to be a very wise move for Lage, as the £19k-per-week midfielder would undoubtedly transform the club’s present levels of attacking efficiency in the middle of the park.

In other news: Tim Spiers drops exciting Wolves transfer update that’ll leave fans elated

According to The Hull Daily Mail, a West Ham United transfer update has emerged involving Hull City forward Keane Lewis-Potter.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye Championship raid?

While there have been plenty of January targets linked from some of Europe’s top divisions, West Ham and manager David Moyes have also been tipped to raid some of the English second tier’s most standout players.

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Indeed, 90min even recently claimed that the Irons had sent scouts to watch Middlesbrough mainstay Dael Fry, Queen’s Park Rangers colossus Rob Dickie and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.

The Championship, as a result, could be a fruitful transfer pool for Moyes and co as yet more news emerges on another gem they could bid for from the division.

The Latest: West Ham ‘tempted’ by Lewis-Potter bid…

As per The Hull Daily Mail, sharing news in the last 48 hours, West Ham are now eyeing a bid for promising Hull forward Lewis-Potter and are ‘tempted’ to submit a January offer.

It is believed the club have been keeping close tabs recently with Moyes even a personal admirer of the 20-year-old.

As such, chief head of recruitment Rob Newman could test the water next month with an approach.

The Verdict: Priority?

Tipped to follow in the foot steps of West Ham star Jarrod Bowen as another talented attacker emerges from the MKM Stadium, while promising, we believe the club could have bigger fish to fry next month.

Describing himself as a ‘raw’ forward, Lewis-Potter has earned praise for some of his performances over 2021 and he is quite rightfully attracting attention, but the Hammers simply must be prioritising an emergency centre-half signing and support up front for Michail Antonio.

Their lack of options in both areas at this present moment could spell danger for Moyes and co as they continue to fight on all fronts, including the Carabao Cup, Europa League and a fight for the Premier League top four.

Injuries to both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna make the signing of a new defender particularly crucial and that transfer mission should take centre stage above all others.

In other news: Approach already made: West Ham now willing to pay asking price for colossal 47-goal striker, find out more here.

Crystal Palace confirmed on Saturday morning that youngster Adler Nascimento has signed professional terms with the club.

As to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the off-field news on social media.

Nascimento arrived at the club’s academy ranks over the summer from Championship side Peterborough United, where he made his professional debut at the age of 16 last May.

The Eagles reportedly forked out an initial £531,000 for his services, with the Portuguese teenager already making nine appearances for Palace’s under-18 side this season.

Nascimento has seemingly done enough to catch the eye in those games, despite starting on only three occasions, and he has penned professional terms at Selhurst Park.

Palace fans react

The Eagles’ official Twitter channel retweeted the club’s academy post regarding Nascimento’s contract on Saturday.

Here is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘class news’ and another calling him an ‘absolute beast’.

“Bout time”

Credit: @James_cpfc06

“We must rate him big time”

Credit: @liamb0117

“This guy on Football Manager is an absolute beast”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“Class news but wouldn’t been worried if he didn’t after signing for £500k ”

Credit: @CPFC_Cal

“Well done”

Credit: @keithwhitfieldk

“That’s class”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news: ‘Outrage’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react to club’s ‘pathetic’ update

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into tonight’s Old Firm clash knowing that a win against their Glasgow rivals will take them to the top of the Premiership table for the first time this season.

However, with the 56-year-old still having a number of players unavailable due to injury, international duty and suspension, the Greek-Australian coach will once again face a number of tough decisions when putting together his starting XI this evening.

So, how many changes will Postecoglou make to the side that started the 1-0 win over Dundee United last time out? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Rangers, along with the latest team and injury news…

With the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Tom Rogic, David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi being unavailable for the Old Firm clash, while Nir Bitton is suspended following his sending off against the Tangerines, we predict that Postecoglou will make three changes to the side that lined up in the 1-0 win at Parkhead last weekend.

The first of these alterations comes in the back four, with Josip Juranovic taking the place of 23-year-old Liam Scales at left-back – as, despite Greg Taylor being a natural choice in the position, the Croatia international who Marko Sapit dubbed an “intelligent” player has easily outperformed the 24-year-old so far this season.

The second change comes in the middle of the park, with the suspended Nir Bitton dropping out of the XI, and being replaced by the £6.75m-rated Callum McGregor – who Postecoglou recently revealed is in contention for a surprise return to first-team action following his speedy recovery from a facial injury.

The third and final change comes in the front three, with the 27-year-old Giorgos Giakoumakis having to make do with a spot on the bench after his stinker against Dundee United – with Liel Abada taking his spot leading the Bhoys attack, James Forrest switching over to the right flank and the “unbelievable” Jota making a return to the starting XI on the left.

In other news: Ange must brutally axe £8.2k-p/w “phenomenon” tonight, he could cost Celtic the title

Aston Villa are thought to be leading Celtic in the race to sign Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey in January.

The Serie A side will hold a transfer meeting on January 6 to discuss Hickey’s future, according to Tuttosport, via Total Villa.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Steven Gerrard has been promised a huge winter window kitty by NSWE and is thought to be an admirer of Hickey, who swapped Scotland for Italy in 2020.

Labelled as a player with ‘quality’ by Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic, the 19-year-old has made 31 appearances for the club – 19 of which have come this season.

Villa currently have two options at left-back in Matt Targett and Ashley Young, but it seems as if they are thinking long-term when looking at a move for Hickey, who is thriving in a top European league at just 19 years of age.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Total Villa’s Twitter post regarding Hickey on Wednesday afternoon, with many keen for Villa to bring the youngster to the Midlands.

“Get him in please”

Credit: @jimmystanggren

“Of the players being linked to Villa lately, Hickey is one of the few exciting ones”

Credit: @daviddjuphammar

“The obvious answer for a reserve LB. Cash and Keslar on the right, Targett and Hickey on the left. Will be interesting to see if SG wants a straight swap out for Targett with more attacking prowess.”

Credit: @Ryan__Wills

“@AVFCOfficial sign him.”

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

“Yes please”

Credit: @GarethBarham1

“We would be more likely to get him in the summer!”

Credit: @AvfcGards

In other news: ‘Sounds crazy’ – Many Villa fans react as Gerrard plots move for beast who’d fit ‘top-six’ side. 

Giovanni van Bronckhorst could not have dreamt up a better start to life in Glasgow after two wins from two as Rangers manager.

The Gers beat Sparta Prague 2-0 to ensure qualification from the group stage of the Europa League in his first game, before beating Livingston 3-1 in his first league match in charge.

In the short-term, the Dutchman’s focus may solely be on working with the current first-team squad and picking up results and momentum in all competitions. However, a long-term goal may be to make use of the academy and bring quality players through the youth set-up.

New Roofe

One academy player who could be unearthed during Gio’s reign is young forward Tony Weston. The attacker could end up being the new Kemar Roofe at Ibrox, if he is given an opportunity to show what he is capable of.

Weston joined the club from English side Blackpool in the summer of 2020 and has been thriving for the reserve team this season. In six cup matches, he has produced an impressive four goals – averaging a strike every 98 minutes on the pitch

He has also scored 15 goals in the Lowland League, with Rangers B having won 14 of their 19 matches in the competition. This shows that he is a lethal goalscorer for the club’s youth/reserve sides, with 19 goals in a maximum of 25 games to date.

In terms of the forward’s attitude, his former Blackpool manager Simon Grayson previously hailed his ‘pure enthusiasm’ for the game, saying:

“He’s got so much enthusiasm. The lads were watching what he was doing, where his pure enthusiasm and love of being a professional footballer is at the front of his mind.

“He’s got 30-year-old lads behind him in the warm-up and I’ve never known a 16- year-old lead with stuff like that.

“He’s got confidence in his ability and it’s great for him.”

This suggests that he has the mentality to go along with his apparent talent as a footballer. Therefore, he could have a great chance to make the step up to the first-team level at Ibrox, as he has the ability and desire to continue progressing through the ranks.

By offering him a chance in the senior squad, Gio could potentially unearth the new Roofe – who is a current English goalscorer in the team. The ex-Leeds man has registered an excellent 27 strikes in 54 competitive outings for the Gers and his fellow countryman’s record at youth level suggests he has the potential to hit those heights in the future.

AND in other news, Big boost: Gio hands Rangers massive injury lift pre-Hibs, fans will surely love it…

According to a report by Hull Live, there has been a transfer development out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Hull City forward Keane Lewis-Potter as the Lilywhites attempt multiple new signings.

The Lowdown: Paratici at work…

As per reliable sources, Tottenham could be set for a ‘frantic’ end to the January transfer window, as Spurs chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte work on multiple moves.

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Despite looking set to miss out on long-time winter target Adama Traore, who is currently in talks with Barcelona, Spurs are believed to be on the verge of landing Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, with growing optimism they could also sign FC Porto star Luis Diaz after a bid.

They’re also working on multiple exits as midfielder Tanguy Ndombele remains in talks with Paris-Saint Germain, while the likes of Dele Alli could also be on the move (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Tottenham ‘preparing big-money’ transfer…

As per Hull Live, it appears Spurs aren’t done there in the last hurdle. As stated in the website’s headline, Tottenham are ‘preparing a big-money transfer’ for Lewis-Potter, with the Lilywhites and Paratici ‘understood to be keen on making a bid’.

According to this report, Conte has even sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action, with the Italian personally keen on his potential signing.

Their ‘expected’ offer will apparently include the option to loan Lewis-Potter back to the MKM Stadium for the rest of 2021/22.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The bright Championship starlet is certainly one to watch, and the fact that Hull could demand just £14m should be a real incentive for Spurs to make a last-gasp move.

Lewis-Potter was a key player in helping the Tigers achieve promotion back to England’s second tier last season, scoring 13 goals and setting up six others in 43 League One appearances. A regular under former Hull boss Grant McCann, he has continued that form into this season, with six goals and four assists in all competitions halfway through the current campaign (Transfermarkt).

His former manager even labelled the attacker a ‘special talent’, and the 20-year-old’s numbers over the last two years back up this statement.

Lewis-Potter could also help to fill Tottenham’s homegrown quota as the reasons to move far outweigh any doubts.

In other news: In the coming hours: Sky Sports journalist shares exciting transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Leeds United could revive their interest in Club Brugge’s Noa Lang, Leeds Live’s Joshua Hobbs writes. 

The lowdown

Victor Orta, Leeds’ director of football, reportedly carried out ‘a lot of analysis’ on Lang, only for former manager Marcelo Bielsa to turn down the suggested move.

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The Argentine apparently had concerns about Lang’s contribution off the ball.

Lang, who’s predominantly a left winger but can also play centre forward, has made 42 appearances this season.

He ranks joint-fourth in Club Brugge’s scoring charts with nine, and sits fourth in the Jupiler Pro League assist table with 11.

The Dutchman still has more than three years remaining on his contract and is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Hobbs notes that Jesse Marsch, Bielsa’s successor, has moved away from Bielsa’s man-to-man defensive system and prefers to defend as a unit, and that could make Lang’s supposed shortcomings less of an issue.

He also believes that the 22-year-old, ‘excellent in compacted spaces’, would be well suited in Marsch’s ‘narrow system’.

The move is now ‘more likely’, particularly with Raphinha potentially set to leave Elland Road this summer.

Signing Lang could be part of Leeds’ plan to replace the Brazilian.

The verdict

If Leeds fans are concerned that Lang has only been delivering in a relatively weak league – the Belgian top-flight is the 13th-best in Europe – then they need only look to his displays in the Champions League.

For example, Lang won the Player of the Match award when Club Brugge drew 1-1 with French giants Paris Saint-Germain in September and looked, journalist Zach Lowy noted, ‘like prime Neymar’.

But what about those defensive concerns?

Well it’s true that Lang doesn’t press a huge amount – only 12.81 times per 90 minutes (placing in him just the 16th percentile) – but his numbers for tackles (1.54), interceptions (1.02) and blocks (1.2) are all closer to the average. There’s certainly enough there for Marsch to work with.

In other news, this Leeds transfer target struggled at the weekend.

An update has emerged on Rangers and Gio van Bronckhorst’s plans for the future of the number one position at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Gers are one of the teams plotting a swoop for a player in the second division of English football.

It’s thought that Rangers want to sign England stopper Sam Johnstone when the window opens in a few months’ time.

The report claims that they are looking at potential replacements for 40-year-old shot-stopper Allan McGregor and have identified the West Brom man as a player who could come in.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and a number of Premier League sides are set to battle the Glasgow giants for his signature. The Daily Mail state that Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton are all eyeing the Baggies star up.

Bargain

Van Bronckhorst is plotting a swoop for the 29-year-old and Ross Wilson must ensure that he can get this deal over the line as it would be a bargain signing for the Gers.

He is available for £0 in the summer because of his contractual situation at The Hawthorns, with his £18k-per-week wages being the only issue for Rangers. Nine of the current squad are reportedly on as much per week or more than the ex-Manchester Unite man, which suggests that the club can afford his wages.

The shot-stopper would be a bargain addition as he has proven his quality south of the border. Steve Bruce, who managed him at Aston Villa, previously showered Johnstone with praise. He said:

“We all knew he was a top class goalkeeper and he’s looking the part now.

“He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn. A big pat on the back to my coach, Walshy, too. He’s worked hard with him and has always said to me ‘take him, he’s the best young goalkeeper in the country’.”

Micah Richards once dubbed the monster as being “exceptional” on Match of the Day and his form in the Premier League for the Baggies backed that up. In the 2020/21 campaign, he averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.01 across 37 matches, making zero errors directly leading to goals and saving 69% of the shots against him.

McGregor, meanwhile, has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.80 in the Premiership. He has saved 68% of the shots on target against him and made three errors directly leading to goals, which suggests that he is more prone to making mistakes than the Englishman.

Therefore, bringing Johnstone in would improve the Rangers XI as he is more reliable between the sticks and he has proven his quality at the top level. He is also 11 years younger than McGregor and this means that he could be the Gers number one for many, many, years to come.

AND in other news, GvB can save Rangers millions with “brave” 48-goal teen who’s “clinical and calm”…