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Leeds United slipped to a third successive Premier League loss with defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday evening, with the visitors running out 3-1 winners courtesy of a typically clinical double from Erling Haaland.

While it may be hard to contend with a figure who now has 20 goals to his name in just 14 league appearances this season, the Elland Road outfit were no doubt architects of their own downfall at times, having conceded just moments before half-time after being exploited on the counter.

Pep Guardiola’s men were then gifted the opportunity to extend that lead after the break as Liam Cooper’s under-hit pass sparked a City breakaway, with the aforementioned Haaland duly converting following unselfish play from Jack Grealish.

The away side then bagged a third soon after to all but confirm the win, with a late strike from Pascal Struijk proving nothing more than a mere consolation as Jesse Marsch’s men were unable to mount what would have been a remarkable comeback.

On what was a frustrating night for the Whites, captain Cooper was a particular villain due to his shaky display in the backline, with the 31-year-old having won just three of his six total duels, while also recording a measly 5.5 match rating, as per Sofascore.

Although the Scotland international’s ‘horror pass’ – as described by Leeds Live’s Beren Cross – may have been the most obvious blunder for the hosts, the centre-back was not the only one among his teammates to have wilted against the champions.

Summer signing Marc Roca was especially underwhelming in his midfield berth, with the Spaniard appearing to struggle amid the absence of the suspended Tyler Adams in the centre of the park.

The former Bayern Munich man was particularly ‘wasteful’ against the Etihad outfit – as per 90min’s Michael Graham – having squandered possession on 18 occasions after regularly handing the ball back to the opposition.

That ensured that the 26-year-old recorded a pass accuracy of just 75% from his 57 touches in total, having also won just four of his ten ground duels and been dribbled past on two occasions as a marker of his struggles defensively.

That limp showing ultimately saw Roca record a match rating of just 6.1, as per Sofascore, with that figure the joint-second worst of any Leeds player on the day, illustrating just how ineffectual he truly was.

While the strength of the opposition may well have been a factor, it is hard to overlook what was a worryingly nervy display from the one-time Espanyol man last night, as he simply failed his manager.

Crystal Palace will ‘absolutely’ prioritise signing a new right-back in January, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Squad transformation

The Premier League welcomed Patrick Vieira to the dugout 18 months ago, and since then, he has considerably changed the age of the squad, allowing multiple senior players like Gary Cahill and Andros Townsend to depart and replacing them with youngsters.

The Eagles, however, only have Joel Ward (33) and Nathaniel Clyne (31) at their disposal in that right-back position, so there’s a strong chance that the club will target strengthening this area in the upcoming winter market.

The Latest: Taylor’s prediction

Asked by GiveMeSport whether Palace will be looking at right-back options ahead of the New Year, Taylor said:

“Yeah, absolutely. I think Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward have done a really good job this season sort of locking that position down.

“Nathan Ferguson’s had a really tough time with injury, but if you look at Palace’s team, it’s an area you would probably pinpoint as one that needs a little bit of TLC.”

The Verdict: Is it Wan-Bissaka time?

Palace are reportedly hopeful of completing a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka next month, but given his recent record, we feel that the club shouldn’t pursue him any further.

The former Selhurst Park favourite has only made one league start at Manchester United this season so would likely need time to get up to full speed, not to mention that he only produced four assists during his previous spell in the capital.

Vieira needs to go for a player who is ready and raring to go and that can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, but who that could be yet remains to be seen.

Manchester City are interested in West Ham United star Declan Rice stemming back to reports from October 2022 and his potential arrival at the Etihad could allow Pep Guardiola to get rid of summer flop Kalvin Phillips.

According to ExWHUEmployee (via Caught Offside), West Ham are still keen on the England international having failed to sign him from Leeds United in the summer.

He said: “Kalvin Phillips is someone that West Ham, David Moyes especially, 100% rates. I know categorically, factually, that we spoke about signing him in the summer and in January before that, that we really, really wanted [him].

“I get the feeling that patience is running thin with him and I’ve always said that it wouldn’t surprise me if Man City were to offer Phillips in exchange for Rice at the end of the season.”

This could be an ideal opportunity for Guardiola to get rid of a player who has failed to start a single game in Manchester City colours since his £45m switch in 2022, while also bringing in one of the world’s most exciting midfield talents.

Phillips has endured a number of injury problems since signing his £150k-per-week contract at the Etihad but was still deemed fit enough to travel to the World Cup in Qatar, but returned “overweight” in the words of his manager, and hasn’t featured since.

£150m-valued Rice, meanwhile, is desperate to play in the Champions League and looks unlikely to achieve that dream at the London Stadium, given that the Hammers are currently embroiled in a relegation battle after a shocking start to the season.

If we compare Rice’s stats from last season to Phillips’ stats from the same campaign, it seems clear that the 23-year-old would be a big upgrade at the Etihad.

Rice averaged a 7.10 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League, compared to his England teammate’s measly 6.45 average rating.

He also averaged more interceptions (1.8 vs 1.2), key passes (0.7 vs 0.5) and dribbles per game (1.4 vs 0.4), which suggests that he is a far better all-round package in midfield.

Fabrizio Romano has previously described Rice as “untouchable” in the transfer window but the Hammers captain’s reluctance to sign a new deal, as well as the Irons’ interest in Phillips, could just give City the edge in any potential deal for the England star this year.

Chelsea will travel to Manchester City to wage battle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with sights set on earning payback and advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Sky Blues defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Thursday night, stretching the gulf between the two teams to even greater proportions, but Blues manager Graham Potter will be convinced that he can galvanise his side towards victory, despite the barrage of injuries.

Indeed, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were both withdrawn from duty in the first half against Pep Guardiola’s destructive outfit, and the squad has truly been scraped down to the bare bones, with a host of further first-team stars sidelined.

Regardless, a winning mentality is embedded within Chelsea’s very core, illustrated by the whole gamut of major honours since the turn of the millennia – including two Champions League and five Premier League triumphs – and the chances of cup victory need only a glance back to last season, where the Blues lost on penalties in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup to Liverpool, to know that this is a dogged and tenacious team that strives for silverware at every opportunity.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Chelsea boss Potter to field his starting line-up against Guardiola’s Man City in the FA Cup on Sunday, with four changes from the team that lost earlier in the week …

Predicted line-up: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Kovacic, Zakaria; Ziyech, Aubameyang, Chukwuemeka.

With Edouard Mendy recently having surgery on a broken finger, Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to deputise between the sticks for the cup encounter.

The full-backs will remain the same, with captain Cesar Azpilicueta and £60m left-back Marc Cucurella continuing to maraud up and down the defensive flanks, while the “Rolls-Royce” that is Thiago Silva – as dubbed by Joe Cole – will be replaced by Trevor Chalobah as Kalidou Koulibaly’s centre-back partner.

A slight change, instilling more composure and authority into the centre of the park, will mean Jorginho recalls his spot in the stead of the injury-stricken Sterling, while Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria is expected to continue his all-encompassing role after dazzling against the forthcoming opponents earlier in the week.

19-year-old prospect Carney Chukwuemeka entered the fray for Pulisic in the first half against Man City and dazzled in his leg flanker role, recording a Chelsea match-best rating of 7.10, hitting the post and proving to be a constant menace against the opposing backline.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be offered another shot as the offensive focal point after losing his spot to Kai Havertz, the Gabonese veteran has not scored in seven matches for the Blues, and will be desperate to make an impact on Sunday.

Leeds United have already bolstered both their attack and defence this January, but it is clear with the persistent links to the likes of Azzedine Ounahi that they are not finished.

Whites director of football Victor Orta remains on the lookout for another midfielder to add to the side, adding depth and quality across all areas of the pitch as they look to distance themselves from the relegation battle.

Whilst they are two points from bottom, they are also only two wins away from 12th in the table too, such is the tightness and unpredictability of the Premier League this season.

It is a league that will be decided upon fine margins, and therefore they must not hesitate if a viable option comes available on the market.

Therefore, the suggestion they could move for Lens’ Seko Fofana is one they should welcome and actively explore.

Boasting a reported €40m (£35m) price tag, the Whites have already shown that they are willing to spend big this window as they smashed their record transfer with a move for Georginio Rutter.

Whilst striker was a position of utmost importance, a physical machine such as the Ivory Coast international could be the final piece to complete their midfield.

The 27-year-old could form a remarkable partnership in the engine room alongside the workmanlike Tyler Adams, who would offer Fofana the creative license to flex his offensive muscles.

This season has seen the Ivory Coast enforcer record eight goal contributions, as he has dominated games with his all-around exceptional ability.

Whilst ranking in the top 3% for total shots when compared with other midfielders around Europe, he also ranks in the top 3% for dribbles completed. When he is in full flow with the ball at his feet, Fofana becomes near unstoppable, via FBref.

This is supplemented by the claims of journalist Said Amdaa, who once labelled him:

“Unplayable in midfield with monster activity. Recoverer/scorer. Very reliable, the captain”.

To pair this with the defensive exploits of Adams, who this season has averaged 4.2 tackles per 90 alongside an 83% pass accuracy, would be a stroke of genius, would outlining the USA international as a calming presence beside the all-action Fofana.

It could be a match made in heaven for manager Jesse Marsch, who is surely seeking that final addition to cap off a wonderful transfer window.

Liverpool could forge a deadly partnership within the beating heart of their midfield, with Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners considered a potentially arresting addition to bolster the squad.

Over the past several months, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have been mulling over a move for Koopmeiners, with iNews stating they’ve been consistently tracking his performances, with a January move potentially forthcoming.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, discussing transfer speculation with Caught Offside, the transfer guru suggested the Serie A outfit would be far from inclined to part with one of their most coveted assets at the midpoint of the campaign, especially following the recent sale of positional peer Ruslan Malinovskyi to Marseille.

“Rumours are there because Liverpool sent their scouts to monitor him multiple times in the last year, but things are quiet on the Koopmeiners deal, as of now.”

Deadly connection

Koopmeiners could finally give Liverpool’s German manager Klopp the stability and assurance he so craves within his starting midfield; the Merseyside outfit currently boast only 28 points from 17 fixtures in the Premier League, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.

With a multitude of speculation soaring around the rumour mill, a bid for Atalanta’s Koopmeiners could bear fruit for a side seeking to challenge for every major honour on offer.

This season alone, the 15-cap ace has made 17 appearances for his outfit, scoring five goals and supplying two assists, impressing with his rounded arsenal and aiding his outfit in the fight for Champions League football – Atalanta sit in sixth place after 17 matches, three points behind fourth-placed Inter Milan.

And as per FBref, the “orchestrator” – as lauded by Jack Kulig – ranks within the top 8% for those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 18% for progressive passes received – his expansive, forward-thinking presence is exactly what the Reds need to instil a fresh sense of clarity surrounding the fortunes of the side.

And according to the statistical website, Liverpool’s very own Harvey Elliott could be one to prosper following the inclusion, with the 19-year-old ranked among the most comparable players for Koopmeiners.

Elliott has been somewhat thrust into the thick of the action at Anfield this term despite his inexperience, playing a remarkable 27 times already across all competitions this season, starting on 17 of those occasions.

Again, as per FBref, Elliott ranks within the top 4% of midfielders for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 2% for progressive passes received, also in the top 19% as the creator of progressive passes – these similarities in offence-minded statistics, partnered with the vibrancy both ace’s bring to the pitch, would wedge Liverpool’s cohesive intensity firmly back in place.

The Merseyside outfit simply must forge a move for the burgeoning £44m-rated Dutch midfielder, with his industrious approach and dynamism within the different facets of his midfield game, he could be the catalyst to instigate success at Anfield once again.

Former Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Michael Hector could potentially seal a return to the club this month, according to reliable journalist Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Hector’s previous with Sheffield Wednesday

The 30-year-old spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Hillsborough, having struggled to break through at Chelsea over a number of years, despite previously being hailed as ‘absolutely top class’ by journalist Dom Howson.

Hector made 39 appearances in total for the Owls, scoring twice along the way and proving to be a ‘fan favourite’ at the heart of their defence.

The former Jamaica international is currently without a club, having left Fulham last year, and it could be that a return to Wednesday materialises this month.

The Latest: Sheffield Wednesday considering Hector move

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Star, Crann claimed that Hector is being considered as an option for Sheffield Wednesday to come in and add defensive depth in January.

The journalist tweeted:

“Darren Moore has previously suggested that #SWFC weren’t really looking at free agents, but – as per @AlexMiller91 – we understand that former Owl, Michael Hector, is now being considered as an option at centre back after all.”

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The Verdict: Good centre-back option

This could be a shrewd piece of business by Wednesday, bringing in Hector on a free transfer and helping to ease their current shortage in centre-back areas following injuries to Ben Heneghan and Michael Ihiekwe.

Mark McGuinness’ return to Cardiff City is a big blow, following an impressive stint for the Owls (he is their second-highest rated player this season as per WhoScored), but Hector could help to fill that void, having won 3.4 aerial duels per game in the Championship during his previous spell with the club four years ago.

There would be an element of risk behind the move in terms of his lack of playing time – he has made just 15 appearances in all competitions since August 2020, and only two since the start of 2022 – but the free agent element of the transfer alleviates that issue.

Either way, bringing in another centre-back this month could be a wise move should any approach for Hector not work out.

Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that David Moyes may potentially be interested in taking over at Everton as their new manager.

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, the Toffees travelled away to West Ham United and lost 2-0. This ended up being the final nail in the coffin for Frank Lampard who was sacked after the defeat.

However, the Hammers manager is also under pressure and he may well have been the one to have been fired had the Toffees picked up all the points instead.

For now, though, Moyes remains in charge but there is a belief that he could be targeted by Everton to replace Lampard amid his own uncertain future in east London.

While talking about all this on The West Ham Way podcast on Monday, Ex suggested that some recent comments may hint at the Irons boss being up for a switch.

Indeed, after the game, Moyes said: “It was a difficult day for me as I’m really keen that Everton get away from their position. I had a great time there. I wanted to celebrate as we needed a win but behind it all I have a lot of feelings for Frank and for Everton.”

In response, Ex said: “Now, for me, that’s a little bit of a strange thing to say.”

He continued: “It almost felt like he was saying, to me, ‘I really like Everton, by the way, Frank, I’m not going for your job, I like you too, but I really like Everton too’.

“So it’s an interesting one to keep an eye on because there has been some speculation that Everton could make a move to replace Frank Lampard with David Moyes.

“Now, if that happens, or if they at least make the move, that’s a very interesting situation to be in.”

Time for a return?

Of course, Moyes will likely have a lot of fondness for Everton. After all, he spent over a decade with the Merseyside club, overseeing 518 games.

Interestingly enough, in terms of points gained per game, as things stand he has earned 0.01 less at West Ham than he did with the Toffees (with 1.53 compared to 1.54), showing that he has performed consistently at both teams.

However, Moyes left Everton in 2013 and so ten years would have passed by the time we reach the summer. An awful lot has changed in that period and it remains to be seen if he would still be a good fit.

What’s more, he hasn’t even been sacked by West Ham yet and so it may be more realistic for the Toffees to chase someone more available such as Sean Dyche or Marcelo Bielsa.

Everton have lined up three medicals at Finch Farm today as Farhad Moshiri aims to provide Sean Dyche with some reinforcement ahead of the remaining months of the campaign.

What’s the latest?

Dyche has landed on Merseyside with a huge task on his hands as the Toffees face yet another relegation battle in the remaining 18 games of the 2022/23 campaign.

And up to now, no new faces have come through the doors at Goodison Park with the only arrivals at Everton being two loanees who’ve returned from their respective deals.

However, it seems as if the Premier League strugglers are pushing today to get some deals done and provide Dyche with the best opportunity to keep them in the top flight.

Indeed, speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Jacque Talbot has heard the Toffees have lined up a trio of medicals with just hours remaining in the window:

“I’ve heard they’ve got three medicals lined up today. I believe it will be Sulemana from Rennes. I’m not sure on the other names, but that’s what I heard. There are three medicals booked in at Everton today as Sean Dyche tries to pull them out of the relegation zone.”

Looking to make some moves

It is worth mentioning since Talbot spoke to GiveMeSport, it seems as if Everton may have already been handed a possible transfer blow in the race for Kamaldeen Sulemana.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Rennes winger has decided to join Southampton over Everton with the two clubs having found an agreement for a transfer.

This will feel like a huge blow for the Toffees who will be missing out on a player who they clearly feel could have brought them a boost in the fight against relegation.

And it will come as a double-blow for Everton who are now expected to miss out on the player to one of their relegation rivals with Southampton side the only team below Dyche’s men in the table.

Losing out on the player to Southampton will not only feel like a blow in their hopes of survival but also in the sense of where Everton are now as a club in missing out on players to smaller clubs like the Saints.

With all of this in mind, there will be a hope Everton do not stumble across any further issues with the other two medicals which are believed to be scheduled at Finch Farm.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s squad ahead of their clash against West Ham United at St James’ Park…

What’s the latest?

The Magpies host the Hammers in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and Eddie Howe has confirmed that his two arrivals during the January transfer window will both be available for selection.

Journalist Miles Starforth quoted the 45-year-old as saying: “New signings Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby have trained well this week, and will be available tomorrow, according to Eddie Howe. #nufc #whufc.”

On Gordon, the Newcastle head coach said: “He will thrive in this environment with the positivity & the brilliant response…he’s going to need that after a difficult last few months. For him to feel good again and release the pressure will be really positive for us.”

Big boost for Newcastle

The two new arrivals were unveiled in front of the St James’ Park crowd before the semi-final clash against Southampton in the Carabao Cup earlier this week, and they could now get their first taste of the atmosphere whilst out on the pitch during Saturday’s match.

Having both players fit and available for selection so shortly after their respective moves to Tyneside is a big boost for Howe, as they are both talented gems who could make an impact tomorrow, whether that is from the start or off the bench.

Ashby has only played seven senior matches in his career but his impressive record at youth level suggests that he has the potential to be an exciting right-back to watch as a deputy to Kieran Trippier.

The 21-year-old produced three goals and ten assists in 41 matches for West Ham’s U21s before making the move to Tyneside, and this shows that the Scottish youth international is an attack-minded full-back who could get supporters off their seats with his crossing ability.

Meanwhile, Gordon has more senior experience after playing 78 games for Everton, including 65 in the Premier League. The young talent has shown signs of being able to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch, as the England under-21 international scored seven goals and provided three assists in the top flight for the Toffees.

It is now over to Howe to work with the player to improve his consistency and add more end product to his game. If Gordon can do that, then he could be a terrific signing for Newcastle, as he has already offered a glimpse of the quality that he can deliver at this level.

Although they are both raw and unrefined, talents, Ashby and Gordon both have the potential to excite Toon supporters on their day, and that is why their availability this weekend is a boost for Howe.