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Scottish Premiership champions Celtic may have already seen their Champions League hopes dashed, but the Old Firm outfit still have plenty to play for tonight as they prepare to take on Shakhtar Donetsk at Parkhead.

Title-winning coach Ange Postecoglou has stated heading into the match that it is simply a “must-win” game for his side, with the Hoops still having an outside chance of securing a place in the Europa League in the New Year.

With four points separating the Glasgow giants and their upcoming opponents, it is now win or bust for the hosts tonight, with anything other than three points seeing them finish bottom of the group.

The omens are arguably against the Bhoys, though, having lost each of their last seven home games in the competition, as they look to avoid becoming the first team in the tournament’s history to lose eight in a row on their own patch.

Ahead of that vital meeting, here’s how Football FanCast predicts that the home side will line up…

Postecoglou has revealed that he will once again be without Carl Starfelt and Jota due to injury, despite the pair edging closer to a return, although midfielder David Turnbull is seemingly back in contention.

With that in mind, we predict that there will be four changes from the side which edged past Hearts at the weekend, with one notable alteration set to see Saturday’s match-winning hero Greg Taylor slot in ahead of Alexandro Bernabei, with the latter having struggled at Tynecastle.

On the other flank, Josip Juranovic will likely reclaim his place ahead of Anthony Ralston, while the continued absence of the aforementioned Starfelt should see Moritz Jenz partner Cameron Carter-Vickers at centre-back, despite the pair having both given away penalties against the Jambos.

The midfield trio will likely stay the same as skipper Callum McGregor remains on the treatment table, while in-form hero James Forrest – who has four goals in his last two league games – should keep his place on the right flank.

Further tactical tweaks could well be made in the forward line. Usual starter Kyogo Furuhashi is set to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis through the middle despite the Greece international having netted four goals in his last three top-flight outings, while summer signing Sead Haksabanovic could also return on the left flank.

The “dangerous” asset, as described by journalist Sean Martin, had impressed with his cameo appearance when the two teams met in Warsaw last month, having looked “very lively” according to journalist Josh Bunting.

The Chronicle journalist James Hunter criticised the performance of Elliot Embleton as Sunderland lost 2-0 away at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Lowdown: Another loss

The Stadium of Light outfit’s return to the Championship has been somewhat of a mixed bag, with their defeat against the Rovers their fifth of a campaign which has also seen them achieve five wins and five draws in their opening 15 games.

A fine curling effort from Ben Brereton Diaz in the first half, coupled up with a Scott Wharton goal in the second, were enough to give the hosts all three points against the Wearside club.

The Latest: Embleton criticised

Writing in his latest player ratings piece for The Chronicle, Hunter was particularly critical of Embleton’s performance, claiming that he ‘struggled to make an impact’ on the match.

The midfielder, who came in for the injured Lynden Gooch, was given a measly 5/10 overall rating by the journalist, the lowest out of any of his team-mates.

The Verdict: Did not take his chance

Sadly, Embleton did not take his chance to impress Tony Mowbray in place of the injured Gooch.

The Englishman was hardly an attacking threat from midfield, with the statistics backing Hunter’s verdict – the midfielder recorded no shots on target and just one key pass, while defensively he made no interceptions and gave the ball away a total of nine times (SofaScore).

With the Black Cats’ next fixture at home to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, Embleton may now be worrying over whether he is going to keep his place in the starting line-up.

Crystal Palace haven’t had the best start to their Premier League campaign and could end up in the relegation zone if Nottingham Forest beat Leicester City tonight as Patrick Vieira’s side lost to Chelsea on Saturday.

The Palace boss will be trying to find the solutions in his squad to start picking up points over the season ahead, but he may now need to wait until the January transfer window to fix some of the problems at Selhurst Park.

Last season Crystal Palace broke club records for their defensive performances in the Premier League, conceding a record-low number of goals over the campaign (46) and kept a joint-club record of 12 clean sheets too.

However, over the campaign so far the Eagles have only kept one clean sheet out of their first seven outings and their regular concession of goals is leaving them teetering on the edge of the relegation zone already.

As a result, the powers at the club could regret their decision not to complete the signing of Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the season progresses.

The £83k-per-week defender was linked with making a move back to his former club this summer with Sky Sports reporting that Palace were interested in reuniting with the player on loan, however, nothing materialised before the transfer window slammed shut at the beginning of September.

Wan-Bissaka ranks in the top 3% of his positional peers over the top five European leagues for interceptions, blocks and dribbles completed, as well as ranking in the top 20% for pass completion. Indeed, he proved last season that he could be the perfect man to replace Joel Ward.

The 24-year-old outperformed the Palace right-back in many attributes including shot-creating actions per 90 (1.56 v 0.62) and blocked shots (56 v 53).

He also had a better pass completion rate (83.5% v 80%) despite playing eight fewer league games.

It shows that Wan-Bissaka isn’t just more creative, but he’s also more composed in possession of the ball, two elements of the game that are crucial to optimising Vieira’s exciting style of play.

The talented defender has been the recipient of high praise with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer labelling Wan Bissaka “top-notch”, whilst Wes Brown waxed lyrical over him in an interview with Sky Sports, saying:

“What else can you say about Aaron Wan-Bissaka? I’ve not really seen many like him and that’s the honest truth. Defensively, in one-on-ones, he’s definitely one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

With that being said, Vieira might get a second chance at signing Wan-Bissaka when you consider that Erik ten Hag has only given him one appearance this season. Thus, if the opportunity arises in January, Crystal Place must do everything to bring the player back to Selhurst Park. He would be a seismic upgrade on Ward and a player that could take the Eagles to the next level.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have finally got up and running in the Premier League, defeating Southampton 1-0 on Saturday to record their first league win of the season.

It lifts the Old Gold up to 14th in the table and hopefully Bruno Lage can use this result as a catalyst for his team to really kick on and challenge for another top-half finish.

The victory came at a huge cost, though, with new signing Sasa Kalajdzic having to be substituted at half-time with what has since been diagnosed as an ACL injury, with no clear date for his return.

This is a major blow for Lage, especially with the £15.5m hitman brought to the club to remedy last season’s sorry return of 38 league goals from Wolves. It leaves the manager in limbo, with the club trying to sign Diego Costa, although the ex-Chelsea marksman has been denied a work permit.

If Lage didn’t make a huge decision in the summer over another attacking talent on the Old Gold’s radar, then the club might not have found themselves in this predicament…

Lage will have nightmares over Hwang near-miss

The Wolves manager could have avoided this crisis by making a move for South Korean striker Hwang Ui-jo before he joined Nottingham Forest in a €5m (£4.2m) deal, prior to being loaned out to Olympiacos for the season.

The player wanted to join Wolves, but the Old Gold only offered £2.5m for him as Bordeaux were holding out for £3.5m. By then it was too late, with Forest snapping up the forward.

He was described as a “wonderful player to coach” by his former manager Jean-Louis Gasset, which suggests that he’s the type of player who could have settled in well at Molineux.

He may also have formed an instant rapport with fellow countryman Hwang Hee-chan, and Lage could have used that Korean partnership to devasting effect.

The 30-year-old netted 29 goals and registered seven assists in Ligue 1 for Bordeaux, which shows that he can perform at the highest level. Last season alone he scored 11 times, five more than Wolves’ most potent players (Raul Jimenez and Daniel Podence with six each), and it looks like Lage has made a big blunder in letting the forward slip from his grasp.

With Jimenez injury-prone in recent weeks and a lack of centre-forward depth behind him and Kalajdzic, the Old Gold manager may well be having nightmares over missing out on this Hwang.

Journalist Matt Jones has been left overjoyed after Everton completed the signing of central defender Conor Coady. 

The lowdown: Deal done

Coady has completed a season-long loan switch from Wolves this week, joining the Toffees after missing out on a place in Bruno Lage’s starting XI for their opening day 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leeds United.

The signing of the 29-year-old England international could reportedly be made permanent next summer as he leaves the Wanderers having been the club captain at Molineux, amassing 317 appearances during a seven-year spell in the Midlands.

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A product of the youth academy at Everton’s arch-rivals Liverpool, Coady admitted it is ‘incredible’ and he is ‘over the moon’ to be joining the Goodison Park outfit, a view shared by one invested onlooker…

The latest: ‘Really good business’

Taking to Twitter, Jones – who writes for the Liverpool Echo and appears on The Blue Room podcast – proclaimed that the capture of the ten-cap star is ‘really good business’ by the Blues.

He stated: “Loan feels like really good business. Think it gets overlooked that a three-player defence requires specialist players at wing-back and centre-back – Coady is absolutely one of those. Excellent character, brilliant injury record. What could go wrong?”

The verdict: Spot on

A veteran of 417 total professional outings, Coady will bring vast experience and impressive leadership qualities that have endeared the Liverpudlian to numerous managers and teammates alike.

Last season, the £22.5million valued ace scored four times in 38 Premier League appearances, only failing to complete 90 minutes on three occasions and earning a 6.99 Sofascore rating while helping to keep 11 clean sheets, showing defensive acumen that was lacking all too often for the Toffees.

Predominantly operating as the defensive lynchpin in the middle of a back three in recent campaigns, a system Frank Lampard is looking to utilise at Everton, Coady can also play in a back two, at right back and as a defensive midfielder, offering an abundance of options.

However, having lost Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey to injury over the weekend, the no-nonsense centre-back seems certain to take a place at the heart of the defence alongside James Tarkowski and one other.

Leeds United are keen on singing Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Dieng profiled

Dieng is 22 years of age and made the move to Marseille after progressing through FC Diambars’ academy in Senegal, which was founded by Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira.

He’s been labelled as “super” by journalist Robin Bairner and has made nine goals.

Marseille reportedly want to move the Senegal international on this summer, and it looks as if Elland Road could be a potential destination.

The Latest: Leeds interest

90min journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Leeds are one of a number of Premier League sides who are keen on signing Dieng this summer.

The Whites will face plenty of competition, with five other Premier League clubs and sides in Germany and Spain also name-checked in the report.

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The Verdict: Shrewd target?

Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch are still actively looking for a new forward after missing out on Charles De Ketelaere, and Dieng could be a smart versatile option that may not hinder Joe Gelhardt’s breakthrough.

He is primarily a centre-forward but can also play out wide, featuring evenly on the left and through the middle in Ligue 1 last season.

Dieng also still has plenty of time to improve on his current career-high Transfermarkt valuation of £9m, having only just broken through into elite level football in the last 18 months,

He could compete with both Patrick Bamford and Gelhardt, while also providing an option in another attacking area, so this new name could be one to watch.

Liverpool are not interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes in the summer transfer window, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Lowdown: Nunes rumours continue

The Reds have had a good summer window so far, bringing in Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay, but their business might not be done yet.

Some want to see one more central midfielder come in, and with Jude Bellingham staying at Borussia Dortmund for another season, attention has turned to Nunes.

The 23-year-old is arguably considered one of the Primeira Liga’s best midfielders, and various reports have linked Liverpool with an imminent move for him.

The Latest: Romano provides Nunes update

Taking to Twitter on Friday, however, Romano claimed that there are no negotiations in place over a move for Nunes to Anfield, pouring cold water on the rumour in the process.

The Italian outlined:

“No bid or negotiations for Matheus Nunes to Liverpool, as things stand. Nothing has changed around this deal.

“Liverpool asked for Jude Bellingham in June, but it was impossible deal – not even a negotiation, as Dortmund consider him ‘untouchable’ this summer.”

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The Verdict: Midfield overkill?

While Nunes is clearly an excellent player – he enjoyed an 86.2% pass completion rate in the Portuguese top flight last season – it could be argued that Liverpool already have enough midfield options currently.

Granted, signing another player in that area wouldn’t be a bad thing, but Jurgen Klopp not only has experienced heads such as Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and James Milner to call upon but also exciting youngsters Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Carvalho.

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If Nunes were to come in, it would potentially block the paths of those aforementioned young players, all of whom have looked bright during pre-season so far.

It would therefore be a surprise if a move were to happen this summer, with Klopp perhaps making a marquee midfield signing in 2023 instead.

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Arsenal are set to hold ‘talks’ with Leeds United ace Raphinha this week over a potential move to the Emirates.

The Lowdown: Opening bid rejected

The Brazilian was a standout performer in what was a disappointing season for the Whites, and despite Jesse Marsch’s side avoiding relegation from the Premier League, he has now been linked with a summer switch away from Elland Road.

Barcelona links have of course been doing the rounds, alongside English top-flight teams Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham, but it’s the Gunners who have emerged as the main suitor in the race for his signature.

Mikel Arteta’s men saw an initial offer for the winger rejected by Leeds last week, and it sounds like a second attempt may not be far away.

The Latest: Arsenal set for Raphinha talks

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs confirmed that Arsenal are very much interested in a deal for Raphinha and are set to hold talks with his agent later this week. He wrote:

“Told Arsenal have not ‘pulled out’ of trying to sign Raphinha.

“Raphinha does want to see if a Barcelona deal is possible (Camp Nou move always been of appeal). It’s complicated and may require Ousmane Dembele to leave, hence why this week is key.”

In a further tweet, the reporter continued:

“Raphinha’s representatives haven’t blanked EPL suitors. Arsenal have further talks scheduled with them this week.

“Leeds will hold out for around £60 million. Barcelona need to find those funds. Raphinha wants to assess all options, and one of them remains Arsenal.”

The Verdict: International advantage

Arsenal will be hoping that they will be able to beat their rivals to Raphinha when they take a second bite of the cherry, and they could already hold a huge advantage over their competitors in the race for his services.

The 25-year-old, who hailed a “technician” and “pleasure to watch” by BT Sport pundit Joe Cole, is a member of Brazil’s international squad, as are current Gunners stars Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães, and so their existing connection could play a significant role in convincing him to put pen to paper.

The next few days are likely to be crucial in terms of developments, but with 14 goal contributions in the Premier League to his name last season, Raphinha has the required cutting edge in the final third to be a brilliant attacking addition to Arteta’s starting XI next campaign.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that a deal to take Roger Fernandes to Newcastle United may now be ‘going on’ behind the scenes.

The Lowdown: Rumours resurfaced

Rumours of the youngster potentially moving to St James’ Park resurfaced on Wednesday, after reports emerged last week.

The transfer window is seemingly heating up on Tyneside. With the Magpies having already secured the permanent signing of Matt Targett from Aston Villa, they remain in talks to sign both Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike, and could well add to that duo as the summer progresses.

The Latest: Fernandes too?

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that a deal may now be ‘going on’ behind the scenes at Newcastle for Fernandes.

The journalist stated in that regard: “Did hear that there might be something going on.”

The Verdict: Exciting

These are certainly exciting times for the Toon Army, as  Newcastle could be pursuing up to three deals at once, which would make four summer signings in total after Targett if those all come off.

Fernandes is one which should get pulses racing. At just 15 years of age, he became the youngest player to feature in the Portuguese top flight; now 16, he has already scored three goals in 11 first-team matches for Braga (Transfermarkt).

The winger is already playing senior football at a high level, so it is scary to think how good he could become, especially if he starts to play his trade on Tyneside.

In other news, NUFC are now ready to splash the cash for this defender

Celtic not only secured the Premiership title during Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Hoops, they also ended the campaign with the best defensive record in the league.

In 38 top-flight matches, the Bhoys only conceded 22 goals in total, nine fewer than the next-best defence.

One man who played a massive part in the Hoops’ title-winning campaign from a defensive point of view is Carl Starfelt.

Throughout his debut season at Parkhead, the centre-back made 49 appearances across all competitions and ended up playing more minutes in the league than any other outfield player in Postecoglou’s ranks.

Starfelt ended the campaign with the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30), as well as the joint-second highest average of clearances (3.5) and joint-highest average for aerial duels won per game (4.2) at Parkhead.

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that the summer recruit had a rather successful debut season with Celtic, who undoubtedly made the right decision in signing him from Rubin Kazan for a reported fee of £4m.

With the season now over and the Premiership title in the bag, the focus can now move to the upcoming summer transfer window as Postecoglou looks to improve on Celtic’s success from this campaign.

In terms of their potential summer recruitment, one man with whom the Hoops have been linked and who could slot seamessly into the team next to Starfelt is Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Imagine him and Starfelt

A product of Manchester City’s youth system, the £6.3m-rated centre-back has had loan spells with clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht and Stoke City.

During his recent time with Stoke during the second half of the recently-concluded season, the 20-year-old ended the campaign with the joint-highest number of interceptions per game (1.9) and second-highest number of clearances per game (3.5) out of players currently at the Championship club.

Described as a player with “a defensive instinct” and a “warrior attitude” by his former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray, Harwood-Bellis could be just what the Bhoys need in order to add some extra strength and depth to their squad at the back.

This shows just how important he quickly became for the Lancashire club and how capable a defender he is at such a young age.

It also makes us think that he could be a solid addition to Celtic’s squad, and he could give Postecoglou the opportunity to form a scary duo at the back next to Starfelt, which could make the Hoops even tougher to play against in 2022/23.

In other news: Big blow: Worrying behind-the-scenes development emerges, it’s bad news for Celtic