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Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed that Patrick Roberts could travel with the squad for the Championship fixture against Luton Town on Saturday after injury.

The Lowdown: Knock in training

Speaking to the media after his team’s 4-2 defeat against Burnley at the Stadium of Light last weekend, Mowbray confirmed that the 25-year-old had ‘picked up a knock in training’, meaning that he had to sit out the game.

The Black Cats boss added that he would have to see how the week develops before deciding whether to bring Roberts back into the squad for the trip to Kenilworth Road.

The Latest: Could travel

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match at the weekend, Mowbray has stated that both Roberts and Ellis Simms could travel with the Sunderland squad and play a part against Luton, after stepping up their recoveries from injury.

The 58-year-old said: “We hope Ellis will be back. He has felt it a bit on occasion, but he’s trained all week. When he does come back will be a huge boost for us.

“Patrick trained on Thursday and came through well. If there’s no reaction on his hamstring, he’ll travel for the game. It seemed more fatigue-based than an injury, but you always have to be careful with a hamstring issue. Burnley was too soon to risk him.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Sunderland

To have Roberts back in the squad along with Simms would be a big boost for Sunderland.

The former Manchester City winger had started the Black Cats’ previous eight games in the league before the defeat to Burnley, picking up two goals and one assist (Transfermarkt) as he established himself as a key player under Mowbray.

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Roberts currently ranks as Sunderland’s fifth-best performer in the Championship, ranking highly among his team-mates for average shots and key passes per match, while nobody at the club dribbles more than him per outing (WhoScored).

Adding him and Simms to the attack should give the Wearsiders a huge goal threat against Luton on Saturday, with the duo having netted five league goals between them so far this term.

Journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express has heavily criticised West Ham United after a big exit development involving midfielder Nikola Vlasic.

The Lowdown: Hammers reach Vlasic agreement…

The east Londoners have agreed a deal to loan out the Croatia international to Serie A after a season of little opportunity under manager David Moyes.

Vlasic started just six Premier League games last season, playing just 555 minutes in total, with Moyes now green-lighting his departure.

Torino will take Vlasic on a temporary basis and it is believed the deal includes a roughly £15 million option to buy the attacker.

The Latest: Taylor slams ‘ridiculously poor’ Vlasic business…

Taking to social media, Taylor has slammed West Ham’s decision to let Vlasic go with Torino having the option to sign him permanently for half of what the east Londoners paid a year ago.

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He explained (via Twitter):

“This is ridiculously poor business from West Ham. Vlašić deserves a fair crack, makes zero sense to offload without a replacement – particularly for 50% of total outlay paid just one year ago.”

The Verdict: Correct?

Given Vlasic can really turn it on at his very best, as evidenced by his impressive numbers in the Russian top flight prior to joining West Ham, this could be seen as a hasty decision given the lack of replacement.

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Links currently surround the likes of Conor Gallagher as the Irons reportedly chase an attacking midfielder but allowing Vlasic to leave the London Stadium before officially bringing in a like-for-like heir through the door is certainly unwise, and could even lead to GSB once again paying over the odds with selling teams knowing they’re desperate.

Leeds United are making moves to sign a ‘Premier League centre-forward’, The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports. 

The lowdown

Leeds can now put their summer plans into action after confirming their Premier League status with a final-day victory over Brentford.

Jesse Marsch will be overseeing his first transfer window at Elland Road, having taken over from Marcelo Bielsa at the start of March.

They’ve already agreed a fee for RB Salzburg’s Brendan Aaronson, who’s consequently poised to be their first summer signing.

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The latest

In addition to Aaronson, Marsch wants to strengthen his defence and his frontline, reports Hay.

The club have been ‘working on’ a move for Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay as well as a top-flight striker.

The verdict

Why do Leeds want to bolster their no. 9 options?

Well, Patrick Bamford may have enjoyed a fine 2020/21 campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists, but he was ravaged by injury this time around.

The Englishman spent three lengthy spells on the sidelines and was only able to start seven Premier League games.

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Leeds looked to Dan James to fill the void, but he’s predominantly a winger and he was only able to score four goals.

Joe Gelhardt is an option too, but perhaps the Whites are reluctant to potentially rely on the 20-year-old at this early stage of his career.

In other news, Phil Hay reacts to what he saw Raphinha do on Sunday.

Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has emerged as an unlikely hero in recent weeks, popping up with some big goals in cup games – including a brace against Norwich City in the week – leading him to be dubbed a “new Luis Suarez” due to the former Kop hero’s history of also terrorising the Canaries.

The Japan international has netted a goal every 47 minutes this season in the Premier League, as well as a goal every 68 minutes in the FA Cup and every 77 minutes in the Carabao Cup – and it would be harsh to pin that all down to him mainly appearing off the bench when teams are already tired.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp labelled him “incredible” after the match in midweek, while experienced midfielder James Milner also gave him some high praise, saying: “What a guy, what a player. He’s patient. Every time he comes in and he delivers.

“He just carried on. He’s brilliant in training. Great temperament. I’m absolutely delighted for him.”

The performance should be enough for Klopp to decide on giving him more chances in the Premier League from the start, beginning with this evening’s game against West Ham, where he could really give Pablo Fornals and Aaron Cresswell nightmares should he be given the nod.

Statistically, Minamino is one of the best wingers in the world right now at pressing high and defending from the front, ranking in the top 1% in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for successful pressures with 7.88 per 90; and also for pressures in the middle third, with 12.82 per 90.

With an attack as good as Liverpool’s, it’s hard to pick a player to drop. However, one man who could benefit from a rest is Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward has suffered a slight dip in form since his brace against Leicester in the second week of February, failing to register a goal or assist in his four games since.

The 25-year-old has featured in every single Liverpool league game since mid-October and covered well for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane while the star duo were at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Minamino’s recent form could provide Klopp with a good opportunity to not only rest Jota over the next few weeks, but also test out whether or not the 27-year-old can truly reach a new level of his game and put in some equally impressive performances in the Premier League with goals and assists.

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If the Japanese maestro carries his cup form into this evening’s clash and is given an overdue first league start of the campaign, he could terrorise West Ham’s backline.

In other news: Liverpool dealt big injury setback ahead of West Ham clash, fans surely gutted

As per 90min, West Ham United, and by extension head of recruitment Rob Newman, now have their eyes on another striking target in Flamengo star Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye striker move…

The Hammers have confirmed some major off-field developments over the last few months with Newman arriving to help oversee West Ham’s transfer activity and Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky investing into the club with his 27% minority stake.

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Both arrivals have been tipped to bolster manager David Moyes’ chances in January as Newman comes in with a plethora of experience in the market whilst Kretinsky’s arrival could also gift West Ham a small boost next window.

As such, the Irons could feasibly end their year-long search for a backup forward which has been ongoing since club record signing Sebastien Haller departed east London last winter.

They’ve been linked with many names, including the likes of Arthur Cabral and Adam Hlozek most prevalently in recent weeks, but some news has now emerged on West Ham and Newman could also swoop for.

The Latest: West Ham weigh offer for ‘big name’ Barbosa…

As per 90min transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, West Ham, and by extension their head of recruitment Newman, are one of the Premier League sides ‘considering a bid’ for Barbosa.

It is believed that the 25-year-old is eyeing a return to Europe and Bailey believes he could one of the ‘big names’ to move in January.

Agents are apparently weighing all options behind the scenes and West Ham have a ‘long standing’ interest in the prolific South American.

The Verdict: Ideal option?

Amid their serious links to FC Basel forward Cabral, news that Newman also has eyes on another in-form Brazilian certainly comes as enticing.

Scoring a career total of 129 at club level, Barbosa has certainly come on leaps and bounds since a largely regrettable spell at Inter Milan.

Indeed, the Flamengo man has since re-established himself on the international stage thanks to his stellar club form – last being selected for the Brazil squad in October.

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Barbosa’s brilliant record of 29 goals across all competitions in 2021 alone highlights his obvious ability, and at 25, Barbosa would even come with some potential to sell-on.

90min claim he is valued by Flamengo upwards of £30m but that could be a small price to pay for a striker so in-form and pushing for a January move away.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Tears’…West Ham fans go wild as ‘massive’ off-field news comes to light, find out more here.

Alan Hutton has sung the praises of Robby McCrorie after the 23-year-old impressed in goal for Glasgow Rangers recently.

The Lowdown: Clean sheets

McCrorie has started in the last two games for the Ibrox outfit against Alashkert in the second leg of their Europa League qualifier, and at home in the Old Firm derby last weekend.

In those matches, he managed to keep two clean sheets, with the 0-0 draw at Alashkert followed up by the 1-0 win against bitter rivals Celtic (Sofascore rating of 7.4, the fourth-highest of any player on the day.

The Latest: Hutton on McCrorie

Speaking to Football Insider, former Rangers right-back Hutton hailed McCrorie after his impressive performances, and even went as far as to suggest that Steven Gerrard may decide against sending him out on loan again. The 36-year-old said:

“Gerrard will be very impressed with him.

“I think it was a little bit sink or swim for him, it was just left up to him with the two other experienced goalkeepers missing.

“He’s been out on loan, he’s had that experience and that’s led to his first Rangers game.

“The Old Firm game is different to anything else, but he’s taken it all in his stride and I thought it was an excellent performance.

“He stepped up and made some decent saves, so overall he must be very happy with his performance.

“Gerrard, Gary McAllister and those guys must be seeing what kind of goalkeeper that he’s capable of being in the future.

“They know that he can step up and be trusted. I’m really happy for him.

“To be able to go out in those situations and make big saves is bound to make him a better goalkeeper.”

The Verdict: Keep

After being sent out on loan to Berwick Rangers, Morton, Queen of the South and Livingston throughout his Gers career so far (Transfermarkt), McCrorie has shown that he can now perform for his parent club.

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With the seasoned pro of Allan McGregor as a role model, the 23-year-old should only benefit from watching the veteran stopper in training, hopefully getting more minutes on the pitch as the season progresses.

He should be kept at the club at all costs rather than farmed out on loan again, so long as he can continue putting in impressive displays for the first team.

In other news, Rangers may find it ‘difficult’ to keep this ace at Ibrox

If Rafa Benitez becomes the new manager of Everton football club then Farhad Moshiri and co should be wary of fan power.

Supporters have already been left dismayed by the club’s pursuit of the Spaniard but the Toffees aren’t pulling away from a deal just yet.

What’s the word?

Everton’s search for a new manager is now into its fourth week but at last, the hierarchy are on the verge of concluding a deal.

Last week it was reported by Jim White that they were incredibly close to announcing Benitez as the new boss but that has since been met with concern from supporters.

Unfortunately, the board appear to be unrelenting in their desire to hire the 61-year-old.

Another backer now includes Alisher Usmanov. The Standard reported on Wednesday that the Uzbek billionaire was a supporter of the controversial move to appoint Benitez.

Usmanov isn’t a shareholder on the board but his companies provide huge sums of money in sponsorship for Everton so his backing should be a worry for fans who are not in favour of Benitez being hired as their club’s nee manager.

Fans must be livid

Everton’s hunt for a new manager has been incredibly perplexing.

The Toffees were close to hiring former Wolves boss Nuno Santo but after talks stalled, they made their move for Benitez.

The 61-year-old famously dubbed the Merseyside outfit ‘small’ all the way back in 2007 and as a result, supporters have been keen to display their annoyance at the board for considering him.

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Benitez has won a Champions League and has multiple honours across the domestic scene in Europe so you can understand why he’s being considered from a CV point of view.

However, perhaps Moshiri ought to look towards what Chairman Bill Kenwright is keen on.

He initially had discussions with David Moyes but a move for the Scot is now off the table after he signed a new contract with West Ham United.

Kenwright has also been a fan of Roberto Martinez as they attempt to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

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The Belgium manager ended up losing his job in Merseyside during his first spell in charge of Everton but he knows the scenery and clearly still holds an excellent relationship with one of the club’s key board members.

Supporters may have grown tired of his stubborn tactics but at the moment, it feels like anyone would be preferable ahead of Benitez.

The trouble is, with major investors in Everton keen on seeing the former Liverpool manager arrive, Moshiri may not have much choice.

Hiring somebody else and watching them fail could leave to decreased sponsorship; something that could hurt the Toffees immensely from a financial point of view. This feels like a catch 22 situation.

AND in other news, Toffees may be hit with massive blow after Everton news emerges, Brands will be livid…

Lee Johnson has revealed Aiden McGeady’s chances of appearing for Sunderland against Accrington Stanley this weekend are 50-50.

Johnson provides McGeady update

McGeady missed the Black Cats’ match against Hull City during the week with an ankle issue as his side managed a 2-2 draw.

Speaking prior to this weekend’s clash against Accrington, Johnson provided an update on the 35-year-old. He said (via The Northern Echo):

“I’d put Aiden at 50-50 (for the weekend). He’s tough, like I’ve said, so he wants to play. He’s still very bruised, but at the same time it is a superficial injury.

“It’s not anything bone-related or ligament-related, so if he can handle the pain of smashing one in from 25 yards, hopefully in the top corner, then he can play. It’s as simple as that.”

Save him for the play-offs

Even though he is approaching the end of his career, McGeady is enjoying a fantastic season, especially since the arrival of Johnson. In his last 24 League One appearances, he has managed four goals and 12 assists (Transfermarkt), helping the Black Cats chase their dream of automatic promotion.

Unfortunately, results over the last few weeks mean Sunderland are likely to have to make do with the play-offs if they want to move up to the Championship. As such, it makes no sense to rush McGeady back into the action too quickly. They will need him for the last few games of the campaign – it is then that he can make a real difference to his side’s fortunes.

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In other news, Kevin Phillips has made this worrying transfer claim.

Wolves will have to make desperate improvements to their side on Wednesday evening if they are to stand any chance against Chelsea.

Of course, the Blues have just sacked Frank Lampard following a tough run, but they will have a point to prove with Thomas Tuchel in the dugout for the very first time as Chelsea boss.

With Wolves in dire form too, it is anyone’s guess as to who wins. Wolves have tasted victory in just three of their last 11 matches and although they beat Chorley last time out, it was far from convincing.

Nuno Santo’s men created fewer goal-scoring opportunities than their non-league opposition which makes for pretty grim reading.

Thus, should the Portuguese make changes this evening? We certainly think so.

In our predicted XI for tonight’s clash, we’re tipping Nuno to make as many as six changes to his side.

Out comes goalkeeper John Ruddy who despite keeping a clean sheet, misses out with Rui Patricio resuming his Premier League duties between the sticks.

There are two further changes in defence where Max Kilman sits out in favour of Romain Saiss, while Nelson Semedo is recalled at the expense of Ki-Jana Hoever.

Ruben Neves is also recalled. He played the final 22 minutes against Chorley and after being rested, should come back into the side. The Portugal international plays ahead of the £90k-per-week Leander Dendoncker.

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The remaining changes are in attack. Up top, there is no room for Willian Jose yet. The Brazilian arrived on loan from Real Sociedad at the weekend but this could be too soon for his debut.

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As a result, it’s Fabio Silva who leads the line ahead of Patrick Cutrone, someone we’ve criticised in the build-up to tonight’s encounter.

Adama Traore and Pedro Neto play either side of the club-record signing as they take the places of Cutrone and Vitinha.

AND in other news, Wolves could find their new Costa with swoop for 87-cap flop, he won’t cost a penny…

Many Aston Villa fans have reacted to a latest report claiming French defender Frederic Guilbert has been ‘pushed’ towards an exit from the club as talk continues.

After securing their top flight status last season with a final day draw against West Ham United, Villa are now preparing for the new season.

Boss Dean Smith is expected to make several changes to his squad and utilise the transfer window, and one deal has already been completed with Matty Cash arriving from Nottingham Forest.

Cash was arguably one of the most in-form players in the Championship last season, holding down the right-back role in Sabri Lamouchi’s side whilst also chipping in with three goals and five assists. Paying an initial £14m, it is expected that he will go straight in to Smith’s starting eleven.

That has left Guilbert’s chances of finding first team football at Villa Park significantly reduced and a latest report from L’Equipe has now claimed that the Frenchman has been ‘pushed’ towards an exit by the club.

Guilbert joined up with Villa from Caen last summer and made 25 Premier League appearances in his first season.

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Reacting to the report which was shared by Twitter account @AVFC_News, Villa fans gave their opinion on the defender’s future at the club with the majority hoping that he stays.

Do you think Guilbert should have stayed at Villa Park? Let us know in the comments section below…