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Darren Bent has lauded the fact that Mason Holgate returned from injury versus Manchester United in the Premier League.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Spurs, Aston Villa and Sunderland striker thinks that Carlo Ancelotti having the England U21 international back fit and available for his team will be very important going into the rest of the 2020/21 term:

“It was massive to have him back.

“We know how important it is to Everton to their team and how much better they become with him for the last couple of seasons.

“He was been linked to Manchester City so you know he’s not an average player.

“It’s good to have him back.

“I like what they’re doing with him and Godfrey – both are young and English. The signs are good.

“Ancelotti is one of the best managers in the Premier League and he knows how to get it done.

“This season is going to be fascinating and are Everton are definitely one of those teams you’re looking at and think ‘hmm, this could be potentially the season where they go and achieve.’”

Holgate was a regular before his injury

Indeed, Holgate was a regular starter for the Goodison Park faithful before the unfortunate injury that had kept him out of this season until the 3-1 loss against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.

The 24-year-old played in 32 games in all competitions in total for the Merseyside club in the last campaign, netting one goal and providing a further three assists (Transfermarkt).

Holgate is a better partner for Keane than Mina

Indeed, Holgate is perhaps a better partner for Michael Keane than Yerry Mina. Comparing the stats of the two central defenders in the top flight last term, the former Barnsley star averaged more tackles, interceptions and clearances per appearance than the Colombia international (Whoscored).

With the Toffees going into the international break on the back of three straight defeats in England’s highest division, perhaps he could add some more defensive stability alongside Keane, as the Blues will look to bounce back as quick as possible.

Nonetheless, it is no doubt a big boost to EFC to have Holgate back fit and available for selection again, as fans will be hoping that he can hit the ground running.

In other news, find out which Everton player has been slammed by fans for his display against Man Utd here!

A last-minute switch up in transfer targets saw die-hard Celtic fan Robert Snodgrass snubbed of a move to his boyhood club. The Hoops made a deadline day decision as they snapped up AC Milan ace Diego Laxalt on loan instead. The left-back has certainly impressed since his move to Parkhead and he’s a player that the club should be considering moving for permanently.

Snodgrass is also a man they shouldn’t leave out in the cold. Whilst it was only a short-term deal Nick Hammond was looking for, he could sign the West Ham star for absolutely nothing next summer.

Should Celtic sign Snodgrass?

In short, the 33-year-old would be a very smart signing for the Bhoys. As it stands, Neil Lennon has no registered senior right-winger on his roster. His line-ups this season have featured either a double strike force or a midfield three to support the one loan target man.

Signing a natural right-winger would give Lennon so much more depth and several new formation options. Celtic have struggled somewhat this season, falling out of favour in the Premiership and stumbling through their Europa League campaign with just one point on the board so far.

The manager has been frustrated with injury problems, positive coronavirus tests and players out of form. Odsonne Edouard is one man who has surprised a lot of people with his silence on the pitch. Since his return from his self-isolation spell, the Frenchman has struggled to get involved in many goalscoring opportunities. He has just one goal to his name his last nine appearances for the club.

Mohamed Elyounoussi has been Lennon’s star man, but he too is on loan. Lennon will have some serious thinking to do as the countdown to the summer window approaches. Signing Snodgrass from the Irons would be a step in the right direction if a permanent deal for the Southampton forward is off the cards.

The Scotland international has been out of favour this season as West Ham continue to develop. Last term, however, he notched five goals and five assists in the Premier League, beating the previous campaign’s two goals and five assists (via Transfermarkt).

Snodgrass is currently on a reported £40,000 per-week wage, which could be a problem for Hammond. The current highest paid full-time Celtic player is Scott Brown on £23,000 per-week. The winger would likely have to consider taking a significant pay cut if he was to join the Hoops, but with it being a dream move to the club he loves, it’s feasible that he will take pretty much any deal to make the move happen.

In other news, Celtic must unearth hidden gem in Mikey Johnston as Lennon troubles continue…

Marlon Harewood has tipped Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to give Jermain Defoe a new contract.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast reporter Tom Ward, the former Premier League striker believes the Ibrox boss is most likely to green light a new deal for the veteran, 38, at the end of the season.

Defoe recently revealed he wanted to earn a contract extension in an interview with the BBC’s Football Daily show as his current contract is set to expire in 2021.

His £65,000-per-week wages make him the club’s highest-paid player, which could somewhat complicate the matter, especially when you consider the fact that he earns nearly double what Alfredo Morelos currently receives.

But Harewood insists his former teammate has more than justified a new deal as he has continued to score goals on a good level consistently.

He told FFC: “I played with him at West Ham and he was unbelievable.

“Knowing Stevie G [sic], I would’ve thought so because at the same time it keeps the other strikers on their toes, knowing you’ve got this legend who can still bang goals in at his age, they’re the sort of players that you want around your squad.

“So, I would give him a new contract because he’s just going to go somewhere else and do what he’s got to do. At his age, he’s still proving he can score goals and be a threat.”

Gerrard has some big decisions to make regarding the first-team squad as he has several players with deals running out next summer, with Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Leon Balogun also on the list.

Defoe has consistently been one of the most prolific centre-forwards in the world as his impressive resume more than speaks for itself – over 300 goals in his club career so far. He hit the milestone during the 2-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership last month.

Rangers reached a pre-contract agreement with the former 57-cap England international that saw him join from English Championship club Bournemouth in the summer, after initially arriving at Ibrox on loan in 2019

Since then, he has made 56 appearances for Gerrard’s side, scoring 27 goals and supplying 10 assists in all competitions.

Recently described as a “superb” beast by Gers assistant manager Gary McAllister after the Livingston win, Defoe has still found his chances limited this season, having made just three appearances in the Premiership, as he faces stiff competition from Morelos as well as new recruits Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe for a place in the starting line-up.

As we’ve previously discussed, we would have no qualms if Ross Wilson ultimately decided to cash in on him, as he has less than 12 months left on his current deal.

With that being said, these kind of numbers would be equally hard to replace, as Itten has arguably struggled to hit the ground running, with just two goals in his last ten games for his new club to his name. One more year will hardly hurt, that’s for sure, as he may be willing to take another wage reduction as well. Let’s face it, the Gers are probably better off getting rid of Greg Stewart instead.

AND in other news, Rangers receive huge injury boost as Leon Balogun survives unscathed against Sierra Leone…

Shakhtar Donetsk’s shock victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday could be bad news for Glasgow Rangers.

Donetsk victory could have big implications

Donetsk defeated Madrid 2-0 in Ukraine to put themselves third in Group B. That means that they are still in with a chance of qualifying for the round of 16 – a win over Inter Milan will see them progress.

That is worrying for Steven Gerrard and co at Ibrox – Scotland and Ukraine are competing for an automatic Champions League qualifying spot for the 2022/23 season, and this latest victory puts the latter ahead in the coefficient rankings.

In Rangers’ own hands

The top 10 leagues in the coefficient rankings all receive an automatic spot into the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition – Scotland’s Premiership is currently sat in 11th. Shakhtar’s progression through to the next round of the Champions League would be a huge blow, and there could even be issues if they drop down to the Europa League and do well.

Rangers’ fate, though, is in their own hands. If they progress deep into their current competition, they will likely put Scotland above Shakhtar anyway. And even if they do not manage to earn an automatic spot, there is still the chance of making it through in the qualifying rounds. For now, all they can do is take each game as it comes.

In other news, many Rangers fans are unhappy with this Dave King update.

Glasgow Rangers may have concerns over whether or not Ryan Kent will sign a new contract, but that doesn’t mean that the board should forget about Glen Kamara.

Kamara has been in scintillating form since the start of the season, having made 22 appearances in all competitions for the club so far, which has coincided with Rangers’ remarkable unbeaten streak.

However, the defensive midfielder is still of interest to Leeds United, whilst he has also been linked with Everton and Juventus, and Steven Gerrard has pleaded with the Rangers board to tie him down to a new deal at the earliest opportunity.

Speaking in the post-match press conference after the Light Blues beat Lech Poznan in the Europa League, Gerrard was effusive in his praise for Kamara after the win over Poznan, as he urged Ross Wilson to act quickly.

The Ibrox boss said:

“I thought Glen Kamara again showed why everybody is talking about him and there’s a lot of fuss about him.

“I thought he was outstanding from start to finish and my advice to the club is to move that situation along as quickly as they can.”

Kamara is currently under contract with the club until 2023 but his recent performances have surely warranted a new deal with ex-Ger Neil Murray recently describing him as an “excellent” colossus.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan believes it is the “perfect” time for the club to offer the midfielder a new contract.

It’s no secret Gerrard has wanted a box-to-box player who can add a genuine attacking threat in the midfield for some time, as the Gers signed Bongani Zungu from French Ligue 2 side Amiens on an initial loan deal with the option to buy before the close of play on transfer deadline day in the summer.

But Zungu arguably offered very little in his last outing, as he failed to register a single shot on target or record a single key pass in the entire game.

In comparison, the Finland international certainly has the capacity to offer an alternative threat in attack if he is allowed the freedom to roam further up the pitch.

Per WhoScored, in six appearances in the Europa League, Kamara has already scored once so far this season, whilst he is averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.2 dribbles per game, which shows that he can evolve into a true midfield all-rounder if he is given the chance to do so.

Whilst Kent has become an integral part of Gerrard’s side, Kamara’s importance in the Rangers engine room equally cannot be underestimated.

It’s safe to say that he has turned out to be a complete and utter bargain, especially when you consider the fact that the Bears signed the Arsenal academy graduate from Dundee for £50,000 on a four-year pre-contract deal. The same is true of Steven Davis, who adds an engine and an ability to unlock defences with layoffs.

AND in other news, Zungu and Hagi miss out, Morelos starts: Predicted Rangers XI vs Dundee United…

Sheffield Wednesday sparked plenty of headlines going into Tuesday night’s match yet still managed to pull through on top.

Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri sacked manager Tony Pulis less than 24 hours before kick-off at Hillsborough, whilst it’s thought that the squad haven’t been paid on time for November, let alone December.

Although despite this, they rallied under caretaker boss Neil Thompson to pick up a 2-1 victory against Neil Warnock and Middlesbrough in south Yorkshire.

Callum Paterson slotted home the opener right on the half-hour mark before 19-year-old Liam Shaw bagged his first Wednesday goal ten minutes later.

Boro managed to grab a goal back right after the break, but the home side found their nerve and held on for all three points – a vital victory which moved them to within three points of safety and off the bottom two places.

After the game, the teenage midfielder received most of the plaudits, but there was an underrated showing from one of his teammates that deserves a little more respect.

Once again, Chey Dunkley looked like one of Garry Monk’s only good signings in the heart of defence. A leader without the armband and a solid one at that.

The 28-year-old was a colossal rock at the back, recording six clearances, four interceptions, one tackle and one clearance, via SofaScore.

He also won 100% of his aerial duels, put in one block and ultimately, he ensured that prolific Championship marksman Britt Assombalonga endured a night to forget.

The Boro frontman lost 70% of his duels, fired two attempts off target and was given a paltry 6.3 rating, which was lower than any Owls player.

Dom Howson at YorkshireLive was also extremely impressed by Dunkley as he graded the former Wigan monster an 8/10, he wrote:

“Looked alert and dealt well with the threat of Middlesbrough captain Assombalonga. Has added some much-needed pace, physicality and leadership to the Owls’ rearguard since returning from injury.”

Indeed, Dunkley’s return and Wednesday’s three-game unbeaten run cannot be a mere coincidence. He must be someone any new manager centres his team around if they are to drag themselves out of the mire.

AND in other news, Pundit reveals what Josh Windass has told him about Sheffield Wednesday’s squad…

Talk about a rollercoaster of a year for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side had an impressive start to 2020, lifting both the FA Cup and Community Shield in the summer and making some impressive signings in the transfer window – Thomas Partey’s arrival in particular looked to be the start of a new revolution at the Emirates.

But since then, things have taken a turn for the worse, and the Gunners are facing an uphill task when the new year rolls around.

Before that though, just how much of 2020 do you actually remember? Whether it’s been highs or lows, Arsenal have had their fair share of excitement and entertainment on and off the pitch.

FootballFanCast have put together a quiz testing your knowledge of just closely you were following the Gunners. Consider yourself a real die-hard fan? Prove it!

What score do you think you’ll get?

Completed it? Why not share it with your friends and family and see who the real Arsenal fan is!

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to make plenty of changes for tonight’s FA Cup clash with Watford at Old Trafford.

And the worrying thing for their opponents is this United side is still looks very strong and could cause a lot of problems for several teams in the Premier League.

The FA Cup third round will give Solskjaer the perfect opportunity to rest some of his key players like Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

However, Edinson Cavani being banned means he’s unavailable for Saturday, so Odion Ighalo may yet feature at some point in the second half.

Here is Football FanCast’s predicted starting line-up for this evening’s entertainment, which sees Solskjaer ring nine changes to the team that lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Dean Henderson may be pushing for a recall after a fine performance against Pep Guardiola’s side, but we’re backing David de Gea to replace him in goal having been trusted with the gloves for most Premier League games.

But Victor Lindelof could drop out to give Eric Bailly a chance to stake his claim alongside club captain Harry Maguire with Alex Telles and Axel Tuanzebe forming the rest of the back four.

It’s likely Solskjaer will stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which means he may hand Donny van de Beek a surprise start – since his arrival last year, the new summer recruit has made just eight starts from his 20 appearances across all competitions so far, via Transfermarkt.

Nemanja Matic is also set for a start in the midfield, with support from Juan Mata ahead of him.

Daniel James could be given a rare opportunity in his favourite position as a right winger as he looks to rebuild his confidence after a difficult start to the season, so bringing Mason Greenwood in on the left and switching Marcus Rashford upfront makes sense.

AND in other news, Man United must bite the bullet and sell Phil Jones in January…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former England centre-back Steve Howey has urged Cenk Tosun to join West Brom this month.

The 29-year-old striker was Baggies boss Sam Allardyce’s first signing during his time at Everton, splashing out £27m to Besiktas for his signature, though things haven’t gone to plan since.

In three-and-a-half seasons at the Toffees, the Turkish forward has only made 58 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists. He was even sent out on loan to Crystal Palace last term, where he scored just once in five games, per Transfermarkt.

Tosun has played only 43 minutes in the Premier League under Carlo Ancelotti this season and has subsequently been linked with a reunion with Big Sam.

According to Sky Sports, the 66-year-old is keen to bring Tosun to the Hawthorns to bolster his frontline, as West Brom rank among the worst three clubs in the top-flight in terms of goals scored.

It’s claimed that any loan deal would be with a view to making the move permanent if Albion avoid relegation – it’s thought that the 45-cap striker is currently earning around £100k-per-week.

On the back of these reports, when we asked him if Tosun would be a good signing for the Baggies, Howey claimed it would be an “absolute no brainer,” for the player to make such a move. He said:

“For [West Brom], I think you’ve got [to say to the player] ‘there are X amount of months left in the season, you’re not playing. We’ll give you an extra little bit more – if you keep us up or if you score X amount of goals, or if you do this, there’s an extra bit in it for you’, so for a player who isn’t playing and is fit, it’s an absolute no brainer, win-win!”

Even in Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s absence on Tuesday night, Ancelotti snubbed Tosun from the starting XI as the Toffees defeated Wolves 2-1. Indeed, he didn’t even come off the bench despite the game heading into the final 20 minutes all-square.

Meanwhile, over at the Hawthorns, Big Sam is currently dealing with a shortage of striking options. He’s sanctioned the loan exit of Charlie Austin to former club QPR despite the serious injury suffered to Karlan Grant.

Tosun would be a welcome addition to the Albion squad given the circumstances, Howey certainly seems to think it would be a good move for all those concerned.

AND in other news, West Brom heading for transfer disaster over the next Stephane Sessegnon

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Thursday evening, as they take on Burnley at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have slipped off the top of the table in recent weeks and remain without a Premier League win in 2021, something they will be desperate to rectify against Sean Dyche’s side.

The Reds have been very low on goals, with just one in their last four top-flight fixtures against West Brom, Newcastle United, Southampton and Manchester United, respectively.

With that in mind, Burnley could also provide a stern test for the Champions as they were the only side to take a point from Anfield last season.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Klopp to line his side up on Thursday, with three changes from the side that drew against Manchester United…

Alisson keeps his place in goal after an impressive performance against Manchester United last time out.

There are two changes in defence, as the out-of-form Trent Alexander-Arnold drops to the bench, with Neco Williams handed a rare start in his place.

Joel Matip also returns to the side having recovered from injury recently, and the Cameroonian international could be key to dealing with Burnley’s aerial threat at Anfield.

Jordan Henderson moves into defensive midfield, with Thiago dropping to the bench, despite a superb performance against United, as he should be rested for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Curtis Jones deserves another start after some excellent performances earlier in the season, and he replaces Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield.

The Reds’ front three stays the same as Klopp’s side desperately need to pick up all three points in this game but the German manager will no doubt have one eye on Sunday’s FA Cup tie, so if Liverpool are comfortable against Burnley, it may not be a surprise to see him make a few substitutions to rest some legs.

And, in other news… Klopp can refresh Salah by axing £99m-rated ace for “confident” academy beast