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Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur this week in a game that follows on from their epic exertions in the Carabao Cup final.

Maurizio Sarri’s side lost to Manchester City on penalties after a 0-0 draw across 120 minutes.

They have just three days rest before welcoming Spurs to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in a game that could be decisive for both clubs.

Maurizio Sarri’s men are still outside of the top four and are battling to overhaul both Manchester United and Arsenal, while Spurs need to regain a foothold in the Premier League title race after losing to Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The two sides have met three times already this season, with Spurs winning twice – in the league and the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Wembley, though they were beaten in the second leg and ultimately exited the competition on penalties.

And Spurs fans are delighted that Chelsea have been forced to run the gamut of extra time ahead of this week’s encounter, seemingly believing it will be a key boost for their side.

Take a look at the best reaction on Twitter below!

‘Several’ Premier League clubs will be keen on Rangers star Ryan Kent, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed. 

The lowdown

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard reportedly wants to make Kent the first signing of his tenure at Aston Villa and is clearly a huge admirer of the winger, having dubbed him ‘top class’ during his time in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have ‘long been admirers’ of the winger and failed in an attempt to sign him last summer.

The former Liverpool man is in the penultimate season of his £18,000-per-week contract at Ibrox.

Transfermarkt value the 25-year-old at £12.6million.

The latest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke warned Rangers fans to brace themselves for significant interest in Kent.

“I think that Kent will definitely be a target for several clubs in the Premier League,” he said.

The verdict

Losing Kent would be a bitter blow for Rangers. Since he joined the club, he’s scored 28 goals and provided 34 assists in 143 appearances – a direct goal contribution every 2.3 matches on average.

This season, he’s started every Scottish Premiership game for which he was available.

He’s averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.25 in those games, ranking him as the fourth best player in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad.

What’s more, he may not be the only high-profile departure in the near future. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun are out of contract in 2022, while Morelos and Aribo are only committed until 2023, so news of interest in Kent is the last thing fans need.

In other news, Noel Whelan is worried by this Ibrox source reveal.

Celtic have reached an agreement regarding a deal to bring Reo Hatate to Parkhead this January.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Japanese media outlet Hochi, who claim that the Bhoys have found an agreement with Kawasaki Frontale regarding the transfer of the midfielder, who now looks set to complete a switch to Glasgow in the coming weeks.

Earlier reports suggested that Celtic and the 24-year-old had already come to an agreement concerning personal terms of his contract with the Premiership side, with the transfer looking as if it is all but officially confirmed by Ange Postecoglou’s transfer team.

Ange will be buzzing

With Hatate having been one of the stars of the J League season this year, the news that Celtic have all but landed the signing of the midfielder is sure to have left the 56-year-old Bhoys boss buzzing.

Indeed, Postecoglou has openly stated that he would be returning to the Japanese top flight in the January transfer window following the success Kyogo Furuhashi has had since his £4.6m move from Vissel Kobe this summer.

And, considering how impressive Hatate was for Frontale this time out, it is easy to see why the Celtic manager is so keen to bring the 24-year-old to Parkhead.

Over his over 30 J League appearances this term, the £720k-rated central midfielder scored five goals, provided two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £625-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as his club’s fifth-best player in the league – while his impressive performances also saw him take a spot in the J League team of the season.

As such, it would appear that Hatate will make a very useful addition to Postecoglou’s current Celtic squad, with the latest news from Japan very much looking to give Bhoys fans the green light to get excited about the 24-year-old’s arrival this January.

In other news: Postecoglou drops 12-word Kyogo update ahead of cup final, Celtic fans will be furious

Everton’s season hit a new low this afternoon as they lost 2-1 to Norwich City, who came into the match with just two wins and eight goals from their 20 Premier League games this season.

Frankly, it was an embarrassing performance from the visitors at Carrow Road – experienced players like Andre Gomes, Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford all ranked lowly according to Sofascore – and it was one which could get Rafael Benitez the sack.

Everton put the ball in the net to break the deadlock, but it was at the wrong end of the pitch, with Michael Keane scoring an own goal in the 16th minute. Adam Idah quickly doubled the lead to put the home team comfortably in front in Norfolk.

Richarlison returned to action for the Toffees in the second half, giving the visiting fans some hope with an impressive overhead kick in the 60th minute, but it wasn’t enough for the Toffees to push on and take a point, with the game ending 2-1 to Dean Smith’s side.

Keane disasterclass

Keane had an absolute nightmare performance in particular, scoring an own goal and failing to redeem himself over the rest of the game, lacking in defensive impact and quality throughout his performance.

According to SofaScore, the £69k-p/w flop lost 66% of his duels, gave away four fouls and picked up a yellow card as a souvenir for his awful efforts, along with losing the ball 11 times. This horrific display from the Everton defender could have just cost Benitez his job at Goodison Park.

Rafa out?

Benitez has been treading a tightrope ever since he took the job at Everton due to his previous success at Liverpool, and after losing their 10th game out of 19 in the Premier League this season against a team who were bottom of the table, it is hard to see how the Spaniard can recover from this result.

Many of the away fans at Carrow Road today made clear their dissatisfaction with the 61-year-old, with the fume also evident on social media as some called for Benitez to be sacked. Inside the ground, one Everton fan invaded the pitch in an attempt to confront the Toffees manager.

Indeed, talkSPORT have reported that Benitez could be sacked as early as tonight, so it will be interesting to see what steps will be taken in the coming days, or whether Moshiri will stick by the Spaniard due to the ongoing transfer window.

If this is to be the 61-year-old’s last match in charge of Everton, Keane’s dismal performance will have been a significant contributing factor to the downfall of his boss.

In other news: Benitez could form a deadly duo at Goodison by making a fourth signing this month

Rangers have the chance to return to winning ways today after the Ibrox club lost their place at the top of the Premiership earlier this week.

The Gers were beaten 3-0 by Celtic away from home, with Reo Hatate scoring twice and Liel Abada rounding off the scoring before half-time.

Gio van Bronckhorst tasted defeat for the first time in charge of the club and could look to make changes to the XI in order to make sure he does not suffer another loss.

Match-winner

One player he must unleash from the start against Hearts is January signing Aaron Ramsey. The Wales international is yet to make his debut since signing on loan from Italian giants Juventus and today could be the day Gers fans get to see him in action for the first time.

Van Bronckhorst must name him in the starting XI as he has the quality to be a match-winner with his knack for scoring and assisting goals from midfield.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown previously dubbed him an “outstanding technician” and it is easy to see why when you look at his club career. He managed 65 goals and 65 assists in 371 matches for the Gunners, before providing six goals and six assists in 70 games for Juventus.

This shows that he has the ability to make telling contributions in the final third and is a player who could pop up with a vital goal or assist. Therefore, he could be the difference-maker in tight games when Rangers are struggling to break a team down. His quality in possession could be decisive for van Bronckhorst and that is why he should be named in the starting XI today.

It could also make the atmosphere electric before kick-off when the crowd hears that he is in the team. His appearance could give everyone a much-needed lift after the drubbing against Celtic, which is another reason why he should start this match as the confidence his presence could bring may be important after such a dismal performance.

Joe Aribo could be taken out of the XI after the Nigeria international failed to create a single chance against the Hoops in midweek. He was given a poor SofaScore rating of 6.4 – the lowest in midfield – and could be placed on the bench to accommodate Ramsey as the attack-driven midfielder in the three.

AND in other news, Forget Barisic: GVB must brutally axe £6.4k-p/w Rangers dud who lacks “experience”…

Now that the 2022 January transfer window has officially opened, this is the time for Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard to make his mark on the squad and bring some new players in that can improve his side and spark a potential push up the league table.

Even though it’s still only early in the window, it seems as though the former Rangers boss has his eye on a player that he will have knowledge of from his time in Scotland.

Via a recent club-by-club January transfer guide from the Daily Mail, Villa are interested in signing Hibernian left-back Josh Doig.

Since joining Hibs’ youth side back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Hearts, Doig has gone on to make 57 appearances for their senior team across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and five assists along the way.

Labelled as a “phenomenal” player by Ray McKinnon, the 19-year-old has started all of the 16 SPFL games he’s appeared in so far this season, showing just how much of an important figure he is for the team.

In terms of a potential move to Villa this month, Gerrard could unearth the Premier League’s next Andy Robertson with Doig. Of course, the £2.7m-rated talent is another Scottish left-back who has the potential to grow and develop into an important figure for the Midlands club in the same way that Robertson has at Liverpool, with Doig drawing comparisons to him in the past.

With Villa only having Matt Targett and Ashley Young in their squad that predominantly play in the left-back position, it could be worth adding a young player like Doig to their squad that can be a long-term fixture at Villa Park for many years.

Moving forward, Johan Lange and co should definitely see if they would be able to work out a deal for the teenager this month even though his current contract at Hibs isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2025, which could potentially lead to Villa having to pay a hefty fee for him.

However, with his young age and the praise he’s gathered, this could be a smart long-term investment for Villa if Hibs are willing to let him leave this month.

In other news: NSWE can blow AVFC fans away with swoop for £63m-rated gem who’s the “total package” – opinion

Manchester United have received a potential triple injury boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford this afternoon.

What’s the word?

New interim manager Ralf Rangnick is set to take charge of his first game in the Red Devils’ dugout when the Eagles visit today.

The German will be desperate to kickstart his reign with a positive result, and he could be aided in his mission to do just that by the return of influential trio Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Nemanja Matic.

While Rangnick’s first press conference on Friday was dominated by his long-term vision, former boss Michael Carrick provided fitness updates on Wednesday.

“We’re just being careful with Luke, assessing day by day. Hopefully, he won’t be too far away,” the 40-year-old said, before going on to assess Wan-Bissaka and Matic.

“Touch and go. (Callum) Hudson-Odoi stood on his hand (last Sunday), so he’s in a fair bit of pain. Nemanja has picked up a little niggle. He’s felt his hamstring, so he’s out.”

A recent report from Manchester Evening News suggested that all three could return to action for today’s intriguing clash with Palace.

Ralf Rangnick will be delighted

The reports that Shaw, Wan-Bissaka and Matic may all be able to feature today after missing out on the midweek clash with Arsenal will leave Rangnick feeling delighted, given their importance to the side.

Although the two full-backs have failed to consistently find their best form this season, they have remained the Red Devils’ first-choice options, and their underlying numbers indicate why.

As per WhoScored, Wan-Bissaka has averaged 2.2 tackles per league game this season, placing him second amongst his teammates, while also producing 1.3 interceptions, more than any of his colleagues.

Meanwhile, the more attack-minded Shaw has made 1.9 key passes, more than any United player bar Bruno Fernandes, and tops the crossing charts with 1.7.

The experience of Matic could also be hugely beneficial if the 33-year-old is able to return to the matchday squad, giving Rangnick the best possible chance of securing all three points.

In other news… Rangnick can get United firing with “intelligent” £42.3m-rated gem, he has “no weaknesses” 

Aston Villa and Everton are two of several top flight clubs who have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan, TEAMtalk report.

The Lowdown: Lenihan profiled

Lenihan, a two-cap international for the Republic of Ireland, has been with Rovers since 2011 and has been labelled as ‘special’ by Tony Mowbray.

The 27-year-old has made 237 appearances for his current employers and has captained the club on numerous occasions in an impressive Championship campaign.

The centre-back, who can also play as a holding midfielder, is out of contract at Ewood Park at the end of June, and Villa are one of the sides seemingly keen on a possible cut-price move.

The Latest: Villa keen

According to TEAMtalk, Villa, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle and Wolves have registered their interest in Lenihan ahead of a possible free transfer.

Lenihan is eager to play in the Premier League and looks set to delay contract talks until the end of the season. Should Rovers earn promotion, he would consider penning a new deal with the club.

The Verdict: Avoid

Villa have recently announced the signing of Calum Chambers from Arsenal, so bringing in Lenihan could be a backwards step.

Yes, he has been Blackburn’s best performer this season and can play in multiple positions, however, he has no Premier League experience, and at the age of 27, you’d expect he could be in his prime now.

Therefore, it may not be a shrewd buy when building for the future and could also stop academy signings Josh Feeney and Kerr Smith from progressing into the first team.

Villa have high hopes for the future and have spent big on some high-profile names in recent years, so Lenihan may not be a smart signing when thinking long-term.

In other news: ‘Bottled it’ – Many Villa fans react to Fabrizio Romano transfer update. 

Jesse Marsch should attempt to lure Sergino Dest from Barcelona to Leeds United, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown

In the words of ESPN senior writer Tom Hamilton, the 48-year-old has become ‘the most successful American coach in Europe’ and a ‘pioneer’ for his country.

He led Red Bull Salzburg to two league titles and two Austrian cups before earning a move to RB Leipzig, who were Champions League semi-finalists in 2020. The former New York Red Bulls coach is now taking on the Premier League with Leeds, having succeeded Marcelo Bielsa at the end of February.

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Leeds are reportedly looking at 21-year-old Dest, with 17 caps for the United States, in addition to compatriot Brenden Aaronson, and the Whites believe that the former would be an ‘excellent addition’.

He is represented by ICM Stellar Sports, whose clients also include Elland Road duo Patrick Bamford and Dan James.

The latest

Jones told GiveMeSport that Leeds face some pretty daunting competition for Dest, who made a ‘dream’ move to Barcelona in 2020, but he thinks that Marsch may be able to exert some pulling power.

The journalist claimed: “Sergino Dest has much bigger clubs interested in him right now. He’s got huge ambition and doesn’t even want to leave Barcelona because it was his dream move.

“But if Jesse Marsch has got any pull over him, then he should give it a go.”

The verdict

Dest started 10 of Barcelona’s first 11 La Liga matches this season, but since Xavi took over in November, the American has only been named in five starting line-ups. Injury problems have played a part, but his place looks considerably less secure than it did under Ronald Koeman.

If Marsch could tempt the £16.2m-rated wide man and Leeds could make an offer to Barcelona’s satisfaction, then there would be cause for celebration at Elland Road.

Dest, who can operate in both full-back positions and as a winger, was Ajax’s Talent of the Year in 2020 and also featured in the IFFHS Under-20 Team of the Year alongside the likes of Alphonso Davies, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Ansu Fati, so his potential is huge.

Indeed, Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves declared that ‘he has everything to be one of football’s greats’, so if Marsch does have any sway over possibly enticing the 21-year-old to Leeds, he absolutely must utilise it.

In other news, this Leeds man could leave the club after Marsch spoke to him about his behaviour. 

Paddy Kenny has been left gobsmacked by some transfer news he’s heard from Newcastle United involving Kepa Arrizabalaga in the build-up to today’s clash with Tottenham.

The Lowdown: Contemplating loan

As per The Athletic, the St. James’ Park faithful are now contemplating a loan offer for Kepa, as they look to strengthen their options in the goalkeeping department.

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Manchester United shot-stopper Dean Henderson has also featured in early talks ahead of what looks to be a busy summer transfer window in the North East, with Martin Dubravka turning 34 next season and perhaps in need of some serious competition.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League goalkeeper Kenny has claimed that the Tyenside outfit ‘would be mad’ to sign Kepa, and instead should go for Henderson:

“You would be mad to sign Kepa in my opinion.

“He came with a big price tag but he’s never really shown why he is worth it.

“I lost all respect for him when he wouldn’t come off in the League Cup final.

“That was bang out of order. Chelsea spent all this money on him then they have had to go and buy another goalkeeper.

“Henderson is the one, for me. He’s stuck behind De Gea for the time being and what a prospect Newcastle is now.

“Henderson has his whole career ahead of him and I’m sure a move up to Newcastle would interest him.

“He’s a future England number one so for me it would be a great move.”

The Verdict: Henderson over Kepa

If the Magpies were to go for one of the goalkeepers in the summer, we feel they should indeed look to sign Henderson over Kepa.

As Kenny mentions, the latter comes with some baggage, after being fined £190,000 for refusing to come off of the pitch during the 2019 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Of course, Chelsea spent a world-record £71m fee for a ‘keeper when they signed him back in 2018, but he has been displaced by Edouard Mendy as the number one choice at Stamford Bridge.

As such, that price tag now looks to be a big waste of money.

As for Henderson, once described as ‘insane‘ and ‘exceptional‘ by former Sheffield United teammate Sander Berge, he could be the heir to Dubravka, and in a World Cup year, he will no doubt be desperate for game time so that he can impress England manager Gareth Southgate.

In other news, find out which former Sunderland man NUFC have now ‘agreed’ to sign here!