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Everton will be aiming to return to winning ways when they welcome Watford to Goodison Park for their Premier League clash this afternoon.

The Toffees suffered their first home loss of the season against high-flying West Ham United last time out, and Rafa Benitez will be looking for a positive response from his side.

However, the Spaniard will be forced to cope without several key players for the visit of the Hornets as his injury list continues to grow.

Star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered a setback in his recovery process from a muscle issue, while Abdoulaye Doucoure and Yerry Mina have also been ruled out of action with a foot injury and hamstring strain, respectively.

However, there is one piece of good news as Richarlison is available once again after being sidelined since the 3-1 victory over Burnley on 13 September.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Benitez to line up against Watford, with just two changes from the side which started last weekend…

In goal, England’s number one Jordan Pickford will retain his between the sticks after keeping two clean sheets in his seven league outings to date.

Ahead of the 27-year-old is likely to be an unchanged back four given Mina’s enforced absence, with Lucas Digne, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Seamus Coleman making up the defensive unit.

The engine room could have a couple of fresh faces, though. The £19.8m-rated Alex Iwobi could find himself relegated to the bench due to Richarlison’s return and his own ineffective performances, while Tom Davies may get a rare opportunity to impress from the off because of Doucoure’s injury.

Allan and the in-form Andros Townsend will complete the Everton midfield, with the two experienced campaigners charged with leading the team to another three points.

Summer signings Demarai Gray and Salomon Rondon will complete the starting XI and will hope to provide the goals to see off an out-of-sorts Watford.

In other news… Report drops worrying Everton update over £40.5m-rated gem, fans will be concerned 

Lee Ryder has been left buzzing over some comments that have now emerged from Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett in the build-up to the clash against Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Permanent deal?

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park faithful are now ‘poised’ to make their loan deal for Targett permanent in the summer.

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The whole deal would cost around £15m plus the initial loan fee, which includes a bonus for if the Magpies avoid getting relegated from the Premier League, something that seems inevitable ahead of tonight’s clash with the Eagles.

The Latest: Targett comments

Speaking to The Chronicle, Targett has now admitted that he ‘hopes’ that he can stay in the North East permanently, as he is ‘enjoying’ his time on Tyneside.

The Aston Villa loanee recalled when he first signed, claiming that it was a ‘massive challenge’ to impress new manager Eddie Howe and help get the club out of the relegation zone.

Sharing the article on Twitter, journalist Ryder was buzzing over Targett’s claim, saying that it is a ‘huge positive’ for the Toon Army that he wants to stay.

The Verdict: Big boost

With Targett set to feature tonight when the Magpies play Palace at home in the top flight, another three points would take them onto 40, meaning that they will surely be safe.

Thus, they could then look to sign Targett from Villa this summer for the fee mooted.

The Englishman currently ranks as their fourth-best performer in the Premier League so far this season, and ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles, interceptions, clearances, key passes, and crosses per game (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, he has certainly made a good impression in his short time, and so the fact that he wants to stay is a big boost for the club.

In other news, find out whose agent NUFC have now contacted over a potential move here!

Nottingham Forest will take on Arsenal in the FA Cup after the draw took place on Monday evening.

And a number of Forest fans have been giving their thoughts to the confirmed news on social media, delighted at the prospect of another ‘cupset’ like their clash with the Gunners in 2018.

Forest began their busy December schedule with a 2-0 win over Peterborough United on Saturday and still have five Championship fixtures to fulfil before attention can be turned to a meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Forest and the north Londoners were the final two teams to be drawn, with the tie set to be scheduled between January 7-10.

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times but were dumped out at the third round when they last visited the City Ground, losing 4-2 with right-back Eric Lichaj an unexpected hero for the Reds, scoring twice back in January ’18.

Forest fans react

Forest shared the news regarding the third-round tie on their official Twitter page. This is what these Reds supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘beautiful’ and others referencing Lichaj.

“Here we go……. coyr”

Credit: @bdosanjh_9

“JUST DO IT”

Credit: @Jose_J95

“beautiful”

Credit: @aamyy_xox

“Bring @EricLichaj back for 1 game only. Let’s do it again”

Credit: @Joel_Bryan1999

“Tasty”

Credit: @Timgledstone

“Love it”

Credit: @AWRads94

Celtic followed up their cup triumph at the weekend with a disappointing 0-0 draw away at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side would no doubt have been bouncing following their victory in the League Cup, but were unable to break through a resilient defence that staved off a whopping 31 shots on goal.

The Hoops could have, and really should have put the game to bed, let alone just win, and one man who really will be fearing for his place in this team, is Mikey Johnston.

The 22-year-old was given the chance to start once again by Ange, but failed to take his opportunity with both hands.

As per SofaScore, out of the six attempts that he had on goal, only three of them found the target, and there were a number of occasions where he just rushed his effort or couldn’t keep his composure to stick the Hoops in front.

Only three of his six attempted crosses meanwhile found its target, while he also lost possession 13 times over the course of the game – the third-most of any Celtic player on the pitch.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Football Scotland gave him a five, before saying: “Tested Dean Lyness early doors but his final ball and composure in front of goal let him down.”

It was the kind of performance that will raise some serious questions about Johnston’s long-term future at Parkhead, and whether actually in the short-term, Postecoglou should be taking him out of the side completely – a record of no goals and just one assist in 17 games in all competitions this season certainly isn’t the kind of standard Celtic expect.

Indeed, former Celtic man Frank McAvennie was very clear in insisting that Johnston simply isn’t good enough for the Hoops,  saying: “He’s barely getting a game and when he does play he is really struggling.

“Sell him. I would like to see him moved on for the benefit of his own career. Ange gave him a chance with Jota out and he’s not done anything. Some fans might disagree but he’s simply not good enough for what Ange is trying to build.”

Johnston’s display on Wednesday did nothing to silence the critics, and his time in the starting line-up is surely up for now.

Meanwhile, this Celtic man cost Ange dearly vs St Mirren…

Everton are now on the hunt for their new manager after sacking Rafa Benitez on Sunday afternoon, following a series of awful performances that has left the club in a vulnerable position in the Premier League, currently sixteenth in the league table and six points off a relegation challenge in the drop zone.

What’s the word?

Everton insider and journalist, Alan Myers, has given his perspective on who should be the next manager at Goodison Park, revealing his number one choice that hasn’t been reported as one of the clear favourites by Sky Sports.

Myers tweeted:

“My choice would be Christophe Galtier, wins the title with Lille, takes over a mediocre Nice side and now has them 2nd in the division, no ties, something fresh, passionate?”

The French manager is currently working at Nice as their head coach, in a rebuild project, and the club currently sit just behind Paris Saint Germain in Ligue 1.

Better than Rooney

Galtier is famously known for his incredible work at Lille, going into the club halfway through the season in 2017, saving them from relegation and finishing 17th in the table during his first six months in charge.

However, what followed was nothing short of miraculous as he led the team to the club’s fourth Ligue 1 title in their first title win in a decade in 2021, when they finished one point ahead of PSG.

The Frenchman left Lille in the summer of their title victory, in search of a new challenge which he found at Nice, who finished ninth in the table last season by injecting his philosophy of youth and development into the club.

He is currently flying high in the top flight French league again, sitting second, taking points from 16 of the last 21 games he has managed the side so far this term.

Wayne Rooney has been a favourite for the manager’s position at Everton long before Benitez was even sacked from the role, but Farhad Moshiri must not overlook or underestimate the success and impressive work Galtier has done over the last few years.

His influence and experience in taking teams in vulnerable positions and transforming their trajectory is fitting for the Toffees current situation, with that being said, he is a far better fit for the role than the Derby Country boss. Although he is striving to save them from relegation at the moment and is doing an impressive job of doing so, he still lacks experience, especially at the top table.

Everton are yet to reveal if they have began speaking to or have made an offer of appointment to any manager, but with the side involved in the early kick-off against Aston Villa, they will surely be looking to appoint somebody as soon as possible.

In other news: Graham Potter not interested in becoming Toffees boss

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Andrew Gutman has walked out on Celtic, sources have told Football FanCast.

The 22-year-old American played as a trialist against St Mirren and Arbroath, and was expected in training last week, but hasn’t been seen since the 4-3 defeat to the latter club.

Gutman is a free agent after impressing with Indiana University and being offered a pro contract by Chicago Fire.

Initially he trained with Rangers at the Hummel Training Centre and although he was offered terms, he decided to take up an offer from Celtic.

After training for a week he played for 45 minutes in a friendly against St Mirren while an application was made for a work permit.

Following a further week of training with the reserve squad he was listed as a trialist for a friendly against Arbroath. After that match, which Celtic lost 4-3, he hasn’t been seen at the club’s Lennoxtown Training Centre.

It now seems highly unlikely that Celtic will continue their interest in the 22-year-old with Daniel Church and Calvin Miller available for the reserves, while Emilio Izaguirre and Jonny Hayes deputise for Kieran Tierney.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for one of manager Antonio Conte’s former stars this week.

Reports in Spain have suggested that the Lilywhites are prepared to offer a large amount for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as the Italian looks to bolster his backline ahead of next season.

It’s said that the 22-year-old is a player hugely admired by the 52-year-old head coach and that Spurs have even submitted an offer of around €50m (£42m).

Conte has largely utilised his typical three-at-the-back formation since taking the helm in N17 and he could really do with another option as full-back Ben Davies has featured alongside central defenders Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

Therefore, there’s a need for another addition in the role and there won’t be many better options out there than Bastoni, who Conte is clearly a big fan of.

The 6 foot 3 colossus made 33 appearances during their title-winning campaign, where he averaged 1.2 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game. He has since progressed further under new management, managing an average of 1.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions from 27 matches this term, via WhoScored.

Some have even likened the Italy international to his Euro 2020-winning teammate, veteran Leonardo Bonucci.

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“He controls the opponent, space and with a refinement that has rarely been seen, reminds me of a young Bonucci,” said Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti.

Meanwhile, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, Bastoni is “perfect” as a left-sided centre-back in a three – the exact positon Conte needs this summer – and is “complete,” “dominant,” and “very comfortable on the ball.”

Transfermarkt currently value the 22-year-old defender in the region of £54m, so he’s not going to come cheap, especially if Spurs want to sanction permanent moves for Romero and Dejan Kulusevski.

Once dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” with world-class potential by analysts Top Bins Talk, it’s evident that Bastoni would be something of a dream signing for Conte at Spurs, as such sporting director Fabio Paratici should do all he can to secure his signature.

In the Italian, the Spurs head coach could have a new left-sided and Bonucci-like animal in defence next season.

AND in other news, 95 touches, 69 passes: £36m-rated Spurs “monster” was Conte’s big unsung hero vs Villa…

A number of Sunderland fans have hit out at goalkeeper Lee Burge on social media for his display in the club’s FA Cup clash with Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon. 

Lee Johnson made six changes to the side that fell to a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the week, one of which was Burge coming in for Thorben Hoffmann.

Burge, who stands at 6 foot 2, was making just his seventh start of the season. He began the campaign as first choice but was dropped after three League One fixtures and his appearances since have been limited to cup competitions.

He failed to make a good impression early on at The Stadium of Light despite getting fans on side with his previous cup displays, with his error allowing Rhys Oates to give the League Two side the lead.

The Black Cats were dumped out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat following Burge’s mistake, which had a lot of fans talking on social media.

Sunderland fans react

This is what these Sunderland supporters had to say about the £2,000-a-week shot-stopper following his error, with one labelling him ‘terrible’.

“That’s why he never plays”

Credit: @GazJ2K

“And I’ve seen all week people wanting Burge back in…. Christ”

Credit: @nicholaswilso11

“People blaming Johnson for this, see the goal and total mess up from bungling Burge….he wasn’t coached to do this, just a terrible keeper.”

Credit: @S1mpson

“Its genuinely unbelievable that people want Lee Burge to start in the league”

Credit: @Jay_Alderson04

“Hope that puts to bed the issue that some clowns think Burge is better than Hoffman”

Credit: @Powell_Matthew

“Convinced Burge watches Cal the dragon TikTok’s for training videos man”

Credit: @FulwelI

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa remains a big admirer of Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O’Brien amid January transfer links, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: O’Brien continues to be linked with Leeds

Few players have been linked with a move to Elland Road as much as O’Brien has in recent months, in a story which refuses to go away.

The 23-year-old is still being tipped to join Leeds, and with Kalvin Phillips currently out injured, the need to bring in a new midfielder this month is undeniable.

O’Brien has continued to be a key player for Huddersfield this season, starting 24 Championship matches and being hailed as ‘very special’ by his manager Carlos Corberan.

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The Latest: Journalist makes fresh O’Brien claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke talked up Bielsa’s love for the player, perhaps hinting at Leeds making a move for him.

He outlined: “I think he was interested in O’Brien. He does like him as a player. He thinks he’s got the style and profile that fits the way he wants to play football.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Leeds

It is easy to look down on O’Brien because he is playing in the Championship, but Bielsa’s admiration for him speaks volumes and he is someone who could be an exciting coup.

He possesses bucketloads of energy and quality in the middle of the park, possessing a similar style to Phillips and averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.9 dribbles per game in the league this season.

That highlights O’Brien’s quality both on and off the ball, and at 23, he is someone who could make an immediate difference as well as being a long-term acquisition for Leeds if they can finally entice him to make the short move across West Yorkshire.

In other news, one journalist has made a Raphinha transfer claim. Read more here.

Rangers manager Gio van Bronckhorst will be unveiled at Ibrox for the first time on Thursday as he prepares for his first match in charge of the club.

The Gers are set to face Sparta Prague in their fifth group stage game in the Europa League. They lost 1-0 to them in the reverse fixture and a win would send them up into second place in the group.

Forget Roofe

FFC published an article explaining why Alfredo Morelos should be axed from the XI for this game. This would leave the number nine position vacant, with Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala competing to be named in the team from the start.

Van Bronckhorst should forget about the former Leeds United man, who is a minor injury doubt, for now and unleash Sakala against the Czech outfit tonight. He came off the bench against Hibernian and should now be given the chance to show what he can do from the start.

The 24-year-old is coming off the back of a sensational international break where he scored four goals in two games for Zambia. He has now scored seven times in his last six appearances for club and country, having also bagged a hat-trick for Rangers against Motherwell at the end of October.

This shows that the £8.3k-per-week gem has the ability to be a match-winner for van Bronckhorst as he has been consistently finding the back of the net of late. Goals win games and Sakala could potentially win the match for Rangers if he starts against Sparta, given his recent record.

Ex-Gers boss Steven Gerrard once hailed the forward as an ‘incredible’ person and praised his quality in training for the club. He said:

“He’s an incredible human being. The way he has come into the club, his smile and demeanour, his attitude and energy, has lifted the whole place. The signs are he is really starting to find his feet here at Rangers. He is a really exciting one for everyone to watch moving forward.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for Fashion, not just in Europe but domestically as well. We are really starting to see his strengths, his consistency from a training point of view.”

These comments suggest that he has the attitude and mentality to thrive at Rangers and is willing to put his head down and work hard for the team. This should be encouraging to van Bronckhorst as he will surely want his players to put the hard yards in against Sparta to impress him in his first game.

AND in other news, 129 appearances: Rangers secured dream deal with £0 gem who “embodies professionalism”…