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Rangers ended their local rival’s period of dominance in Scottish football as they won the Premiership title last season, preventing their arch-rivals from completing the coveted 10-in-a-row.

Steven Gerrard, who joined the club as managed in 2018, was able to construct a side capable of going unbeaten throughout the entire campaign, winning the title in style as they picked up 102 points.

In order to do this, Gerrard needed players who he could trust to put in excellent performances week-in-week-out in the Premiership and one man he trusted explicitly was left-back Borna Barisic.

He started 30 of Rangers’ 38 Premiership matches in defence and was a brick wall at left-back, whilst also offering an attacking edge on the ball. Barisic averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.35 in the top-flight, as he provided 2.2 key passes per game – ending the campaign on one goal and five assists.

This shows that he made a huge contribution to Rangers’ title success, as he was consistently impressive throughout the season and made a difference with his delivery in the final third.

Former Gers player Alex Rae lauded the defender for having ‘terrific quality’ with the ball at his feet. He said:

“He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

The defender arrived at Ibrox in 2018 from Croatian outfit Osijek, having started his career at Dinamo Zagreb. Transfermarkt valued him at £1.8m at the time, with Barisic venturing out of his homeland of Croatia for the first time.

Barisic’s impressive form for Rangers, as aforementioned, has seen his value soar since arriving at the club. Transfermarkt now value the brilliant defender at £5.4m, which is a 200% increase from his initial valuation after leaving Croatia. His valuation has soared over the last couple of seasons and that is a credit to him and the coaching staff at Ibrox.

It shows how much he has been able to thrive under Gerrard’s management, showcasing his brilliance in the Premiership and in the Europa League.

Last season, he averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 6.97 in Europe as he registered three goals and three assists in 10 appearances from left-back, yet again highlighting the ability he has on the ball to create from defence.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterstroke: Rangers colossus has seen value rise 650% since joining the club…

Ange Postecoglou has now revealed a big injury boost for Celtic involving Christopher Jullien.

The Lowdown: Jullien injured

The 28-year-old has serious knee injury that he suffered last winter.

Given the Hoops’ relatively poor start to the campaign, which sees them currently occupy sixth place in the Premiership, the defender’s return cannot come soon enough.

The Latest: Postecoglou on Jullien

Speaking to the media (via The Daily Record), Postecoglou has now revealed the latest on Jullien’s recovery, claiming that the 28-year-old could even start training with the team again after the October international break has finished.

The manager stated: “Chris has been working in rehab and we’re hopeful that he’ll start team training after the international break.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Given the Hoops’ inconsistent start to the season, it is clear that they miss Jullien at the back, so if he starts training after the upcoming international window, it will no doubt be a big boost for Celtic.

The £18,000-per-week ace won no fewer than 6.9 of his duels per game in the Premiership last term and also averaged 3.6 clearances, 1.2 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per match, helping his team to keep five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

Jullien should walk straight back into the team given those sort of numebrs, although Postecoglou will be keen not to rush him back too soon given that he has been out for more than nine months.

In other news, find out who the Bhoys are ‘considering’ to replace Postecoglou

A number of Wolves supporters have been lauding defender Max Kilman after he scored an incredible training ground goal on Friday before the trip to Aston Villa.

Bruno Lage’s side travel for his first managerial clash with the Villans on Saturday afternoon, as the two sides lock horns in a battle between two local rivals.

Wolves are looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row, having seen off both Southampton and Newcastle United in their last two outings.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

It will be a tough challenge, however, and victory at Villa Park would feel significant, suggesting Lage’s men have really found their groove this season.

One player who will likely feature is Kilman, and he has been in inspired form in training, with Wolves’ official Twitter account posting a video of his stunning goal scored on Friday, with an outrageous touch and finish on show.

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Wolves fans hail Kilman brilliance

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to laud the 24-year-old’s moment of individual brilliance.

“Neves reaction does it for me”

Credit: @RobSmith1877

“Wow our new striker”

Credit: @Molly71Scott

“How this bloke is never talked about is beyond me”

Credit: @stoneeeeeh96

“What a guy, still won’t smile tho”

Credit: @MattTilley510

“Can you ask him if he meant that touch because that’s insane if he did”

Credit: @MattMorgan_17

“Absolute class”

Credit: @tooth_jake

“Wow”

Credit: @kjh9402

In other news, some Wolves fans have been blown away by a Tim Spiers update. Read more here.

West Ham will be looking to extend their 100% record in the Europa League when they welcome Genk to the London Stadium this evening.

David Moyes’ men have won both their Group H matches by a two-goal margin, keeping a clean sheet in both, and they head into kickoff on the back of an impressively resolute victory over Everton last Sunday.

But with Tottenham Hotspur in town this weekend, the Scotsman could be pondering some changes to his starting XI, but what sort of lineup could we see in east London tonight?

Here’s what Football FanCast are predicting…

There could be as many as six changes from the side that won at Goodison Park five days ago.

The first of which is likely to come between the sticks as 6 foot 5 giant Alphonse Areola, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, returns to hand veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski a rest.

Hammers full-back duo Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson remain from Sunday but Moyes opts for a different central defensive partnership, with £13.5m-rated “monster” Issa Diop and the vastly-experienced Craig Dawson coming in as they did against Rapid Wien.

They replace Angelo Ogbonna and summer signing Kurt Zouma, whilst Vladimir Coufal is expected to be out through injury.

Another new addition does make the starting XI, however.

Moyes has already confirmed that Nikola Vlasic will be involved, so he could feature on the wing, with Manuel Lanzini and Said Benrahma joining him in attacking midfield.

They’ll be the trio sat in front of industrious England international Declan Rice and club captain Mark Noble, who comes into the side to replace Tomas Soucek, who is rested.

The Czech star is available for selection but he could do with some time off the pitch, as could Michail Antonio, who may settle for a place on the bench with Jarrod Bowen leading the line in his absence.

A big call but one that could be necessary, considering Spurs at the weekend and then a trip to defending champions Manchester City.

AND in other news, Signed for £36m, sold for £0: West Ham had a disaster over 28 y/o who “strolled about”…

Lee Ryder has revealed that Wayne Rooney is keen on the manager job at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Rooney speaks out

Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Rooney was asked about the manager job at St. James’ Park following the departure of Steve Bruce, to which he claimed that he is ‘committed’ to Derby County.

However, he did not rule himself completely out of the running, although he said that he has had ‘no contact’ with the North East club.

The Latest: Ryder on Rooney

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has revealed that he believes Rooney is ‘keen’ on the job on Tyneside given that Bruce has now left.

He would also want to bring Shay Given with him as part of his coaching staff, a player who made a total of 463 appearance over all competitions across 12 seasons with the Magpies (‘Toon favourite’.

The Verdict: Avoid

Of course, Rooney was an absolute legend of the game as a player, winning both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League among many other major trophies (Transfermarkt), but his managerial experience is limited to just Derby and the EFL Championship.

With the likes of Unai Emery and Diego Simeone being thrown about as potential contenders for the role, unfortunately the Englishman just does not compare.

Nonetheless, the new owners need to make a statement with their appointment, and Rooney’s name certainly does not jump off of the paper.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible’ 9-trophy manager NUFC are eyeing here!

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United duo Junior Firpo and Raphinha are “likely to be available” for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Norwich City.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have endured a nightmare start to the top-flight season thus far, picking up just the one win and finding themselves just outside the relegation zone.

Both Firpo and Raphinha have suffered their share of injury issues in recent weeks, with the former missing the past couple of games, and the latter being forced off last time out against Wolves.

However, Hay has delivered a promising update to the club’s fans about the duo’s injury status heading into Sunday’s crunch clash against fellow strugglers Norwich.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Injury latest at Leeds: Firpo and Raphinha are likely to be available but Bamford missing again for Norwich on Sunday. Phillips fine after his return on Tuesday.”

Double boost for Leeds

Given the awful form in which Leeds currently find themselves, the double boost of having both Firpo and Raphinha back and raring to go is a massive boost to Bielsa.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has previously lauded the bargain that Leeds got in Raphinha in particular, declaring: “He’s full of energy, he’s got a (good) work ethic as well where he works for the team, he just does everything right.

“I’m a big fan of his and the recruitment there to find that player, because for £17m, there will be people now scratching their head going ‘why didn’t we get him?'”

While Raphinha’s return is superb news, having the attack-minded Firpo back for a game against the Premier League’s leakiest defence is sure to please Leeds fans, too.

In his real breakthrough season with Real Betis during the 2018/19 campaign, he managed three goals and four assists in La Liga, as well as averaging 0.8 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Evening Post, player analyst Josh Hobbs said of the flying full-back: “Going forwards, he’s a good dribbler – particularly when he gets up to speed and he can steam past players. He likes to play a pass into midfield and then sprint down the line to receive in behind and get into the box.

“His delivery in wide areas is usually a fizzed low cross, which is dangerous as often if the player at the front post misses it, can be met by somebody running centrally or to the back post.”

The £10.8m-rated ace has the attacking instincts to cause real problems for the Canaries this afternoon, and Bielsa should be throwing him into the starting line-up after his return from injury.

Hay’s update on the duo is sure to leave Leeds fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds must finally sell this first team player…

Celtic legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has warned his former club that other teams could attempt to sign key Hoops figure Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Lowdown: Furuhashi excelling for Celtic

The Japan international made the move to Parkhead in the summer transfer window, joining from Vissel Kobe in his homeland.

Furuhashi has taken little time to settle into his new surroundings, scoring seven goals in just eight Premiership starts. That included a brace in Sunday’s 4-2 win away to Dundee, as he continues to go from strength to strength.

He has also netted five times in Celtic’s European campaign, with 13 goals in just 18 Hoops appearances thus far, along with three assists (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Dalglish wary of possible interest in Furuhashi

Writing for The Sunday Post, Celtic icon Dalglish admitted that other clubs could soon be circling to sign the 26-year-old, but claimed that the forward currently looks happy at Parkhead.

He described Furuhashi as an “outstanding footballer” and added:

“Of course, success brings a glare from elsewhere, and I don’t think any of us would be surprised if Kyogo is already now on the radar of other clubs.

“But any interested parties would also know that they are unlikely to receive any encouragement from Celtic about trying to prise their main man away any time soon.

“Kyogo is clearly enjoying his football. You can see that with the way he plays, and the way he celebrates scoring with his team-mates.

“That’s all part of the overall package, and why I think Celtic look in a very good place just now.”

The Verdict: Celtic must keep hold of Kyogo

Furuhashi has taken no time at all to become a vital figure for Ange Postecoglou’s side, bringing immediate firepower and quality to proceedings.

The Japan international looks set to be a key figure in Celtic’s Premiership title charge as they look to wrestle back their league crown from Rangers. Indeed, he is the joint-top scorer in the division heading into the November international break.

Furuhashi is only currently valued at £1.8m by Transfermarkt but that could change drastically if his current form continues throughout the campaign. That could also alert him to other suitors, just as Dalglish has warned.

In other news, three Celtic players struggled in the win over Dundee. Find out who they are here.

Aston Villa are considering a move to appoint Paulo Fonseca as Dean Smith’s successor at Villa Park.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow is finalising his shortlist of candidates for the vacant Villa managerial position on Tuesday, with one of the targets identified being the former AS Roma manager.

The report continues to state that Fonseca’s representatives have already contacted Villa in order to formally throw the 48-year-old’s hat into the ring, suggesting that the Portuguese coach would be more than willing to take over from Smith.

He could be worth the risk

While Aston Villa’s precarious 16th place league position would lend favour to the club appointing a coach who boasts the previous experience of Premier League management – as, should a foreign coach fail to adapt their style of play to the English game quickly enough, the results could well be disastrous for Villa – Fonseca may well be a candidate who is worth the risk for NSWE.

Indeed, having led FC Pacos de Ferreira to a highly impressive third-place finish in Liga NOS back in 2012/13, the 48-year-old repeated a similar feat with SC Braga a few years later – sealing a fourth-place finish in the league and winning the Portuguese Cup with Os Arcebispos.

This led to Shakhtar Donetsk appointing Fonseca in the summer of 2016, with the Ukrainian side going on to win three consecutive league titles under the Portuguese manager, in addition to three Ukrainian Cups, one Ukrainian Super Cup and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League in 2017/18.

Once again, this led to another step up for the 48-year-old, being handed a two-year deal by Serie A side Roma in 2019, with former club president Jim Pallotta stating upon his arrival: “Paulo is a young and ambitious coach with international experience, a winning mentality and a reputation for bold, attacking football that will excite our fans.”

However, despite leading I Giallorossi to an impressive fifth-place finish and reaching the Europa League round of 16 during his debut season in Rome, Fonseca left the club just one season later, following a slightly underwhelming seventh-place finish in Serie A and being trounced 8-4 on aggregate by Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final.

Despite this final season at Roma, however, it is clear to see that the man who Massimo Ambrosini dubbed a “modern” manager is a coach who has a history of achieving success with a number of unfavoured sides, as well as one who can get his team playing bold, exciting and attacking football – all of which suggest that the 48-year-old could well be worthy of a shot at Villa Park.

In other news: “I understand”: Sky journo drops big AVFC manager update, fans surely buzzing

Leeds United are preparing an offer for Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Mazraoui profiled

Mazraoui is 24 years of age and has progressed through Ajax’s youth system, spending time alongside Leeds colossus Pascal Struijk before the centre-back moved to Yorkshire.

The Morocco international, sponsored by Leeds’ partners Adidas, has made 118 appearances for the Dutch giants, with four of his nine senior goals coming this season.

Mazraoui can also play as a central or defensive midfielder and is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning Leeds could look at a cut-price move in January.

The Latest: Preparing offer

The Sun shared a story on Tuesday afternoon, suggesting Leeds have joined the race for Mazraoui’s services, with Arsenal and Roma also keen.

They claim that Victor Orta and co are preparing an offer to land the 24-year-old, who has hired super-agent Mino Raiola to help with his next move.

The Verdict: Smart option?

Mazraoui has been described as a player with plenty of pace, and so it seems as if he is a player who would fit perfectly into Marcelo Bielsa’s high-intensity style of play.

The full-back has contributed to seven goals during the current campaign from right-back and would also be able to provide cover in midfield – Bielsa has shown to be a fan of this sort of versatility, just look at Stuart Dallas.

He has plenty of Champions League experience for Ajax, and with Leeds looking to challenge for European football within two or three years, Mazraoui could be the calibre of player the club needs to go to the next level.

In other news: Third Leeds man may now return from injury v Spurs as source shares update. 

Steven Gerrard will be able to bring a Liverpool player to Aston Villa on loan, former Villa Park man Alan Hutton claims. 

The lowdown

Gerrard is, of course, an icon at Anfield, where he spent almost the entirety of his playing career.

He helped the Reds win major 11 trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2005 (via Transfermarkt).

Having begun his managerial career in Scotland with Rangers, Gerrard will now take on the English Premier League with Aston Villa.

Sky Sports (via The Daily Star) reported in the summer that Villa considered a move for Reds midfielder Curtis Jones, only to decide against it late in the window.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton floated the possibility of Gerrard doing business with his former club.

He says the 41-year-old has enough pulling power to persuade a player to swap Anfield for Villa Park.

“Maybe we are talking about going getting a player on loan from Liverpool,” he said. “I can see that happening. Maybe a calibre of player that wouldn’t go to Rangers but would go to Aston Villa to play in the Premier League.

“He can attract a certain type so I think the January window could be exciting times.”

The verdict

Could a move for Jones be reconsidered in light of Gerrard’s appointment? Potentially.

He’s only started three of the Reds’ first 11 Premier League games, so Villa may feel as if they have a chance.

Liverpool look to be well-stocked in central midfield when everyone is fit, and if most of their options are available come in January, they may at least consider a short-term proposal for the £27million-rated ace, especially if Harvey Elliott has recovered by then.

In other news, read this exciting behind-the-scenes claim from Gregg Evans.