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Bongani Zungu is a doubt for Glasgow Rangers’ Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen FC after suffering a knee injury whilst away on international duty with South Africa, according to The Daily Record.

Steven Gerrard has since confirmed the South Africa international will await further assessment before being declared fit to face the Dons at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, having played twice for the Bafana-Bafana during the international break.

The Ibrox boss is hopeful that Zungu will be able to feature this weekend but will wait for further confirmation whilst Steven Davis is also a doubt after withdrawing from the Northern Ireland squad last week, citing “personal reasons.”

Rangers signed Zungu from French Ligue 1 side Amiens on an initial loan deal on deadline day with the option to buy but the South African has had to bide his time at Ibrox so far this season, having been handed his first-team debut in the 8-0 win over Hamilton Academical this month.

The “special” former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder received a solid rating of 6.7 from SofaScore for his performance, after he took 40 touches of the ball, made 35 out of 38 passes (92%), and produced three out of four attempted long balls, but failed to win a single ground duel all game, lost possession four times and committed one foul.

His injury blow could give the ever-reliable Ryan Jack the time to shine to preserve and protect his Ibrox career amid competition for places in the starting line-up.

Jack started the Hamilton thrashing before the unsung hero was replaced by Zungu as Gerrard rang several changes at half-time, having played an important role as the Gers put the Accies to the sword, with the 28-year-old providing more key passes (2), winning more ground duels (1) and taking more touches of the ball (53) than his clubmate plus one tackle and four interceptions, per SofaScore.

The former Aberdeen midfielder, who was signed by Gerrard’s predecessor Pedro Caixinha on a free transfer in the summer of 2017, received praise from the Ibrox boss earlier this week, with Gerrard admitting he is confident that the Scotland international can take his game to the next level, saying: “His consistency has been fantastic to see and it’s no surprise with the way he goes about his daily routine and business.

“He does everything right at the gym, he eats well and he trains and prepares every single day for the game at the weekend or midweek.

“So it’s no surprise that Ryan finds that level of consistency because he does everything right.”

It’s fair to say that his career has been plagued by persistent injury problems, with the Scotsman sustaining a calf injury during the game against Dundee United, which forced him to miss five games this season so far. His issues have meant that Jack, who reportedly receives wages worth £12,000-per-week, has missed 46 games for the Gers in all competitions in total.

A consistent, injury-free spell in the starting line-up could remove any potential concerns over his fitness levels, and allow him to preserve his place in the starting line-up, whilst he has been subject to interest from clubs across Europe in the past, including Premier League clubs south of the border.

AND in other news, Filip Helander and Ianis Hagi start, Balogun benched: Glasgow Rangers predicted XI vs Aberdeen…

Glasgow Rangers have uncovered a hidden gem in centre-back Connor Goldson, if recent reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Rangers extended their unbeaten run to a with a 1-0 win over Lech Poznan in the Europa League in midweek. That means that heading into their clash against Kilmarnock, the Gers had recorded five clean sheets in a row, as they last conceded a goal against Galatasaray in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

As the old adage goes, a strong defence is the best offence, and Gerrard is blessed with some of the best options available at the back, as Connor Goldson and club captain James Tavernier have both been in fine form in recent weeks.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Sports Mole, the Rangers boss said: “I think Connor is someone, with the heart issue he had earlier in his career, that is desperate to make up for lost time in terms of playing. He doesn’t like to be offloaded or rested.

“But I am certainly more confident that if I wanted to do that now that we have the players that could cope.

“I am really happy with Connor, he is in a fantastic place physically and mentally at the moment.

“He is becoming a leader, his communication is better. I don’t see any reason, right now, to drop him or rest him or offload him because he is in such a good place.”

Bargain buy?

Tavernier has scored five goals and supplied five assists in 12 games in the Scottish Premiership this season so far. It’s easy to see why he has been linked with a move to the Premier League, as he has attracted attention from several English sides in the past year or so. West Ham were also keen to sign him in the summer.

Rangers signed Goldson from Brighton on a four-year deal for a fee in the region of £3m, via Sky Sports. He admitted Gerrard played a big part in his decision to switch the South Coast for Scotland. Since then, it’s fair to say that the 27-year-old has turned out to be an an absolute bargain buy.

Per SofaScore, the marauding centre-back has bagged two goals in the Scottish top flight this season, whilst he has made 1.1 tackles, 1 interception and 2.9 clearances per game, as well as keeping 10 clean sheets. Most importantly, he has not made a single error that has led to a goal, and a look at his heatmap reveals he mostly takes up position in his own half, although there a hotspot in the opposite box, which just goes to show that he is a useful attacking threat as well.

Goldson was recently described as an “outstanding” player by Tavernier, who never doubted his teammate would convince the critics after a difficult start to life at Ibrox. By all accounts, he seems to have turned a corner in his career, so, he is surely the perfect candidate to take the mantle from Tavernier if he leaves the club in the near future.

Whilst Gerrard has insisted the skipper is not for sale, it’s surely only a matter of time before the Gers receive an offer for their captain that is simply too good to ignore.

The Light Blues arguably have talent in abundance, but having a reliable centre-back is such a useful asset for any side. As the stats show, Goldson is both comfortable in attack and at the back, so we have to admit, we would love to see him wear the captain’s armband some time soon.

AND in other news, Bassey and Morelos start, no Kemar Roofe: Predicted Rangers XI vs Kilmarnock…

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, former Aston Villa ace Marlon Harewood has insisted he hasn’t been surprised by the form of summer signing Ollie Watkins.

The 24-year-old arrived from Championship side Brentford to reunite with Dean Smith at Villa Park, and has hit the ground running at his new club, bagging eight goals in just 11 games – that of course includes his memorable hat-trick in the 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool.

Now, Harewood has given his thoughts on the club’s new centre-forward, saying: “I’m not surprised. He’s a top-class player in the striker situation, and it’s good to see him doing what he’s doing. Obviously, the players around him they’ll want to do well as well. It compliments him in positions where he’s going to score goals.”

Watkins’ arrival and good form has been a welcome shot in the arm for Villa this season, with Smith’s side managing just 41 goals in 38 games last season in the Premier League.

Their campaign wasn’t helped by the fact Wesley suffered a knee injury at the start of the year and is only just working his way back up to full fitness, so having the man from Brentford just click as a new player straight away has been music to the ears of Smith.

Whether he can keep up his consistency over the course of his first season in the Premier League remains to be seen, but all the early signs point to him doing exactly that.

He’s come up with some big goals against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, and with Villa flying high and even seemingly up for a potential challenge for a European spot, Watkins could hold the key.

Celtic could be on the verge of a delivering a masterclass on deadline day if emerging reports ring true…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the defending Scottish champions have submitted a loan offer for West Ham outcast Robert Snodgrass with Neil Lennon keen to add a new winger to his ranks.

When asked about potential incomings after their 2-0 win over St Johnstone, the Bhoys boss remained coy, saying: “You can link names at me all you like but you’re not going to get a straight answer. I’ll be with Peter [Lawwell] and Nick Hammond tomorrow and we’ll be looking at a few things.”

The 33-year-old was born in Glasgow and is a lifelong Hoops supporter.

Wing upgrade?

Snodgrass is a vastly experienced wide man who could instantly improve Lennon’s side even despite his advancing years, we’ve seen with Scott Brown that players can still cut the mustard well into their thirties.

The Scotsman is able to play on both sides as well as through the middle. He also still delivered five goals and five assists from just 17 starts last season, via WhoScored.

Whilst throughout his career, Snodgrass has averaged 1.9 key passes, 1.6 shots and 1.2 dribbles per game, hinting that he’s very much a creative outlet which is perhaps what the Bhoys currently lack in Moi Elyounoussi.

When playing on the left-wing this season, the Saints loanee has failed to deliver a single goal or assist, per Transfermarkt.

Fellow Hammers teammate Mark Noble once lauded Snodgrass as “a top player, he’s got loads of quality” whilst Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara believes he can “show lots of trickery” and is “absolutely superb.”

And unlike Elyounoussi, he’s not on as much money. Spotrac claim the veteran midfielder is raking in around £40k-per-week in comparison to the Saints man’s £60k-per-week.

This could be a bargain masterstroke from Nick Hammond and co.

WHILE in other news, Celtic move for £10m flop would be an unforgivable error

Tottenham Hotspur still haven’t resolved their striker problems this summer and with the season just a few days away, it’s set to rumble on towards the end of the transfer window. However, there could be light ahead…

What’s the word?

According to Football.London reporter Alasdair Gold, one of the forwards Spurs are taking a look at is RB Salzburg talisman Patson Daka but he’s also being monitored by several other teams across Europe.

Last month, The Sun linked Premier League rivals Manchester United to the 21-year-old goalscoring sensation and claimed that it’ll take a bid in excess of £20m to see him leave the Austrian outfit.

He’d be the second player of Tanzanian descent to join the English top-flight after Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta.

The next Haaland?

After playing with and then succeeding Erling Haaland at Salzburg, many comparisons have been made between the two and it’s easy to see why given his impressive goal record.

He netted four times earlier this week to kickstart the season but that merely adds a few onto his 27 strikes last term. He also provided 12 assists and occasionally played on the right-wing.

His old teammate, who is now ripping it up for Dortmund, is very much still an inspiration for Daka and no doubt the likes of Naby Keita, Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino are too.

The striker’s former coach at Zambian outfit Power Dynamos Dan Kabwe goes as far as comparing him to PL great Thierry Henry, claiming “he is an intelligent boy and full of talent.”

Irrespective of his qualities, Salzburg is known for their hotbed of producing young stars with many mentioned above. It’s about time Daniel Levy made an investment like this, something that he’s maybe not really done before in north London.

He’ll offer Jose Mourinho something different too – speed, agility and versatility. Play him as Harry Kane’s backup or even as his partner. £20m would be a very shrewd long-term investment.

AND in other news, “sensational” colossus can become Spurs’ new Fernando Llorente…

Having led Leeds United to the Championship title last season, it was inevitable that a lot of people’s eyes were going on to be Marcelo Bielsa.

“Here comes El Loco” was the title that The Guardian ran with in the first week of September, as excitement grew over seeing the man Pep Guardiola hails as his mentor.

But whilst Leeds have had an encouraging start to the new Premier League campaign with seven points from their opening five games, that’s not a patch on what Dean Smith is managing over at Aston Villa.

Having survived relegation back to the Championship by the skin of their teeth last season, Villa have done a complete 360, and currently sit second in the table with four wins from four – even a point against Leeds on Friday night would send them top and above Everton thanks to goal difference.

Despite the fact they’ve confounded everybody’s expectations, Bielsa continues to be the topic of conversation.

Sky Sports ran a lengthy feature ahead of his team’s clash against Manchester City about how he inspired Guardiola, whilst before that, after a 4-3 loss to Liverpool, the headline was “Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds show no compromise in Liverpool thriller”. It’s been all about how the Argentine has shaped the Yorkshire club in his own image.

He’s a magnet for attention with his quirky style of management – since when did sitting on a stool on the touch-line become a thing? – and it’s no surprise that people gravitate towards that.

But on Friday, Smith can strike a blow to that love-in with a tactical masterstroke. In the games Leeds have dropped points in thus far – their defeats to Liverpool and Wolves and the draw to City – they have come undone against teams who have quick forwards who are prepared to run in behind.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

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Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick, Raheem Sterling netted for City, and Wolves had the likes of Daniel Podence, Pedro Neto and Adama Traore to call upon as they won last time out.

With Leeds’ high-pressing, by-passing that with a quick ball over the top for wingers and central strikers to chase onto can leave them unstuck, and it’s why Smith may be tempted to throw in someone like Keinan Davis into the attack on Friday.

The 22-year-old is a willing runner and makes constant movements into the channels, and instead of relying on just Ollie Watkins to do that, having another outlet in Davis could leave Bielsa in a muddle.

Smith has the perfect opportunity to get one over on his counterpart, and prove why he’s been the outstanding manager of these first few weeks of the Premier League season.

Charlton Athletic are currently in a grey area as a potential takeover continues to spark questions from fans.

Current owners East Street Investments (ESI) could be about to lose control of the club as takeover rumours swirl. A recent statement posted by Charlton revealed that the board had been made aware of a ‘change of ownership’.

ESI bought the club in January from Roland Duchatelet but a turbulent relationship could now see Tahnoon Nimer and co usurped from their position at the hilt. Interest from former Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins and a Portuguese business consortium are among the parties taken into consideration for sale.

Charlton director Marian Mihail has answered questions from fans and has stated that, despite the interest shown in the purchase of the club, the identity of the buyer has not been revealed.

A lot of Addicks fans are becoming impatient with the up-and-down news, with many taking to Twitter to express their frustration. One supporter has responded to the Q&A post saying it’s ‘absolutely pointless’ as talks remain vague.

Another fan has said ‘all roads point to Jenkins’, who recently said he wanted a chance to prove he can ‘prosper’ again in charge of a club (via Wales Online).

Read more replies from the Charlton faithful here:

How do you feel about Mihail’s recent comments, Addicks fans? Join the conversation in the comments below…

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘close’ to completing a deal with Inter Milan to sell Tanguy Ndombele this summer, according to reports from France. 

Recent reports revealed that Tottenham have held talks with Inter as the club’s record signing wants to leave north London this summer after falling out with Jose Mourinho.

French football journalist Julien Maynard claims, as per @Daily_Hotspur, that Spurs are one step nearer to reaching an agreement with the Serie A giants. However, Ndombele is currently unconvinced by the move, which could prove to be a stumbling block. He currently has four years of his contract left to run but may be left with no other option.

Ndombele and Mourinho share a frosty relationship which has spilled out into something resembling a soap drama since the Premier League restart in June.

While Daniel Levy has insisted that the six-cap French international will not be sold in the summer, it seems that negotiations are still ongoing behind closed doors. The Lilywhites feel that the 23-year-old, who arrived in north London from Lyon last year, needs time to adapt to the English top flight.

Ndombele has hardly featured at all following the restart, making just WhoScored).

Ndombele’s transfer hasn’t worked out as well as planned and the Lilywhites should look to cut their losses in the summer. He is currently valued at £40m via Transfermarkt, although it remains to be seen if the board will be able to recoup anywhere near the £55m they originally paid for him.

Spurs aren’t short of defensive midfielders, as Eric Dier, Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and Oliver Skipp can all play in that position if required. Mourinho could then reinvest the cash in other areas of his squad that urgently need addressing, like fixing a leaky defence.

Tottenham fans, do you think Levy should sell Ndombele in the summer? Let us know your views in the comments below!

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have hailed the ball boy that proved integral to the club’s Champions League victory over Olympiacos earlier this week.

Teenager Callum Hynes, 15, showed some quick thinking against the Greek side, quickly receiving a new ball at a throw-in and giving it to Serge Aurier, whose early throw led to Son Heung-min crossing for Harry Kane to score.

That goal was Spurs’ equaliser, as they had fallen 2-0 behind in north London, and it proved critical in the turnaround, as they went on to win 4-2.

So impressive was young Callum’s intervention that manager Jose Mourinho gave him a high-five and a hug after the strike, even attempting to invite him to the dressing room after full-time.

And the schoolboy told the club’s official website: “It’s all a bit surreal. I was just doing my job and I still can’t quite believe what happened.

“I didn’t even see the goal! I was busy getting the ball that had come off and then I heard the cheer. I turned around and Harry was celebrating.

“I looked at the replay on the screen and watched exactly what happened. You can see from my smile it was just unbelievable. Jose didn’t have to do that. It was really nice of him to come over to me. It’s made my day, my life, really! I love Spurs and it was an amazing moment I’ll never forget.”

Spurs fans have subsequently taken to Twitter to hail the kid, who spent the journey home from the stadium revising for his maths exam the next morning!

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

Meanwhile, a Spurs star’s future may have been decided.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking after Celtic’s 4-0 win over Livingstone in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, captain Scott Brown has called out Jeremie Frimpong’s “pathetic” shooting ability.

The veteran midfielder soon went onto laud the young full-back for his efforts at the weekend and during the course of the season.

What’s he said?

The Hoops had gone three games without beating Livi but they put that unwanted record to bed on Saturday courtesy of a romping victory.

Odsonne Edouard opened the scoring in the first half before a brace from James Forrest and a strike from Brown himself sealed all three points.

It was a result that saw Celtic go three points above their title rivals Rangers as Neil Lennon’s men have now gone eight matches without dropping a point.

A number of players caught the eye for Celtic but one that Brown was particularly pleased with was Frimpong. Although he had some choice words to say about his shooting, he went onto laud the 18-year-old. He said after the game:

“He’s a great wee lad but his shooting is pathetic but everything else about his game has been incredible. The energy he brings, his pace going down the line is brilliant, his composure is great for one so young.”

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Fantastic impact

Frimpong has gone down brilliantly at Celtic Park, earning rave reviews not only from his skipper but also from supporters after the match finished.

The Dutchman had two opportunities of his own throughout the 90 minutes, both of which were saved, something that probably led to Brown’s sarcastic comments.

But his attacking play was bustling and full of energy. One of those shots was the cause of a goal as the right-back drove a strike which was saved before Forrest fired home the rebound.

The former Manchester City man has started three Scottish Premiership games in 2019/20 since making the switch from England and in that time he’s picked up one assist for his troubles.

Arriving in Scotland almost unheard of, he’s made terrific strides and he recently credited Lennon for why he’s made such a bright start to life at his new club.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “Me and Neil, sometimes we work on my crosses because when I first came I would get there but my end product wouldn’t be that great.”

This has really shone through in terms of his attacking play, and although he’ll be judged more for his defensive contributions, finding the back of the net could be something he looks to improve after Brown’s remarks.