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Liverpool will head to the south coast this weekend to take on Brighton and Hove Albion in their FA Cup fourth-round clash and Jurgen Klopp has been dealt another injury blow ahead of their visit.

What’s the latest?

The Liverpool boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Fabio Carvalho is the latest to join the long injury list accumulating at Anfield.

Klopp told the media:

“Fabio has a little thing, but he will not be ready,” he said. “Maybe he can train today but will not be 100 per cent for the weekend.”

It’s bad news for Klopp

There is no doubt that the blow to Carvalho will be frustrating for Klopp as the manager likes to rotate in the FA Cup as much as he possibly can to ensure his team remain fresh in the busy schedule of fixtures over the second half of the season.

The Reds are currently ninth in the Premier League, knocked out of the Carabao Cup and have a huge two-leg Champions League tie heading their way in a few weeks time when they face their European rivals Real Madrid, so the German coach will be doing his best to ensure his team are in good condition to take on the challenges ahead.

Liverpool are currently without Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk, Arthur Melo and Roberto Firmino alongside Carvalho, so the manager’s options will be considerably weakened when they head to Brighton.

Over 11 Premier League appearances so far this season, the 20-year-old attacker has scored two goals and successfully completed 50% of his dribbles, as well as averaging one shot on goal and 1.8 duels won per game, despite only averaging 31 minutes per performance and falling even further out of favour since Cody Gakpo’s arrival.

Brighton have put three goals past Liverpool twice this season already with a 3-3 draw in October and a 3-0 victory over the Merseysiders at home earlier this month, so Klopp will certainly feeling the pressure when returning to the Amex Stadium on Sunday and will be hoping to break the trend to progress to the next round comfortably.

With that being said, Klopp will need to deploy his strongest team possible in order to stump an on-form Brighton side tomorrow as crashing out of the FA Cup would be another knock to the confidence of the squad and will be frustrating for the Anfield faithful.

Liverpool have been urged to complete a swoop for Crystal Palace stalwart Wilfried Zaha this summer.

What’s the word?

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Premier League champion Danny Simpson suggested that the Ivorian could be a good signing for the Reds.

He said: “I feel like Wilf plays better when he is the main man. I know he was a lot younger when he went to United, but if he goes to another top four top side he’s not going to be the main man.

The comments follow earlier revelations this season from Italian outlet Calciomercato, which stated that Liverpool are keen on a move and with the 30-year-old currently out of contract at the end of the campaign, a move could indeed arise.

“Game-changer”

Zaha has become something of a household name for fans of the English top-flight, with his delightful dribbling prowess and deft weaving in direct assault at the opposing defence has left little doubt that he is indeed one of the division’s most exciting and seat-raising forwards.

Partner that with the incremental gains made with his output in front of goal of the past several seasons, the refined and formidable star could make a marked improvement on a Liverpool team receiving widespread criticism for the lack of cohesion and offensive vigour.

Once hailed as a “game-changer” by former Palace boss Roy Hodgson, Zaha scored 11 goals in 2020/21 and registered 14 strikes last season. He now currently boasts six goals from 19 appearances this term, illustrating his clinical touch that has blossomed later in his career.

Indeed, having made 450 of his 467 professional appearances at senior level with the Palace, scoring 89 goals and 76 assists for the south London outfit, Zaha has indeed etched legendary status into the club’s folklore in securely sustaining Premier League status over his time at Selhurst Park.

The 30-cap Ivory Coast international has recorded an average career rating of 7.06, as per WhoScored, averaging 1.7 shots and 1.1 key passes per game.

And as per FBref, the £130k-per-week star ranks among the top 15% of wingers across Europe for successful take-ons and the top 25% for rate of non-penalty goals, and with former Liverpool phenom Philippe Coutinho listed as a comparable player to the Eagle, there is certainly a claim that he could emulate his positional peers resounding success under there Anfield lights.

Coutinho also possesses the fleet-footed wonder that only a select few professionals are capable of channelling, and his gliding gait with the ball at his feet from the left-hand side is eerily similar to Zaha, with the pair capable of cutting inside and unleashing havoc on any defence who tries to stop them.

The Brazilian has recorded a career average of 2.6 shots and 1.5 key passes per outing to date, with those numbers similar to the Ivorian who has managed 1.7 and 1.1 key passes.

As such, landing Zaha this summer could certainly prove to be a prudent deal indeed for Klopp’s beleaguered Liverpool; the Kop End yearns for a figure of blinding brilliance to lift the roof once more, and Zaha hold the key to unlock the cacophonous crescendo the club needs to find their feet again.

An update has emerged on Arsenal and their pursuit of a deal to sign winger Mykhailo Mudryk during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Gunners are on the right track to securing a transfer for the Shakhtar Donetsk wide man this month.

He Tweeted: “Told very positive talks took place between Arsenal and Shakhtar on Monday. As reported, sources close to Mudryk say he will be “very disappointed” if a transfer doesn’t happen in January. #CFC have not placed any bid following their own meeting with Shakhtar.”

The reporter added: “Arsenal have still indicated, directly and via intermediaries, they don’t want to pay €100m. But structure of the deal being discussed will be more important than the final number. Shakhtar wanted more money upfront from the second bid (under €70m).”

Jacobs then Tweeted: “Told discussed offer will increase overall total but with some less ‘gettable’ add ons. It means #AFC can stick within valuation (& top-end of guaranteed fee they wish to pay) & offer extras that are either less likely or simply worth paying because tied to success if triggered.”

Kevin de Bruyne 2.0

Mikel Arteta worked with Belgian superstar Kevin de Bruyne during his time as Manchester City’s assistant manager, which lasted for 201 competitive matches, and could land his own version of the gem by signing Mudryk.

Pep Guardiola’s midfield magician has been in sensational form in the Premier League this season and is once again showing that he is one of the best in the business when it comes to creating chances.

The 31-year-old has registered nine assists – three more than any other player in the division – in 17 top-flight matches but has created a whopping 18 ‘big chances’ and averaged 3.5 key passes per game this term.

He ranks in the 99th and 99th percentiles respectively for non-penalty goals and assists per 90 amongst his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues and European competition over the last 365 days, which shows that he is one of the best attacking midfielders on the continent in terms of scoring and creating goals.

Mudryk, whose pace was described as “frightening” by journalist Josh Bunting, ranks in the 99th and 98th percentile respectively in the same statistics for Shakhtar Donetsk over the last 365 days.

The 22-year-old produced three goals and two assists in six Champions League outings for his club earlier this season and has racked up seven goals and six assists in 12 matches in the Ukrainian top-flight.

He has shown incredible promise at his young age and his statistics indicate that he could have a similar creative impact to the one that de Bruyne is currently having for Manchester City – Arsenal’s title rivals.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has praised Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper for the work he’s done so far after the club’s recent draw.

What’s the latest?

In their latest Premier League outing, the Garibaldi managed to pick up a point in a 1-1 home draw with Chelsea after putting in an impressive display in front of their own fans.

While the away side took the lead thanks to Raheem Sterling during the first half, Forest were much improved after the break and equalised thanks to Serge Aurier.

And even though they couldn’t pick up the win, Sutton was still full of praise for the performance of Cooper and his men claimed that they ‘gelled brilliantly’ and deserved all three points.

While speaking on the BBC Radio Show 606, he said: “Do you know what, I’ve got a lot of time for Steve Cooper.

“I think he’s had a really difficult job. People look at the spending and think that Forest have spent a fortune, they should stay up. It’s not that easy.

I thought they gelled brilliantly today. I thought they deserved all three points. And if you’re a Forest fan, I want to hear from you because that performance today must have given you a lot of faith.”

The right man for the job

Cooper, who was lauded for the ‘wonderful’ job he did last season by Frank Clark, certainly did a remarkable job in getting the club promoted from the Championship last season via the playoffs despite taking over as manager when Forest were stuck at the bottom of the league earlier on in that same season.

The team were then backed the following summer as they signed a remarkable 21 players – which is a Premier League record – splashing around £150m in fees.

Such a sudden rise to the top, and such a vast change in squad depth, has meant a swift change in expectations for the club but Cooper has handled it pretty well for the most part.

Indeed, he did enough to earn himself a new contract in October despite a shaky start to the season and has consequently steadied the ship a little, meaning Forest are only in the bottom three due to goal difference and have a good chance of survival.

Leeds United will ‘push’ to complete the signing of Club Brugge star Noa Lang during the January transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Lang linked with Leeds move

The Whites could do with attacking reinforcements next month, as Jesse Marsch’s side look to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

One player who has long been linked with a move to Leeds is Lang, who recently made one appearance at the 2022 World Cup for the Netherlands, coming on as a substitute in the quarter-final defeat to Argentina.

The 23-year-old has scored 3o goals and registered 29 assists in 101 appearances for Brugge, being hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by journalist Peter Vandenbempt, with Victor Orta’s interest dating all the way back to summer 2021.

The Latest: Orta will ‘push’ for signing

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Leeds still had a good chance of signing Lang:

“They want to avoid that disappointment of suffering on someone like Gakpo and missing out on them and then seeing them linked with every big club in Europe, basically, the same thing will happen with Noa Lang.

“He’s got massive potential and is already doing really well, so I would expect them to push on with that soon.”

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The Verdict: Huge talent

Lang could be exactly what Marsch is after in January, proving to be a hugely exciting attacking player who is capable of producing match-winning moments – he’s even been likened to Neymar for his quick feet and showboating.

It could be that he feels he has outgrown Brugge at this point, with a greater challenge required, and he has the quality to be the next attacking hero at Elland Road, perhaps replacing the excitement and trickery void left by Raphinha’s departure.

Capable of playing as a centre forward, out wide or even as a No.10, Lang’s versatility is an added bonus in his game, while his age makes him a long-term investment rather than a short-term panic buy.

Manchester United are reportedly among the ‘main suitors’ to seal the signing of Atletico Madrid and Portugal superstar Joao Felix.

The Lowdown: Constant United rumours

Erik ten Hag is sure to be considering a number of signings in the coming transfer windows as he looks to continue his promising start to life at Old Trafford, and a marquee attacking signing is surely a must after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

One player who has been linked with a move to United more than most recently is Felix, who looks increasingly likely to leave Atletico either in January or next summer.

The rumour simply isn’t going away, with a fresh claim now emerging from the Spanish press.

The Latest: Red Devils among ‘main suitors’

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Felix has a ‘free path’ to leave Atletico and his agent Jorge Mendes ‘will present offers of around €100m (£86m)’.

United are among the ‘main suitors’ to snap up the 23-year-old and they have shown ‘more interest’ since the huge development of Ronaldo’s departure.

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The Verdict: Feels increasingly likely

This is a transfer that really does feel like it has legs to it and it would have the potential to be a hugely exciting capture by United, given Felix’s potential.

The attacker is a prodigiously gifted footballer who has already scored 53 goals at club level, and while some may argue that he hasn’t kicked on enough recently, he has been playing in an Atletico team hellbent on adopting a defensive approach.

Under someone more attacking like Ten Hag, Felix could absolutely flourish, showing precisely why Alvaro Morata has called him a ‘special’ player and providing much-needed guile and end product in the final third at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa may have to wait until next summer to pounce for the signing of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, according to an update from journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Villa keen on Sarr signing

Unai Emery will be eyeing new signings in the upcoming transfer window, as he looks to take Villa up a level and introduce his own style of play after an underwhelming period under Steven Gerrard.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa Park since before Emery arrived is Sarr, who has scored six goals in 16 Championship starts for Watford this season.

The 24-year-old starred in the 2022 World Cup with Senegal, starting all four matches and scoring a crucial goal against Ecuador before being eliminated by England on Sunday night.

The Latest: Summer move more likely

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Aarons claimed the summer move to Villa is most likely:

“The premium of World Cup performances and scoring is going to result in Watford wanting a bit more money, I think.

“He may be one that they have to wait until the summer for, when he’s got just a year left on his contract.”

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The Verdict: Much-needed pace out wide

Speedy wide players are certainly something Villa are lacking currently, with the exception of the inconsistent Leon Bailey, so Sarr could be an excellent addition next summer.

Frankly, he is too good to be playing in the Championship – he bagged 11 direct goal involvements as a newcomer to the Premier League in 2019/20 – and he is at an age where he should only improve further, with Senegalese compatriot and hero Sadio Mane also 24 when he joined Liverpool from Southampton back in 2016.

Ben Foster has hailed Sarr as a ‘freak’ talent, and if Emery believes he is someone who could suit his system, sealing a move for him at the end of the season would make perfect sense.

Aston Villa have made their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino public…

What’s the latest?

As per the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Unai Emery would “love to take” the Spaniard to Villa Park in January.

Boasting a €60m (£55m) release clause, he still has two years left on his £65k-per-week deal and could be tempted to join up with his compatriot.

The financial power of the Midlands outfit is reported as “indisputable”, however, it will be a tough deal to make following the World Cup’s commencement.

Big Luiz upgrade

With Douglas Luiz also linked with a move to La Liga, it could mark a wonderful switch around for the new boss.

Barcelona have been sniffing around the Brazilian who boasts 127 games for Villa and has been a mainstay in their midfield since his move from Manchester City.

Despite his recent contract extension, Emery could look to push him out the door in favour of Merino, who has starred in La Liga.

The 26-year-old offers everything a manager would want from a midfielder, with an eye for goal and creativity merged with defensive steel.

This season alone has seen him notch eight goal contributions alongside his 2.4 tackles and 2.3 clearances.

It marks yet another campaign where he is averaging an impressive SofaScore rating, with his 7.24 outlining his current best-ever season for the Spanish outfit.

Although Luiz is an impressive force in the engine room, he pales in comparison to Merino.

The 24-year-old offers little defensively, with his main contribution being his consistency with the ball at his feet.  

His 85% pass accuracy is a vast improvement on the 77% of the former Newcastle United man, but that is about as far as it goes for Luiz’s upsides.

When discussing his own talents, Merino suggested that “I like to think I’m one of the best”, after his manager had conclusively dubbed him “the best player in the league.”

To swap the solid Luiz with this sensational counterpart would mark a massive upgrade that could complete Villa’s midfield alongside John McGinn.

Journalist Steve Madeley was critical of Wolves striker Goncalo Guedes for walking straight down the tunnel after the 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Wolves beaten by Gunners

The final game before the Julen Lopetegui era at Molineux proved to be a disappointing one for Wolves, as they suffered a loss in the Premier League.

Martin Odegaard scored twice for the league leaders to secure victory on the night, meaning Wolves sit bottom of the table going into Christmas.

Guedes tried his best in attack, having three shots in total, according to Sofascore, but one thing he did left a bad taste.

The Latest: Madeley criticises Guedes

Taking to Twitter after the game, Madeley criticised the striker’s decision not to applaud the fans, walking down the tunnel instead:

“Wonder whether Goncalo Guedes would be going to Qatar if he’d found this form a couple of weeks earlier. Finally looking like a player. Shame to see him dart straight down the tunnel again while his team-mates connected with fans post-match, but a very good night for him.”

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The Verdict: Not good enough

Every player is disappointed to lose a game, but it is a shame to see Guedes act differently to his teammates and not acknowledge the supporters, especially in the last game before the World Cup.

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It is the kind of behaviour that can immediately lose admirers, and while it isn’t necessarily the worst thing a player can do, it is something that the 25-year-old needs to change.

Guedes’ performances have also left plenty to be desired overall, having scored just once in 12 league appearances, and the hope is that he returns a more rounded player after Christmas.

Arsenal slumped to just their second defeat of the campaign against PSV Eindhoven in Thursday evening’s Europa League clash.

The 2-0 loss means that Mikel Arteta’s side now have to defeat Zurich next week to guarantee their spot in the last 16 as Group A winners.

PSV were utterly dominant throughout the match, securing the win with two second-half goals from Joey Veerman and Luuk de Jong, while also having a further three goals ruled out for offside.

There were far too many passengers in an Arsenal shirt. Eddie Nketiah made just 12 passes during the match and Granit Xhaka lost possession 13 times, but perhaps their most underwhelming performance came from Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.

The 21-year-old has been excellent in the Premier League this season, scoring four goals and registering two assists, but he found it tough to create any sort of meaningful chance against the Eredivisie outfit.

Usually so efficient on the wing with his dribble attempts (58% success rate in the league) he only tried two dribbles last night and failed with both.

Martinelli had two shots during the match, with one going off target and the other blocked, also missing a big chance. His crossing was uncharacteristically poor, delivering just one into the opposition box from four attempts.

Defensively, the winger wasn’t much better. He lost possession a staggering 18 times, the highest number in the Arsenal starting XI and he won just 25% of his duels against PSV.

It was a wasteful performance from the Brazilian. These are games which require a solid end product and it just wasn’t good enough from him against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men.

The Europa League hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Martinelli this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of just 6.82 while contributing zero goals or assists in five matches.

Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, giving them an excellent chance to bounce back with a victory. Arteta will be looking for a much-improved performance from the 21-year-old against the side  who are bottom of the Premier League.