Eddie Howe to MISS first Newcastle game, Chelsea ‘in Fofana transfer talks’, Steven Gerrard first Villa match – updates

ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON

Aston Villa and Brighton are goalless at Villa Park following a rather entertaining first half.

Villa have been looking good under new manager Steven Gerrard but the Seagulls had the best chances.

The visitors almost opened the scoring in the half-hour mark when Marc Cucurella’s ball was missed by Ezri Konsa and Leandro Trossard’s effort from a tight corner was palmed away by Emiliano Martinez.

Martinez needed to make another big save during stoppage time when Jakub Moder stole the ball down the left flank and delivered a cross that was ricocheted towards Tariq Lamptey in the far post but his effort was blocked by the Argentine

ASTON VILLA VS BRIGHTON XI

Aston Villa: 1 Martinez; 2 Cash, 4 Konsa, 5 Mings, 3 Targett; 7 McGinn, 19 Nakamba, 41 Ramsey; 10 Buendia, 20 Ings, 11 Watkins

Brighton: 23 Steele; 2 Lamptey, 5 Dunk, 24 Duffy; 14 Lallana, 13 Gross, 8 Bissouma, 4 Webster, 3 Cucurella; 15 Moder, 11 Trossard

WATFORD VS MAN UTD XI

Watford: 1 Foster, 6 Louza, 7 King, 8 Cleverley, 11 Masina, 13 Nkoulou, 15 Cathcart, 19 Sissoko, 21 Femenia, 23 Sarr, 23 Dennis

Man Utd XI: 1 De Gea; 29 Wan-Bissaka, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire, 23 Shaw; 31 Matic, 39 McTominay, 18 Fernandes; 10 Rashford, 25 Sancho, 7 Ronaldo

WATFORD TEAM NEWS

Watford host Manchester United at Vicarage Road in the Premier League later today.

Hornets boss Claudio Ranieri is waiting on Ozan Tufan, who faces a late fitness test, after sustaining a knock while on international duty with Turkey.

Francisco Sierralta also suffered a hamstring injury while in action with Chile and will miss out.

Christian Kabasele (hamstring) and Ken Sema (knee) remain out, while Juraj Kucka is suspended

MAN UTD TEAM NEWS

Manchester United visit Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League later today.

Under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing quite a few uncertainties regarding players’ fitness.

Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay withdrew from England and Scotland duty respectively.

And Edinson Cavani as well as Marcus Rashford did not join up with Uruguay and the Three Lions respectively due to injury concerns.

Raphael Varane remains out with a hamstring strain and Paul Pogba, who is still suspended, faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines after getting hurt during Les Bleus’ training

LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield with a long injury list after the recent international break.

Reds captain Jordan Henderson as well as Andy Robertson face a late fitness test after returning from England and Scotland duty respectively.

Jurgen Klopp will be without Roberto Firmino (hamstring), Joe Gomez (calf), Curtis Jones (eye), Harvey Elliott (ankle), as well as James Milner and Naby Keita (both hamstring).

But Sadio Mane is available as he has recovered from bruised ribs he suffered while playing for Senegal’s national team

ARSENAL TEAM NEWS

Arsenal visit Liverpool at Anfield later today in a crucial Premier League clash that will put their 10-match undefeated streak to the test.

The Gunners could be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who sustained an undisclosed injury while on international duty that was cut short.

Mikel Arteta will also be missing Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka, who are sidelined with an ankle and knee ligament injury respectively.

As mentioned earlier, Thomas Partey has made major progress during his recovery from a groin problem and is in contention to return

ASTON VILLA VS BRIGHTON PREVIEW

Steven Gerrard’s era at Aston Villa kicks off today when his new team hosts Brighton at Villa Park.

Gerrard will be without Douglas Luiz, who has been sidelined since late October with a hamstring injury.

The Liverpool legend will also be deprived of Morgan Sanson and Trezeguet, who are out with an illness and knee injury respectively.

However, the 41-year-old head coach will have Ezri Konsa back in the squad after the defender served a one-game ban.

Brighton manager Graham Potter, on the other hand, will be missing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as he is suspended following his late red card against Newcastle two weeks ago.

Therefore, second-choice keeper Jason Steele is expected to be handed his Premier League debut.

Enock Mwepu is sidelined with a muscle strain but Potter will have Aaron Connolly back as he regained full fitness following a heel injury

KAR-IED AWAY

Manchester United great Gary Neville believes he “overstepped the mark” with his criticism of Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Neville was previously critical of Karius in 2016 when he made a crucial error that led to Bournemouth beating the Reds 4-3.

He told the Mail: “I think I have overstepped the mark once in punditry when I have attacked a player that was above and beyond what I should have done as an ex-pro, a coach and an owner.

“I think I am a respectable human being. I thought I went too far on Karius. I said Liverpool would never win the league with him.

“He criticised me after and so did Jurgen Klopp. No problem. I look back now and think I criticised the lad too much for his age, his position.

“I actually think I was right. They signed Alisson and [Virgil] van Dijk and won it [the Premier League]. But that doesn’t mean I should have done it.

“I think Gary Neville as a decent human being and professional – knowing how difficult it is to play for United and Liverpool – went too far”

STILL THE BOSS

Jurgen Klopp has shut down talks of Liverpool legend and new Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard replacing him in the dugout after his contract expires in 2024.

Klopp said: “I don’t have to think about these things [whether he will stay beyond 2024].

“It’s all fine how it is with Liverpool. It’s far away from being over.

“Gerrard said a lot of nice and smart things. I watched his conference”

GAME OF KESS

Arsenal have joined rivals Tottenham and Manchester United in the transfer war for AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

That is according to the Daily Mirror, who report that the Gunners will go toe-to-toe with their rivals and European juggernauts to sign Kessie.

The midfielder can agree a pre-contract deal from January 1, leaving Milan in a vulnerable position.

The 24-year-old’s deal at the Serie A giants runs out next summer and he is attracting interest from a host of top European clubs

WES SIDE STORY

Chelsea have resumed talks with Leicester star Wesley Fofana ahead of a potential summer transfer.

That is according to Footmercato, who report that the Blues are eyeing Fofana as four key centre-backs are out of contract at the end of this season.

Those are Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

The west Londoners, however, would face stiff competition from a host of top European clubs, such as Manchester United and Real Madrid who are also keen on the Frenchman

HOWE ABOUT THAT

New Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will boss his first game from a hotel room after testing positive for Covid-19.

Howe was diagnosed with coronavirus last night and will now have to self-isolate for 10 days.

However, the 43-year-old will FaceTime every player individually before today’s Brentford clash and will be in “constant communication” with assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones at St James’ Park.

Howe said: “I’m very disappointed I won’t be at St James’ Park tomorrow [Saturday], but it is incredibly important I follow the guidelines and self-isolate”

OVERNIGHT FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

New Newcastle boss Eddie Howe misses his first game in charge through Covid as Premier League action returns today following the international break.

The Toon host Brentford while Chelsea will go six points clear – if only briefly – should they win this afternoon’s early game at Leicester.

Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard leads Aston Villa out at home to in-form Brighton after succeeding the sacked Dean Smith 

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure for the trip to Watford after just one win in six Prem matches.

And Arsenal will really rev up their revival if they win at Liverpool.

Victory would leapfrog the Gunners over Jurgen Klopp’s fourth-placed side.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Going to Anfield is always a test, but if you are able to do that, there are not many grounds as good as there to feel that you are a proper footballer.”

On the transfer front, Jesse Lingard strongly hinted on Instagram he’ll join former loan club West Ham after contract talks with the Red Devils collapsed.

The £10million-rated England midfielder is tipped for a £10million permanent departure in January.

TIME TO CHIL

Brendan Rodgers hopes Ben Chilwell is welcomed back by Leicester fans today — but knows there can be ‘needle’ when a key player decides to leave.

The left-back quit the King Power Stadium to join Chelsea 15 months ago in a £50million deal.

And Foxes fans booed him during the FA Cup Final last May — which Rodgers’ side won after Chilwell had a last-gasp equaliser for Blues ruled out by the VAR.

He returned to Leicester last season with no fans in the ground.

But today is set to be back for the first time in front of a crowd.

England defender Chilwell, 24, upset some fans with comments made after completing his move.

Rodgers said: “There certainly wasn’t any animosity between us, he was a young player that came through the system here, and he ended up playing for the first team.

“He decided to move on, and the club did very well as a result in terms of his fee.  

“It’s difficult, players leave, and there can be a little bit of needle around that.”  

ARTETA: AIM HIGHER THAN FOURTH

Mikel Arteta challenged Arsenal to aim higher than just a top-four spot as they look to end their Liverpool nightmare on Saturday.

The Gunners boss believes there is a new spirit of optimism sweeping through the club as a result of his mass Emirates clear-out.

Arteta was still playing when Arsenal last won a league game at Anfield in September 2012.

Since then they have managed just two points from eight games and conceded 28 times.

But now they go to Merseyside defending a ten-match unbeaten run and cautiously optimistic about challenging for Champions League qualification again.

Arteta said: “For me it is positive when people speak about getting into the top four. It means there is excitement and that people want to push us.

“But this club is about being the best, not even about being fourth. That history has to be there all the time, giving us the drive and mentality to achieve the biggest targets.

“If you don’t have that mentality, you cannot play for this club. The level of expectation always has to be the highest.”

VILLA FANS FORGIVE GERRARD

Aston Villa fans are ready to end their 20-year vendetta against Steven Gerrard according to Vital Villa Fans’ Site Editor, Jonathan Fear, writes GRAEME BRYCE.

Gerrard has been public enemy No.1 at Villa Park for two decades, hated and hounded by the Holte End who refused to forgive him for an over-the-ball tackle on George Boateng – when he was a feisty 21-year-old.

Although Gerrard’s apology was accepted by the Dutchman at the time – and he was punished with a red card and three-match ban – Villa fans have never pardoned him for his ‘crime.’ 

In his 2006 best-seller: Gerrard, The Autobiography, Gerrard wrote:  “The Holte End hate me.

“Ever since the Boateng foul, I get serenaded with ‘Steven Gerrard is a w*****’ whenever I play at Villa Park.”

However, Fear predicts Gerrard will receive a hero’s welcome when he takes charge of Villa for the first time against Brighton tomorrow (Saturday) after making a positive first impression since replacing Dean Smith earlier this week. 

He said: “Once someone’s named Aston Villa manager they have done no wrong in their history.

“If he hadn’t been named our manager then of course he’s done no right in his history!

“The Gerrard we used to abuse was the player and we know as a player he was a winner. He was the same as Roy Keane – not liked by opposing fans because you secretly wanted him in your team.

“Since becoming our manager Steven Gerrard has said all the right things so far – now he just has to do all the right things!!

RIO: UTD NEED JUDE

Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to do ‘what ever it takes’ to sign England wonderkid Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

Midfielder Bellingham,18, has already been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

And United legend Ferdinand believes the former Birmingham hero is the ideal player for now and especially the future.

RICH REWARDS FOR BRAVERY

Everton star Richarlison has been playing injured with injections to numb the pain and even showed up for international duty with a broken rib.

The forward had a busy summer after a tough Premier League season as he represented Brazil in the Copa America and then the Tokyo Olympics, which took their toll on his fitness.

The 24-year-old revealed he had to take shots before games ever since the Olympic quarter-finals to deal with the “wear and tear” his knee had suffered.

That is why the Toffees favourite decided to miss the last two World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, even though he has powered through the pain in the past by playing with an injured ankle and broken rib.

RONALDO RALLYING CALL

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Manchester United to dig deep to get back on track.

The Red Devils return to Premier League action at Watford tomorrow after six losses in 12 games.

And the United legend posted on social media: “Time to roll up the sleeve once again and just get the job done!

“Let’s chase what we are trying to achieve this season.”

HOWE MISSES FIRST TOON GAME WITH COVID

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will miss his first match in charge of the club after testing positive for coronavirus.

The 43-year-old was preparing for his first game since succeeding Steve Bruce at St James’ Park.

But he will have to wait at least another week after contracting Covid-19, with his Magpies assistant head coaches Gareme Jones and Jason Tindall to be in charge for the clash against Brentford in his absence.

A statement from Newcastle confirmed that the ex-Bournemouth gaffer will now self-isolate in line with the government government guidelines.

Speaking to the club’s website, Howe expressed his disappointment at missing out on being in the dugout for Saturday’s fixture.

He said: “I’m very disappointed that I won’t be there with you all at St. James’ Park tomorrow.

“But it is incredibly important that I follow the guidelines and self-isolate.

“I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn’t derailed our preparations for what is an important game.

“I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch.”

OGBONNA BLOW FOR HAMMERS

West Ham striker Angelo Ogbonna is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury.

Hammers boss David Moyes confirmed that Ogbonna will go under the knife in the next few days and may not play again until next term.

The centre-back sustained the injury during the east Londoners’ 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the London Stadium two weeks ago and is estimated to be out for nine months.

Moyes said: “Surgery will take place over the next couple days.

“It’s really sad because he’s a great player. I think it would be hard for Angelo to be back this season.”

Ogbonna was initially substituted during the match with the Reds due to a cut above his eye but subsequently felt discomfort in his knee on the bench.

A scan the following day revealed the Italian suffered ACL damage.

According to The Athletic, West Ham will extend the 33-year-old’s contract, which expires in the summer, to aid in his recovery.

BALE ABUSED

Gareth Bale was abused by a small group of Real Madrid fans at the club’s training ground on Friday.

And one furious Real supporter appeared to throw a marker pen at Bale’s car window with cries of ‘F*** you’ heard as he was leaving the Valdebebas facility.

Bale returned from international duty with Wales with another injury and that appears to have angered a section of the Bernabeu support.

The 32-year-old has a calf injury which he sustained on his 100th cap against Belarus last Saturday and is set to be out for at least three weeks.

Bale missed the 1-1 draw with Belgium as Robert Page’s side clinched a home World Cup play-off semi-final in March.

The forward has not played for Real since the end of August after a severe hamstring injury sustained in training with his club.

Pundits in Spain have been angry with Wales captain Bale for appearing to put his country ahead of his club.

Bale wound up the Real supporters in 2019 after the Dragons qualified for Euro 2020 by holding up the flag which read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.”

RON CAN BE THE BOSS – BUT NOT YET

Cristiano Ronaldo has shown all the hallmarks of a manager but has no chance of succeeding Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

That’s the verdict of Liverpool legend Ian Rush, who believes the United striker’s touchline antics with Portugal show his passion to direct the play from off as well as on the pitch.

United visit Watford on Saturday after six defeats in 12 games immediately before the international break.

And Leicester chief Brendan Rodgers is odds-on favourite for Old Trafford if under-pressure Solskjaer departs.

The Norwegian has insisted he is no quitter and believes he will turn the Red Devils around.

But Solskjaer is odds-on to be the next Premier League manager axed and Ronaldo, 36, has risen up the list of contenders to replace him.

Rush said: “I do see him as a leader. “But unless he has Sir Alex Ferguson alongside him I don’t see him managing Manchester United any time soon.

“We kind of got a glimpse of Ronaldo as a manager when Portugal won the Euros in 2016, when he had to go off injured. 

“He was so passionate on the touchline, barking orders and motivating the team, and maybe we saw the makings of a manager there.

“We know he’s very demanding which you need to be as a manager, and he does like to have control of things too. 

“But to manage a big club like Manchester United you need proper managerial experience and that’s why I don’t buy into the story of him replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”

POGBA STARTS CLOCK ON UTD RETURN

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is working hard towards making his return from injury.

The 28-year-old star has taken to social media once again to update United fans on his progress after suffering a thigh injury while on France duty.

Pogba posted a picture on his Instagram story of himself stretching out his thigh as he continued his warm-weather training in Dubai.

And he simply captioned the picture ‘tic-tac’ – French for ‘tick-tock’ – with an hourglass emoji.

The midfielder is counting down the days until he can make his Manchester United return.

He is currently out in Dubai after jetting out to complete the first phase of his rehabilitation programme for the injury that could keep him out for two months.

United confirmed the news on Wednesday in a statement that read: “Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has travelled to Dubai to undertake the next phase of his rehabilitation in warm weather conditions.

“The 28-year-old reported for international duty with France at the beginning of last week and unfortunately suffered an injury while training. 

“Pogba is now working diligently on his rehabilitation.”