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Everton appear to be moving in the right direction.

Last time out, the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium witnessed wild celebrations for the first time as the Toffees fought back from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the dying embers.

Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty, before Jack Grealish rather tackled in the winner from close range deep into stoppage time.

This propelled David Moyes’ team up to eighth in the Premier League table and was a timely victory, considering the Blues’ next two matches are Manchester City (A) and then Tottenham (H) after this latest international break.

So, while Everton’s sole league defeat since the opening day came in the Merseyside derby at Anfield, one regular member of their team is on borrowed time, ahead of the return of, arguably, Everton’s best player.

The latest on Jarrad Branthwaite's fitness

What has made Everton’s decent start to the season all the more impressive is the fact that Jarrard Branthwaite is yet to play a single minute of it.

The England international suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly against Roma, so has not been seen in competitive action since the final game at Goodison back in May.

In the meantime though, he has signed a new five-year contract with the club, a serious statement of intent to secure the signature of a defender described as a “generational talent”.

Ahead of the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham, Moyes noted that Branthwaite was not yet “back with the group” but is expecting him to be available “soon”, so there is optimism that he’ll be ready to feature in the coming weeks.

Having been both the Toffees’ players’ and supporters’ player of the season in 2023/24, the 23-year-old’s imminent return will only elevate this team, but could certainly be bad news for his current deputy.

Everton star on borrowed time once Branthwaite is back

In Branthwaite’s continued absence, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have started every Premier League match at centre-back so far this season, both ever-presents until the latter suffered a rib injury against Crystal Palace, replaced by Tim Iroegbunam mid-way through the second period.

Keane joined the Toffees from Burnley all the way back in 2017, accumulating 239 appearances for the club to date, playing under eight different permanent managers: Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benítez, Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and now Moyes.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday night football, one of Keane’s former caretaker bosses, Duncan Ferguson exclaimed that he’s been blown away by the England international’s recent performances, particularly in light of his goal against West Ham.

“It’s incredible how he got the height. He jumped off his two feet when normally it would be off one. It was behind him. What a header.”

However, one would assume that, as soon as Branthwaite is back, the 32-year-old will find himself back on the bench, so let’s assess how the duo compare.

Aerial duel success %

59%

57%

Ground duel success %

69%

49%

Clearances

6.8

6.9

Interceptions

1

1.3

Blocks

0.9

0.7

Ball recoveries

3.4

2.6

Touches

56

50

As the table documents, Branthwaite comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included.

Keane did score that aforementioned goal against West Ham at Bramley-Moore Dock last month, but his days not only in the Everton team but at the club at all could be numbered, considering he is out of contract next summer, having signed a one-year deal last July.

Branthwaite, on the other hand, is the future, currently contracted to remain on Merseyside until 2030, so they will want him back in the defence as soon as possible.

Thus, while Keane is a serviceable Premier League player, Everton’s new home signals that they have aspirations of grandeur, and Branthwaite’s return will be key in getting them back there.

Moyes can make Ndiaye unplayable by unleashing Everton ace in new position

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ByDan Emery Oct 13, 2025

Steven Gerrard was keen to avoid entering a “really tough” situation after being approached for the Rangers job after the sacking of Russell Martin. The Liverpool legend was at the top of the Scottish side’s shortlist for replacements, having already had a successful spell in Glasgow. But after the club’s poor start to the season, the Premier League icon opted not to take the risk.

• Gerrard unwilling to take Rangers risk

  Rangers have had a disastrous start to their 2025-26 campaign, winning just one of their opening seven Scottish Premiership matches. It has left the powerhouses in a difficult situation, sitting 11 points off the top spot and already at a huge disadvantage in the title race.

  With the club unwilling to give Martin – who had previously been in charge at Southampton – time to rectify his bumpy beginning to life in Scotland, they instead turned to Gerrard. The ex-midfielder was in charge between 2018-2021, halting a formidable Celtic side to claim a league title before departing for Aston Villa.

  Reports claim Gerrard was interested in returning to Ibrox, but ultimately opted against risking his immaculate reputation with the hardcore fans in the north.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Nevin: ‘I feel sorry for the board’

  Former Scotland star Pat Nevin can see the logic behind Gerrard’s decision, and claims it will be incredibly difficult to draft in a top manager after the start Rangers have made.

  Speaking to OLBG, he said: “Steven Gerrard's the last one that won a title and it stopped Celtic doing the ten titles in a row. So he's literally as good as anyone else and he's certainly got a tune out of that team that season.

  “I feel sorry for the board because when you look elsewhere it's tough. It's really, really tough to get a top manager because when you come into Rangers, it's not just Russell Martin.

  “You're behind the eight ball already. When you walk in, they're so far behind the league just now. The expectation is, if you got second this season, even from so far behind, people will still be a bit grumpy with you.

  “I understand that, they've got high standards. But the amount of managers that have gone in there and come out and been trashed, absolutely trashed. And there's no win for it. Celtic typically have so much more money.

  “Celtic have got a base there. Celtic can go and blow Rangers out of the water with money just now if they want, (but) they're not. They've got plenty in the bank they can use. There's all sorts of stuff that Celtic have got in place.

  “Rangers have got this team that's been built by a whole bunch of different managers. And I go to see Celtic-Rangers games a lot and you think, so who's playing for Rangers now? And that's not what you want.“

• Rangers can turn you into a laughing stock

  The 28-cap international also admitted that Rangers could turn any manager into a laughing stock, a likely reason why Gerrard was unwilling to return.

  He added: “You want a core that's going through that you believe in and you trust in. They've actually made one or two good signings, Bojan Miovski was a good signing this season.

  “But you can go in there and as a manager, a well-respected manager, and come out as a laughing stock. And that's maybe what's happened with Stevie G this time. Because remember, Stevie G needs a job. He needs a profile, again, after what's happened to him.

  “So Stevie turned that down, that's not because he doesn't want to be Rangers manager, he'd like to be Rangers manager. He’s looking at them and thinking, ‘ooh, I don't know about that’.

  “If he's saying that, some of the other very top ones will say the same. So whoever it is that comes now, it’s really tough.”

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  The hunt for a new coach continues

  Rangers return to action on Saturday when they face Dundee United, one of the four teams below them in the table. With no permanent manager in place, the club continue to run the risk of falling further behind their rivals, a situation the board will want to avoid at all costs. Rangers also remain in the Europa League, having failed to progress from their Champions League play-off. If they are to make any progress in Europe this season, they will need to make the right decision when it comes to replacing Martin.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been defined by frustration and disappointment.

Five games in, they are rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points and a goal difference of -9.

Their attack has looked blunt, generating one of the lowest expected goals (xG) figures in the division – only Aston Villa, Burnley, and Leeds rank worse.

This stands in stark contrast to their Carabao Cup outings, where they have shown flashes of potential.

They beat West Ham in the second round with a convincing display and now have an opportunity to build momentum against Everton in the third round on Wednesday night.

For manager Pereira, this cup tie feels like more than just a fixture; it’s a chance to breathe life into a faltering season.

The departure of Matheus Cunha, who was instrumental last year, has left a void in Wolves’ attacking play.

While the defensive structure under Pereira’s three-at-the-back system has shown glimpses of resilience, the final third remains the glaring weakness.

Upcoming fixtures, including clashes with relegation rivals Sunderland and Burnley after the international break, demand fresh solutions.

Arokodare's difficult start at Wolves

When Wolves signed Tolu Arokodare from Genk for £24 million, there was genuine excitement.

The 24-year-old forward had just finished as the Belgian Pro League’s Golden Boot winner, scoring 21 goals and establishing himself as a dominant aerial threat.

In total, he netted 41 times in 113 appearances for Genk, suggesting he could be the answer to Wolves’ goalscoring problems.

So far, however, the transition has been anything but smooth.

Arokodare has featured twice in the Premier League for a combined 156 minutes, starting against Newcastle and Leeds. While his physical presence is undeniable, his output has underwhelmed.

Against Leeds, he recorded three shots, but only one was on target. His dribbling attempts yielded no success, and although he contested 13 aerial duels, he only won seven, as per Sofascore.

The numbers reflect a player still adjusting to the intensity and pace of English football.

Wolves fans were expecting a ruthless finisher; instead, they’ve seen a forward struggling to impose himself.

Pereira’s persistence with Arokodare has become synonymous with the side’s wider attacking malaise.

At a time when Wolves desperately need sharpness in the final third, he has looked like a work in progress rather than a solution.

How Pereira can get Wolves firing again

The return of Jorgen Strand Larsen could change the equation entirely.

The Norwegian striker has been Wolves’ talisman since arriving from Celta Vigo, having scored 14 league goals on loan.

That tally accounted for 22% of Wolves’ total strikes, a contribution that proved decisive in avoiding relegation last season.

His commitment was underlined this summer when he signed a new deal until 2030 despite Champions League club Newcastle United tabling bids of £50m and £55m.

Strand Larsen has already opened his account for the campaign, scoring twice in the Carabao Cup win over West Ham.

Yet an Achilles injury has sidelined him for the past two league games, leaving Wolves blunt in attack.

Now fit again, his return offers Pereira an ideal chance to reset the forward line.

The ideal partner for him is Jhon Arias, the Colombian winger-forward who joined from Fluminense for £15m.

Arias contributed four goals and 13 assists in Brazil last season, showcasing his ability to both score and create.

His versatility makes him well-suited to Pereira’s 3-5-2 system, where he could play just off Strand Larsen, stretching defences and linking midfield with attack.

Although Arias has only managed 179 league minutes so far, his technical qualities have been clear, having also been hailed for his “relentless” work off the ball by analyst Ben Mattinson.

John Arias – 2025

Matches Played

12

Goals

1

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

48

Progressive Passes

55

Source: FBref

He thrives in tight spaces, has the vision to pick progressive passes, and the pace to break lines – elements Wolves sorely lack when Arokodare leads the line.

If given a run of games, Arias could replicate the kind of strike partnerships Wolves have historically relied upon in Derek Dougan and John Richards.

Everton in the League Cup provides the perfect stage to test this combination.

Strand Larsen’s presence guarantees a focal point, while Arias’ creativity and movement would add unpredictability.

Together, they could finally give Wolves the attacking structure to match the defensive solidity that has, at times, looked promising.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

Arsenal are now set to bid for a £52m player, who is being targeted as a direct replacement for a wantaway star, according to a reporter.

Gunners keen on another defender before deadline

The Gunners have already made major improvements to their squad this summer, with Mikel Arteta mainly setting out to bolster his attacking options, although Cristhian Mosquera was also brought in as a back-up to William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back.

However, having now gotten the deal for Eberechi Eze over the line, with Andrea Berta orchestrating a stunning hijack of Tottenham Hotspur’s deal, the north Londoners now appear to have turned their attentions towards strengthening their defence.

A late move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has been discussed, although Liverpool looks like a more likely destination, given that the Englishman has reservations about playing second fiddle to Gabriel and Saliba.

As such, Arteta’s side have now moved on to alternative targets, and another sensational hijack could be on the cards, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing Arsenal are now “set to bid” for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

On Monday morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham have made a “new proposal” for Hincapie, with discussions over personal terms underway, but the Gunners have also entered the race, and Jacobs believes the Ecuadorian “favours” a move to the Emirates Stadium.

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The Gunners are set to sign another attacker…

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Berta is targeting the 23-year-old as a replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who wants to leave this summer, with a move to FC Porto on the cards, but the Gunners may have to spend big once again, as there is a €60m (£52m) release clause in the Leverkusen star’s contract.

Hincapie could be "perfect" signing for Arsenal

Scout Ben Mattinson has previously suggested the Leverkusen defender could be the “perfect” addition to Arteta’s squad, given that he is capable of playing at both left-back and left centre-back, which makes him a similar type of player to Kiwior.

The Poland international has also featured at left-back regularly throughout his career, and he clearly impressed Arteta last season, with the Arsenal boss dubbing the 25-year-old as “exceptional.”

However, with the defender eager to leave, there is no point standing in his way, particularly considering Hincapie could be an ideal replacement, having already racked up a considerable amount of experience at Leverkusen, making 166 appearances for the German club.

While obviously not their primary objective, it would also be fantastic for Arsenal to get another one over on their north London rivals, having already hijacked the move for Eze, who enjoyed a very impressive campaign with Palace last season.

Leeds United are pushing to complete some late deals in the window and could now be set to up the ante in pursuit of an exciting attacker who has been made available by his club, according to a report.

Leeds United looking to complete one or two more deals

Daniel Farke hasn’t been shy about emphasising that his side need to improve their squad to stand a chance of staying in the Premier League, and the German coach has let slip that there could be one or two more incomings at Elland Road before the close of play.

Speaking before his side take on Newcastle United, he stated when asked about further additions and outgoings: “I can confirm Largie (Ramazani) and Isaac (Schmidt) have been allowed to travel to talk with other clubs. Not confirmed yet but we expect this to happen.

“It makes no sense to give you a percentage right now (on the amount of potential new arrivals), if one or two, we will see.”

With Kalvin Phillips potentially rejoining Leeds United, cover in midfield may now be on the horizon following injuries to Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu.

Vowing to find ‘solutions’ rather than wallowing over missing individuals, Getafe star Christantus Uche is also on the Whites’ radar after his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers stalled.

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Posts 2 ByDan Emery Aug 27, 2025

One victory in the top-flight coupled with a heavy defeat to Arsenal has left supporters feeling there is work still to be done, hammered home again by Leeds’ midweek EFL Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday on penalties.

Nevertheless, help could be on the way in the next few days if reports are to be believed, which suggest that Farke could be presented with a golden chance to land a talented attacker.

Leeds United could look to secure Emiliano Buendia

According to Football Insider, Leeds are keen on Aston Villa star Emiliano Buendia after he was put up for sale to help the Villans balance their books in light of recent PSR concerns.

Pete O’Rourke stated on his situation: “Aston Villa would be willing to let [Buendia] move on, just to help their cash flow and balance the books.

Five similar players to Emiliano Buendia (FBRef)

Facundo Buonanotte

Brighton & Hove Albion

Kamory Doumbia

Brest

Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Ernest Nuamah

Lyon

“Let’s wait and see – Leeds United are in the market for a number 10, and Buendia would tick a lot of boxes. There’s also been interest from Stuttgart in Germany, and there will be a number of clubs looking at Buendia as a potential signing right up to the deadline.”

Intriguingly, Buendia and Leeds target Facundo Buonanotte, who now looks to be heading to Chelsea, are cited for their similarities as players. Both rank in the 99th percentile for wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in tackles per 90, suggesting Farke is keen to get a playmaker who can lead his press from the front.

Last term, the Argentina international spent time on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and registered two goals in 14 appearances, albeit he didn’t manage to produce his best form.

Labelled “fantastic” by Rio Ferdinand, Buendia, who earns £75,000 per week at Aston Villa, is someone who has shown his quality in the top-flight before and could provide the creative fusion needed to spice up Farke’s attacking areas.

حقق الأهلي الفوز الرابع على التوالي في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز هذا الموسم، ليصل إلي النقطة 18 متساويًا مع الزمالك والمصري في الصدارة.

ويعود الأهلي بذلك من جديد إلى المنافسة على لقب بطولة الدوري المصري، بعد البداية السيئة للموسم الحالي.

الأهلي واجه كهرباء الإسماعيلية، اليوم السبت، في الجولة العاشرة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري، وانتصر بنتيجة 4-2.

وبهذا الفوز، يتواجد الأهلي في المركز الثالث بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، متساويًا مع ثنائي الصدارة الزمالك والمصري بنفس عدد النقاط.

وكان الزمالك فقد نقطتين بتعادله مع غزل المحلة اليوم السبت ضمن نفس الجولة، مواصلًا نزيف النقاط في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز للموسم الحالي.

طالع.. فيديو | غزل المحلة يخطف نقطة ثمينة ويُزيد معاناة الزمالك في الدوري المصري جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري

1- المصري، 18 نقطة (10 مباريات).

2- الزمالك، 18 نقطة (10 مباريات).

3- الأهلي، 18 نقطة (9 مباريات).

4- سيراميكا كليوباترا، 17 نقطة (9 مباريات).

5- إنبي 17 نقطة (10 مباريات).

6- وادي دجلة، 16 نقطة (10 مباريات).

7- بيراميدز، 14 نقطة (7 مباريات).

8- سموحة، 14 نقطة (9 مباريات).

9. بتروجيت، 14 نقطة (9 مباريات).

10- الجونة، 12 نقطة (9 مباريات).

11- زد، 12 نقطة (10 مباريات).

12- مودرن سبورت، 12 نقطة (9 مباريات).

13- البنك الأهلي، 11 نقطة (9 مباريات).

14- غزل المحلة، 11 نقطة (10 مباريات).

15- حرس الحدود، 11 نقاط (9 مباريات).

16- طلائع الجيش، 9 نقاط (10 مباريات).

17- الاتحاد السكندري، 8 نقاط (9 مباريات).

18- كهرباء الإسماعيلية، 8 نقاط (9 مباريات).

19- فاركو، 6 نقاط (9 مباريات).

20- المقاولون العرب، 5 نقاط (10 مباريات).

21- الإسماعيلي، 4 نقاط (10 مباريات).

يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز للموسم الحالي 2025-2026 محدث باستمرار من هنا.

Brisbane Heat 139 for 4 (Rodrigues 45) beat Melbourne Stars 138 (Garth 31*, Hamilton 5-8)Brisbane Heat teenager Lucy Hamilton became the youngest player in WBBL history to take a five-wicket haul, skipping schoolies’ week to bowl her side to a crucial six-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars.Hamilton claimed the equal-second best figures in the competition’s 10-year history on Sunday, with her 5 for 8 helping Heat bowl Stars out for 138.Related