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Celtic face Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park this afternoon, with Ange Postecoglu eyeing his first trophy since taking over at Parkhead in the summer.

The 56-year-old is missing a handful of players, with some facing last-minute fitness tests, so who will make the Hoops’ line-up for the cup final?

This is how Football FanCast predicts Celtic to set up against Hibs later today, with two changes from Wednesday’s starting line-up which faced Ross County.

There are no changes at the back after the midweek 2-1 win, with Celtic having the Premiership’s best defence, having conceded just 11 goals in 18 league matches so far this season.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart has been a significant part of that feat. The 34-year-old has been superb since making the move to Glasgow and will be looking to add another trophy to his impressive CV.

In midfield, Tom Rogic comes in for Nir Bitton after being rested in midweek. The Australian has been key for Postecoglu’s side this season, making 25 appearances in all competitions already, and his experience could be vital if Celtic are to be victorious today. He also boasts a potent presence, with three goals and five assists to his name in 2021/22.

Fellow midfielder Callum McGregor will be eyeing his 16th trophy for Celtic, and his first as captain of the club.

With the chances of James Forest and Kyogo Furuhashi being able to prove their fitness in time for kick-off too close to call, Liel Abada and Josip Juranović retain their places, with Mikey Johnston returning from a knock in time to start on the left. He replaces Adam Montgomery, who did not convince in an unfamiliar wide attacking role in Dingwall.

Johnston’s fitness was in doubt but the 22-year-old was pictured in training on Friday, which suggests that he could be fit to play, whether that’s as a starter or a substitute.

In other news: Postecoglou drops teasing Celtic team news before Hibs showdown, fans will be buzzing

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to the news that the Anfield Road expansion has been given the go-ahead.

The Reds ended up salvaging a season that threatened to be a disaster in 2020/21, securing a third-place finish in the Premier League.

It was a campaign that no Reds supporters will have particularly fond memories of, with empty stadiums, VAR and talk of a European Super League all low points.

Liverpool’s owners, FSG, rightly received criticism for their involvement in the Super League and they have also often been accused of not spending enough money of taking the Reds forward.

They financed the impressive new Main Stand, however, and according to the Liverpool Echo, the club’s plans to expand the Anfield Road end too have now been approved.

The £60million plan will see Anfield’s attendance rise a further 7,000 to 61,000, making Liverpool’s world-famous ground even more formidable.

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Liverpool fans react to Anfield Road expansion news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, with one supporter calling it ‘awesome’.

“Nice, now it’s time to sign some players for that extra 7k to watch”

Credit: @TheHendoEffect

“Love that, can’t wait to be back!”

Credit: @LFCVik2

“So glad we stayed at Anfield instead of going to a new stadium”

Credit: @Sean_PD

“This is so awesome! We are so lucky to have FSG! Where are all the haters now??!!”

Credit: @Greg_YNWA1

“Ain’t no one stopping us next season”

Credit: @conradbeckham

“Yessssss bois, criticise FSG if you want but at least they invest in the infrastructure”

Credit: @RobintheRed598

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after a key update regarding a Reds star. Find out who it is here. 

Russell Martin is desperate to sign Sunderland centre-forward Will Grigg this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Speaking after Milton Keynes Dons 5-0 win over Swindon Town on Saturday, Martin stated his desire to sign Grigg – who is currently on loan at the League One side – permanently this summer.

As cited by MK Citizen, Martin said: “We’d like to keep him, he fits in with what we’re doing but he has a contract with another club. He has another year, and Sunderland could be in this league still. We’ll be right in the mix to try and keep him. We’ll have to wait and see.”

On Grigg’s performance in the fixture, in which the 29-year-old bagged four of MK Don’s five goals, Martin remarked: “Today, he got the goals he deserved. He’s playing in a way that he hasn’t been asked to do before. He deserved the goals because he is so humble, has no ego, puts the team ahead of himself.”

Why should Sunderland sell?

While it is undeniable that Grigg has impressed during his loan spell, with the Northern Ireland international scoring eight goals and providing three assists over his 18 appearances for MK Dons, this form is a far cry from anything the striker has managed since joining Sunderland in a £3.06 million deal from Wigan Athletic back in 2019.

This season, Grigg managed no goals or assists over his nine League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side before departing the club in January, while, in total, he has scored just eight times in 61 appearances for the Black Cats.

This means that, not even factoring in his £6,000-per-week salary, the centre-forward’s goals have cost Sunderland around £382,500 per strike, an extraordinary amount of football for a team who are still playing their football in the third tier of the English pyramid.

As such, regardless of whether Sunderland achieve promotion or not this season, Johnson should do all he can to see that Martin does indeed manage to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent basis this summer, as it is abundantly clear that Grigg and Sunderland are not compatible with each other whatsoever.

Furthermore, while Grigg is in a fine run of form whilst out on loan, perhaps the Black Cats will be able to claw back slightly more of the rather astonishing transfer fee they paid for him, in comparison to how much they could have asked for when he was failing to do the business at the Stadium of Light.

In other news: Move over Sanderson: SAFC could save millions by unleashing “lovely” rarely-seen beast – opinion

A ‘substantial’ new kit deal for Liverpool would allow even more money to be generated for new signings, according to Leeds United employee and club ambassador and Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: New kit deal coming?

The Reds’ kit is currently sponsored by Standard Chartered, with their deal running out at the end of the next season and bringing them around £40million a year at the moment.

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Recent reports have claimed that Liverpool are on the lookout for an even bigger deal, however – one that could earn them as much as £50 million every 12 months.

With Jurgen Klopp’s men flying on the pitch, it would be a surprise if the Reds weren’t without suitors, as they look to continue battling for Premier League titles.

The Latest: Whelan makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider, reacting to recent news that Liverpool are currently in talks with multiple companies over a possible big money off-field agreement worth around £50million-per-year, Whelan got behind the idea of a new kit sponsor.

He claims that it’s a ‘no-brainer’ for companies to be attached to the Anfield club and Klopp’s side will ‘for sure’ never be short of options.

“Look, they’re a very marketable football club. One that many, many businesses would want to be attached to.

“Liverpool is a club that pretty much sells itself. It’s like Man United, Man City these days, Chelsea. Those big four sell themselves to companies because they want to be attached to that brand.

“They’re never going to be without a sponsor, that’s for sure, because of how successful they are. Because of the history behind the club, because of the demand worldwide support that they have.

“It’s a no brainer for a company to be attached and have a logo on the Liverpool shirt. It’s one of the biggest selling shirts in the world, not just in the country.

“That is going to be something substantial to the football club that’s going to help bring players in and give them the finances to push further and stay right there at the top of world football.”

The Verdict: Reds in a great place

There was a time when a £50million-a-year deal felt like a pipe dream for Liverpool but Klopp has transformed the club since arriving as manager back in October 2015.

The German has turned them into one of Europe’s best teams on current form, creating a team spirit and togetherness that should appeal to any possible sponsor.

It could be a case of Liverpool taking their pick from those interested in sponsoring their kit from 2023 onwards, such is their position of strength these days.

In other news, a pundit has backed one Liverpool player to sign a new deal. Find out who it is here.

West Brom could well have a star of the future waiting in the wings right now.

Callum Morton broke onto the scene last season, clinching promotion from League Two with Northampton Town, and he’s continued his impressive form in another loan spell, this time with Michael Appleton’s Lincoln City.

The young Baggies prospect models his game on two players, one of which has deep ties to the Hawthorns. He told BirminghamLive: “I base my game on the likes of Jamie Vardy and Shane Long.”

If he can become half the player of Vardy, or another Long in the Midlands, then Albion are going to be onto a major winner.

In his first month at Northampton, the 21-year-old striker bagged five goals in seven appearances to clinch the fourth tier’s ‘Player of the Month’ award. He then went onto fire the Cobblers into the playoff final by scoring a crucial brace.

Morton would go onto score at Wembley too, sealing promotion to League One.

That season, the West Brom prodigy notched the best conversion rate of anyone in the division, scoring a total of eight goals from 24 shots (33%), whilst he also led the lead for prolificacy, as 83% of his goals scored were on target, as per FBRef (via Scouted Football).

He has since gone on to impress under the former Baggies U23 boss. At the weekend, he fired home a crucial equaliser in the League One promotion race to help the Imps deny their rivals, Sunderland, at the Stadium of Light.

Morton was graded a 7.5/10 by the local press, who claimed he “didn’t see much of the ball at times but made lots of good runs and show great strength and footwork for his goal.” Further going back to those Vardy and Long comparisons.

That was his second goal since returning from a serious and long-term injury – the young gem is certainly getting picking up where he left off.

Despite never featuring for the senior side, Morton’s work ethic was duly noted by Slaven Bilic during his time in charge. And after offering the emerging starlet a new contract, the Croatian waxed lyrical to the Express & Star:

“I spoke with him a lot of times, he wasn’t training with the group, but I had a lot of chats with him. I didn’t know him as a player but to see that character – he has got something special. He is made of steel.”

Now under contract for another three-and-a-half years, Morton could well emerge as their future in the striking position. You can forget Rayhaan Tulloch, Owen Windsor and Jamie Soule for now, it’s the 21-year-old who looks best equipped for a shot in the big time.

AND in other news, Better than Grant: Dowling made big West Brom error over £12.6m-rated “special player”…

Crystal Palace are close to sealing a deal for Lucien Favre to take the reins at Selhurst Park, as reported by the Daily Mail.

As it stands, the south London club have held encouraging talks with the 63-year-old as they plot to replace the departed Roy Hodgson, who left the Eagles last month [BBC].

Everton are also said to be keen on the former Borussia Dortmund manager, but Crystal Palace are leading the battle to employ Favre as we edge closer towards the start of pre-season [Daily Mail].

The experienced coach has an impressive resume, winning five trophies across a managerial career spanning back 27 years to 1994, with two Swiss League titles, two Swiss Cups and the German Super Cup to his name as part of a CV which includes Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hertha Berlin [Transfermarkt].

As you can imagine, loads of Crystal Palace fans took to Twitter to revel in this fresh update, as their wait for clarity over the direction of their club seemingly nears an end.

CPFC fans go wild:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet Palace Xtra, here is how some fans summarised their feelings about the latest on Favre, with one supporter calling it a “miracle”:

“Stop you’re getting me excited”

Credit: @harley95612369″Omg omg omg”Credit: @cpfcaustin”How could the insect be close to pulling of this miracle”Credit: @w_cpfc”Please, please be true”Credit: @liamb0117″Tears in my eyes”Credit: @GoatZaha”what a night we are having atm omg”Credit: @turkishcpfc”LUCIEEEEENN”Credit: @SamWaters1994In other news, these Crystal Palace fans react to Ian Holloway’s famous speech from 2013.

With no manager in place at Goodison Park, it’s particularly difficult to envisage how this transfer window pans out for Everton.

Rafa Benitez is the favourite for the job and is on the verge of becoming the new boss. The sooner he arrives, the quicker they can bring in new faces.

What’s the word?

One area of the squad the Toffees look keen on improving is in defence.

Merih Demiral is on their radar, a player who was rather disappointing for Turkey at Euro 2020.

Another experienced international Everton have now been linked with a move for is Mattia De Sciglio.

He spent last term on loan at Lyon but he’s now back at Juventus and searching for the exit door again.

Italian media suggest a fee of £5m could prise him away from Turin, with the Merseyside club believed to be a suitor.

Should they sign him?

With Seamus Coleman now in the final year of his contract at Goodison Park, it would be a wise idea for Everton to sign a new full-back.

De Sciglio’s career hasn’t quite turned out in the way it was hoped when he first came through the ranks but he’d still be a valuable signing for the Merseyside club.

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As he was breaking onto the scene, the great Italian defender Paolo Maldini suggested he could have a career like his: “I think De Sciglio can follow a similar path to me at Milan. Things aren’t going too well at the moment, but he can have a career like mine.”

At the age of 28, that ship has sailed but the £97k-per-week earner is a particularly versatile player.

Last term, the Juventus defender played at left-back, in the centre of defence and at right-back. Everton already have a like-minded player in Ben Godfrey who was a huge success under Carlo Ancelotti in his first term at Goodison.

He is a different age to De Sciglio but it proves how valuable it is to have a defensively versatile player in their ranks.

Described as a player with “electric feet” by Alberigo Evani, the defender is two-footed and strong in the tackle. During the course of his career, he’s averaged 1.8 tackles per game; a higher tally than Coleman.

The arrival of the Italian, therefore, could put the final nail in the coffin of the captain’s Everton stay.

AND in other news, Brands could seal huge Gomes upgrade at Everton by signing “world-class” £30m star…

After West Ham United secured a memorable 3-2 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Monday evening, Declan Rice sent a heartfelt tweet after he missed the game through injury, with many Hammers fans responding on Twitter. 

January loan signing Jesse Lingard put on another memorable display for the Hammers, first scoring a sensational early opener with his mazing run through the Wolves half.

Thereafter, his brilliant little flick around Nelson Semedo near the corner flag set up Arthur Masuaku – who fired the ball towards Pablo Fornals as the Spaniard buried West Ham’s second of the night with a neat finish.

Jarrod Bowen made it 3-0 before half time, but Wolves eventually threatened a late fight, luckily to no avail for Irons supporters.

Rice, speaking after the game he missed through an ill-timed knee injury, sent a heartfelt tweet explaining how huge the win is for West Ham as they chase European football next season – stating (via Twitter): “Do not underestimate how big a win that is for the boys! Into the top 4, 8 games to go! Special group this! Love it.”

In response, many Irons have been in full agreement over how crucial those three points were – sending message after message to the Englishman as most also pray for a speedy recovery.

Find all of their best responses down below.

West Ham fans flock to Rice tweet

“Huuuuuuuuuge”

Credit: @_TomStroud

“Absolutely tremendous, everyone outstanding again. What a team spirit we have! COYI”

Credit: @neilbadger1

“Massive. I think we needed to show we can get the win without you as much as we needed to take those 3 points before the next run of games.”

Credit: @Nobby_1977

“Pls come back”

Credit: @ScoutSoucek

“Can’t wait to have you back Dec!”

Credit: @WHUKasp

“Very special group. Love this team”

Credit: @karenbeardy

“Massive game on Sunday Dec… win that and top 4 is ours to throw away. Hope your recovery goes well and we have you back soon”

Credit: @PaulCumby76

“The boys done us proud tonight”

Credit: @whu1515

In other news: West Ham are also warming up in the race to sign this 6 foot 4 powerhouse, find out more here.

Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to leave out Illan Meslier at the end of the season was ‘really harsh’, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Meslier left out by Bielsa

The Whites goalkeeper was one of his side’s outstanding players in 2020/21, starting 35 Premier League games and playing a key role in them finishing in ninth place.

Meslier was axed for Leeds’ final two matches of 2020/21, however, with Kiko Casilla starting against both Southampton and West Brom.

The Latest: Whelan unhappy with decision

It seemed a slightly baffling decision by Bielsa, considering what a consistent player the Frenchman has been throughout the campaign, and someone who wasn’t impressed was Whelan.

He told Football Insider that it felt needless on the manager’s part:

“Meslier deserved to play, there is absolutely no doubt about that in my mind. It is really harsh on him to not get to play in front of the fans after the season he has had. He’s been brilliant.

“Bielsa will have sat down and spoken to him regarding the decision before the game. He is a level-headed player so I think he will have taken it on the chin and moved on.

“I hope he understood Bielsa’s reasoning for leaving him out, whatever they were.”

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The Verdict: Water under the bridge

There is unlikely to be any great issue between Bielsa and Meslier, so this is more than likely something that has been blown out of proportion.

That being said, it made little sense to take out such a key player at the end of the campaign, especially when European football wasn’t completely out of the question.

Leeds won both games, of course, so Bielsa will feel vindicated in his decision, but the greater worry may be the exit links that have emerged for the young Frenchman in the past few months, which are bound to intensify with the summer window now looming.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to leave the club this summer – find out who it is here.

Kevin Campbell has given his reaction to the transfer statement which was released by Newcastle United last week.

The Lowdown: Transfer statement

The St. James’ Park faithful released a statement shortly after the summer transfer window shut, highlighting what their intentions were.

They claimed that they wanted to take a ‘sustainable’ approach, and so any money spent on transfers would have to be generated either from player sales or through matchday and non-matchday activities.

The Latest: Campbell reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton and Arsenal striker Campbell has now claimed that the statement will only increase tensions with the fanbase:

“I think the fans have had enough.

“I say that with the utmost respect because I do respect that club a lot. They deserve better.

“They have brought one player in, Willock, and they are not improving in anything. Then a statement comes out like that, unbelievable.

“The fans have had it up to here. They just want a change, new owners and a fresh start.

“They aren’t getting that at the moment, and that’s the frustrating thing.”

The Verdict: Frustrating

It certainly is frustrating that the North East club were only able to sign one player on a permanent deal of note in Joe Willock from Arsenal, who was there on loan last season anyway.

One has to question whether the sustainability model will work out in the long-term, given that other clubs in the Premier League will no doubt be looking to strengthen their squads further over the next few seasons.

Nonetheless, the Toon Army just want to see some sort of progression, ambition and direction, and it will be difficult to get that unless they are able to sign more players to strengthen the team when the January window comes around.

In other news, find out which £25.8m-rated ace NUFC made a ‘verbal offer’ for here!