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Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch will be without two experienced squad members for their FA Cup clash with Cardiff City this afternoon, according to Phil Hay…

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s ever-reliable reporter claimed that the Whites would be without the “usual suspects” when they make the trip to Wales, where they will begin their latest cup campaign in the third round.

He revealed:

“It was quite telling, I thought, that Jesse Marsch said on Friday that Leeds (or Angus Kinnear) had told him that they want a cup run. That’s clearly removed the scope for Marsch to weaken his line-up drastically this afternoon.

“The usual suspects are likely to be missing again – [Patrick] Bamford, [Adam] Forshaw etc – but Cardiff are not having a great season and Leeds should be confident of making this tie theirs.”

A big blow to Marsch

Given the recent comments from Kinnear to Marsch, it will come as a frustrating blow and bad news that he will not be able to call upon two of the club’s most experienced stars – and more – in a competition that has been a cause for concern in recent times.

Indeed, the Yorkshire giants have a diabolical record in the FA Cup, having been knocked out at this very stage in each of their last five attempts and that includes embarrassing defeats to lower league opposition like Newport County and Crawley Town, both of whom are in League Two right now.

Patrick Bamford has endured a rough time with injuries since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and recent surgery has ruled him out of action thus far in 2023. Leeds could certainly do with the man who bagged 17 goals in their first season back in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Marsch’s current first-choice engine room are all signings from the summer transfer window, with Mateusz Klich departing for pastures new.

Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, with all respect, will not understand what this competition means to fans in England, at least in comparison to Forshaw, who has made an FA Cup appearance for four different teams.

The Whites have also struggled massively in the league, finding themselves languishing down in 14th place, just two points above the relegation zone and with only two wins in their last 15 in the top-flight.

Game-changers such as Luis Sinisterra are also likely to be missing in the Welsh capital, only further adding to Marsch’s frustrations, with the Elland Road hierarchy clearly looking for a run in this competition to offer supporters some respite from their league woes.

As such, the American has got to be frustrated to have the likes of Bamford, Forshaw and Sinisterra unavailable, not just because they are all valuable in their own right but because their involvement could have also handed valuable rest to those that have been playing in their place each week.

AND in other news, Marsch has unearthed “an absolute star” at Leeds after he gave West Ham “nightmares”…

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min put in another disappointing display during the FA Cup win over Portsmouth.

The Lowdown: FA Cup victory

Spurs kicked off their FA Cup journey as an improved second-half performance was enough to see them over the line against their League One opponents in the third round.

The tie was decided by a Harry Kane classic as he whipped home a strike from the edge of the 18-yard box in typically unerring fashion.

Spurs certainly didn’t pick up from where they left off following a rampant second-half display at Crystal Palace in the 4-0 win just days before, but nonetheless, the Premier League side got the job done.

The Latest: Son’s performance panned

Despite bagging in the win over Palace to break his domestic duck, having last scored in September, Son’s chase to grab more goals and get on a good run of form was wasted against Pompey.

London World’s Rahman Osman gave the player ratings from the FA Cup clash and expressed his dismay in his review of the South Korean, handing him a 5/10 rating.

He wrote: “Still not just himself in a season that has been so frustrating for one of Tottenham’s best players.

The Verdict: Struggling season

Son has been miles off the level he was at last season when he bagged joint-top goalscorer with Mohamed Salah.

The Eagles clash marked only the third game in 23 that he’d scored in all season, showing just how significant of a drop-off he’s had this campaign.

According to Sofascore, the South Korean failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, alongside only five out of 13 successful crosses, with his wastefulness summed up in losing possession 20 times – the second-highest of any Spurs player.

Therefore, Osman’s low rating for Son appears to be more than fair.

Chelsea are intensifying their efforts to wrap up a January deal for PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke, who has emerged as a lightning-hot prospect since his arrival in Netherlands in 2018.

A product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, the 20-year-old is indeed attracting mounting attention after captivating onlookers with his dynamic forward performances.

What’s the news?

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have already tabled a £26m bid for the starlet. However, with Madueke’s club, led by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, demanding at least £35m for his signature, Todd Boehly might have to break the bank once again.

The Chelsea owner has spent roughly £315m since assuming the ownership role less than a year ago, with the £52.4m release clause for RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku also being met.

Previously, The Times stated that Blues boss Graham Potter is enamoured with the player’s skill-set, holding a deep admiration and consequently actively pursuing a move.

Following Liverpool’s recent £35m signing of the prolific Cody Gakpo, there is uncertainty surrounding the likelihood of PSV granting the departure of another enthralling wide option in the same transfer window, especially with the club firmly within Eredivisie title contention.

Potter could get fans back onside

Despite only taking the job four months ago, Potter’s position at Chelsea already looks precarious, with some supporters singing the name of his predecessor Thomas Tuchel at recent games amid a ten-match sequence which has seen the Blues defeated seven times.

However, the 47-year-old could get his dissenters back onside if he can bring Madueke back to London, except this time to SW6 rather than N17.

Having scored nine goals and supplied six assists last term from 35 appearances, becoming a regular presence for PSV despite his inexperience, the youngster announced himself in resounding fashion.

This season, despite seeing large proportions of the campaign hampered by injury, the 20-year-old has found the net on two occasions despite only starting three times, a testament to his innate clinical prowess.

As per Sofascore, his average match rating of 7.15 in the league has been complemented by his peppering output – match averages of 2.3 shots, 1.5 key passes and three tackles are all indicators of the robust aura that he holds on the pitch.

Judging by such intensity levels, Chelsea could very well flourish with his inclusion, especially amid the club’s current woes, languishing in tenth place in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups already.

Journalist Josh Bunting waxed lyrical last year about the blossoming star, praising his dynamism and blend of attributes which would indeed be a sterling addition to the Stamford Bridge ranks.

Bunting tweeted: “Noni Madueke is a terrific player he’s put PSV ahead against NAC Breda, love his game awareness, yes he’s quick and direct and on the ball terrific but for such a young player he’s got a lot of football intelligence, just knows what to do when he picks up the ball, entertaining.”

As per FBref, the “explosive” talent – as heralded by former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte – ranks within the top 1% for total shots and dribbles completed, the top 4% for rate of assists and the top 15% for pass completion when compared to positional peers across Men’s Next 8 leagues, highlighting the energy that he would bring to Stamford Bridge.

Interestingly, he is also among the top 1% for xG (expected goals), despite only ranking in the top 19% for successful strikes.

While this indicates an element of wayward finishing, his positional play and gliding movement in dangerous areas is evidently an innate part of his game, and something which can be nurtured under the guidance of Potter, hopefully blossoming into one of the most devastating attackers in England.

Leeds United continue to be linked with a host of players, with Victor Orta not allowing his club to go down without a fight.

They currently sit just two points outside the Premier League relegation zone and have won just once in their last eight games in all competitions. It is hardly inspiring form and puts them once again in a precarious situation as the second half of the campaign looms.

In an effort to ensure that this season does not finish as nervously as the last one did, additions have already been made to strengthen up front and at centre-back.

Orta could now look to add someone to create chances for Georginio Rutter from out wide, in the process upgrading from Jack Harrison, who has disappointed this season.

That man could be Adama Traore, who was suggested by TEAMtalk earlier this month as one of the players on Orta’s radar.

The 27-year-old has struggled to hold down a place at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with various managers struggling to squeeze consistency out of the speedster, who has started just six league games in 2022/23.

Across 175 appearances for the Old Gold, the Spain international has recorded just 13 goals and 18 assists. His goalscoring exploits don’t define him, though, and he still has plenty to offer to a team even without a huge goal output.

When he does strike a ball, it can at times be “almost unstoppable”, as Nuno Espirito Santo proclaimed after Traore’s winner against Leeds in February 2021.

With the ball at his feet, there is arguably nobody better in Europe. He pairs blistering speed with close control, and his hulking strength makes him a physical marvel. As such, he ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed when compared to others in his position across the continent.

This alone is enough to suggest why he would be a fine asset to Leeds, but he also averages 15 carries per 90 at an average distance of 14.8m. Again, he is peerless when it comes to progressing his team up the pitch he is unmatched.

Pairing these returns with 0.7 key passes per 90 from this season, one in which he has often been overlooked in the starting line-up, also marks him out as a creative threat.

Only last year he was labelled “one of the most exciting players in European football” by The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers, and that remains the case despite dwindling playtime.

His physicality alone would make him an upgrade on Harrison, who enjoys patches of good form throughout the season but suffers in between. With five goal contributions to the Leeds winger’s name so far, only one of those has come in the last 13 league games.

He is far more technical than Traore, but those qualities can wane when he is suffering from a lack of confidence. 

Regardless of belief or performance on the day, the tangible qualities that former Barcelona winger Traore possesses can never be denied. Even on his worst day, he is still capable of beating numerous opponents, and his mere name can strike fear into defenders.

He could offer a vastly different profile to a Leeds team which has stagnated and could also give Harrison the kickstart to recapture his form or else lose his place in the side. Orta must duly get Traore in the door at Elland Road before the end of the month.

Arsenal are now in pole position to complete the signing of Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Fresneda transfer tussle

Numerous Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old this month, with Newcastle United said to have made a move in December, prior to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal joining the race for his signature.

However, it is the Gunners who have recently emerged as the frontrunners for the Spaniard, with reports earlier this week that they had agreed a £13.1m deal with Valladolid.

The player was left to decide between a move to either north London or Borussia Dortmund, and it now appears as though he has made his choice.

The Latest: Arsenal lead Fresneda chase

Football Insider sources have claimed that Arsenal are in pole position to make the right-back their third January signing and they now lead Dortmund in the race for the teenager after a recent breakthrough in talks.

The Gunners are confident about landing the 18-year-old, who will be loaned back to Valladolid for the remainder of the campaign if the deal goes through.

The Verdict: More good news for Arsenal

As if being top of the Premier League past the halfway point of the season isn’t pleasurable enough, Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited about Fresneda possibly coming in, given that he has put in some very promising performances in La Liga so far this term.

As relayed by Chronicle Live, Matt Clark of the La Liga Lowdown described the starlet as being ‘one of the revelations of the season’, while also lauding him as a ‘quick and athletic’ right-back with a combination of ‘physicality and technical ability’ who ‘reads the game very well’.

A no-nonsense defender, Fresneda has averaged more tackles per 90 (3.39) than Ben White (1.91) over the past year. He also excels at reading the game, as displayed by his ranking in the 90th percentile for interceptions per game (1.52) compared to other right-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

Mikel Arteta appears to have identified a remarkable young defensive prospect to join up with the likes of William Saliba and new signing Jakub Kiwior, and the hope will be that Fresneda continues to develop at Valladolid in the second half of the season.

Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura and the Brazilian could be a bargain signing for Patrick Vieira ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Antonio Conte’s side are keen to move Moura on this month following the signing of Arnaut Danjuma and would be willing to let him leave for a likely minimal fee, in order to avoid paying his wages until the end of the season when his current contract is set to expire.

Palace, Southampton and Everton are all supposedly keen on the former PSG man, who could demand £150k=per-week despite the injury issues that have plagued him so far this campaign.

The 30-year-old has been a regular at Spurs since signing in January 2018, making 213 appearances and contributing 38 goals and 27 assists, which included his memorable hattrick in the Champions League semi-final victory against Ajax in 2019.

This led journalist James Ducker to sing his praises on Twitter, writing: “Lucas Moura has had an outrageous second half. Incredible quality, skill and composure for those goals.”

A bargain for Palace?

Although Moura’s wages may prove to be a sticking point for Steve Parish, Moura’s quality and experience suggest that he could be a worthwhile signing before the transfer window closes.

The Eagles have struggled immensely in front of goal in recent weeks, scoring just four times in their last seven outings in all competitions, which suggests that attacking additions should be a priority for Vieira before Tuesday’s deadline.

The French manager also looks set to be without the talismanic Wilfried Zaha after he picked up an injury against Newcastle United, so signing an experienced winger such as Moura could be a great way to fill the gap left by the Ivorian’s absence.

While Moura has lost his regular starting spot under Conte at Spurs, he still impressed in the Premier League last season, notching two goals and six assists, with WhoScored awarding him a strong 6.85 average rating for his performances.

Considering only Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Joachim Andersen have earned better ratings so far this campaign, Palace fans would be wrong to turn their nose up at Moura, especially if he can be brought in for a bargain transfer fee.

Indeed, his rate of assists in 2021/22 is better than anyone at Selhurst Park this term, while it’s also more than any of Vieira’s squad members last season, with the Eagles therefore evidently in need of a creative asset.

Therefore, Parish should definitely consider bringing the Brazilian across London this month; he could just be one of the club’s biggest bargains in years.

West Ham reportedly have a real chance of signing Scott McTominay from Manchester United this month and his potential arrival at the London Stadium could see David Moyes finally get rid of Tomas Soucek.

What’s the word?

The Hammers have regularly been linked with the Scotland international in recent weeks, with Moyes clearly keen to bolster his options in midfield, as Soucek and Declan Rice’s partnership has sadly declined after looking so strong not long ago.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones provided his thoughts on a potential West Ham move for McTominay.

He said: “McTominay is an option they’re targeting. He’s got good experience. The fact he may not be at Manchester United much longer gives them hope that he is actually gettable. I think it’s a real possibility.”

Soucek upgrade

Since breaking into the first team at Old Trafford, McTominay has gone on to make an impressive 194 appearances for United, in which he has contributed 18 goals and five assists.

He certainly doesn’t lack experience in the top flight and was a regular in the first team only last season, although new manager Erik ten Hag has preferred summer signings Casemiro and Christian Eriksen so far this season, which certainly opens the door for McTominay to leave.

The 26-year-old, who earns £60k-per-week at Old Trafford, has made just seven Premier League starts under Ten Hag this season but his stats from FBref suggest that he could be a far better option than Soucek in Moyes’ midfield.

Soucek’s passing in particular has come in for criticism this season, with WhoScored ranking him as the 15th-best passer (in terms of completion rate) in West Ham’s squad so far this term, which is far from good enough for a starting central midfielder.

The above stats, via FBRef, show that McTominay could be a far more assured option in possession for the Hammers, while he also boasts impressive defensive numbers which suggest that he could free up Rice to push forward.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for the academy graduate in 2020 after an impressive performance in the derby against Manchester City.

He said: “He’s a physical monster. He does all his work every day. Never shirks anything + he gets his rewards. Technical work is improving too. That energy + drive in a derby like this was important.”

This sounds like exactly the sort of player that Moyes needs in a relegation battle this season and given Soucek was linked away in the summer of 2022, McTominay’s potential arrival this month could see West Ham get rid of the out-of-sorts midfielder for good.

West Bromwich Albion target Marvelous Nakamba is ‘having a medical’ at Luton Town ahead of a loan move to Kenilworth Road, according to journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: West Brom hold talks

The Baggies are yet to register any incomings or outgoings this month, but with midfield viewed as a transfer priority, Carlos Corberan had identified the Aston Villa ace as someone who he’d like to bring to The Hawthorns.

Football Insider claimed that Albion were in talks to sign the Zimbabwe international, who is out of contract next summer and has made zero appearances under Unai Emery since his autumn arrival at Villa Park, but a deal now looks to have been hijacked with the player seemingly on his way elsewhere.

The Latest: Nakamba set for Luton medical

Taking to Twitter, Percy revealed that Nakamba is currently at Championship rivals Luton to finalise a move for the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

He wrote: “#avfc midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is having a medical at Luton Town this morning ahead of a loan move for the remainder of the season.”

The Verdict: Blow for Corberan

Nakamba has been dubbed a ‘superb’ player by journalist Josh Bunting, and it’ll be a huge blow for West Brom and Corberan to learn that they are missing out on their target.

The Zimbabwean had a standout Carabao Cup run with Villa last season, averaging two tackles per game and recording an outstanding 92.6% pass success rate (WhoScored). Those returns are better than any Albion player has managed in the current Championship campaign (WhoScored), which suggests that the Villa ace could’ve been a discernible upgrade at The Hawthorns.

Nakamba would have been the ideal defensive midfield reinforcement to help the Baggies in their push for promotion, but whether they will turn their attention elsewhere before tonight’s deadline remains to be seen.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou believes the future of Giorgos Giakoumakis will be ‘resolved in the coming days’.

The Lowdown: Atlanta move still on?

Giakoumakis has been linked with a move away from Glasgow since the beginning of December after contract talks stalled between the Hoops and the forward.

As we know, he remains a Celtic player as of today, despite being heavily linked with MLS side Atlanta United and Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds.

Postecoglou brought in what appears to be a replacement in Hyeon-gyu Oh, and it seems as if Giakoumakis’ future will be finalised over the coming days, with a move to America still seemingly on the cards.

The Latest: Postecoglou’s update

Postecoglou was talking to Sky Sports News (14:36) ahead of the club’s trip to St Johnstone on Sunday. He was quizzed on Giakoumakis’ Parkhead future alongside a number of other topics, to which he said:

‘It’s kind of gone off my radar now. Obviously there is something that’s pending there. I’m sure it’ll be resolved in the coming days.”

The Verdict: Best for all involved…

A Celtic Park exit for Giakoumakis appears to be best for all involved after talks broke down over a new deal towards the end of 2022.

He’s only started four Scottish Premiership fixtures all season and hasn’t been involved in the club’s last four games in all competitions.

As mentioned, Oh appears to be Giakoumakis’ replacement in Scotland, so providing the finances for an exit are acceptable, a departure could be finalised fairly soon, leaving Postecoglou with Oh and Kyogo Furuhashi as centre-forward options.

Everton should start Ben Godfrey at left-back over Vitaliy Mykolenko in the Merseyside derby, according to journalist Tony Scott.

The Lowdown: Left-back conundrum

After Lucas Digne left Everton last January, the Toffees spent £17m on Ukrainian left-back Mykolenko as his replacement. He appeared 13 times in the Premier League for the club last season, becoming the first-choice left-back after a fitness-hit beginning.

This campaign has seen the 23-year-old extend his run in the side with him starting every game this season in the league, mainly at left back but also at left-midfield and centre-back.

On the contrary, it’s been a tough season for Godfrey who’s played just six league games so far after suffering a fractured leg on the opening day against Chelsea. However, Liverpool are on the horizon and Scott is yearning for Sean Dyche to make a change.

The Latest: Scott’s comments

Speaking on the All Together Now Everton Podcast, Scott claimed that Dyche should look at making a switch from their 1-0 win over Arsenal in order to combat the main threat of Liverpool down the flanks.

He said: “Mykolenko played okay last week, but I would prefer Ben Godfrey just because he’s more reliable defensively.

“I trust Ben Godfrey more, on more of a one-to-one basis. Everton are going to be up against the likes of Salah and Nunez etc, and they’re going to be up against quick players where you will be sometimes left isolated on a one-to-one basis, and this is where I don’t want the likes of Coady or Tarkowski left 1v1.

“We all know he’s a half-decent player, but defensively he can be ripped to shreds – as we’ve seen against Manchester City and all decent players this season.

“So I wouldn’t want him left isolated in a one v one against the likes of Salah or whoever’s playing – we know Jota could be coming back into the fray as well – so I don’t want that. I would prefer Godfrey, personally.”

The Verdict: Dyche to switch?

Despite Scott’s suggestions of bringing Godfrey back into the side, the clash may come too early for him given he’s failed to appear in three of the previous four league games and wasn’t included against Arsenal.

With Salah operating on Liverpool’s right wing and Nunez likely to start as the No 9 who also tends to ghost into channels and behind defences with his pace, although Godfrey’s turn of foot would help when fully fit, he may not be after such limited action recently.

It would be surprising to see Mykolenko omitted from the starting lineup given his continued selection so far this season, as well as his ability to be deployed on the wing as well.

It may open up the chance for Dyche to play a back five, which features both players from the off, giving Mykolenko more help defensively as well as more cover for Godfrey if he is not fully fit.