Chelsea are having a season to forget and new interim manager Frank Lampard will be hoping he can at least salvage European football, although even that isn’t looking likely.

January singings Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk have so far failed to improve this Chelsea side too much, despite costing nearly £200m to sign and whoever gets the managers job ahead of next season, must find a way to allow them to demonstrate their incredible talent.

Another key area that needs to be improved is that of the goalkeeper, with Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoying a less-than-productive campaign, conceding 27 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets in 30 matches.

The £150k-per-week Spaniard has been an inconsistent figure for a while now and was notably criticised by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright on the Wrighty’s House Podcast.

He said (via Daily Mail): "I’m looking at Kepa and I’m sorry man but it’s not working out. The man makes too many mistakes. He looks very nervy."

Could the club turn to another Premier League keeper as a replacement for Kepa? David Raya looks to set to leave Brentford this summer and with Chelsea interested, he could well be their new number one.

Will David Raya move to Chelsea?

Fabrizio Romano stated that Raya could cost any potential suitor around €40m (£35m) and considering the Blues' vast spending of late, this fee is like loose change for Todd Boehly, who could get a more than able replacement for Kepa.

The Brentford shot-stopper has been excellent this season, helping the club enjoy another impressive top-flight showing as they currently occupy ninth spot in the league table.

The 27-year-old has been an integral part of this success, averaging a 7.1 rating via Sofascore, ranking him as the club’s second-highest rated performer while he is even rated as the second-best goalkeeper in the entire division, proving exactly why the likes of Chelsea are interested in signing him.

Across 31 matches, the “incredible” gem – as dubbed by Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi – has made 4.1 saves per match and has succeeded with 100% of his run-outs while keeping nine clean sheets also.

Raya has made the most saves in the division (124), indicating that Brentford’s defence could perhaps improve, however when he is called upon, he rarely lets the team down.

Boehly will be expecting the Stamford Bridge outfit to challenge for trophies next term, especially if they can hire an experienced coach who will be given time. With Raya as the number one goalkeeping option, they will have a player who is dependable and eager to impress.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will take on Crystal Palace this evening in a Premier League clash in which a win could be a monumental step towards securing safety for Julen Lopetegui’s men.

After impressive back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Brentford, Wolves suffered a hugely disappointing defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

However, Wolves still retain a six-point gap between themselves and the drop zone, so a victory tonight would take them above their opponents into 12th position.

Lopetegui is expected to name a rotated team and here is how Wolves' starting XI could look when they take to the field at Molineux this evening.

How could Wolves line up against Crystal Palace?

4-3-3 – Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti; Nunes, Neves, Gomes; Traore, Podence, Cunha.

Sa will start in goal despite having one of his worst performances against the Foxes last weekend when he unceremoniously apprehended Jamie Vardy to concede a penalty, which Kelechi Iheanacho dispatched.

However, the Portuguese has begun every game this term and this poor display is not expected to deter Lopetegui’s faith in him.

Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, and Toti are to make up an unchanged back four. These were the same defenders who performed admirably in the previous two home league matches that starved Chelsea and Brentford of any goals.

Nunes and Gomes will also keep their places, whilst Neves will replace Mario Lemina. The Gabonese sustained a minor hamstring issue in the last outing and the return of Wolves’ prize asset, club captain, and most influential player seems like a formality.

The £38m-rated star was back on the bench for the Leicester game after serving a two-game suspension.

The biggest changes for this team could appear in the frontline. Daniel Podence was surprisingly dropped from the last lineup and could replace Diego Costa in a rotated attack. The £60k-per-week man is the club’s top scorer with six goals this campaign and has created the second most chances in the squad (39) at a rate of 1.15 per 90, as per BBC Sport.

The diminutive winger has been likened to Eden Hazard by retired Premier League striker Darren Bent, due to his effervescent and dynamic profile.

The final Wolves change will see Traore come in for Pablo Sarabia, to provide some more pace and athleticism on the right wing. The former Barcelona man scored the last time the Midlands club faced the Eagles back in October 2022.

Finally, Cunha, who scored the goal last weekend with a coolly placed finish, will be deployed as the lone central striker.

Eredivisie manager Arne Slot will "become the leading contender" to replace Antonio Conte if one thing happens at Tottenham.

What's the latest on Slot to Spurs?

The 44-year-old has been mooted as a sure-fire candidate for the Spurs hot seat, joining the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Vincent Kompany and even Ange Postecoglou as contenders.

Even the likes of Brendan Rodgers, who has admirers inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, is reportedly in the thinking of Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy – coming amid a disastrous last few weeks for the club.

Recently dealt a major blow in their race for the Premier League top four, losing 6-1 to rivals Newcastle United, Tottenham are also without a sporting director after former chief Fabio Paratici was forced to resign.

There is growing discontent in the Spurs stands and it is absolutely crucial that the north Londoners (Levy in particular) get this next appointment.

Slot could be an enticing option with his Feyenoord side absolutely dominating the Dutch top flight right now – winning 22 games out of 30 and losing just once all season.

According to The Independent and journalist Miguel Delaney, the former AZ Alkmaar boss 'will again become the leading contender' to succeed Conte on one condition – namely if Spurs cannot get their hands on Nagelsmann.

Indeed, as per the report, Slot will enter pole position for the Tottenham job instead of Nagelsmann if Levy fails to convince the latter manager to join.

What would Slot bring to Spurs?

Barring his phenomenal spell at Feyenoord, Tottenham supporters may be attracted by his style of play – with the coach previously being praised for his attacking philosophy.

Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan has called Slot the 'most exciting head coach' he's seen in 10 years, further explaining how he has an 'ultra-attacking' mindset.

Van der Kraan said:

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.

“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine.

“I don’t think he will leave now with three trophies up for grabs, but in the summer, big chances.”

If Spurs can get their hands on a coach with this kind of reputation, he could well be a phenomenal alternative to Nagelsmann.

West Ham will battle Gent this evening in the Europa Conference League in an attempt to secure their passage into a European semi-final for a consecutive season.

The east London outfit is unbeaten in their last three games in all competitions, a run which included a dramatic and commendable comeback draw against title-chasing Arsenal in their last outing.

That result lifted the Hammers four points above the relegation zone, but tonight their attentions turn to a competition which could provide the first major trophy since the FA Cup in 1980.

However, with another crucial domestic match against Bournemouth looming on Sunday, David Moyes is expected to name a much-changed line up.

Football FanCast have predicted the West Ham starting XI that take on the Belgians at the London Stadium tonight with five changes expected from last weekend.

How could West Ham line up against Gent?

4-3-3 – Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Emerson; Rice, Downes, Paqueta; Bowen, Said Benrahma, Ings.

Areola will start in goal as he has started every game in the competition, allowing the chance to rest first-choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski. This is not expected to change for this evening's tie.

Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, and Emerson will form the back four. The first two defenders will keep their places after forming a strong partnership in the second half of the last match against the Gunners.

Ogbonna, who made two blocks, interceptions, and tackles, and four clearances in the first leg of the tie will replace Thilo Kehrer. Emerson will make up the other defensive change by replacing Cresswell, who doesn’t possess the pace to contain the dangerous Gift Orban, who has netted 14 goals in as many games this term.

The ever-present club captain Rice will retain his starting position, whilst Downes will replace Tomas Soucek as the box-to-box midfielder. The £65k-per-week Czech is enduring a tricky campaign – notably being dubbed "useless" by journalist Alan Rzepa – and the Irons will require Downes’ mobility and forward-thinking to maximise their chances of progression.

Paqueta, who kickstarted the London derby comeback on Sunday by winning a penalty, will be the other midfielder.

Finally, the busy, tricky, and diminutive wide pairing of Bowen and Benrahma will occupy the wing spots. The Englishman netted the second goal against Mikel Arteta's side with Harry Redknapp admitting he is a "huge fan" of the talent.

However, a change in the frontline will see Ings replace Michail Antonio as the focal point of the team.

The former Liverpool man netted in the first leg at the Ghelamco Arena, whilst the Jamaican has been in dismal form this campaign, only scoring three times in 27 Premier League appearances.

Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen was slammed for his display in their Monday night drubbing in the Premier League against Liverpool.

How bad were Leeds on Monday night?

Javi Gracia's men were handed their second heavy home defeat in a row on Monday night after Jurgen Klopp's side put six past Illan Meslier.

And this came just days after Crystal Palace done similar on Easter Sunday as they ran riot with a stunning second-half display which saw them seal the points with a 5-1 victory.

The defeat now has Leeds hovering just two points above the drop zone with a testing clash against Fulham next up for the Yorkshire side.

It was a night Leeds will want to forget in a hurry as they became the Premier League's worst defence this season having conceded 60 goals.

One man who was at the centre of Leeds' issues on Monday was their Danish right-back, Kristensen, who had a night he will also want to forget quickly.

The 25-year-old made his return to the starting XI for the first time in three league games but could easily find himself back out of it on the back of this performance.

Indeed, in his post-game player ratings, journalist Jude Summerfield slammed the Danish full-back as he awarded him with a mere 2/10 rating: "Offered nothing on the ball and his lack of pace compared to Liverpool's attackers was evident," he wrote.

Is Kristensen good enough for Leeds?

It was certainly a night to forget for the £40k-per-week right-back who was making his 20th appearance in the league for the Whites this season (via Transfermarkt).

Having played the full 90 minutes, Kristensen found himself having been dribbled past three times and recording a poor pass accuracy of just 53% (via SofaScore).

The defender's performance was described as "appalling" by Yorkshire Post journalist Leon Wobschall on the night after he played his part in a number of the Liverpool goals.

A lack of quality on the ball was one of the main issues for the 25-year-old on Monday night having lost possession on 24 occasions throughout the game (via SofaScore).

And in comparison to Liverpool's right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kristensen provided 11 less successful crosses and provided no key passes, unlike Alexander-Arnold who offered his side two (via SofaScore).

The problem Leeds have is their options at right-back leave a lot to be desired with Luke Ayling have provided an identical return of tackles per 90 minutes and a similar number of shot-creating actions (via FBref).

But on the back of his performance on Monday night, it will be interesting to see if Ayling makes a quick return to the starting XI fo the trip to Craven Cottage.

Tottenham Hotspur should consider appointing Brendan Rodgers as manager, as he would "bring stability" to the club, according to pundit Robbie Keane.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Prior to Sunday's 4-3 defeat against Liverpool, it emerged that Ryan Mason could be offered the job on a permanent basis, should he impress in the coming weeks, and his side put in a spirited performance at Anfield, with Harry Kane and Heung-min Son deemed to be "superb".

Although a Lucas Moura error cost Spurs dearly, there were still positives to take from Mason's second match as interim boss, and the 31-year-old has five more games to prove himself to ENIC.

However, the Tottenham board are continuing to run the rule over other options, having shortlisted Julian Nagelsmann, while talks have also been held with Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

Although there have been no recent reports, Rodgers has also been linked with a move to north London, and Keane believes he could be a shrewd appointment for the Lilywhites.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the defeat at Anfield, the former Spurs striker named the two managers he would like Spurs to prioritise, saying: "Pochettino himself. The Spurs fans absolutely love him. The way he played football he got them to the Champions League Final.

"Him or Brendan Rodgers. I think Brendan Rodgers could bring stability to the club, and the way he plays, he plays the game." (via The Express)

Should Tottenham appoint Brendan Rodgers?

Although he was ultimately sacked by Leicester, with the club sitting in the relegation zone, the Northern Irishman spent four years in the job, which is a very long stint in modern football, winning the 2020-21 FA Cup.

Hailed as "fantastic" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the 50-year-old regularly competed for Europe during his time with the Foxes, finishing fifth two seasons on the spin, so even though his time at the club did not end the way he would've liked, he should be happy with his time there overall.

That said, there are question marks about whether the Carnlough-born coach is the top-level manager Tottenham need, as he failed in his only other 'big six' job, albeit a long time ago, with Liverpool.

In truth, Rodgers would probably be a divisive appointment, considering the recent downward spiral he oversaw as Leicester boss, and Spurs may be better off going for an exciting young manager, such as Nagelsmann.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly eyeing up a player who could come in as a possible John Lundstram upgrade heading into the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Leighton Clarkson to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are one of the clubs eyeing up the central midfielder from Liverpool ahead of next season.

The report claims that Aberdeen want to sign him on a permanent basis after his current loan with the Scottish side expires but they will face competition from Michael Beale and Celtic.

It is stated that the Gers boss is a big fan of Clarkson as the Englishman worked with him during his time as a coach in Liverpool's academy set-up.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Reds will be willing to cash in on the gem or how much they would demand for his services if they were to do a deal.

How has Leighton Clarkson performed this season?

The 21-year-old has been in terrific form for the Dons in the Scottish Premiership and his displays suggest that he could come in as a big upgrade on current Gers midfielder Lundstram.

Clarkson has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.14 across 29 appearances for Aberdeen in the top-flight this term and has caught the eye with his ability in and out of possession, with journalist Theo Squires claiming that the magician has been "thriving".

On the ball, the £3k-per-week youngster has produced four goals and seven assists, whilst creating 1.7 chances per game for his teammates. This shows that the ace has the ability to be a difference-maker in the final third at this level by providing a goalscoring threat and opening up defences for others to score.

The Liverpool gem does not shy away from the other side of the game, though, as the Englishman has made 2.7 tackles and interceptions per outing and won 60% of his ground duels, which shows that the maestro has a strong defensive presence and does not get bullied in the middle of the park.

Lundstram, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 in 32 league appearances and chipped in with five goals and zero assists – creating 0.5 chances per match – with that showing the 29-year-old does not offer as much as the possible summer signing in what he provides on the ball.

The ex-Sheffield United man has also made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and lost 54% of his battles on the ground, which indicates that Clarkson would be an upgrade on him from an efficiency perspective out of possession.

Therefore, Beale could land a big upgrade on Lundstram by securing a deal to sign his former player.

Chelsea signing Harry Kane this summer would be 'an absolute headline-grabbing transfer' as speculation continues to swirl over his future, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

As per talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is said to be expecting an offer from Chelsea for Kane this summer as the Blues continue their search for a new striker.

The report states that Levy is 'reluctant' to let go of his prize asset this summer; however, the fact that Chelsea are close to appointing ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager is likely to intensify their interest in acquiring the 29-year-old.

Tottenham are likely to demand a hefty fee if they sanction a departure for Kane, with The Times revealing that they could ask for £100 million upfront to deter prospective bidders.

The Daily Mail have detailed that Manchester United are also keen on Kane as Erik Ten Hag seeks to bring a world-class striker to Old Trafford ahead of next term. At the same time, Bayern Munich are ready to put in a 'persuasive offer' to try and entice the England international to the Bundesliga, as per The Independent.

Capology understand that Kane earns £200,000 per week in north London on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Kane moving to Stamford Bridge would be an 'unbelievable' transfer that would garner enormous attention.

Jones said: "It would be an absolute headline-grabbing transfer. There's no doubt about it. He'd also be risking tarnishing everything he's ever done at Tottenham in the eyes of their fanbase, but never say never.

"Football throws up some unbelievable plots at times and Kane's name will be thrown into the hat here. It'll start off with speculation. Who knows whether it actually comes to being something we could genuinely see?"

Would Harry Kane be a good signing for Chelsea?

Kane is a proven goalscorer with an enormity of Premier League experience and he would be a fantastic addition to lead the line for Chelsea.

In 2022/23, the London-born forward has hit the net 27 times in 45 matches across all competitions for Tottenham, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also shows that Kane has obtained an average match rating of 7.48/10 for his exploits this campaign, making him Spurs' most consistent performer in a topsy-turvy campaign for his current employers.

Whether he would actually choose to leave Tottenham for bitter rivals Chelsea is another question because he could completely ruin his reputation in north London; nevertheless, this summer will be intriguing for Kane as he decides the next step in his career.

رد اللاعب السعودي الدولي سلمان الفرج نجم فريق الهلال ومنتخب الأخضر، على تصريحات روبرتو مانشيني المدير الفني لمنتخب السعودية.

وتقام بطولة كأس آسيا 2023، في قطر، وانطلقت منافساتها يوم الجمعة 12 يناير وتستمر حتى 10 من شهر فبراير المقبل.

ويستهل منتخب السعودية، مبارياته في كأس آسيا، بمواجهة عمان، غدًا الثلاثاء في الجولة الأولى من عمر دور المجموعات للبطولة الآسيوية.

وكان مانشيني قد صرح بأن سلمان الفرج رفض المشاركة بإحدى المباريات الودية مع منتخب السعودية.

طالع.. مؤتمر ناري | مانشيني يكشف أسباب مفاجأة لـ استبعاد 6 لاعبين من قائمة منتخب السعودية في كأس آسيا

ونشر الفرج بيانًا عبر حسابه الرسمي عبر منصة إكس، قال فيه: “إشارة الى حديث مانشيني مدرب الأخضر، الذي تطرق خلاله لرفضي المشاركة في اللقاء الودي، وحيث أنه ليس الوقت المناسب للرد، ولكن نظرًا لردة الفعل الكبيرة التي وصلت للتشكيك في وطنيتي وخدمتي لمنتخب بلادي.. فأنا مضطر للرد وتوضيح ما حدث للرأي العام”.

وأضاف: “بداية من حضور مانشيني تم استدعائي للمعسكر الثاني وقبل بداية المباريات التجريبية، دار حديث جانبي بيني وبينه كقائد للمنتخب، ووجه إلي سؤالين الأول: هل لديك الشغف والرغبة في المشاركات المقبلة؟ فأجبته بأن لدي الشغف والرغبة بالتأكيد، والثاني: هل ترى أن المنتخب قادر على تحقيق بطولة آسيا؟ فأجبته بأن المؤشرات إيجابية في ظل وجود نجوم لديهم الخبرة ونجوم شباب وبتكاتف الجميع قادرون على تحقيق البطولة بإذن الله”.

وأردف: “بعد ذلك جرت مباراتين تجريبيتين، الأولى ضد منتخب نيجيريا وشاركت خلالها كبديل وساهمت في تسجيل هدف، ولعبت الثانية أمام مالي أساسياً وخرجت من اللقاء مصاباً”.

واستكمل: “بعد نهاية المعسكر لم يحدث أي تواصل بيني وبين المدرب أو أي مسؤول في المنتخب ولم يتم استدعائي للمعسكر الأخير، واحترمت قرار المدرب، ولكن تفاجأت بكلامه اليوم في المؤتمر الصحافي.. لذلك أقسم بالله العظيم أن ما ذكرت هو ما حدث بالضبط وأطالب المسؤولين في الاتحاد السعودي التحقيق حول هذا الموضوع، وإظهار النتيجة للجميع، لأنني لا أرضى ولا أقبل أن تمس وطنيتي، وسبق أن شاركت مع منتخبنا الوطني سنوات طويلة، وسبق أن شاركت في إحدى البطولات دون فضل أو منة ووالدتي في العنايه المركزة لأن هذا واجب وطني”.

وأتم: “وفي النهاية أتمنى من الجميع الوقوف ودعم المنتخب في هذه المشاركة الهامة الذي يحظى وبفضل من الله ثم بدعم تاريخي من مولاي خادم الحرمين الشريفين حفظه الله ورعاه وسمو عراب الرؤية المُلهم سيدي الأمير محمد بن سلمان حفظه الله ورعاه سائلاً الله أن تكون هذه البطولة من نصيب المنتخب السعودي”.

Liverpool target Alexis Mac Allister is 'vulnerable' to a potential transfer in the forthcoming transfer window and could leave Brighton & Hove Albion, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news involving Alexis Mac Allister?

As per Football Insider, Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is attracting attention from Liverpool said to be 'ready to go' and joining a bigger club than the Seagulls in the summer.

The report also states that Brighton are open to parting ways with the playmaker if their value in the range of £70 million is met by his prospective suitors.

In addition to the Reds, Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen on Mac Allister in their hunt to add to their respective squads ahead of 2023/24, according to The Guardian.

Puraboca note that Mac Allisters's father, Carlos Javier Mac Allister, has had his say on the Argentina international's future, stating:

“Normally the next [transfer window] will find him playing in another club, we don’t know which one. The talks are just beginning in general, but it is most likely that Alexis will already be playing in another team next July.”

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook thinks that Mac Allister could be among the front runners at Brighton to leave the Amex Stadium this summer.

Crook explained: “I think Mac Allister looks the most vulnerable just because his dad’s been quite vocal about the fact that he expects him to leave. There’s interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

“Caicedo’s signed a new contract, so I think it would take a huge bid to get him away. I think they're trying to get Mitoma tied to a new deal. So, if they lose anybody, it probably would be Mac Allister.

“But again, he only signed a new deal just before the World Cup. So that's big money for him as well.”

What are Alexis Mac Allister's stats like this season?

In 2022/23, Mac Allister has been in fine form for Brighton, registering ten goals and two assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef also shows that the 24-year-old has successfully performed 78 shot-creating actions in the Premier League this term, demonstrating his capacity to create chances for himself and his teammates on a regular basis.

Mac Allister has also earned an average performance rating of 7.07/10 for his exploits this campaign, making him Brighton's third-most consistent performer behind Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma, according to WhoScored.

Liverpool are known to be in the hunt for midfield reinforcements and Mac Allister could add a different dimension to the engine room under Jurgen Klopp if the German coach can entice him to Anfield this summer.