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Aston Villa are set to compete in their first Premier League match of 2023 as they travel away from home to face Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

The Villans are facing Antonio Conte’s side off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out and will be hoping for a reaction as they look to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time in Unai Emery’s reign.

Villa’s new head coach has endured a difficult start to life back in England in regards to fixtures as he has had to play against Manchester United twice, Tottenham, and Liverpool within his first five games.

However, they did beat the Red Devils in the top-flight and Emery will now be aiming for another scalp as they head to London for this match.

In order to give his side the best chance of picking up a positive result today, the former Villarreal boss must finally unleash goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from the start.

The Argentine shot-stopper returned to training earlier this week after being awarded a break due to his involvement in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His absence meant that Robin Olsen lined up between the sticks against Jurgen Klopp’s side and the Sweden international must now be dropped from the team in favour of Martinez as he is a liability for Villa.

In two Premier League appearances this season, the former Everton man has conceded seven goals and let in 47% of the shots against him. He also struggled in the EFL Cup as he made one error leading to a goal and saw half of the eight shots on his goal go past him against Manchester United.

Last season, Olsen played for Sheffield United in the Championship and averaged an unimpressive Sofascore rating of 6.55 across 11 appearances as he made two errors leading to shots or goals and saved 61% of the shots against him.

These statistics indicate that Emery cannot rely on the goalkeeper to put in a good performance between the sticks, whereas Martinez has been in solid form in the top flight this term.

The former Arsenal gem, who was once hailed as “outstanding” by ex-teammate Jack Grealish, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.91 in the Premier League and has a save percentage of 69% across 15 outings.

Martinez, who journalist Callum Altimas dubbed a “mad man” for his antics in Qatar, also proved his worth at the World Cup as he made two penalty shoot-out saves against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and then one in the final against France as he played a major role in his team winning the trophy.

Indeed, he can be a difference-maker between the sticks with his ability to make big and important saves from both the penalty spot and from open play.

The £120k-per-week Argentine monster could be the difference between the Villans losing and picking up a positive result against Spurs. He has superior ability in comparison to the club’s second choice, and must finally be unleashed after his return from Qatar.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has been touted to be dropped from Argentina’s starting XI ahead of their next World Cup clash against Mexico. 

The Lowdown: Romero’s World Cup disappointment

Romero started in Argentina’s opening game of the tournament which saw the South Americans fall to a surprising 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia.

Despite starting the game, the Spurs defender didn’t complete the full 90 minutes as he made way for Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez after 59 minutes.

With Argentina set to take on Mexico in their next group game, it seems that Romero could find himself out of the starting XI this time around.

The Latest: Romero set for substitute role

According to a recent report from Clarin, relayed by Sports Witness, Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni will look to make some changes to his side following the disappointing defeat to Saudi Arabia.

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The report names Romero as one player likely to be taken out of the starting XI due to a mixture of his poor performance in the first game and some concerns about his fitness.

The Verdict: Disappointment for Romero

To highlight how disappointing the 24-year-old was for Argentina, The Independent said that he was ‘deservedly substituted just before the hour mark’, adding that Romero had a ‘poor performance from a normally solid player’.

Having not played a game heading into the tournament for almost a month, it’s easy to see why he may not have been in the best condition to take on Saudi Arabia.

With all of that in mind, unless he’s fully fit and ready to put things right for his country, it would probably be the smart decision for Scaloni to put Romero on the bench for Saturday’s crucial game against Mexico.

Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz has been criticised by journalist Ben Jacobs for his display in the west London club’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League. 

The Lowdown: Another league defeat for Chelsea

Last weekend saw Graham Potter’s side lose 4-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion away from home.

Their latest league outing has seen the Stamford Bridge outfit lose 1-0 to their London rivals, Arsenal, as a second-half goal from Gabriel Magalhaes was enough to see Mikel Arteta’s side get all three points.

Now that Chelsea have fallen to another defeat, it appears that Havertz, who started the game, has been on the end of some criticism for his efforts in the match.

The Latest: Criticism for Havertz

As the Gunners took the lead by Gabriel turning the ball in past Edouard Mendy from a corner struck by Bukayo Saka, Jacobs had this to say about Havertz’s role in the goal and his overall display.

In a Twitter post, Jacobs had this to say.

He said: “Arsenal have a deserved lead. Gabriel turns in Saka’s enticing corner. Havertz, who has been poor, will be disappointed not to have cleared it at the near post.”

The Verdict: A poor showing from Havertz

With 64 minutes under his belt, the German had 35 touches of the ball in total, which is fewer than Mendy had in goal (42).

The £150k-per-week attacker also gave possession away 13 times for his side before being replaced by Conor Gallagher, as well as giving two fouls away.

The Evening Standard also picked up on Havertz’s poor performance by giving him a match rating of 4/10 and highlighting how “wasteful” he was throughout the game.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the Chelsea attacker had a rather poor outing against Arsenal and barely helped his side out in terms of helping them score goals and avoiding conceding them.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is having to cope with a Lucas Moura ‘problem’ ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Spurs injury woes…

Earlier this week, Spurs star winger Son Heung-min had to undergo surgery after suffering a head injury against Marseille in the Champions League – putting his 2022 World Cup involvement in doubt.

That added to the woes of Conte with Cristian Romero and Richarlison already declared unavailable for today’s blockbuster encounter against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Lilywhites could further cement their status as real top-four favourites with victory against Liverpool in London this afternoon but their lack of options in certain areas could be seen as a concern.

The Latest: Conte dealt Lucas ‘problem’…

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s match, Conte has shared an update on Lucas with some bad news for him and supporters.

The Italian says his winger is in ‘really bad’ pain with the player himself ‘really worried’ – yet Conte has requested that Lucas try to make himself available for Liverpool.

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He explained (via Alasdair Gold):

“The problem with Lucas Moura is having different faces for his pain. Today it was really bad and they said he was really worried for this. I asked him to try to be available.”

The Verdict: Bad news…

The 30-year-old being in agony before Liverpool certainly comes as some bad news and supporters will be hoping it has subsided since and he has indeed made himself available for this afternoon.

As per WhoScored, Lucas can be a real threat on his day, with no Spurs player averaging more completed dribbles per 90 than the South American last season. He can be a really good option to call upon and Conte will not want to add another name to the injury list.

Everton podcaster and Scout/Analyst Ryan Williams has been left wowed by the expected signing of Cork City goalkeeper David Harrington.

The Lowdown: Injury setback

As per The Irish Independent, Harrington is ‘expected’ to move to Goodison Park in the January transfer window as a transfer has been agreed in principle, although it has been ‘held up’ by his need for surgery on his shoulder.

Wales are currently tracking the Irishman, who qualifies for them through his father, with the Republic of Ireland already having the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers to call upon.

The Latest: ‘Remarkable’ numbers

Taking to Twitter, Williams has been left wowed by some ‘remarkable’ numbers on Harrington, via Wyscout, sharing his incredible prevented goals and saves percentage:

“It’s not a high level of football, but Harrington’s numbers are remarkable. Using Wyscout, of almost 1,200 GKs with > 1,500 minutes in senior leagues under 26 in the past calendar year, only 2 have combined more prevented goals in total + p90 as well as a higher save %.”

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The Verdict: Smart signing

With three of their four senior goalkeepers aged 35 and over, signing the 22-year-old Harrington would be a smart piece of business from the Merseyside club.

The Irishman seems a capable understudy to Jordan Pickford, having kept 14 clean sheets and conceded just 19 goals in 29 games in the Irish top flight so far in 2022 (Transfermarkt).

As highlighted by Williams, his stats are very impressive as well despite playing in an inferior league, and if the Toffees are willing to let go of two of Asmir Begovic, Andy Lonergan and Eldin Jakupovic next summer, then Harrington should prove to be a valuable squad member.

Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain is now eyeing a move for Millonarios FC winger Daniel Ruiz Rivera, according to reports.

The Lowdown: City plans take shape…

Regardless of their on-field success, the Premier League champions always appear to be planning for the future and seem prepared to undergo major reshuffles.

Pep Guardiola has seen many former mainstays like Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fernandinho depart the Etihad Stadium in 2022, with major players arriving in their stead.

The arrivals of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega were soon followed by both Sergio Gomez and Manuel Akanji in what was a real summer of change to City’s squad.

Tasked with implementing these changes and overseeing the growth of the club, Begiristain now appears to be eyeing another potential addition.

The Latest: Sky Blues eyeing Rivera…

Indeed, a claim from South America has linked City with exciting young winger Rivera.

The Millonarios starlet, who has been impressing across the Atlantic, was subject to an evaluation from Man City officials who were sent to run the rule over him this week.

DIRECTV Sports Co stated on Twitter that ’emissaries’ from the Etihad were in attendance to scout Rivera during his team’s 1-0 defeat to Junior FC in the Copa Colombia final.

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The Verdict: Very exciting…

The former Colombia under-20 international is a very exciting player, having racked up 12 goals and 18 assists in 90 appearances for Millonarios at just 21 years of age.

City’s interest in the forward is backed up by his brilliant reputation, with sections of the press even branding Rivera ‘one of the most promising midfielders in Colombian football’ (via Publimetro Colombia).

Valued at around £4.05m by Transfermarkt, if Begiristain decides to take the Sky Blues’ interest further, it appears that price will hardly be an obstacle to getting a transfer done.

Manchester United are looking at a ‘late deal’ for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Busy few days

The Red Devils have been hard at work in the final days of the window, with Antony following fellow countryman Casemiro to Old Trafford.

The two Brazilian stars have cost a combined £149m, with Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka looking like the next player to arrive on loan.

United may not be done there, though, with Dest potentially becoming the seventh signing of the Erik ten Hag era.

The Latest: United interest

Sheth took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide a transfer update from Old Trafford.

The Sky Sports man said that United are ‘exploring the possibility of late deal’ for Dest, adding that the club would then allow Aaron Wan-Bissaka to leave, should a move for Dest be finalised.

The Verdict: One to watch…

Dest, hailed as ‘spectacularly good’ by manager Xavi, could be a shrewd signing by United due to his versatility. Still just 21 years of age, the USA international can play as a right-back, left-back or right winger.

He already has over 100 games of first-team experience turning out for Ajax and Barcelona, with 38 of those coming under Ten Hag. Dest contributed to eight goals working with Ten Hag, so could provide a real attacking threat at Old Trafford from full-back.

United will have to be quick if they want to push through a move, though, so it could be one to watch heading into deadline day.

Tottenham Hotspur could seal an exciting signing in Lucas Paqueta, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke…

What’s the word?

The Lyon midfielder has been linked with a move to north London in recent weeks after football.london reporter Alasdair Gold revealed that he was a player that the club have been ‘tracking for a while.’

It’s believed that the Ligue 1 outfit would sanction his exit should they receive an offer of around £33m.

And he’s a player that would certainly excite the Lilywhites faithful.

In an interview with Football FanCast, O’Rourke said:

“He’s got real pedigree as well – a Brazil international – so that would be a signing that would definitely get the Tottenham fans excited and I think that they are, maybe, building a side capable of challenging for honours.”

An exciting coup

Indeed, Paqueta would be an ideal end to a busy summer of business for manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

Spurs are arguably in need of a creative option in the engine room and the Brazilian is capable of providing that and more.

“I think they are definitely looking at a creative playmaker, someone who can play as a number 10. I’ve said this a lot this summer, but they would like a player that could allow Conte the freedom to change from a 3-4-3 to 3-5-2 with an attacking midfielder,” Express journalist Ryan Taylor revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

Last season, for example, Paqueta provided his team with 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions and did so largely playing as a no.8 or no.10, as per Transfermarkt.

Such attacking exploits have seen him rank very favourably compared to his positional midfield peers across Europe.

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FBref reveal that the 24-year-old dynamo sits within the top 1% for total shots (3.06), non-penalty expected goals (0.35) and expected assists (0.25) per 90, as well as the top 2% for touches in the opposition’s box (4.13 per 90).

They also highlight his statistical profile as being similar to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and England sensation Jude Bellingham, which only backs up O’Rourke’s claim that he’d be a rather exciting signing for Tottenham to make.

Paqueta’s manager over at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Peter Bosz, believes he is “amazing” and “extraordinary,” whilst the club’s official Twitter account dubbed him an “absolute diamond” only last year.

On the above evidence, the Lyon maestro would certainly be a signing that gets Spurs supporters on the edge of their seat as he’s clearly capable of getting forward to contribute in the final third.

He evidently loves to get on the scoresheet and can assist the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, so it’s on Paratici and co to get this move over the line.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt big injury blow ahead of Wolves…

Manchester United are considering a move for a recently relegated winger, if reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Ismaila Sarr.

He said, speaking to GIVEMESPORT: “Sarr has reminded a lot of clubs in the Premier League that he’s probably worth an offer in this window.

“There are a few clubs that have been thinking about it – Newcastle, Man United and West Ham among them.”

Other reports have claimed he may cost £25m to sign this summer.

An unplayable addition

With key exits, frustration in the transfer market and dramas within the club, Erik ten Hag has been left light up front to start off the Premier League season.

In his side’s 2-1 loss to Brighton last weekend, his starting front three was Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen as a makeshift striker.

Perhaps bolstering the wide options in the hope that either a new striker is signed, or Cristiano Ronaldo decides to stick around at Old Trafford, could be the Dutch manager’s best bet.

That would make Ismaila Sarr a fine candidate, given his incredible speed and directness, which makes him unlike anything they already have at the club.

Dubbed “unbelievable” by Troy Deeney, in only 22 Premier League appearances last season for Watford, the Senegalese star scored five and assisted a further two, however, he has started this Championship season on fire.

Recording a goal and an assist in his opening two fixtures, with the goal being an absurd lob from inside his own half, it appears that Sarr has started this campaign a man on a mission. United are in desperate need for hungry players who can pull their side through when things are tough.

The tricky winger labelled “unplayable” by journalist Sam Street could thrive if given a stronger team around him, and although he would join a club in disarray, perhaps his arrival could spell the exit of some of the more toxic performers.

Last season he created five big chances despite only registering the two assists, suggesting that if these chances had been created for someone of Ronaldo’s ilk, his stats would look much more impressive.

He proves himself not to be an idler too, outlined in his 4.7 total duels won per 90. United cannot afford any more passengers, so with this £71k-per-week ace, they would get both the skill, speed and hard work.

Ten Hag needs more attackers in his side, and to sign this unplayable winger with proven Premier League experience and all the attributes to succeed, could be one of the Red Devils’ best pieces of business in recent years.

Nottingham Forest have completed their fifth signing of the summer with Omar Richards joining the squad yesterday, and now a reliable source has given an update on one of the club’s transfer targets.

What’s the latest?

According to Nottingham Forest reporter for The Athletic Paul Taylor, Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien this summer.

As per the report, Taylor claims that the newly-promoted side are currently in discussions with Huddersfield to sign O’Brien and Harry Toffolo, with the club also interested in signing Morgan Gibbs-White.

Cooper needs him

It is clear that Steve Cooper wants to bolster his squad to ensure they have the best chance of retaining their Premier League status for years to come and doing so would require him to identify high-quality players that can make an instant impact on the team.

O’Brien had an outstanding season with Huddersfield last season, becoming a key player in the team which ultimately led to their fantastic campaign in the Championship and a play-off final at Wembley, only caught short of promotion in their defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old midfielder scored three goals, delivered three assists and created four big chances, making one key pass and 2.2 tackles on average per game, whilst winning the majority of his duels (56%) and was successful in completing the majority of his dribble attempts too (70%) over 43 Championship appearances.

O’Brien has been the recipient of high praise for his performances in the team last season, with former Huddersfield Town manager Carlos Corberan hailing the player “very special” in an interview:

“He is one player who is very special in the team and is one player who deserves everything he has achieved in football as he makes everything to achieve everything( in football).”

With the ongoing pursuit to sign the player, Cooper clearly feels he needs a midfielder like O’Brien in the team who offers reliability and versatility, something that the Huddersfield gem can clearly offer as he can efficiently play in attacking, central and defensive midfield.

As a result, the signing of O’Brien would be a major coup for the Forest boss and could be a great piece of business if the midfielder can continue his form in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: Sunday update: Nottingham Forest confirm exciting news that’ll have supporters buzzing