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Liverpool were on cloud nine yesterday after demolishing their bitter rivals Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford and sending out a message to the rest of the Premier League that they mean serious business this season.

Even though the prolific Mohamed Salah scored three of Liverpool’s goals on the day, taking his impressive record to ten goals scored in nine Premier League games, we feel that fellow Reds winger Diogo Jota stood out in the win against the Red Devils.

After coming on as a substitute in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek, Jota found himself back in the starting XI ahead of Sadio Mane.

This move from Reds manager Jurgen Klopp seemed to work wonders for the Reds as the Portuguese was very much a thorn in United’s side on Sunday.

After playing the full 90 minutes against the Red Devils, Jota managed to score Liverpool’s second goal with a neat finish from close range.

He assisted their fourth strike and would go on to complete 32 of the 38 passes he attempted. He also won seven out of the 14 duels he was involved in, made two key passes, one tackle and one clearance which ultimately earned himself a strong overall match rating of 8.5/10, making him Liverpool’s joint second-highest rated player on the day according to SofaScore, showing just how useful he was.

Liverpool signed Jota in September 2020 from fellow Premier League side Wolves for a reported fee of £41m.

In his first season in Klopp’s side, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £40.5m according to Transfermarkt, bagged 13 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.

So far this season, the winger, who has previously been described as “intense” by Klopp shortly after he moved to Anfield, has managed to score four goals and provide one assist in eight Premier League appearances, once again proving himself as an important figure for the Reds.

Moving forward, with Liverpool set to take on Championship club Preston North End on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup followed by a Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, we feel that Jota will be involved in both games in some way given how much of a goalscoring threat he is and he should help the Reds keep their unbeaten streak going.

In other news: FSG must land Liverpool swoop for £29.7m-rated beast who’s a “better version of Pogba” – opinion

Graeme Jones is set for his first match in charge of Newcastle as interim manager against Crystal Palace in the Premier League today.

Steve Bruce was relieved of his duties earlier this week and Jones now faces the unenviable task of trying to pick up the Magpies’ first win of the league campaign at Selhurst Park.

Bruce’s denouement came in the form of a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham last week, with Newcastle 3-1 down at half-time before Jonjo Shelvey was sent off in the second half.

How many changes will Jones make to the side? Here is our predicted XI for today…

We are predicting that he will make four changes to the side from last week, with Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar, Jeff Hendrick and Jamal Lewis all coming in.

In defence, Schar and Lewis could come into the XI for Ciaran Clark and Matt Ritchie. We published an article explaining why the Northern Ireland left-back should start, with the ex-Norwich man deserving of a chance to show that he can be an upgrade on Ritchie in the Premier League following the £39k-per-week dud’s disappointing showing against Spurs.

Clark has started six Premier League games and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.62. He has won 64% of his duels and made four clearances per match. Meanwhile, Schar has achieved a score of 6.75 in two league starts, winning an exceptional 83% of his duels and making 4.5 clearances per game. This suggests that the Swiss defender could come in and be an upgrade alongside Jamaal Lascelles, which is why Jones could select him for this match.

In midfield, Hendrick could start ahead of Sean Longstaff. The Newcastle academy product had a nightmare against Spurs as he was hauled off after 60 minutes and was given a SofaScore rating of 6.4 as he lost half of his duels. The Irishman scored in his last appearance against Wolves, which suggests that he could come in and add a goal threat to the team.

Almiron watched on from the stands as Newcastle lost to Tottenham due to his late return from international duty, which means he could now be fresh and raring to go for this clash with Palace. The wide midfielder could come in for Joelinton, who we have urged Jones to axe, and play out on the right, with Allan Saint-Maximin switching out to the left-hand side.

We are predicting that the rest of the XI will stay the same, with Callum Wilson, Saint-Maximin, Lascelles, Javier Manquillo, Karl Darlow, Isaac Hayden and Joe Willock all retaining their places.

AND in other news,  Jones must ruthlessly axe £80k-p/w NUFC flop who’s “offering nothing”, he’s dreadful…

An update has emerged regarding how much Everton are prepared to pay for Lazio forward Joaquin Correa.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, via Sportslens, Everton are preparing to make an official offer to Lazio for the 27-year-old.

The reporter claims that the Toffees have a €30m (£25.7m) package ready for the Argentine international, with €25m (£21.4m) upfront and €5m (£4.3m) in further add-ons. They remain in talks with the Italian club and are now poised to submit their bid.

Fans will love it

Farhad Moshiri clearly means business and is willing to splash the cash on Correa to bring him to Goodison Park, if this report is to be believed. A £25.7m deal would be the seventh-most expensive signing in Everton’s history, via Transfermarkt, which shows that it would be a significant investment by the Toffees.

Everton fans will surely love that the club is showing ambition in the market and attempting to strengthen the team by snapping up a top talent. Supporters will surely want to see Moshiri and co do all they can to give Rafa Benitez the best chance of challenging for European football, and the potential signing of Correa could help.

In Serie A last season, the 27-year-old produced eight goals and four assists in 28 games for Lazio. The wing wizard also managed three goals and two assists in eight Champions League appearances for the Biancocelesti, showing that he is able to perform at the pinnacle of European football.

Correa scored twice in a game against AC Milan earlier this year and was hailed as ‘formidable’ by his then- manager Simeone Inzaghi, who has since left the club.

The 45-year-old was quoted by Lazio’s official website as saying: “Correa is a formidable player, he is very intelligent tactically, he sacrifices a lot for the team. I am happy with his double, when he has no problems and can train continuously he always proves to be able to play at the highest levels.”

Along with his statistics, this illustrates that he is capable of playing at the top level. He has been able to provide end product in both Serie A and the Champions League, which suggests that he has the quality to make an impact in the Premier League.

Of course, it is impossible to tell how a player will adapt to the style of football in England or how they will get on with their team-mates, but on the evidence above, Correa would seem a shrewd signing for the Blues. This is why fans will surely be delighted to hear that Moshiri is getting the chequebook out to try and bring him in.

AND in other news, Bye-bye James: Rafa could unearth Everton’s new Tim Cahill in “special” £20m machine…

Everton will be aiming to secure consecutive victories when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Rafael Benitez’s charges ended an eight-game winless run when they saw off Arsenal 2-1 in an entertaining encounter last time out, easing the pressure on their under-fire manager.

It was a game with many positives for the Toffees besides the result and much-needed three points. Richarlison showed great resilience and finishing ability, finally grabbing a deserved goal after having two chalked off for offside, while Ben Godfrey deputised well at left-back and Demarai Gray maintained his rich vein of form.

However, Andre Gomes’ introduction as a second half substitute may have been the most pleasing aspect of that enthralling encounter for Benitez and co.

The midfield has been an area of much dispute throughout 2021/22, with Everton fielding a wide variety of combinations with mixed results. While Allan has been a mainstay, starting all 15 of the Toffees’ top-flight fixtures to date, the Brazil international has had multiple partners alongside him in the engine room.

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s injury issues saw Tom Davies, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin all feature in the middle of the park, but the balance was never right, which played a big role in Everton’s disastrous run of form.

However, Gomes’ own comeback from a calf issue on Monday night illustrated that Benitez may have finally found a winning formula in the midfield.

After entering the field of play in the 66th minute, the former Barcelona ace brought an element of guile, craftsmanship and control which has been absent from Everton’s play for far too long.

As per FotMob, Gomes had 19 touches of the ball, completed seven passes – six of which were in the opposition half – won two duels, made one tackle and pulled off one key pass, receiving an overall match rating of 6.9 out of 10.

These figures highlight the effective performance of the 28-year-old at Goodison Park, and he was rewarded for his promising showing with an assist, teeing up Gray for his dramatic injury-time winner.

Gomes’ impressive display will come as little surprise to Everton supporters. He has shown glimpses of his top-class talent since arriving on an initial loan deal back in 2018, earning praise from several impressed onlookers, including former Toffees goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.

“He’s a very composed footballer, looks very good on the ball, intelligent and knows which space to run into,” said Martyn of the Portuguese midfielder. “His passing’s very good, his tackling’s very good – he’s a great all-round footballer.

Getting such quality performances consistently out of the £112,000-per-week maestro will be the big task for Benitez, though, and the Spaniard must attempt to do so by unleashing him against Palace this weekend.

In other news… Benitez can seal big Everton coup by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated gem, he’s “incredible” 

Liverpool shared the spoils with Spanish visitors Athletic Bilbao in their pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon. 

Diogo Jota’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Alex Berenguer in the 53rd minute at Anfield as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Harvey Elliott started for Jurgen Klopp’s side on the day and caused Bilbao problems throughout the contest, duly delighting many Kopites in the process. Hiss performance caught the eye, with the winger being labelled as ‘impressive’ by Sky Sports as he struck the woodwork with a curling effort against the La Liga side.

Elliott spent last season on loan with Championship side Blackburn Rovers and chipped in with seven goals and 11 assists for the Lancashire club, demonstrating that he is cut out for senior football at the tender age of 18.

Footage emerged online of Elliott’s performance against Bilbao, with a number of Liverpool fans flocking to give their verdicts on his “composed” showing at Anfield. Take a look at the best of the reaction in reply to CF_Comps9’s footage on Twitter….

“I mean this in the best way but does he remind anyone else of Raheem Sterling?”

Credit: @hornbecksteve1

“Far more composed on the ball. Doesn’t give it away. Direct, high energy. Loves taking in players. What an option to have.”

Credit: @1staz_Br0him

“Looks like a comp on YouTube of the best of some players but this is just from a game for Elliott. This kid will be big!”

Credit: @gerald_ynwa

“Trent, Harvey and Mo could cause absolute carnage down our right hand side given the chance this season.”

Credit: @JDSFITNESS_87

“He’s genuinely like a new signing for us. Klopp will do wonders to the kid.”

Credit: @Lucas_Duston7

“He’s a baller and one for the future. Hope we manage him properly and not overkill him like Pedri.”

Credit: @vintagedeepak

“Better than Messi.”

Credit: @onlyfarouk12

“What a talent.”

Credit: @galaxyomeogo

“He’s actually class.”

Credit: @lukehamerr

In other news, many LFC fans swoon over this news about one of Elliott’s team-mates.

Many Everton fans have been flocking to a transfer update involving Moise Kean.

As per Italian football journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Paris Saint-Germain are waiting to see who the new manager will be at Goodison Park before they decide on what they will do with regards to the striker. Leonardo Araujo, the sporting director at PSG, would like to take Kean on another loan deal.

The Merseyside club now face a dilemma over whether to keep or sell him, given that he impressed so much in Paris while on loan in the 2020/21 season, scoring 17 goals in 41 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

However, his time at the Toffees has been far less successful, finding the back of the net on just four occasions from 37 games for his parent club (Transfermarkt).

“If we loan him out again our club including Marcel Brands are an absolute joke”

Credit: @bluetom_tom

“Seen how much they are spending on other transfers always seen as a soft touch us”

Credit: @CragOnTour

“No way we should loan him. To what make his contract shorter and value lower buy or don’t”

Credit: @LewisHu50503580

“No chance. Sale or he comes back”

Credit: @Richie_F26

“PSG should stump with the cash and buy the player. Let’s stop this loaning out nonsense for the lad.”

Credit: @PeterPapadopo11

“Buy him or jog on”

Credit: @keef50088528

In other news, find out which title winner Everton are ‘practically certain’ to sign

Reported Everton summer transfer target Luis Diaz was on target for FC Porto as they drew 1-1 with reigning Primeira Liga champions Sporting Lisbon on Saturday night. 

Nuno Santos had put Sporting ahead, but with 20 minutes remaining, the Colombian picked up the ball in the top left corner of the penalty area, cut inside two challenges and curled his shot into the bottom right corner to equalise for Porto.

It was his third league goal of the new season following earlier strikes against Maritimo and Belenenses.

Everton’s interest in Diaz

Everton tried to sign the left winger during the summer transfer window as part of a deal which would have seen compatriot James Rodriguez head to Portugal, but the latter’s wages proved to be an insurmountable stumbling block (via Carlos Aleman).

It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will revisit their interest in the £22.5m-rated 24-year-old in a subsequent transfer window.

BT Sport posted a clip of the goal, and here’s what some Everton supporters made of it.

Many Everton fans flock to footage of Diaz goal

“Hopefully we revisit next summer”

Credit: @GraemeMcV

“Here’s what you could have had”

Credit: @AndyBeav96

“Luis Diaz what a player man. Hopefully Everton go back in and land him next summer”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

“Not a chance we are getting him now”

Credit: @barry1878

“Get him signed!”

Credit: @the_street_end

“PAIN”

Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC

In other news, Marcus Bent says this is why Moise Kean’s move didn’t work out.

Sheffield United reportedly pulled out of a last-minute deal to sign Barcelona youngster Alex Collado in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Move looked set to happen

The Blades appeared almost certain that the 22-year-old would trade the Nou Camp for Bramall Lane, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute.

A key update has now been provided regarding the situation, shedding more light on the matter.

The Latest: Collado collapse explained

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], the paperwork had been signed at Barcelona’s end, but United pulled out after Collado’s agent tried to change the agreed personal terms.

The Blades’ decision is thought to have left Barca in ‘disbelief’ and ‘incredulous’, with the attacking midfielder now without an alternative club because there wasn’t enough time to find someone else.

The Verdict: Right decision by Blades

In truth, the agent’s behaviour appears to have put paid to Collado’s move coming to fruition and United were right not to let him dictate the situation.

While the Spaniard may have been a good signing at Bramall Lane – he has made two first-team appearances for Barca – it is refreshing to see the club take a strong stance against a major European club when an agent tries to change the rules.

In other news, a pundit has hailed one piece of Sheffield United transfer business. Read more here.

Crystal Palace could appoint their perfect manager this summer in the shape of Rafael Benitez, as the search for Roy Hodgson’s successor continues.

What’s the story?

The 73-year-old departed Selhurst Park after last season’s conclusion following four relatively successful years in south London, but his replacement is yet to arrive.

It seemed as though former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was set to fill the vacant Palace hot seat until a last-minute U-turn, leaving the club’s hierarchy back at square one.

Palace’s perfect manager

Whoever takes over the reins at Palace will be faced with a daunting task. A major squad overhaul is required, and the absence of Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson until the new year through injury will only complicate matters further.

An experienced head, therefore, seems the logical route to go down.

Several potentially exciting managerial prospects have been linked with the capital club, including Steve Cooper, Frank Lampard and Valerien Ismael, although the job at hand may be too much for those prospects to handle given their relative inexperience.

On the other hand, someone else who has been linked with the job, and someone who has been there and seen it all before is Benitez. The ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United man has taken charge of 340 Premier League games throughout his career, achieving a very respectable 49% win rate.

During his time at St.James’ Park, the Spaniard showcased his ability to extract results and performances far beyond the sum of his parts.

It’s a skill that will be required for any prospective Palace boss as they attempt to guide the Eagles to top-flight safety next season while working on a shoestring budget.

Key players such as Gary Cahill, Patrick van Aanholt and James McArthur may be allowed to walk out the exit door as the south London outfit enters a new chapter, but replacing them with similar quality stars will be a tricky assignment.

While bringing in a younger, more attack-minded manager may bring more excitement to the club’s supporters, pragmatism and experience are what is needed at this moment in time to steady a very rocky ship.

Under the 61-year-old Benitez, Palace would likely come out the other side of this transitional period with their Premier League status intact, and their playing squad revitalised, leaving the perfect foundation for a more ambitious tactician to take over further down the line.

And, in other news…Get it done: Parish must sanction Palace swoop for “outstanding” £14.4m-rated prodigy 

Everton will host Leicester at Goodison Park this evening in an important clash that could push Frank Lampard’s side further into safety from the relegation zone if they can take all three points from the game.

In terms of injury news, despite having an almost fully fit squad when Lampard spoke yesterday in his press conference to confirm the return of Yerry Mina and Donny Van de Beek, there has now been a new injury worry in the team that could see a starting player out for the game ahead.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been named as a doubt for selection following a rumoured injury problem according to journalist Chris Beesley from the Liverpool Echo. However, there is no clarity yet on whether he will play against Leicester City and will likely come down to the game itself for official confirmation of the striker’s condition.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up against Brendan Rodgers’ side…

We expect to see three changes in the team that beat Manchester United, with a 4-2-3-1 formation deployed.

The first change we expect to see is Yerry Mina’s instant inclusion in the selection following his long-term injury problems that have kept him sidelined since the beginning of February when he picked up a high-grade quadriceps tendon injury during the game against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Toffees boss confirmed that the 6 foot 3 defender hailed a “monster” by Michael Ball, will “feature” in today’s team, and we predict he will replace Michael Keane to play alongside Ben Godfrey, which will be a huge boost in the back-line.

The second change that we think we will see in tonight’s game is the return of van de Beek but placed in a more attacking role, allowing the Man United loanee to have more freedom to be creative and play a part in troubling the Foxes defence, his attacking attributes are something he is well known for from his time at Ajax.

The third and final change we predict is Demarai Gray coming in on the left wing to replace Richarlison, who will take the centre-forward role in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.

If the rumours are true that the striker is injured again, Lampard will not be wanting to take any chances on his fitness and will likely either bench the forward or remove him from the squad completely ahead of the Merseyside Derby this weekend.

Everton can go six points clear of 18th place Burnley if they can secure their second win in a row against Leicester tonight, and Lampard will surely be hoping his team can carry their confidence from their surprise win over Man United into the game, especially with the added quality re-joining the side in the likes of Yerry Mina.

AND in other news: Lampard must unleash “unselfish” £22.5m-rated Everton star, he’ll terrify Leicester