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Liverpool return to domestic duty following the recent international break, and they face Manchester City this afternoon in what should ordinarily be a blockbuster Premier League clash.

This season however, the Anfield side have struggled majorly and have nothing to play for aside from trying to secure fourth spot in the league, whereas City are chasing glory on three fronts.

The Reds haven’t won since their famous 7-0 hammering of Manchester United at the beginning of March, being defeated by AFC Bournemouth and Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp would surely have preferred a slightly less arduous task in order to get his side's confidence back up heading into the final few weeks of the season.

There will be plenty of changes from the defeat to the La Liga side, with Klopp switching things up in order to give his team the best possible chance of securing a crucial three points.

As such, we at Football FanCast have predicted the Liverpool starting XI that will take to the Etihad pitch this afternoon.

What will Liverpool’s XI look like against Manchester City?

4-3-3 – Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Henderson, Fabinho; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

Alisson will of course start in goal, making his 28th consecutive start in the league this term, and he will be aiming to keep just his tenth clean sheet.

The back four will remain unchanged from the Champions League loss a couple of weeks ago. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will take up their usual positions on the right and left-hand side of the defence, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate forming the core of the defence.

The midfield three will comprise Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott, with Klopp making a couple of changes. Elliott – valued at €33.1m (£29m) by Football Transfers – will be looked upon to try and add something different to the midfield. Football writer Leanne Prescott lavished praise on him earlier this season, saying: “No matter where he is on the pitch, he makes things happen" – suggesting that the Englishman could make the difference.

Mohamed Salah and Darwen Nunez will likely flank striker Cody Gakpo, who returns to a central berth following a midfield appearance against Madrid. This will mean Diogo Jota drops to the bench having looked "sloppy" against Los Blancos, according to GOAL's Neil Jones, as Klopp deploys his strongest starting XI available to him.

The 55-year-old will be aiming to defeat City for the third time this campaign – including in the Community Shield – and if this team plays to their very best, then they have a wonderful chance of achieving this.

Newcastle United have been linked with a potential move for the Crystal Palace winger, and soon-to-be free agent, Wilfried Zaha ahead of the summer window.

Do Newcastle want to sign Zaha?

The Ivorian winger is set to become a free agent over the summer window when his contract with the Eagles expires after an eight-year stint with the club.

And it has been reported the Tyneside club may be one of the clubs who potentially look at the 30-year-old as a possible option for the summer.

However, they are not expected to be alone in the potential pursuit of the Ivorian as the likes of West Ham United have also been credited with interest.

And it seems as if lucrative offers could be on the table from Saudi Arabia for the Palace winger with one of the country's main clubs said to be eyeing him up.

The report linking the Toon to Zaha suggests the winger is keen to test himself in Europe which could certainly be possible at St. James' Park on the back of their impressive 2022/23 campaign to date.

However, speaking on the Everything Is Black & White podcast, journalist Aaron Stokes has urged Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth to stay away from the 30-year-old:

(1:10) "I think I'm going to be the majority when I say this and that just, for me, he just doesn't do it for me. Far too moany. Honestly, the moaniest player I've ever seen in the Premier League.

"I just don't think I could get behind the deal. Fair play it's a free transfer, he's done wonders in that Palace for years who have always lacked a striker and have always lacked any attacking threat.

"He's always been the standout but for me, I just think for that type of player I wouldn't be going anywhere near it."

Would Zaha be a good addition to the squad?

Reports would suggest the Toon are looking to add to their options out wide with links already being established with the Leicester City wide man, Harvey Barnes.

But this is a position where Newcastle are fairly well stocked at with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon battling it out for the starting spot on the left.

There will have to be major questions asked as to whether the £130k-per-week ace would be willing to move to a club where he would not necessarily be the first-choice winger.

Saint-Maximin has impressed over recent weeks and the Magpies spent big on Gordon, so there would be no easy way into Howe's starting XI for the Ivorian.

In comparison to Saint-Maximin, Zaha has offered a similar output in attack with eight goal contributions for the Ivorian and six for the current Newcastle ace (via FBref).

However, the majority of Zaha's involvements have come from scoring, whereas, Saint-Maximin has specialised in providing the goals for his teammates.

Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said Zaha has the "fastest feet" he's ever seen, however, Saint-Maximin has actually returned a higher success rate in taking on his man this season.

Perhaps Zaha could break his way into the Newcastle starting XI, but it does feel as if it could stir the pot on Tyneside if they are to bring in another big name winger.

Chelsea are genuinely monitoring the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh report.

Who is Mamardashvili?

The 22-year-old has established himself as a strong performer for the La Liga side, arguably standing out as one of the best players in the division in his position. He has started 29 league games so far this season and was once described as "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Valued at £22m by Transfermarkt, Mamardashvili is contracted to Valencia until the summer of 2027, but that doesn't mean a summer move away is out of the question. Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United are all clubs who have been linked with signing the Georgian, who has won seven caps for hos country to date.

The Blues haven't looked wholly convincing between the sticks this season, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy struggled to consistently shine, so it could be that a new 'keeper arrive once the summer window rolls around. It certainly looks as though Mamardashvili could be the man to fill the void, following a new update.

Could Valencia star join Chelsea?

Taking to Twitter on Monday, journalist Fabrizio Romano talked up Chelsea's interest in Mamardashvili this summer:

"Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, expected to leave Valencia in any case at the end of the season despite contract extension signed few months ago.

"Told Chelsea and Tottenham are just monitoring his development; Leicester met with his agent 10 days ago."

Mamardashvili could be a great addition for Chelsea this summer, coming straight in as first-choice goalkeeper and hopefully acting as an upgrade on both Kepa and Mendy. He now has 53 appearances to his name for Valencia and is a young player who is growing all the time.

While some may point towards a potential lack of experience being an issue, given his age, it is easy to forget that Petr Cech was also only 22 years of age when he joined the Blues back in the summer of 2004.

Mamardashvili is now an established figure playing at the top level, and his ability to play the ball out from the back could appeal to whoever Chelsea's new manager ends up being, not to mention his impressive all-round game. The towering 6ft 6in Georgian has a presence that the Blues' current options arguably lacking, and they should look at him as a good option to sign at the end of the season.

أعلن نادي إنتر ميلان، في بيان رسمي، مساء اليوم السبت، توقيع لاعب الفريق هنريك مخيتاريان على عقد جديد.

وكان من المفترض أن ينتهي العقد السابق للاعب الأرميني، صاحب الـ34 عامًا، مع إنتر ميلان في عام 2025.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | إنتر ميلان يكتفي بالتعادل مع جنوى في الدوري الإيطالي

ولكن إنتر ميلان قرر منح مخيتاريان عقدًا جديدًا، والذي وقعه اليوم، وسيظل بمقتضاه مع الفريق الإيطالي حتى عام 2026.

كان مخيتاريان قد انضم إلى إنتر ميلان في صفقة مجانية، بعد انتهاء عقده مع روما، في صيف 2022.

وشارك مخيتاريان في 73 مباراة بقميص إنتر ميلان، وسجل 7 أهداف وصنع مثلها.

Eddie Howe delivered some important injury news following Newcastle United's 6-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

What's the latest Newcastle injury news?

The Newcastle boss took to his post-match press conference to confirm that Allan Saint-Maximin will not be available for selection in the mid-week clash with Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday.

Howe confirmed the absence of the French winger but was unable to give a clear update on Fabian Schar's availability: "I think Everton will be too early for Maxi.

"With Fabian, I don’t know how he is yet. We’ve got a couple of knocks in there."

Will Anthony Gordon start vs Everton?

The Magpies will be keen to continue their strong pursuit of Champions League football next season with a successful trip to the blue side of Merseyside and Anthony Gordon could be the perfect player to get under the skin of his former club.

The 22-year-old has been a consistent feature from the bench – averaging 36 minutes per performance – but a golden opportunity to start on the left flank against Everton could prove to Howe that he is more than worthy of more minutes and a starting spot in the competitive forward line.

Over 25 Premier League appearances for his two clubs, Gordon has scored three goals and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.2 shots on goal per game, proving that he is keen to make an impact in front of goal.

Indeed, the £60k-per-week ace – hailed as "different class" by former teammate James Tarkowski – is yet to find the back of the net but could be involved in bittersweet success on his return to Goodison Park later this week, success that could even be the catalyst in relegating the Toffees.

It has also been reported this week that Saint-Maximin could be set to leave St James' Park this summer, so it will be important for Gordon to make a good impression on his manager to deter Howe from bringing in another winger who could ruin his chances of becoming a nailed-on starter in the future.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Howe should unleash Gordon in the starting XI during the Frenchman's absence as an opportunity to get a look at the player in a full performance would be advantageous to Howe whilst giving the patient winger the minutes he deserves.

أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن قائمة الأهداف المرشحة لجائزة الأفضل خلال المباريات التي أقيمت في شهر ديسمبر الماضي.

وشهدت القائمة عن تواجد هدفين لصالح ليفربول أحرزهما أليكسيس ماك أليستر وواتارو إيندو في مباراة فولهام.

مع منافسة من قبل مارتن أوديجارد وهدفه في مباراة آرسنال وولفرهامبتون، في حين هناك ظهور لموهبة تشيلسي بسبب هدفه الثاني في مرمى لوتون تاون.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كلوب ينافس إيمري على أفضل مدرب في الدوري الإنجليزي عن ديسمبر

December strikes that made us go 😲

Which one deserves to be @budfootball Goal of the Month? 🤔 #PLAwards | 🗳️ Vote: https://t.co/ezhojyREA9 pic.twitter.com/kfdlDtDTyE — Premier League (@premierleague) January 4, 2024

قائمة الأهداف المرشحة لجائزة الأفضل في شهر ديسمبر

1- مارتن أوديجارد (آرسنال) أمام ولفرهامبتون.

2- أليكسيس ماك أليستر (ليفربول) أمام فولهام.

3- واتارو إيندو (ليفربول) أمام فولهام.

4- جيمس ماكتير (شيفيلد يونايتد) أمام برينتفورد.

5- هاري ويلسون (فولهام) أمام وست هام.

6- داني ويلبيك (برايتون) أمام كريستال بالاس.

7- كول بالمر (تشيلسي) الهدف الثاني أمام لوتون.

8- بريفيس إستوبينان (برايتون) أمام توتنهام.

أكد تشافي هيرنانديز المدير الفني لفريق برشلونة الإسباني، أنه لا يوجد أي أعذار تمنعهم عن الفوز أمام بارباسترو في مباراة الغد بكأس ملك إسبانيا.

ويخوض برشلونة مباراة أمام نظيره بارباسترو في دور الـ 32 لكأس ملك إسبانيا، غدًا السبت.

وقال تشافي في مؤتمره الصحفي: “لدينا القليل جدًا لنفوز به والكثير لنخسره، نحن مرشحون للفوز، علينا أن نلعب بكل الحواس الخمس، خصمنا أمامهم مباراة حياتهم”.

وأضاف: “لقد كان الأمر صعبًا بالنسبة لنا ضد إنتر سيتي العام الماضي، والسوابق تخبرنا أن الأمر لن يكون سهلاً، الهدف هو الوصول إلى النهائي والفوز به”.

وعن غياب لامين يامال عن مباراة الغد، أردف: “يغيب بسبب إيقاف من الموسم السابق مع فريق الشباب، لديه إيقاف مباراتين، وليس مباراة واحدة”.

وبشأن إصابة جواو كانسيلو وموعد عودته، استطرد: “سنرى ما يشعر به، لم يتم استبعاده من المشاركة في كأس السوبر، إذا سارت الأمور على ما يرام، فسوف يسافر مع المجموعة، إنه أفضل بكثير”.

اقرأ أيضًا | آرسنال ينافس برشلونة على صفقة من الدوري الإنجليزي

وفيما يتعلق بجاهزية أليخاندرو بالدي، أفاد تشافي: “سنحاول، غدًا سنقوم بإعداد القائمة في الصباح، لم يكن على ما يرام اليوم”.

وأشار إلى فيتور روكي متابعًا: “غدًا سيكون لديه دقائق للمشاركة، المباراة مثالية لأولئك الذين يلعبون أقل، لكن هذا ليس الوقت المناسب لإجراء الاختبارات لأننا نريد النجاح، لن يكون الأمر سهلاً وهذا ما قلته للاعبين”.

وعن إنيجو مارتينيز، أكد: “سيكون في القائمة بالتأكيد، لقد افتقدنا شخصيته وقيادته، لديه شخصية غير عادية وعودته هي نبأ عظيم للمجموعة”.

وأشاد تشافي بمارك جويو: “أنا أحبه، لديه أشياء كثيرة يمكن أن يقدمها لنا، على الرغم من توقيع فيتور روكي، لا علاقة له بالأمر، جويو لاعب كرة قدم للحاضر والمستقبل”.

وعن مباراة الغد شدد: “المهم هو احترام المنافس، إذا اعتقدنا أن الأمر سيكون سهلاً، فسنكون مخطئين بالفعل، لديهم أشياء جيدة جدًا، الإيمان والشجاعة والعدوانية، ستكون هناك أجواء رائعة وستكون كذلك معقدة، خطأ واحد يمكن أن يتركنا خارج البطولة”.

وعن لاعبه مارك كوبارسي، أفاد: “أعتقد أنه يتمتع بالمستوى الذي يؤهله ليكون في الفريق الأول، الإيمان الذي يضعه في كل شيء، إنه قائد، إذا آمن بذلك، فيمكن أن يكون مهمًا هنا”.

تشافي أشاد كذلك بجوندوجان: “إنه يصنع الفارق، لديه شخصية ويجعل للفريق شخصية، لقد سقط من السماء من أجلنا، أرقامه جيدة جدًا”.

كما أشار إلى مشاركة لاعبه هيكتور فورت في مباراة الغد: “بالتأكيد سيشارك في دقائق غدًا، لدي ثقة كبيرة به، لدينا الكثير من الأمل فيه، سيشارم معنا بالتأكيد”.

وأتم بشأن ملعب المباراة غدًا: “أنت تعلم أنني أشعر بالقلق دائمًا بشأن العشب، تسألني دائمًا عن هذا وسأقول نفس الشيء دائمًا، غدًا هو اليوم الذي لا أجد فيه أعذارًا”.

BBC host Mark Schwarzer has noted the "very poor" play from Tomas Soucek had West Ham United's rivals "hugging and kissing" on the sidelines.

What's the latest on Tomas Soucek and West Ham?

The Hammers travelled away from home for the Saturday lunchtime event in the Premier League as they took on Crystal Palace.

A few weeks ago, this looked like it could be a vital clash in terms of the current relegation battle but with both sides picking up form, it didn't feel quite so important ahead of kick-off.

Even so, both sets of players seemed to be really up for it as five goals in the first half made for a thrilling opening 45 minutes.

Soucek actually opened the scoring but two goals in quick succession saw the Eagles fight back to lead 2-1. Just ten minutes later, the Czech midfielder was involved again – this time for all the wrong reasons.

Indeed, he dallied on the ball and was robbed by Jeffrey Schlupp, who then raced away from the £65k-per-week man and then finished coolly to make it 3-1.

This terrible bit of play from the West Ham midfielder must have left David Moyes infuriated, but it seems the Palace coaches couldn't believe their luck.

Indeed, when talking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Schwarzer noted that Roy Hodgson's assistants Ray Lewington and Dean Kiely were "jumping up and down" in delight.

He said (via BBC Sport): "Very poor from Tomas Soucek. I was watching the Crystal Palace bench after that goal. Ray Lewington was jumping up and down. He and Dean Kiely were hugging and kissing!"

Will West Ham sell Soucek?

Interestingly enough, there were reports this week about how Soucek had been due to have contract talks earlier this season but they'd been put off until the summer.

This could suggest that West Ham and Moyes aren't necessarily keen on keeping the 28-year-old around for much longer – although he has played regularly this term, with over 40 outings across all competitions.

If he is playing for his future, however, this "poor" incident was hardly the best display of his talents. In fairness to Soucek, he had already scored, and just five minutes later, he managed to provide an assist as Michail Antonio's made it 3-2 before half-time.

Even so, if you do something so bad it literally has the opponents "hugging and kissing", it's safe to say you've probably left your own manager absolutely furious.

قدم محمد مصيلحي رئيس نادي الاتحاد السكندري، التهئنة للاعبي فريق الكرة والجماهير، بعد الفوز الذي حققوه أمس الإثنين على بلدية المحلة، مؤكداً دعم جماهير الإسكندرية لمنتخب أنجولا في كأس أمم إفريقيا بسبب مابولولو.

وتمكن فريق الاتحاد السكندري من الفوز على بلدية المحلة بهدف دون رد، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات لـ كأس الرابطة المصرية.

وقال محمد مصيلحي في تصريحات تلفزيونية :”أهنئ الاتحاد السكندري على الفوز أمام بلدية المحلة، سعداء بالفوز في 3 مباريات متتالية في الدوري وكأس الرابطة، وتصدرنا مجموعتنا، وتأهلنا للدور التالي، كان لدينا هدف وتحقق رغم الغيابات”.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | الاتحاد السكندري يهزم بلدية المحلة ويحسم تأهله إلى دور الـ 8 من كأس الرابطة.. وتعادل المقاولون مع الجونة

وأضاف: “شعب الإسكندرية كله يُشجع أنجولا بسبب مابولولو، هو لاعب على مستوى عالي جدًا، أرسلت له رسالة اليوم قبل اللقاء وتمنيت له التوفيق، أنا أخشى عليه من الحسد والإصابة، مباراة الجزائر وأنجولا كانت قوية، والناس كانت سعيدة بأنه سيسدد ركلة الجزاء”.

وبسؤاله كم سعر مابولولو بعد الهدف؟ أجاب: “آخر رقم جاء لنا 2 ونصف مليون دولار، والجميع يقول لي لماذا لا تبيعه، لكني أنظر لمصلحة النادي، لكن بعد هدف اليوم بالتأكيد كل السماسرة العالميين سيضعون أعينهم على اللاعب، وممكن أندية خارجية من أوروبا تطلبه والرقم سيتضاعف”.

وبسؤاله ممكن تطلب فيه كام؟ أجاب: “20 مليون دولار (ضاحكًا)، وأضاف: “أقل شيء 5 ملايين دولار”.

وأتم: “أنا أعشق نادي الاتحاد السكندري، وطالما الجماهير سعيدة سأكون سعيدًا، وأتمنى لمابولولو التوفيق، اليوم مصر كلها تشجع أنجولا بسببه”.

Liverpool could now miss out on the signing of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Is Mount leaving Chelsea?

The future of the Englishman has been a major talking point of late, with plenty of speculation surrounding whether we will remain at Stamford Bridge or not. He has had a disappointing season by his high standards, only scoring three goals in 35 appearances in all competitions, and he is yet to agree a new deal.

Mount has been continually linked with a summer move to Liverpool instead, with the Reds badly in need of making a number of new signings in the middle of the park. He appears to be someone who Jurgen Klopp admires and believes would strengthen that area of the pitch at Anfield, and reports have suggested that a transfer is likely.

The 24-year-old has been at Chelsea since childhood, however, and it looks as though his exit is still far from a given, following a new update that has emerged.

Will Liverpool miss out on Mount?

According to Football Insider, there is now "growing within Chelsea that Mason Mount will snub interest from Liverpool and sign a new long-term contract". The report goes on to say that the "imminent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino has given hope to those inside Stamford Bridge that Mount will stay put".

The Blues have "promised Mount more first-team action and a key role in the side as part of his contract negotiations", which they hope will encourage him to extend his stay at west London.

This is a clear blow for Liverpool, with Mount someone who could be such an effective addition to the midfield this summer, even though his 2022/23 season has been largely underwhelming. He has the tactical nous to thrive under Klopp – Jose Mourinho has lauded him for being "very, very intelligent" in the past – while 70 goal contributions (33 goals and 37 assists) for Chelsea show that he could provide more end product than the Reds' current options.

It does feel as though Mount would ultimately prefer to stay at Chelsea, however, as long as he is offered an acceptable contract, so Liverpool may need to start looking elsewhere for an alternative. Someone like Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister could be an ideal choice, for example, having scored eight times in the Premier League this season, as well as averaged 2.1 tackles per game.