Todd Boehly has hired Frank Lampard to take over as Chelsea boss until the end of the current season on an interim basis, just over two years since the club sacked him.

It represents another key moment in their campaign which has been riddled with poor results and Lampard is now the club's third manager this term.

Boehly will still be on the lookout for a permanent manager ahead of 2023/24 and with Julian Nagelsmann and Zinedine Zidane being potential Graham Potter replacements, it could be an exciting few weeks ahead.

Another name who is being looked at – and apparently Boehly has already made his move – is former Barcelona and Spanish national team boss Luis Enrique, who Fabrizio Romano claims is “100% keen on Chelsea job” and is currently a free agent.

Chelsea need a manager who can bring the best out of their big-money signings, as Potter failed to get the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mykhaylo Mudryk, despite spending nearly £200m on the pair combined.

Enrique could be the ideal man to give the players a lift, especially Mudryk and he could be the catalyst for the winger to finally showcase his incredible talents at Stamford Bridge.

Could Luis Enrique rejuvenate Mykhaylo Mudryk at Chelsea?

Before moving to the Premier League in January, Mudryk registered 18 goal contributions for Shakhtar Donetsk, becoming of the most highly regarded wingers on the continent.

His performances led journalist Josh Bunting to hail him “frightening” while Sacha Pisani lauded him as a “baller” and his Champions League displays certainly merited this high praise, scoring three times in the competition.

The 22-year-old's form at the Blues however is alarming to say the least. He has an average Sofascore rating of just 6.34/10, grabbing just one assist and making only 0.4 key passes per game, and it’s clear he needs to be rejuvenated if Chelsea want to improve.

Enrique could be the perfect remedy.

The 52-year-old manager – who was branded “top-level” by RFEF president Luis Manuel Rubiales – coached Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, winning the club's second treble in his first season in charge and utilising a 4-3-3 formation with an attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez to devastating effect.

Indeed, across just 181 matches in charge of the La Liga side, they scored a staggering 519 goals, suggesting his penchant for attacking football could bring Mudryk out of his shell and lead him to become much more effective in front of goal.

If Enrique could bring his tactical nous he displayed at Barcelona to Stamford Bridge, he may get the team firing on all cylinders, and with players such as Mudryk, Fernandez and Havertz, it could be a frightening prospect.

Tottenham Hotspur see Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson as an 'heir apparent' to star striker Harry Kane, according to Mail journalist Simon Jones.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

For much of the past week, reports have centred around James Maddison and the potential Spurs capture of Leicester City's star player – with chairman Daniel Levy apparently determined to sign him.

However, he isn't the only player who Spurs have their eye on amid Levy's search for a new manager also. The Premier League top four hopefuls are still on the lookout for Antonio Conte's replacement in north London, yet the appointment of Chief Football Officer Scott Munn could mean Tottenham have more resources to start preparing for the summer transfer window.

As such, there are a few positions Spurs could need to reinforce, with a centre-back or two also previously rumoured to be a priority for the club. As well as this, the Lilywhites may need to start thinking about which strikers could eventually take Kane's mantle.

Not only is the 29-year-old out of contract in 2024, but he is also slowly approaching the twilight phase of his career, meaning Tottenham have their eyes on possible long-term replacements.

Now, according to The Daily Mail reporter Jones, there has been an interesting update on that front as Spurs target Brighton starlet Ferguson. Man United are also said to be admirers of the 18-year-old but Tottenham see Ferguson as an 'heir apparent' to Kane.

Indeed, both Spurs and United apparently have a 'strong interest' in the teenager, coming after claims that Ferguson is also wanted by heavyweights Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Should Spurs make a move for Ferguson?

The forward is a seriously exciting prodigy with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi even claiming that he has the potential to become a European great.

As per WhoScored, Ferguson has racked up six goal contributions in total over six full starts and as many appearances off the bench – impressive numbers for a player so young.

Brighton are still well in contention for a Europa League qualification place with two games in hand on fifth-placed Spurs – and Ferguson has contributed effectively to their standings.

Called 'world-class' by Brighton reporter Ryan Adsett, Ferguson has also impressed for the Republic of Ireland at international level – already scoring his first goal for them against Latvia in late March.

It's hardly surprising Spurs have taken note of his exploits, yet it appears they face stiff competition for his services.

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.

Manchester United will be seeking to pile the pressure onto Tottenham Hotspur by adding another embarrassing defeat to their recent results.

With a new man in the dugout, as Daniel Levy scrambles for something to ease his issues, there is little expected to change in the four days since their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Newcastle United now that Ryan Mason is in charge.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have just booked their place in a second cup final of the season and will seek to solidify their spot in the top four with a win today against the vulnerable hosts.

The returning Spurs team will surely be greeted with disdain from the home support after such a performance, in which the players were forced to reimburse fans who had travelled. They were defensively anonymous, and whether it was down to the formation or not, the attitude throughout the whole squad was so toxic.

Of those who started for the Lilywhites, few stood out quite like Eric Dier for being a defensive liability. His 5.9 rating gave way to a 75% pass accuracy, as the versatile dud made just two tackles, via Sofascore.

However, that is not a new development, with the 29-year-old having played 358 games for the club, despite pundit Frank McAvennie claiming he was "awful" and "not good enough" back in 2021.

It seems the England defender remains around the starting squad regardless of form, so Erik ten Hag could seek to exploit this glaring weakness by unleashing the hulking Wout Weghorst on the Spurs liability.

How has Wout Weghorst played this season?

Having spent 120 minutes battling for a first goal that never came, it was not a day for the strikers on the weekend at Wembley. A 19-minute cameo for the Dutch forward only really allowed him to take a penalty in the shootout, which he scored, however, he always captures the imagination for his immense work rate despite his 6 foot 6 frame.

This combination of tireless pressing, which actually have led to him being branded a "pressing monster" by journalist Scott Saunders, alongside his unique physique will give Dier a huge headache tonight. The England international looks shaky at the best of times, but seldom has he come up against such a physical marvel who won't give him a moment's peace.

In turn, this will afford the creative assets around him space to pose the real danger, with Weghorst keen but often unable to get on the end of such chances.

Despite scoring only twice in a Red shirt, Ten Hag remains faithful to the £33k-per-week ace, outlining the positives his main marksman brings: "I think he has intelligence from positions, he is a very good anticipator.

“Of course I tell him to [help] linking up there, which he is also doing as a high striker. But in that position, [he is] linking up and getting in front of the goal when crosses are coming in. As for the rest, there is the defending part which he is also very good [at]."

Seeking to bully Dier into submission in the same way Alexander Isak did last weekend, but again with that touch of class that will knit everything together, Weghorst will hope to spearhead another embarrassing loss for the hosts tonight.

Tottenham Hotspur have a squad inundated with players that need offloading, with almost the whole of English football aware of that.

However, it seems that the man who has allowed such mediocrity to fester, Daniel Levy, is the only one oblivious to such a fact.

For someone so frugal and seemingly petrified of spending big, the 61-year-old has certainly invested heavily in recent years in a desperate pursuit of silverware; a search that continues to go amiss.

Whilst there are plenty of depreciating duds that do need selling, perhaps the savvy CEO could first seek to capitalise on the few who have seen their value rise in preparation for the transfer war chest he will have to promise to the new boss.

One such name that springs to mind is Japhet Tanganga, who truly burst onto the scene during the 2019/20 season under Jose Mourinho.

The legendary manager saw immense potential in the 24-year-old, claiming after his first league start came against Liverpool: “I thought he did well. I think the kid has reason to be happy with his level.”

However, injuries and a sharp loss of form would see his reputation plummet, with the academy graduate falling way down in the pecking order. Therefore, he must be one of the first to go.

How much is Japhet Tanganga worth now?

Across his first six Premier League appearances, Tanganga maintained a 6.95 average rating that encouraged many. Journalist Charlie Eccleshare even branded him a “great prospect for the future."

Having burst onto the scene as a physical yet classy presence all across the back line, this figure would unfortunately decrease with each passing season.

With just three appearances to his name this campaign and a 6.3 rating to show for them, his downfall is truly exacerbated.

Pundit Jamie O’Hara even took to talkSPORT (5:38 pm, February 11, 2023) earlier this year to claim: “Tanganga, how he is still playing for Tottenham, I don’t know. It looks like he has got ice skates on him every time he is defending. It’s embarrassing.”

However, with increased prominence in and around the senior squad, no matter how poor the form, the £25k-per-week dud has still seen a valuation increase.

Transfermarkt has overseen this rise, suggesting that in September 2019 he was worth just €800k (£702k). However, despite the aforementioned underperformance, that has grown to €9m (£7.9m) as of November 2022. This marks a 1,025% rise across a three-year period.

With numerous poor performers culminating in what is set to be another year without a trophy, Tanganga could be an unfortunate but wholly necessary casualty of the impending revolution this summer should bring.

Leeds United boss Javi Gracia will not hesitate to continue to make surprising team selections in light of his choice to omit Junior Firpo from starting in the Whites' defeat against Fulham last weekend, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Junior Firpo and Javi Gracia?

Last Saturday, Gracia opted not to select Firpo to play against Fulham at Craven Cottage, instead fielding Maximilian Wober on the left-hand side of the defence in what ended up being a disappointing 2-1 defeat for the Yorkshire outfit, as per BBC Sport.

Before the clash in west London, Firpo had started Leeds United's last 11 Premier League matches, as per Transfermarkt, meaning that his omission may have come as a surprise to the away support.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old's form has dipped of late, none more so than in Leeds United's 6-1 loss to Liverpool at Elland Road last Monday. As shown on WhoScored, Firpo endured a torrid time in the affair and picked up a match rating of just 5.35/10 for his exploits.

Gracia has already been recently been pressed on his selection choices of late, particularly that of his failure to field Wilfried Gnonto from the start in their last three matches.

As cited by Leeds Live, the Spaniard spoke about the youngster's fitness before his side's match against Fulham last weekend, stating: “Gnonto is ready. He had a little issue, he had some problem, but now he's ready. He's training from the last weeks and, in the beginning when he came back, it's true I tried to protect a little bit, but now he's ready and available."

Journalist Jones is adamant that Gracia will continue to pick whoever he sees best fit to help Leeds United claim the results they need to secure Premier League survival.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones said: "I mean, they've made a lot of changes like that [Firpo omission]. I haven't seen enough of Firpo directly to know whether he would have made any difference in that precise game.

"But Gracia hates the fact that he keeps getting questioned on his team selection. He says I know what I'm looking at, there are different teams for different scenarios."

Can Javi Gracia keep Leeds United in the Premier League?

It looks right now like it could go down to the wire; nevertheless, Leeds have a huge opportunity to put some distance between themselves and their relegation rivals when they face off against Leicester City at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

Securing all three points would take the Whites four points clear of the relegation zone while would also boost morale massively following a three-game losing streak in the Premier League.

On the other hand, losing out to the Foxes at home could have severe consequences, as not only would Leicester leapfrog them in the table, but Everton could also plunge the Yorkshire side into the relegation zone with a victory over Newcastle United on Thursday evening.

Realistically, it's all to play for at this point and events during this midweek round of English top-flight fixtures may go a long way to deciding who manages to avoid the drop come the end of this term.

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”.

Tottenham Hotspur ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino would jump at the chance to take over in N17 'in a heartbeat', says journalist Ryan Taylor.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

Spurs now will be working under their third manager of the season with Cristian Stellini leaving the club on the back of their abysmal display on Sunday.

Ryan Mason has been appointed on a temporary basis as his successor until the end of the season, with the Spurs hierarchy hoping to convince former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann to take the reins this summer.

Pochettino had been linked extensively with the vacancy at Hotspur Way; however, Football Insider have now reported that he is in 'advanced talks' to become the new manager of Chelsea and an agreement is said to be fast approaching.

Former Tottenham manager Pochettino has been out of work since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of 2021/22, though he could now be set for a return to Premier League management with Spurs' London rivals.

According to The Daily Mail, Spurs haven't formally approached the 51-year-old over a return despite some players and supporters clamouring for him to be given a chance of a second spell in charge.

Daily Express journalist Taylor believes that Pochettino would jump at the chance to become Tottenham's new manager.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Taylor stated:

"On the flip side, say you brought Pochettino back in when Conte was sacked; he's got 10 games to work with his squad to decide what he wants for next season. There are positives to it if you can convince him and I think Pochettino would go back to Tottenham in a heartbeat, honestly."

Who else could get the Tottenham Hotspur job?

In recent times, several other candidates have been linked with the Tottenham job, such as Burnley's Vincent Kompany, Feyenoord manager Arne Slot and Spanish coach Luis Enrique.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has also been considered, as per Alasdair Gold. At the same time, talkSPORT earmarked Brighton & Hove Albion man Roberto De Zerbi as a contender earlier this month.

Nevertheless, it still isn't clear who the next man to take over at Spurs will be, which they will need to resolve soon to halt their implosion on the field.

Having seen their hopes of finishing in the top-four take a massive dent in their humiliating 6-1 defeat to Newcastle last weekend, it may be time for Daniel Levy and company to act to try and make sure their 2022/23 campaign retains an element of respectability.

There has been a clamouring for the Argentine to be reinstated in north London but it seems as if the fans could be set for more misery with the man club legend, Graham Roberts, hailed a "genius" seemingly close to joining Chelsea.

Frank Lampard has only been in charge of Chelsea for four matches during his second stint and is already feeling the strain, such is the nature of being boss at the Stamford Bridge side under Todd Boehly.

They will persist with him until a new manager is appointed at the end of the season, but there are still seven matches to go in the Premier League and the Blues aren’t even guaranteed a spot in the top half.

A mass clear-out is required at the club under the new manager, whoever that may be, and Lampard will be doing all he can to give him a solid base to begin from.

One thing the former Blues midfielder should be doing is giving some young talent a chance in the first team before the campaign ends and Noni Madueke should be staking a claim after struggling for minutes recently.

Should Noni Madueke start for Chelsea?

The £29m signing from PSV Eindhoven deserves a chance over the final few weeks to showcase his incredible talent ahead of next term and this could give Lampard the licence to ditch Hakim Ziyech, who has been woeful during 2022/23.

The winger has made just 14 appearances in the top flight, with only six starts, registering just one assist and creating five big chances, proving that he isn’t nearly as effective as Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel wanted him to be.

His Sofascore rating of 6.83/10 ranks him as only the 16th-best performer in the team, and it’s evident that his time at the club could soon be coming to an end.

Madueke hasn’t had much of a chance at the club having joined during the winter transfer window, with Potter restricting him to just five league games so far, yet he has shown glimpses of his ability.

The 21-year-old has averaged 1.4 key passes, 0.8 shots and 31 touches in the limited time he has had on the field of play, suggesting that with more game time, these stats will only get better.

Having succeeded with 2.2 dribbles per game, there is no doubt he can thrive on the right wing for Chelsea if given a chance under Lampard, and with nothing left to play for but pride, the chance is now.

Madueke is a regular for England at U21 level and manager Lee Carsley heaped plenty of praise on the youngster, saying: “He is exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile but what we have to remember is he is still young.

“He is going to need time, match minutes, the time to work on his game, but he has high potential. Like a lot of the younger players, he just needs an opportunity.”

Could this opportunity present itself over the coming weeks? Only time will tell but in order for the club to progress, they need to be placing their trust in talent who is willing to work hard and make an impression, while ditching those that have underperformed.