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Sunday’s Old Firm derby will represent the perfect chance for interim Celtic boss John Kennedy to stake his claim.

The Hoops are currently on the lookout for a new manager and if the coach excels this weekend, it could just give him a helping hand in his bid to land the gig permanently.

A win over Rangers will do both him and the club the world of good. After all, this has been a torrid campaign for the Bhoys.

Celtic are no longer Scottish champions and head into this game with little to play for. As a result, what kind of XI will Kennedy go with?

Here is the XI that we’re predicting Kennedy to select on Sunday afternoon. It’s a side that sees three changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Dundee United last time out.

There are plenty of changes in midfield where Scott Brown and Ryan Christie are both dropped.

Brown was disappointing last time out, failing to control the tempo of the game and being swamped in midfield. He completed just 77% of his passes and conceded possession 15 times.

The skipper was dropped to the bench during the last Old Firm derby and we think the same decision should be made here. Thus, Ismaila Soro comes into the team to partner Callum McGregor.

There are two further changes in the wide areas where Mohamed Elyounoussi and Ryan Christie drop out.

Christie has been particularly abject of late with the £8,000-per-week forward scoring only two goals in his last 25 outings. With James Forrest finally back from injury, this feels like the perfect chance to unleash him instead.

Tom Rogic also gets a run out with Elyounoussi disappointing in recent months. He hasn’t scored in his last ten matches and flattered to deceive against Dundee United, firing four efforts off target.

Against a ruthless Rangers side, Kennedy will need his players to take all the opportunities they get; something that doesn’t often happen with the Norwegian and Christie in the team.

AND in other news, 0 starts under Kennedy: Celtic must unleash £11k-p/w beast with “explosive power”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who was sold by West Brom to Wolves in 1986, can’t see the Baggies moving for Michael Appleton after The Athletic’s Steve Madeley claimed he would be an ‘obvious contender’ to replace Sam Allardyce if he leaves.

The Baggies parted ways with Slaven Bilic early in the season to hopefully stop the rot and see them avoid relegation, however Allardyce has not been able to change around their fortunes.

Allardyce has never been relegated during his managerial career but this may be a step too far even for him, as West Brom sit 19th in the Premier League and 10 points behind Newcastle United in 17th.

Speaking on why Appleton wouldn’t be the right man for West Brom and what he would like to see happen in the Albion dugout instead, Bull told FFC:

“I think it’s a big job because when you go to the Premier League you’ve got to have a known name or somebody who’s been there before.

“So, I wouldn’t go for Appleton, I’d rather stick with Sam than bring somebody in from the lower leagues.”

Appleton played for the Baggies 33 times during 2001-2003 and was manager of the under 23s before taking his current job at Lincoln City, where he has recently signed a new contract.

Allardyce’s contract was an 18-month deal, however, it included a break clause if the Baggies were relegated so it remains unlikely that he will stay on if they don’t avoid the drop.

Manchester United head into their UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg clash with Granada in an extremely comfortable position.

The Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners the last time the two teams came together at Los Cármenes, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes securing victory in Spain.

It goes without saying then that the visitors will need to attack in order to find a route back into the tie and this is where the inclusion of United wideman Daniel James could come into play.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news-from-old-trafford-lingard-de-gea-pogba-bailly-johnstone” title=”The latest Man United transfer rumours and news from Old Trafford…”]

The 23-year-old missed the Premier League victory against Tottenham Hotspur last time out but should certainly be included in the starting lineup this time around.

James is currently in the midst of his most productive season in front of goal having scored five times for the Red Devils in all competitions throughout the campaign.

However, it’s in United’s defending where James might come in particularly handy against Granada.

With Diego Martinez’s troops expected to attack in order to find a foothold, this will see the United backline handed increased responsibility in keeping the ball out of the net.

With his pace though, the former Swansea City man could provide an extremely useful out-ball for the Red Devils on the right-flank, which could see United able to spring what could be lethal counter-attacks throughout the match.

Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer himself has suggested that James’ pace causes problems for opposition by stating that he is “hard to play against”.

Indeed, to combat this, Granada may be forced to sit deeper to defend against any counter-attacks that could be terminal in their chances of staging a memorable comeback and progressing to the semi-finals.

As a consequence then, this would certainly relieve the pressure on the United backline and indeed open up more space in midfield for the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

Considering his characteristics, James seems a perfect candidate to start for the Red Devils as they attempt to get even more comfortable in the Europa League.

AND in more news, find out why David De Gea can once again prove his Man Utd doubters wrong…

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has exclusively told Football FanCast that he expects Danny Ings to leave the club this summer.

Ings’ Saints contract expires next summer, and was the subject of interest from Tottenham in January, although the England man ended up staying at St Mary’s, despite Southampton running the risk of losing him for free in 2022.

The 28-year-old has been in terrific goalscoring form since joining from Liverpool – with only Leicester’s Jamie Vardy (23) netting more than his 22 Premier League goals last season.

Ings has managed just nine goals in all competitions this term, however, following a number of separate knee and muscle injuries that have kept him on the sidelines.

His latest setback came during the early stages of Saints’ win at Sheffield United last weekend, which is expected to see him miss another four weeks of action.

Phillips was asked his verdict on whether he sees Ings leaving Southampton, and he told Football FanCast:

“Yes I can, as much as Southampton fans won’t thank me for it. I think himself he even came out at one point and said he wants to play Champions League football, so that suggests to me he would like to move on and try at this stage of his career.

“So I possibly could see him moving on. It’s just a case of, he is a little bit injury prone. We have seen what he can do, I’m not doubting that. I think he’s a fantastic striker, scores great goals, good movement, but he is a little bit injury prone, so I think who would take him who would finish in the Champions League spot?

“But I do think that he’ll probably be angling for a move come the summer.”

According to Diario Madridsta, Manchester United have reportedly identified Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane as the perfect partner for Harry Maguire.

What’s the word?

United have been linked with a number of centre-backs, including Sevilla star Jules Kounde, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to strengthen his back four.

But it’s now been suggested by the Spanish publication that Varane is being viewed as a possible alternative.

Significant upgrade on Victor Lindelof

Offensively, Solskjær’s side have been pretty decent this season – scoring 46 goals in 22 games, that being the most out of any other team in the Premier League.

At the back, however, they have been anything but solid, having conceded three times in as many games prior to the Premier League fixture with Southampton. Furthermore, they have shipped more goals (27) than the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea this season.

If United opt for Varane and make him a key cog in the starting line-up, he’ll easily plug the gap in the defence. He’s averaged 1.4 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per 90 this term in La Liga, earning himself a solid WhoScored match rating of 6.74 overall in the process – this while playing for a team who look far from their best (Madrid lie 10 points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid).

For context, that’s still higher than Victor Lindelof (6.64), which suggests that he would be an immediate upgrade on the 26-year-old. Per WhoScored, the Frenchman’s defensive stats outweigh the Swede in key areas, averaging more interceptions, making far less fouls and boasting a far better passing accuracy when it comes to switching the play – 3.9 accurate long balls compared to two.

His teammate and former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has hailed him as one of the best defenders in history. He recently told franceinfo: “Karim Benzema is very friendly and down-to-earth. He’s here to score goals and win matches. I think he’s shown once again this year that he’s quite simply the best.

“Then you have Raphael Varane. I’ve come across some fantastic defenders during my career, such as John Terry and Vincent Kompany.

“I think that although [Varane] is still young, he’s already one of the best centre-backs of all time. His partnership with Sergio Ramos is wonderful.”

Unlike Lindelof, who has had his fair share of critics over the past couple of years, it’s fair to say that Varane could be the difference-maker. With a big-money centre-back in Harry Maguire already at the club, United could find another high-profile partner for the England international in Varane.

The fact that Solskjaer has used an abundance of centre-backs next to the former Leicester man is quite telling about how he just hasn’t quite found the solution yet, with the likes of Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo among others being given a run-out. But in the £63m-rated Varane, they would be getting someone of serious pedigree and who has played at the highest level for both club and country.

If those at Old Trafford want to assemble a new-look backline, the World Cup winner might be their best bet.

AND in other news, Manchester United should get rid of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer outcast Diogo Dalot this summer…

Manchester City will be looking to continue their winning run when they take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

As a result of travel restrictions, the first leg will take place in Hungary rather than Germany, with the second leg set to take place at the Etihad next month.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 18 games in a row in all competitions, so will be in a confident mood ahead of the game against Marco Rose’s side, who are currently eighth in the Bundesliga.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Spanish manager to line his side up on Wednesday evening, with four changes from the side that started against Arsenal…

Ederson keeps his place in goal despite Zack Steffen appearing earlier in the competition, as the Brazilian is obviously first-choice under Guardiola.

There are two changes in defence, as Kyle Walker comes in at right-back, which allows Joao Cancelo to move back to left-back as we saw earlier in the season, as we feel that Guardiola should go with his two best full-backs for this fixture.

Aymeric Laporte also comes in for John Stones at the back, as we feel that the Spanish manager is likely to rotate between his three quality centre-back options throughout the season.

Rodri is also likely to return in place of Fernandinho, despite the Brazilian’s impressive display last time out, as the 35-year-old is perhaps no longer able to feature in two games in such quick succession.

Finally, Phil Foden returns to the side in place of Bernardo Silva, and he makes up a front three which also includes Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, with City having arguably looked at their best in a strikerless formation in recent months.

And, in other news… Txiki must hand new deal to £150k-p/w beast Pep dubbed “the best”; even if he rarely plays

Kevin Campbell has backed Chris Wilder to be the next manager at Celtic as Examiner Live report he has become a favourite for the Parkhead job.

The 53-year-old has recently left his post as boss at Sheffield United and is thus available for any club to bring in.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Everton striker has claimed that hiring Wilder would be a good appointment at Parkhead:

“I do think he’d be a good appointment.

“If they were to pull the trigger then they’d have a manager who knows how to work to a budget and get the players onside.

“He plays an expansive brand of football with the centre-halves joining in with attacks etc.

“I think that’s something Celtic fans could get behind.”

Celtic should hire Wilder

Given that he plays an expansive brand of football as Campbell points out, Wilder is certainly a coach that would play a style that would surely excite the Hoops faithful.

Even though the Blades have struggled a lot in the Premier League in the 2020/21 term and look almost certainly as if they will be relegated down to the EFL Championship, the Englishman has still adopted the same style of play throughout and his heroics of guiding them to a very impressive ninth-placed last season should not be overlooked.

While he might not be the most glamourous name to Hoops fans, Wilder is certainly a man that should not be overlooked, as he could help steady the sinking ship for the Bhoys as they look to battle it out with Rangers once more for the Scottish Premiership title.

In other news, find out what managerial candidate has been ruled out for the Celtic job here!

Spurs captain Hugo Lloris has been linked with a move to PSG recently, following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino at the Ligue 1 club, and Daniel Levy must offer the Frenchman a new contract to ensure that he stays with the North London club.

According to The Sun, the French champions will target Lloris in the summer, as Pochettino looks to sign some of his old Spurs players with his new club.

The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in Spurs’ side for nearly a decade, with the Lilywhites having signed the shot-stopper from Olympique Lyon in 2012.

He has gone on to make 346 appearances for the club, conceding 376 goals and keeping 119 clean sheets in that time.

However, Lloris has admitted in the past that he is unlikely to finish his career with Spurs and PSG could offer the experienced goalkeeper a final payday before he retires, and with his Spurs contract only set to run until 2022, Levy could hardly demand an excessive fee for the £10.8 million rated ‘keeper.

After a game against Crystal Palace earlier this season in which he made an error, Jose Mourinho spoke highly of the former Lyon man, calling him ‘the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.’

With Spurs having Joe Hart and Paulo Gazzaniga as the current back-ups to Lloris, both of whom are error-prone, Levy must offer the captain a new deal with the club in an attempt to quash the interest from PSG.

Recent reports have suggested that Spurs are keen to offer new deals to both Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane but considering Lloris has just a year and a half left on his deal and is now attracting interest, he arguably should be Levy’s priority.

The 34-year-old currently earns £100k per week with the North London club and considering he is club captain, he is obviously a leader on and off the pitch, something which will be invaluable to Mourinho as he seeks to end Spurs’ barren trophy run this season.

Therefore, Levy must work quickly to get Lloris tied down to a new deal before it is too late.

And, in other news… Levy must perform transfer U-turn on £31.5m-rated magician Poch dubbed “fantastic”

Kevin Phillips has revealed that he “can see” Tottenham Hotspur making a move for Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira ahead of his contract expiring next summer (via Football Insider).

The 2014 World Cup winner recently admitted that he is an admirer of both Jose Mourinho and the Premier League. He has previously worked under the Portuguese manager during their time at Real Madrid together. Indeed, the Spurs boss is equally as fond of the 33-year-old and praised him for being the best in his position back in 2012.

In 2019, Shaka Hislop said Khedira’s “legs are gone”, and while he would cost nothing but his handsome £184,000 per week wages, it would be a mistake to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why Spurs should snub move for Khedira

Despite the attraction of the holding midfielder becoming available on a free contract and Mourinho already knowing him well, signing him would only complicate matters in the Spurs engine room.

As it stands, the north Londoners already have a situation on their hands as Harry Winks is said to be considering an exit from the club. Since the arrival of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, the England international has been elbowed out of the starting lineup. Winks has played just four Premier League fixtures this season, with his most recent one coming in the form of a 17 minute cameo appearance. He has since been completely left out of Mourinho’s squad on the last three occasions (via Transfermarkt).

The 24-year-old still has a lot to give to Spurs and will provide healthy competition for Hojbjerg as well as crucial backup for any midfield injuries. He is also a lot younger than Khedira, who hasn’t featured at all for Juventus this season. Last term he missed a total of 31 matches for the Serie A giants through injury and has a running history of knee problems, which could further hinder his career whilst trying to adhere to the physicality of the Premier League.

So whilst the lure of signing a World Cup and Champions League winner for free may be appealing to the club, Tottenham will only add to their defensive midfield conundrum if they move for Khedira in January.

In other news, Exclusive: Marlon Harewood highlights Chelsea star as ideal Tottenham signing…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former EFL marksman Dean Windass has dropped a bombshell about recently-appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis.

The 62-year-old was appointed as Garry Monk’s successor a little over a month ago, but the ex-Hull City talisman believes he didn’t even want the job despite signing on the dotted line.

On Saturday afternoon, the Owls finally picked up their first win under Pulis, defeating Coventry City 1-0 at Hillsborough Stadium to move off the bottom of the Championship.

Although, his overall record thus far also reads three draws and five defeats.

Wednesday weren’t short on options as the likes of former player Nigel Pearson, ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and even old foe Danny Cowley were linked with the job.

Dejphon Chansiri chose Pulis in the end.

However, Windass claims the veteran wasn’t really keen on taking the helm in south Yorkshire…

He told FFC:

“The chairman obviously decided to have a change, to bring Tony Pulis in.

“I don’t think he really wanted the job, Tony, I think that there were other candidates, but obviously he ended up taking the job.

“It’s been a struggle, they’ve only won one game [under him].”

After defeating the Sky Blues, the Owls moved to within five points of safety, so evidently, there is still a lot of work to be done to salvage their place in the English second-flight.

Since relegation from the Premier League over 20 years ago, Wednesday have twice been relegated to League One but have seen a return within two seasons both times.

The last time coming in 2012 when Dave Jones guided the Yorkshiremen to a second-place finish under Milan Mandaric.

There are now just 26 matches left for Pulis to turn things around at Hillsborough.

AND in other news, Forget Lees: Another Sheffield Wednesday titan stole the show for Pulis vs Coventry…