Sam Preston Archives: 12/2018

Ralph Hasenhüttl has inherited a Southampton squad that is woefully short on goals and landing Shoya Nakajima in January would offer goalscoring prowess from wide areas.

Reports have linked Claudio Ranieri with a January swoop for both men to bolster a defence that is still yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season but the Fulham boss should go with his countryman over Liverpool outcast Clyne.

Nabil Fekir’s projected summer move to Liverpool fell apart when the Reds wanted to cut down the asking price but the World Cup winner’s dwindling contract at Lyon could allow Jurgen Klopp to finally drive the cost of the deal down in January.

Theo Walcott has been underwhelming and that has led to growing calls for Ademola Lookman to replace him on Everton’s right wing. Marco Silva gave the wideman an opportunity against Newcastle last night, but Lookman failed to take it.

Danny Welbeck’s dwindling contract and long-term injury already make it unlikely he will be an Arsenal player on the opening day of next season but if Unai Emery lands Wesley Moraes, it would surely be the final nail in the Englishman’s Arsenal coffin.

Alex Iwobi played 65 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United last night but did not make a major impact on proceedings.

Wolves already have a glittering array of talent on the wings so a January swoop for Shoya Nakajima may force one of Nuno Santo’s current options out of Molineux. Ivan Cavaleiro would be one of the most at risk…

This was supposed to be the season where Cenk Tosun’s Everton career really took off. But he has been dropped by Marco Silva in recent weeks and failed to grab the opportunity when recalled to the team for last night’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

After altering the shape of the north London derby on Sunday, Alexandre Lacazette again had a major impact last night, this time against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Both Leeds United and Aston Villa could really use new goalkeepers in the January transfer window to boost their promotion hopes, but Marcelo Bielsa has ruled out the chance of Tom Heaton pitching up at Elland Road.

Scott McTominay has featured as a central defender for Manchester United this season and Aston Villa’s lack of defensive depth means Dean Smith should take a vested interest in that recent positional switch.

Crystal Palace face stiff competition in the hunt for exciting full-back Junior Firpo and the strong form of Patrick van Aanholt means Roy Hodgson does not need to spend big money on another left-back.

Roberto Firmino has been off-colour for a number of Liverpool games now and Divock Origi’s bizarre decisive derby contribution offers Jurgen Klopp an alternative to the Brazilian that has not been realistic for much of the season.

Tottenham had an interest in Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook during the summer and returning for the young Englishman would have ramifications for the development of another Young Lion, Harry Winks.

It is looking more and more like Liverpool are lacking a midfield playmaker but the nature of Jurgen Klopp’s approach would not allow one to shine. Instead, the Reds’ pressing game must start creating more chances.