Aston Villa will face a very youthful Liverpool side in their Carabao Cup quarter-final, due to Liverpool’s clash of fixtures with the Club World Cup.

The side, who will be led out by Neil Critchley, will be hungry to take their opportunity to impress, as they will be hoping to earn further first-team involvements moving forward.

This means Villa can’t afford to get complacent ahead of the match, something Dean Smith will be fully aware of.

Watch Villa vs Norwich Live and Free with Amazon Prime on Boxing Day

However, in our predicted XI, we’re tipping the Villans to make nine changes from last weekend with some familiar faces still being included along the way.

Orjan Nyland has only made one appearance this campaign, which came when Jed Steer was injured in the league against Wolverhampton Wanderers. With the stopper still out and Heaton likely to be rested, the Norway international could get his second against Liverpool.

Smith may be tempted to use the same backline that was utilised during the 2-1 win against Wolves in the last round. Neil Taylor, Ezri Konsa and Ahmed Elmohamady were all left out of the starting lineup for the loss against Sheffield United.

Kortney Hause made his Premier League debut during that game and stays in for the cup tie, as Tyrone Mings is still out injured, with the hope being he will return before the New Year.

The same midfield has also been selected from the team that participated in the last round, with Douglas Luiz having been used from the bench against the Blades, while Conor Hourihane missed out altogether.

Henri Lansbury did start that game, but having put in an underwhelming performance that saw him get a rating of four from The Birmingham Mail, he could be confined to the cup competitions for a while moving forward.

Jota has been a sporadic figure at Villa Park this season, making just five starts and three substitute appearances across all competitions, so this could be seen as a good opportunity to get him some game time.

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Trezeguet has scored in his last three starts, but has not been on at the start of Villa’s two most recent matches, so Smith may give him the chance to extend that run against a youthful Liverpool outfit.

Jonathan Kodjia has managed just 81 minutes of first-team football across all competitions this campaign, but with Keinan Davis having been unavailable for the last seven league games, he may be utilised here.

In other news, FFC writers have discussed whether Villa would be wise to move for their defensive transfer target.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to wait until tomorrow to play their Christmas fixture as they host the reigning champions at Molineux.

Nuno Santo’s side were victorious last time out as they defeated old Championship foes Norwich City 2-1, thanks to a late strike from Raul Jimenez.

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Manchester City are in town, and they’ll be looking for vengeance after Wolves came out on top with a 2-0 victory back in October.

Here’s how we think they will line up on Friday afternoon…

Nuno could make two changes, both in defence, as he looks to combat the threat that Pep Guardiola’s side carries.

In central defence, Leander Dendoncker is dropped for Ryan Bennett as the 29-year-old is a natural defender while Romain Saiss keeps his place on the other side of the back three, in between skipper Conor Coady.

The thought of facing up against the likes of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne should be enough for the Portuguese chief to place his trust in an actual centre-back by trade.

Matt Doherty will continue on the right flank, but Jonny is dropped in favour of Ruben Vinagre, which is a move that happened last time the two teams faced each other at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.

It means the rest of the side remains much the same, despite Pedro Neto’s impressive cameo performance in place of Diogo Jota.

Squad rotation could be key this week as Wolves face league leaders Liverpool less than 48 hours after the conclusion of this tie, but it is expected that many of Nuno’s senior stars feature against City.

Calling all Premier League experts: Who do these unique statistics belong to? Find out below….

And in other Molineux news, this ‘Pogba-like’ transfer target is assessed by Football FanCast’s best writers ahead of a potential January swoop… 

Southampton may have turned a corner after recording back-to-back victories, but the Boxing Day win over Chelsea will feel more special as they won at Stamford Bridge without the prolific Danny Ings.

The striker was rested ahead of the weekend’s meeting with Crystal Palace but Ralph Hasenhuttl discovered that he has other players ready to step up to the plate.

Saints fans may have been surprised when they saw Che Adams and Michael Obafemi line-up at Stamford Bridge as the pair had just two Southampton goals between them prior to kick-off, and they would have been even more shocked when the latter found the back of the net.

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19-year-old Obafemi took the ball superbly well before running at the Chelsea backline and curling a brilliant finish into the top corner, a goal which impressed and delighted supporters in equal measure.

Hasenhuttl’s bold changes paid off as the Saints continued to apply pressure. Adams once again came vitally close to his first goal for the club but Nathan Redmond’s squared ball was just out of reach, and the winger later doubled the score to send the travelling fans into raptures.

Obafemi will be eagerly anticipating more minutes on the pitch and after the qualities he showed, the forward shouldn’t have long to wait.

Calling all Premier League experts: Who do these unique statistics belong to? Find out below….

While some praised Obafemi’s well-taken strike, others hailed his overall skill and contribution, with one fan suggesting he is better than his strike partner.

Elsewhere, Saints fans could have more to be excited about as a possible transfer signing has multiple qualities that would make him a good fit at the club.

So the Mikel Arteta revolution is beginning to pick up some pace. After failing to pick up a victory in his first official two games in charge of the club, the Spaniard has seen Arsenal secure back-to-back wins. The Gunners brushed aside rivals Manchester United at the Emirates on New Year’s Day, before knocking out Leeds United in the FA Cup third round.

On early Saturday afternoon, the north Londoners return to Premier League action when they take on Crystal Palace – a team that has been proven to be their scourge in recent seasons. The Eagles delivered a knockout blow to Arsenal’s Champions League chances with a victory at the Emirates last April, whilst they even lost 3-0 at Selhurst Park back in 2017. In their previous eight meetings, the Gunners have picked up just three wins.

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Arteta will know that Roy Hodgson’s side will provide a stiff early test of his fledgling reign, and it may require a bit more grit and defensive solidity to ensure a positive result. And with that in mind, below is a look at how Arsenal may line up on Saturday.

After Emiliano Martinez was drafted in for the FA Cup game against Leeds, regular shot-stopper Bernd Leno will no doubt be brought back in. In front of him, Ainsley Maitland-Niles should also make his return, thus allowing Sokratis and David Luiz to resume their partnership as a centre-back. Sead Kolasinac will complete the back four.

If Arteta decides Wilfried Zaha’s threat is significant enough for him to change his game-plan, then an extra central midfielder may be an ideal way to cope with that. The Spaniard spoke glowingly of the “terrific” Ivory Coast international, and having an extra body in the middle of the park could give the full-backs some much-needed protection. That could see Matteo Guendouzi join both Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira in the engine room, with Mesut Ozil dropping to the bench.

Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Arsenal’s history in the January transfer window?

That will leave Arsenal’s version of the ‘Three Amigos’ in Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to wreak havoc up front.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss Unai Emery’s summer decision to stop this starlet from leaving.

It seems that West Bromwich Albion could face a difficult task if they wish to keep Nathan Ferguson as he rapidly approaches the end of his contract in the summer.

According to a report from the Daily Mail in October 2019, Palace have identified the Baggies youngster as a player who could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the club.

But according The Sun, the Eagles will face competition from both AC Milan and Spurs for his signature, though there is a suggestion the English sides will wait until his contract expires in the summer before making a move.

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Ferguson has been something of a revelation in the current campaign and has established himself as a regular under Slaven Bilic.

For that reason, the reported interest doesn’t really come as a surprise.

But who exactly is this rising star and what could he bring to Palace?

To answer those questions, we sought the opinions of those who know him best…

Slaven Bilic, current West Brom coach

Ferguson’s current gaffer is already seriously impressed by the youngster’s ability and the composure he’s showing.

But apart from just praising his pure skill, Bilic was quick to point out that the 19-year-old (who was 18 at the time of the interview) has the mentality of a much more experienced player.

Here’s what he said, as quoted by FourFourTwo:

“Nathan has a mentality that reminds me of Declan Rice.

“He’s only 18 on paper but his mind is 25 or 27 – he’s not a kid. He’s only a kid in a positive way in that he’s not afraid to take the ball forward and have a shot.

“It’s our job to keep him humble but there’s no doubt that he has an extremely bright future and a great career in front of him.”

Keith Andrews, Sky Sports pundit

Andrews has been so impressed by Ferguson’s breakout season that he went as far to label the youngster as the best player in the Championship so far.

He praised his attitude and willingness to defend and mentioned those traits as crucial parts of his player profile.

Here’s what he said on Sky Sport’s EFL podcast in December [24:49]:

“For me it’s Nathan Ferguson I was there for his debut against Nottingham Forest, we were surprised to see him start even though he’d played through pre-season, and you’re always wondering how someone that young is going to deal with first-team football and it was amazing, it was amazing to watch how easily he slotted in.

“Defensively and I know recently this is something we always judge full-backs on what they do going forwards, but this fella loves defending, he’s come up against some of the best attacking players in the division and he’s had them in his pocket.

“And the way West Brom set up is perfect because he stays behind and picks and chooses when he goes beyond and the left-back Gibbs is the one who goes forward in advance.”

Did he really play for us?! No Palace fan has managed to name all of these obscure Eagles signings….

Lee Hendrie, pundit

Another pundit who has been left in awe of Ferguson’s performances is Hendrie, who was extremely quick to heap praise on the youngster following his display against Preston North End.

West Brom barely salvaged the three points in that clash but the 19-year-old enjoyed another superb performance, with the pundit comparing him to a young Kyle Walker.

Here’s what Hendrie said to SkySports afterwards, as quoted by Birmingham Mail:

“I’ve screamed and shouted about him before. He’s a Midlands lad, he’s got so much composure, some of the things he does…he takes a chance, you don’t see a lot of that from such a young man.

“You look at the best full-backs in the league, in the Premier League even, he’s a younger Kyle Walker for me. He’s got so much potential to go forward, he’s quick, he’s good on the ball, and he can get forward and shoot and score goals.”

Verdict

It seems that Palace are looking in all the right places if they need a talented and young full-back for their squad.

Ferguson seems to be one for the future and many of the experts seemingly agree with that statement.

A worthy replacement for Wan-Bissaka? Only time will tell.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Edinson Cavani from PSG, per The Independent.

What’s the word?

The report states that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is keen to sign two forwards this month as the club seeks cover for the injured Harry Kane.

Indeed, Mourinho has recently let slip that the England captain could well be out until the beginning of next season and, as such, Spurs are said to be exploring the potential of bringing in reinforcements up front.

Along with the likes of AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek, Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke and ex-Spurs forward Fernando Llorente, Cavani is said to have been mooted as a potential acquisition.

The Independent does claim, however, that his wages are likely to be too high for Spurs to be able to complete a deal this month.

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

A Mourinho signing

This would be a deal straight from the Mourinho playbook.

He has earned a reputation for bringing in seasoned winners to his previous clubs and Cavani is just that.

He is a five-time Ligue 1 winner with PSG, a four-time French Cup winner, a one-time Italian Cup winner with Napoli and a previous Copa America champion with Uruguay.

While he is 32, he remains a major goalscoring presence; he has netted five already this season in all competitions and hit 23 last season, having scored 40 in 2017/18.

This is a player with a remarkable pedigree and he would be able to slot straight in ahead of Kane, while later being able to effectively supplement his threat when he returns to full fitness.

If he can score at a similar rate to the last two seasons, he could well pay for himself, particularly if he is able to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

Fernando Llorente, of course, did exactly the same thing during his spell at the club.

Signed from Swansea City in 2017 – a Spurs buy not usually befitting their attempt to sign youthful prospects – he was integral when it came to the club’s run to the Champions League final, scoring the winner in the second leg of the quarter-final against Manchester City.

He was also vital to the win over Ajax in Amsterdam, coming off the bench to turn the tide of the game; it has worked before, it can work again.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have reacted to a huge potential swap deal. 

Leeds United are in a bit of a rut at the moment – it’s simply undeniable. The Whites have won just one of their last seven league games.

In the process, they’ve seen their lead over third-place go from eleven points to just four.

Now, nobody wants to see their team struggle, but if Leeds were going to have a rocky patch this season they’d want it to be now.

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Not only do United have over a week before their next game for Marcelo Bielsa to devise a solution to the current problems, but it’s also January, meaning that the Yorkshire side can bring players in to improve positions that aren’t up to scratch.

Yes, that’s a huge assumption considering the club’s failings to do that last January, but let’s not forget that at this point last year, Leeds had won six of their last nine games, so everything looked to be going well at Elland Road.

In the end, the team collapsed and failed to earn promotion, but this year the warning signs are there early enough for the club’s hierarchy to do something about it.

Even Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani aren’t stupid enough to think that one win in seven is good enough form to carry them through to the end of the season, so this recent run should act as a shot in the arm to spring them into action.

United aren’t doing well at the moment but you’d much rather this run come now than in another months time after the transfer window has already been and gone.

The problems are there for the higher-ups at Elland Road to see, but with the market open for signing players, it may come as a blessing in disguise if it inspires some movement in terms of new arrivals.

In other news, Danny Pugh has been discussing what a takeover could mean for Leeds United.

Tottenham are keeping very busy in the final week of the transfer window and the squad could look a lot different come the weekend fixture against Manchester City.

Steven Bergwijn looks set to sign while the club is reportedly still in talks with Krzysztof Piatek, and there could be outgoings too, with Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters linked with moves away.

That pair aren’t the only academy graduates who could be about to take in new surroundings, with youngster Troy Parrott also potentially leaving on a temporary basis, with Charlton and QPR interested in a loan deal (22.38 – 27th Jan, Sky Sports Transfer Centre) for the striker.

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Tottenham fans are supportive of the switch, probably because it would allow the Republic of Ireland U21 international to get some much-needed game time at senior level.

Joining a Championship club would be a brilliant opportunity for the 17-year-old to display his talent in a pressured environment, particularly if he joined the Addicks as they lie six points above the relegation zone.

Spurs may still be chasing a forward but if Parrott impresses then he may be able to play his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans for next season, and that would be a major step for his career in North London.

Many supporters are keen for the forward to join QPR, who have already taken fellow young players Jack Clarke and Luke Amos on loan from Spurs, with their reasoning mostly relating to the potential for all three players to build up an understanding on the pitch.

Who is that?! Nobody has been able to name the teams all of these obscure managers were once in charge of…

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have been sharing their views on the prospect of one transfer that could still take place at the Tottenham Stadium.

Supposedly ‘proven’ goalscorers haven’t quite worked out for Sunderland this season.Indeed, Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg have both shown their pedigree in League One, Wyke hitting 15 goals with Bradford back in 2017/18, while Grigg has bagged over 20 on two occasions.For some reason these usually reliable frontmen have flopped this term, scoring just five goals between them.Sunderland need to change something up front, and it seems as if they’re going to roll the dice on a more unproven entity.

Yes, the Black Cats are reportedly close to signing Antoine Semenyo on loan until the end of the season.

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This will be a huge test for the 20-year-old, and he’ll be desperate to prove himself after spending half a season on the fringes at Bristol City.

The striker has played 300 league minutes for the Robins this term, and if his loan spell at Sunderland goes well he could break into the Ashton Gate outfit’s first-team next term.

Tottenham Hotspur progressed into the next round of the FA Cup with a dramatic victory over Southampton on Wednesday evening, setting up a tie with Norwich City.

Spurs won 3-2 courtesy of Heung-min Son’s 87th-minute penalty, but a tactical decision from their manager Jose Mourinho has got fans talking on social media.

Eric Dier was named in the starting lineup in central midfield, alongside Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele, before briefly dropping into defence in the second half – it was the Englishman’s 14th start of the season from 20 appearances, per Transfermakt.

It appears as if sections of the home faithful were far from pleased with what they saw, here’s what has been said…

“Pathetic” and “bang average” were just two of the scathing reviews given by supporters on Dier’s display against the Saints whilst another fan told the 26-year-old to take notes on new signing Gedson Fernandes after he made an impact off the bench in the second half.

A further member of the home crowd claimed Dier needed to receive the Victor Wanyama treatment, presumably, that means being dropped and forced out of the senior fold entirely.

It has led to discussion over why the midfielder wasn’t sold when they had an opportunity to get rid…

Manchester United were reportedly keen on signing him for £50m in the summer of 2017, coincidentally when Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford. The Guardian claimed Spurs were hell-bent on keeping him in north London.

One supporter even wants Dier to be the first player out the door at the end of the season. However, they may not have to settle for less given his Transfermarkt rating of £27m.

And then there were more fans picking out his main weaknesses…

It was also joked that Dier looks like he is playing in concrete football boots whilst another suggested that he moved like a cement truck with flat tires – something you’d imagine would be completely stationary – another damning indictment towards his performance.

There were even claims that he was anonymous in the heart of midfield with him being brandished as “abysmal” and “non-existent.”

SofaScore, on the other hand, handed him a 7.0 rating – the third-highest amongst the Spurs starting line up after he recorded an 88% passing accuracy, won 72% of his duels and managed two tackles.

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And in other news, Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold has also offered his verdict on the struggling England ace…