West Ham United host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon in what is set to be a major contest in the race for Europe.
Both sides are in the hunt to achieve European qualification at the end of the season, with the hosts one place above their visitors in sixth, as well as having a two-point advantage.
However, the Hammers, who are in shaky form with one Premier League win in their last five outings, face one of the top-flight’s best sides currently, having won five of their last seven league games.
With the contest being a major fixture for the Hammers’ season, it’s crucial that manager David Moyes gets his team selection spot on, and that is why the Scotsman should hand 22-year-old right-back, Ben Johnson, a start against Bruno Lage’s men.
On the chalkboard
The Englishman’s campaign has petered out in recent weeks, having played eight consecutive league matches from October to December, with Johnson not playing for the first time in the top-flight since New Year’s Day last time out against Newcastle United.
With fellow right-back Ryan Fredericks booked in the first half of last Saturday’s 1-1 draw, Johnson was called upon to play the second half to protect the 29-year-old from being sent off.
First-choice right-back Vladimir Coufal is set to spend the next couple of weeks on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery and therefore there was certainly a claim for the 22-year-old to start in the Czech Republic international’s place.
Whilst in the Hammers side, boyhood fan Johnson was involved in an impressive run of four consecutive victories over Everton, Tottenham, Aston Villa (whom Johnson scored against) and Liverpool which saw the East London outfit consolidate a place in the top-four.
When the 22-year-old has been in the starting lineup, West Ham have lost just two of 17 matches in all competitions, winning 13 of them, a seriously impressive record.
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Dealing with the in-form Rayan Ait-Nouri will be a tricky task, but not one that the right-back isn’t capable of overcoming, particularly after strong performances against both Liverpool and Tottenham, with David Moyes describing his performance against Spurs as “fabulous.”
From a defensive perspective, the full-back is versatile, having played left-back on occasion this term as well as playing at centre-back in an U23s game in August; the 22-year-old also played at left-midfield against Chelsea in December.
West Ham have kept six clean sheets in matches that Johnson has appeared in this campaign and with the right-back’s excellent winning record too, it appears to be a no brainer for Moyes to start the 22-year-old against Wolves on Sunday as the Hammers look to further support their bid for Champions League qualification.
In other news: Sold for £23m, now worth 5x less: West Ham played a blinder with “heated” 32 y/o flop
Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Aston Villa’s swoop for Philippe Coutinho is bad news for Emiliano Buendia, as per GiveMeSport.
The Lowdown: Villa back to their best…
Steven Gerrard has guided Villa to consecutive wins after a poor run of form, with the most recent victory coming against Southampton on Saturday.
Club-record signing Buendia was once again left on the bench in that game, only coming in for the final nine minutes, with January arrival Coutinho starting in a front three alongside Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.
That trio all got on the scoresheet, and with attention now turning to the trip to Leeds United on Thursday, O’Rourke has made a claim regarding Buendia.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Buendia
Talking to GiveMeSport, the journalist believes that Coutinho’s arrival in the Midlands has been ‘bad news’ for the Argentine, with the pair very similar stylistically. He said:
“With Coutinho there on loan, it’s likely that he will play and start most games, and that’s probably bad news for Buendia, who is very similar to Coutinho.
“And although they did start off together, playing as two number 10’s, I don’t think we’ll see that too often going forward.”
The Verdict: Buendia not in Gerrard’s best XI?
Gerrard selected Buendia from the off in seven straight games over recent months, with Villa winning just one of those. However, with the playmaker now out of the team, the Villans have recorded successive victories for the first time since November.
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In Gerrard’s 4-3-3 system, perhaps there is only room for one of Buendia or Coutinho in the starting XI, and if Villa exercise their option to make the Brazilian’s loan permanent over the summer, it could indeed spell trouble for the Argentine, who was brought to the club by former manager Dean Smith.
In other news: Reliable journalist reveals Villa and Lange have now struck out-of-window agreement for this signing
West Brom manager Steve Bruce has stated that Daryl Dike could return from a hamstring injury after the upcoming international break.
The Lowdown: Dike a big loss for West Brom
The American arrived at The Hawthorns in the January transfer window, sealing a permanent move from MLS outfit Orlando City. However, he only managed two appearances and 84 minutes of Championship action for West Brom before being struck down with a serious hamstring injury.
The 21-year-old hasn’t featured for the Baggies since late January, but his return to the fold now appears to be drawing close.
The Latest: Bruce offers positive update on Dike
As per The Express & Star, Bruce claimed that Dike, who returned to full training last week, would likely be back in action in early April, once the international break later this month has concluded.
The West Brom manager said of the American: “He’s only trained once with us, so it’s a big important week for him. Will he be involved against Bristol City next weekend? Possibly. But I think it will be after the international break when he’ll be in and around it.”
The Verdict: Massive player for the Baggies
Getting Dike back from injury is huge for West Brom, especially if they are to harbour genuine hopes of getting back into the Championship promotion picture.
The young striker showed during his time at Barnsley what a threat he can be in this division, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances on loan at Oakwell. He has been described as “extremely intelligent” and someone who “always had a good engine” by his former coach George Gelnovatch, hinting at the attributes that he can offer to Albion.
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Despite their poor form, Bruce’s side are still only seven points adrift of the play-off places, and Dike could fuel a possible Baggies’ resurgence in April and May, potentially linking up with Andy Carroll to good effect.
In other news, three West Brom players struggled in the draw with Huddersfield. Find out they are here.
Barcelona want to sign Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, according to a fresh transfer rumour.
The Lowdown: Neves excelling this season for Wolves
Wanderers are currently enjoying a season to remember, sitting seventh in the Premier League and having a strong chance of finishing in the European places.
Neves has stood out as one of their most influential players in 2021/22, starting 25 league matches, scoring four goals and averaging 2.4 tackles per game.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Molineux in recent times, though, and a fresh rumour is now doing the rounds.
The Latest: Fresh Barcelona rumour emerges
According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Neves is seen as an ‘option to be the replacement for Busquets’, with the legendary Spaniard turning 34 later this year.
The player’s agent Jorge Mendes ‘has a good relationship’ with Barca president Joan Laporta which could help get a deal over the line, with the report also describing the Wolves midfielder as ‘one of the best in the entire Premier League in his position’.
[freshpress-quiz id=“388797″]
The Verdict: Hard to turn down
While Neves has shown great loyalty to Wolves during his career, the lure of playing for a club of Barcelona’s stature could be too much to turn down, given their prestige and history.
To be given the opportunity to replace Busquets would be a great honour – the Spain international is arguably one of the best defensive midfielders of all time – and he may want to follow in the footsteps of past Portuguese greats Luis Figo and Deco in playing for the Catalan giants.
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In an ideal world, Neves would stay put at Wolves, but it is increasingly easy to envisage a scenario where he moves on in the summer, looking for a new challenge as the 24-year-old approaches his prime.
In other news, a Wolves player has suffered a suspected injury. Find out who it is here.
Wolves’ potential pre-season tour of America this summer is currently ‘in the offing’, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.
The Lowdown: Pre-season tour mooted
Wanderers are thriving on the pitch at the moment, sitting seventh in the Premier League table, but they also appear to be making good progress behind the scenes.
A recent claim from journalist John Percy suggested that Wolves are set to tour the USA for the first time in 50 years, with Bruno Lage and his players due to head out there in the summer.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, another update has also emerged regarding the club’s 2022/23 pre-season plans.
The Latest: Spiers provides update on USA tour
Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Spiers claimed that the tour looks likely, in what would be Wolves’ first trip abroad since 2019.
He revealed: “Not finalised or booked yet but been in the offing for quite a while now, they’ve been looking to go since Jimenez joined really, but went to China in 2019 and then obviously no tours since then.”
[freshpress-quiz id=“388797″]
The Verdict: Exciting for Wolves
Given the manner in which football is growing in popularity as a sport in America, this has to be considered exciting news for Wolves, as they look to branch out as a club.
The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have huge support across the pond, and while Wanderers will likely never reach the level of those two, it would still be an ideal opportunity to gain new followers across the Atlantic.
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With European football for next season a distinct possibility, and a US tour seemingly on the cards too, it seems an exciting time to be a Wolves supporter.
In other news, one Wolves player has suffered a suspected injury. Find out who it is here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be fit for Liverpool’s vital Premier League clash with Manchester City, according to journalist James Pearce.
The Lowdown: Liverpool suffer Trent blow
The Reds are firing on all cylinders at the moment, with their quadruple chances still alive going into April, in what could be a legendary season at Anfield.
They suffered a blow recently, however, with Alexander-Arnold suffering a hamstring issue in the 2-0 win away to Arsenal in the Premier League.
It was reported that he would miss ‘weeks’ and therefore the potentially season-defining trip to City on April 10th, but that may have changed.
The Latest: Promising update emerges
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, The Athletic‘s Pearce claimed that Alexander-Arnold could now be available, in what is a significant update:
“Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rehab progressing well. Chance he could be fit for crunch clash at the Etihad on April 10 – but that would be a quick return. Important hurdles still to clear. (Includes an update on Naby Keita too).”
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-26/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
The Verdict: Potentially result-defining
Alexander-Arnold’s influence is absolutely enormous, so him starting at the Etihad a week on Sunday has the potential to alter Liverpool’s title chances.
The 23-year-old is the Reds’ main creative force, registering 15 assists this season, with so much of their play coming through his wand of a right foot, in terms of his passing, crossing and energy down the flank.
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Alexander-Arnold being fit would give City so much more to worry about than if Joe Gomez plays at right-back, with all due respect to the makeshift full-back, and it would enhance Liverpool’s hopes of picking up one of their biggest Premier League wins of all time.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a behind-the-scenes update on how Leeds United’s players felt about Marcelo Bielsa’s reign coming to an end.
What’s the story?
In a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay revealed: “There was sadness that it came to an end, definitely, and not least because of how much Bielsa had done for so many of the squad. Players who never really expected to play in the Premier League appreciate that they made it there in no small way because of him.
“Form and confidence were suffering, though, and many in the dressing room understood the purpose of the change. I think they saw the potential impact of a refresh. But, as I’ve said before, in no way was there a mutiny.”
A Leeds icon
While things may have ended like a nightmare following a resounding 4-0 defeat at home to Spurs in Bielsa’s final game in charge, that should not take anything away from the Argentine’s incredible achievements at Elland Road.
Having come into the job when the Whites were still desperately trying to escape from Championship obscurity, Bielsa turned things around sharpish, instilling a real culture and identity at the Yorkshire club once again.
With his famous Bielsa-ball tactics and intense training methods, the veteran boss got Leeds back to the promised land of the Premier League, and in an astounding first campaign back in the top-flight, captured the attentions of people up and down the country with the club’s unique style of play.
His ability to connect with the fan-base on a more personal level with his work off the pitch as well, helped harbour a real sense of connection and unity on all fronts, so it’s no surprise that those who got to know him day-in and day-out like the Leeds players felt sad at his departure.
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Hay’s update on Bielsa is certainly an emotional one for Leeds supporters.
AND in other news – “We’re told…”: Graham Smyth drops big Leeds United update which will delight supporters
As Mikel Arteta sits down across Christmas reflecting on 2025 for Arsenal, he can be pretty damn happy.
Yes, the Gunners didn’t win a trophy but they finished second in the Premier League and reached the Champions League semi-finals, only knocked out by eventual winners PSG.
The task now is to build on that foundation. They have done a brilliant job so far this season and even if they have been pillaged by injuries of late, they are still fighting at the top and battling on all fronts to end what will be a six-year trophy drought come the end of this season.
Arsenal’s success in recent years has been built on the foundations of a mean defence but their forward line is perhaps more dynamic and fluid than it has ever been.
Bukayo Saka remains the club’s talisman but Leandro Trossard has been starring on the opposite flank. He has arguably been Arteta’s best and most consistent attacker in 2025/26.
How Trossard has become so important to Arsenal
Cast your mind back to January of 2023. The Gunners looked like they were about to sign Ukrainian superstar Mykhailo Mudryk, only for the winger to join Chelsea instead.
Well, who’s laughing now? Arsenal certainly got the better end of the stick. As an alternative, the Londoners looked towards Trossard and brought him to the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth £27m.
That move has turned out to be a bargain, even if the Belgian has split opinion over the last year in particular.
Trossard ended last term with just eight league goals to his name and it was widely recognised that Arsenal needed an upgrade on the flank to go to the next level. They did sign Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, and while they can feature off the left, their best positions are elsewhere.
Reports suggested that the former Brighton man could depart the capital over the summer but he was handed a pay rise instead. Questions were raised. The Belgium international is now 31. He’s not ancient by any means but he is approaching the back end of his career now.
Well, Trossard has proved all doubters wrong. In the words of Arsenal writer Connor Humm, he has “arguably been the best winger in the Premier League this season.”
Indeed, the experienced forward has scored six goals and supplied five assists in 20 contests across all competitions this campaign and has come up clutch on many occasions.
Trossard netted the winner against Fulham, scored off the bench against Aston Villa a few weeks ago and bagged in the 4-1 rout against Tottenham Hotspur.
He’s had a habit of coming up good in big moments since moving, but Arteta must not neglect the need for a long-term upgrade.
Arsenal could sign big-money Trossard upgrade
Not forgetting the striker position, the left wing at Arsenal has been one of the problem positions in recent years. Yes, Trossard has caught the eye this season, but he has been inconsistent, as has positional rival Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian is a lively and energetic figure on the wing but his tendency to blow hot and cold has frustrated many a supporter inside the Emirates.
He has scored in five successive Champions League matches, becoming the first player in Arsenal history to do so, but in the league Martinelli has just one goal to show for his efforts across 12 appearances.
So, what’s the solution? Well, there is a sense that Andrea Berta and Co could do with another winger. Anyone fancy Rafael Leao?
The Portuguese sensation has been linked with a move to north London for a while now but reports earlier this month suggested that the club were still very much interested in prising the forward away from AC Milan. Further reports even suggest that if the Gunners did launch a move, he would be ‘very keen’ on heading to the Emirates Stadium.
Reported to be worth around £75m, Leao is widely recognised as “one of the best left wingers in the world” in the words of Como scout Ben Mattinson.
It’s easy to see why. In recent seasons, he’s not just been a goal threat but he’s a menace when it comes to creating chances for teammates. In 50 games throughout 2024/25, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals and supplied 13 assists.
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As for this season, the Portugal international has six goals in all competitions, netting five in just ten Serie A fixtures for Milan.
He’s a menace alright, and one that’s already earned comparisons to an Arsenal great. Former Milan boss Stefano Pioli previously suggested that he reminds him of an “early Thierry Henry” due to his knack for drifting inside from his wide role.
Indeed, Leao predominantly plays off the left-hand side but he loves to drift inside and possesses those lengthy Henry-esque strides to help him burst away from defenders.
Leao vs Trossard in 2024/25: League Only
Stat (per 90 mins)
Leao
Trossard
Goals
0.31
0.28
Assists
0.28
0.25
Shots
2.56
2.54
Key passes
2.25
1.45
Progressive passes
3.60
3.57
Shot-creating actions
4.38
3.29
Successful take-ons
2.29
1.34
Progressive carries
4.77
2.83
Data supplied by FBRef.
One of the most captivating forwards on the planet, Leao is one of the best ball carriers around. Per FBRef, he ranks among the very best 1% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year for progressive carries with 4.23 per 90 minutes while he’s also in the top 7% for successful take-ons with 1.71 per 90.
A Champions League regular with Milan and a constant nuisance for full-backs in Italy, if Arsenal are searching for a way to take their attack to the next level then Leao is their man.
Arsenal fans must be begging to see another Henry-like talent within their ranks. It might well be the difference between winning and losing out on the title.
Arsenal fans get excited: Berta has agreed deals to sign the new Saka & ESR
The sensational prospects could be as game-changing for Arsenal as Saka and Smith Rowe once were.
Manchester United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a young midfield gem who’s been compared to Manchester City legend Yaya Toure.
Amorim aims dig at Man Utd academy prospects
Before the football could steal the headlines against Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim found himself at the centre of several debates after he name-dropped three academy players in an unexpected rant.
The Man United boss has been questioned for how little he’s used Kobbie Mainoo this season and the midfielder’s brother even turned up at Old Trafford wearing a “free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt on Monday night. Amorim’s response was ruthless in the build-up to the Bournemouth game, however, and has since split opinions.
He said: “It’s like any other player, the door is open for any player to change my mind. But in the end, it’s going to be the training, the games… Of course, he’s not playing so many games, but Kobbie had opportunities, especially last year.
“Everyone had… [Harry] Amass is now struggling in the Championship [at Sheffield Wednesday].
“Chido [Obi] is not always a starter in the U21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying, ‘Sack the manager’, so you can see that I’m not worried. I just look at the team and try to win the next game, and try to think about the team. I will do that until the end.”
If recent reports are anything to go by, then Mainoo is among those who are likely to be heading for the exit door in January, at least on loan for the rest of the season amid interest from the likes of Bayern Munich.
But what should concern the young midfielder the most is Amorim’s reported admiration for Christ Inao Oulai – another young midfielder who could end Mainoo’s Old Trafford career altogether.
Man Utd open talks to sign Inao Oulai
According to TeamTalk, Man United have now opened talks to sign Inao Oulai, establishing contact in an attempt to get one over on rivals Manchester City.
As bad as Shaw: Man Utd star had his worst game for the club vs Bournemouth
Manchester United drew again at Old Trafford in a frantic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
1 ByAngus Sinclair
The 19-year-old Trabzonspor midfielder has reportedly been compared to Yaya Toure by those in the Ivory Coast thanks to his dominant displays as well as his ability to score and create goals.
Dubbed a “magnificent” prospect among several others by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this week, Inao Oulai could provide Amorim with the young midfielder that he prefers over Mainoo, who continues to watch on from the bench.
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Before the Red Devils can even think about welcoming the 19-year-old, however, they will have to fend off interest from Man City, who are looking to land their next Toure.
Dalot upgrade: Man Utd looking to sign "the best right wing back in the PL"
Spaniard Rafael Benitez is expected to take the vacant managerial job at Serie A giants Internazionale on Wednesday.
The former Liverpool coach left the Merseysiders by mutual consent last week and he looks to have landed a new position immediately with Inter president Massimo Moratti admitting a decision has now been reached to take him to the San Siro.
Benitez, 50, won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year during his six-year stint and, prior to his move to England, he led La Liga side Valencia to the Spanish title in 2002 and 2004 with the UEFA Cup arriving at the Mestalla in the same year.
Inter, who won the Serie A title as well as the Coppa Italia and the Champions League last season, have been searching for a successor to Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese coach teamed up with Real Madrid recently and it looks like the Nerazzuri look to have found their new man.
Speaking to the club's official website, Moratti said:"We've got an agreement, we finalised the last details that in any case weren't important.
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