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According to a report by Football Insider, it is looking increasingly likely that Tottenham Hotspur will be forced into a ‘crazy’ schedule in the New Year.

The Lowdown: Tottenham fixtures piling up

Tottenham have been heavily affected by the increased spread of the global pandemic. After Spurs stated that eight players had tested positive for the virus, the club’s Europa Conference League match against Rennes was called off. This was followed by the postponement of the Lilywhites’ away fixture to Brighton on Sunday.

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This has meant that Spurs’ fixtures are starting to pile up, and fans will surely wonder when they’re going to be played. This was exacerbated by the postponement of Spurs’ match against Burnley, which was set to take place at Turf Moor towards the end of November, which was called off due to heavy snowfall.

The Latest: Spurs could play heavy fixture list in 2022

As the outbreak at Hotspur Way led to the Premier League calling off Spurs’ fixture against Brighton, Antonio Conte’s men now have two games in hand on the majority of the league.

Speaking to Football Insider, Spurs insider John Wenham has claimed that playing out the heavy fixture list out in 2022 is the only way forward.

He said: “It’s a really difficult one, all of this is such a blow. I think we will end up playing three games in a week on a few occasions.

“You are looking at a Tuesday, Thursday then Sunday game all in the same week. That’s just to get rid of the backlog we already have before you think about other games that might be called off.

“Other clubs are having… issues so it’s not out of the question other teams might have games called off that will affect us.

“We are so busy already but I don’t see another way around it. It will be a crazy schedule.

“It will be a challenge but hopefully it will be after January so we may have a stronger squad to deal with that congestion.”

The Verdict: Conte needs additions in January

With the current schedule already looking hectic, it does not seem possible that Spurs will be able to fit in these fixtures anywhere else, besides in the New Year. This means that it will be crucial for Conte and Paratici to bring in a few signings in the January transfer window in order to bolster the playing squad.

Spurs have been linked with a plethora of players this season, with much of the attention centered around Fiorentina striker Dušan Vlahović. However, fans may want to see a greater number of fresh faces in January, especially if the squad continues to decimated with injuries, illness or a fixture backlog.

In other news: “Top, top player” – Paul Robinson delighted as Spurs eye ‘underrated’ beast; Conte is a big fan too

Serie A outfit Lazio could attempt to bring West Ham United’s Felipe Anderson back to the Stadio Olimpico.

That’s according to the print edition of the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero (via Tutto Mercato Web).

The lowdown

West Ham signed Anderson in July 2018 for what was then a club record fee of £36million.

The Brazilian netted 10 goals and laid on five assists in an impressive debut campaign, but then tailed off during the 2019/20 season with only one goal in 27 appearances.

Anderson wound up being loaned to FC Porto last October and was restricted to just five league outings in Portugal.

West Ham even considered ending his loan spell early due to the lack of game time.

The 28-year-old’s value has now fallen to £9million (Transfermarkt) as he nears the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.

The latest

There are said to be ‘many names in the running’ as Lazio, who finished sixth in Serie A last season, target a new winger.

Alongside Anderson, the club have shortlisted Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic, Napoli’s Matteo Politano and Bologna’s Ricardo Orsolini.

Anderson previously spent five years in the Italian capital after joining from native club Santos.

The verdict

It very much looks as if time is up for Felipe Anderson at West Ham. He seemed a very good signing in his first season, but since then his decline has been a little alarming.

Lazio know that they could sign Anderson for free next summer, potentially leaving the Hammers in a fairly weak negotiating position.

You suspect they will recoup only a fraction of their initial investment, a huge disappointment.

A return to Italy may well appear to the player himself too as a means of revitalising his career.

He’d also have the opportunity to work under a great manager in former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, recently appointed at Lazio.

This looks like a deal that could be good for all parties.

In other news, West Ham have entered talks to sign this 25-year-old forward. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood, who made 164 appearances for West Ham, has claimed that David Moyes does not need to bring in any new players this summer.

Moyes was appointed West Ham manager last season when they were in a relegation scrap and after guiding them to safety he has turned their fortunes around this season with Champions League aspirations.

West Ham sold club-record singing Sebastien Haller in January, but David Moyes made the – at the time – controversial decision not to replace him, with their only addition being Jesse Lingard on a loan deal from Manchester United.

Speaking on why Moyes doesn’t need to bring in any new players and how the players want to play for the manager, Harewood told FFC:

“Moyes has not made a statement by going out and buying new players because he believes in the squad that he’s got which is good, because then the players feel trusted and will want to work for him.

“‘At West Ham, they’ve got a good team understanding and the players want to play for the manager and that’s something Moyes has put in place, so that he doesn’t need to get anyone else in because he believes in the players.”

The Hammers are currently suffering a mini-injury crisis with Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Mark Noble all picking up issues in the last couple of weeks.

Moyes will be looking for his side to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Newcastle which leave them outside the top four ahead of their clash against fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea on Saturday.

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Bodo/Glimt winger and Norway international Ola Solbakken, according to the Scottish Daily Mail [Print edition, 27/04] (via the Daily Record). 

The lowdown: A familiar foe

The 23-year-old played a major hand in eliminating the Hoops from the UEFA Conference League earlier this season, scoring and assisting across the two legs as the Norwegian side got past Ange Postecoglou’s charges 5-1 on aggregate.

Since then, Celtic have been tentatively linked with the ace whose contract is set to expire at the end of 2022 (Transfermarkt).

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Now it appears that the interest from Celtic Park could be about to ramp up a notch as we approach the winger’s free agency…

The latest: Mail provides an update

As per the Scottish Daily Mail (via the Daily Record), Celtic officials have identified the Norway international as a possible alternative to loan star Jota.

Whilst the club hold an option to make Jota a Bhoy on a permanent basis in the summer, the deal is yet to be finalised and the hierarchy may already be considering other avenues.

One possibility would reportedly be to ‘rekindle’ their interest in the two-cap Norwegian star, who has also been linked with a move to join Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.

The verdict: Smart planning

Most connected with Celtic would want to see Jota arrive on a permanent basis having already proved to be a hit in Scotland with 11 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

However, should that transfer not be forthcoming, never one to take a backwards step, Postecoglou would no doubt welcome Solbakken into the Lennoxtown ranks with open arms.

Already a fully-fledged senior international and with a stunning seven-goal European campaign under his belt, the talented wide-man would be a superb addition to the Celtic squad.

Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Solbakken has shone in the early season in Norway, averaging a 7.07/10 average match rating (Sofascore) – we feel he would make for a shrewd signing at the right price even regardless of Jota’s situation.

In other news, an ex-Celtic hero has taken a dig at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s game. Read more here.

Swansea City’s automatic promotion hopes appear to have suffered another significant blow, with midfielder Conor Hourihane looking set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the South Wales derby at the weekend.

The 30-year-old, who joined Swansea on loan from Aston Villa in the winter transfer window, was forced off in the first half of the 1-0 defeat against Cardiff City on Saturday with a hamstring problem.

Manager Steve Cooper has admitted that he doesn’t know the extent of the injury yet, whilst Hourihane was included in the Republic of Ireland squad before his injury, so you would imagine that he will likely be forced to withdraw.

The former Barnsley man has been impressive since joining the Swans on loan, having contributed five goals and one assist in just 13 Championship appearances, resulting in a solid 6.86 average rating from WhoScored.

This puts him third in Swansea’s top scorer list this season, with Cooper’s side having been extremely reliant on the goals of Andre Ayew in recent weeks, especially with Jamal Lowe enduring a woeful run of form in front of goal.

Therefore, it would be a huge blow if they were to lose Hourihane for an extended period as we approach the final stages of the Championship season, as other midfield regulars Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes and Yan Dhanda have just five league goals between them this season, so can’t really be considered goalscoring threats in this Swansea side.

After making his debut for the Swans, Cooper was full of praise for Hourihane, saying:

“I thought he (Hourihane) was excellent.

“He’s been so impressive from the day he’s come through the door, which wasn’t that long ago.”

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Cooper clearly values the Irish international highly and he was undoubtedly hoping that the 30-year-old could help Swansea earn automatic promotion this season but given recent results and Hourihane potentially being set for a spell out injured, it seems unlikely that Cooper’s side will be able to catch Watford in second place, and may instead be forced to settle for a playoff spot.

And, in other news… Fewer passes than Woodman: 27 y/o Swansea ace let Cooper down with a woeful display

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that Aston Villa have submitted a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe.

What’s the story?

Having clinched the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich – a player that Arsenal were also reported to be interested in – it appears Dean Smith isn’t done with reinforcing the attacking midfield areas.

And, according to Ornstein, the Midlands club put in a £25m bid for England youth international Smith Rowe, although the bid was officially rejected by the Gunners as they intend to offer Smith Rowe a new contract to keep him at the Emirates.

However, while their offer for Smith Rowe may have been turned down, there are reasons for Villa fans to be buzzing.

Fans should be buzzing

Having already beaten Arsenal to the signing of Buendia – The Athletic even claimed that the Argentine’s first-choice was a move to Villa Park – it’s a significant statement of intention from Smith’s side to go after one of the Gunners’ prized talents.

Gregg Evans even said: “Villa’s ambitions are becoming crystal clear. Not only are they showing no signs of slowing down their spending spree under Sawiris and Edens, but they are also looking at ways to weaken clubs who could be direct rivals.

“Bidding for Smith Rowe is the most obvious sign yet of that. But this strategic approach of trying to pick apart big teams is taking Villa to a new level. That they feel Smith Rowe is an achievable target says everything about the way the club are moving forward. The very thought of taking away one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players just a few years ago would have been laughed at.

“Also, while their desires to sign Smith Rowe are real, it’s one thing bidding for him, and another actually landing the attacker. But already, these are starting to feel like exciting times for Villa. They are flexing their muscles in the market and aiming high.”

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It’s exactly why fans should be absolutely buzzing at the sheer knowledge that their club even considered Smith Rowe as a transfer target, and put in an official offer for him – as Evans says, moving for one of Arsenal’s star players would have been unthinkable perhaps even last year, let alone several.

But such has been the meteoric rise that Smith’s side have enjoyed, that this is the kind of ambition and statement that Villa are trying to make, and it really is “exciting times” for the Midlands club.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped an update on this Villa man…

Lucien Favre is reportedly close to accepting the manager’s job at Crystal Palace.

What’s the story?

According to Simon Jones in the Daily Mail, the Eagles have held positive talks with the 63-year-old over the vacancy at Selhurst Park, with the Swiss native understood to be close to accepting the club’s offer to succeed Roy Hodgson after deliberating over the weekend.

Jones added that Favre has also been proposed to Everton but is leaning towards the vacancy in south London instead.

Fans will be buzzing

Favre has cultivated a strong reputation for producing teams which play an attractive brand of football throughout his career, as well as being adept at nurturing young talent.

After spells in charge of Servette and FC Zurich in his homeland, he took charge of Hertha Berlin and established himself as one of the most well-respected head coaches in the Bundesliga. Impressive spells at Borussia Monchengladbach and French outfit Nice followed, but it was at Dortmund where he really catapulted himself onto the biggest stage.

At Signal Iduna Park, Favre oversaw consecutive second-place finishes and was instrumental in the development of top-class talents such as Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.

His arrival at Palace would be seen as a significant coup by the capital club, and news that he is close to accepting the Eagles’ offer over a move to Everton will surely have Palace supporters buzzing.

Although Hodgson brought stability to the south London outfit during his four-year stay, the former England boss has left them in a precarious position. The first team squad needs a major overhaul, talisman Wilfried Zaha is lining himself up for a move away, and key creative force Eberechi Eze is out injured until the new year.

While several youthful managers have been linked with the Palace vacancy, such as Frank Lampard and Eddie Howe, the size of the task at hand means an experienced head is needed.

In Favre, the Eagles have found the best of both worlds. He plays an entertaining style while also having nearly 800 games in management under his belt.

It remains to be seen whether he puts pen to paper and makes the move to the Premier League, but his potential arrival will surely delight the Selhurst Park fanbase.

And, in other news…Parish must swoop for “unstoppable” £13.5m-rated goal machine, Palace badly need him 

Manchester City will be looking to continue their hopes of winning the quadruple this season as they take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola’s side take on the Bundesliga outfit in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and will be confident of a positive result ahead of the return fixture next week.

Erin Tedzic’s side have slipped to fifth place in the Bundesliga in recent weeks after a poor run of form, and will seemingly be without Jadon Sancho for the game against the Premier League leaders.

The Citizens have won five games in a row following their surprise 2-0 defeat in the Manchester derby last month and look to have a fully fit squad to choose from for this Champions League clash.

Here’s how we think Guardiola will line his team up on Tuesday, with four changes from the side which started in the 2-0 win against Leicester at the weekend…

Ederson retains his place in goal after keeping another clean sheet in the dominant 2-0 win against Leicester last time out.

There are two changes in defence, as John Stones returns in place of Aymeric Laporte to continue his partnership with Ruben Dias in central defence, whilst the “amazing” Joao Cancelo seems likely to start after being rested against Leicester, and he replaces Benjamin Mendy at left-back.

In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan comes back in to partner Rodri, with Fernandinho dropping out despite his impressive performances of late, with the German international also sitting out the win at the King Power Stadium.

Finally, after a worryingly poor display at Leicester, Sergio Aguero is benched by Guardiola, with Gabriel Jesus replacing him up front after featuring on the wing against Brendan Rodgers’ team. That allows Bernardo Silva to come back in on the left-hand side, with Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez completing the attack.

In other news… Man City handed huge boost ahead of tonight’s clash as “perfect” Dortmund star is ruled out

Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Josh Windass wants to stay at Sheffield Wednesday despite their relegation to League One.

The 27-year-old still has more than 12 months remaining on his Hillsborough contract, but has been linked with several Championship clubs since the Owls officially dropped into the third tier earlier this month.

Windass’ nine goals and six assists in 41 league appearances weren’t enough to save Wednesday from going down but have caught the eye of West Brom and Fulham following their own relegation.

The attacker has only ever played at Championship level since leaving Rangers back in 2018, and his impressive numbers in a struggling Owls side would explain why he’s on the radar of some of the division’s best.

Windass contributed to more than 35 percent of Wednesday’s league goals this term, which means the Hillsborough outfit might consider cashing-in on one of their best players to avoid a situation where he could leave for nothing next summer.

But Windass senior told The Transfer Tavern that his son’s focus remains on Sheffield Wednesday until told otherwise:

“I’ve got no positive information. I know that he’s had a meeting with Darren Moore, and those discussion will stay with Darren, Josh and myself. Darren wants to keep him, and Josh wants to stay.

“Yes, there’s a lot of speculation about a lot of football clubs that are after him, but he was very upbeat and positive about his meeting with Darren.

“There’s speculation these clubs are after him, but he’s chilling out in Portugal and will be back for pre-season training unless he gets told any different.”

Aston Villa have suffered a big setback after confirmation that Argentina duo Emi Martinez and Emi Buendia are set to miss games after the international break.

What’s the story?

The Athletic revealed: “Argentina have confirmed they intend to keep their Premier League players for the entire international break — despite the quartet having to quarantine for 10 days on return.

“Premier League attempted to keep hold of their players who were going to be playing in red list countries due to concerns over quarantine. The current UK government rules state that anyone travelling into the country from a red list nation has to quarantine for 10 days at a government-approved hotel.

“There are no exemptions to this rule, and Argentina is a red-list country. As a result, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso will have to spend 10 days isolating when they return to England after the international break.”

Speaking about Villa in particular, The Athletic confirmed the latest news was a major setback for them, noting: “Villa broke away from the Premier League-wide agreement and said they would release their Argentinian duo for the first two games.

“It meant they would miss Villa’s game against Chelsea on September 11 but then return to action for the match at Everton on September 19. Argentina have now gone against Villa’s public statement. Martinez and Buendia are key members of Dean Smith’s side and their absence for two games will be a blow.”

Fans will be devastated

After the initial confirmation from Villa that they would give permission to the duo to join up with the Argentina squad for their first two games, it meant that the pair would only miss the match against Chelsea on September 11 before being available for the clash against Everton a week later.

However, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that those players who were called up to his squad will remain for the entire allotment of three games, with their last match coming against Bolivia on September 10.

If Martinez and Buendia stay with Argentina until that match, and then have to spend ten days isolating, then not only would they absolutely miss the Chelsea and Everton clashes, but they would also be in serious doubt of missing the Carabao Cup clash against Thomas Tuchel’s side on September 22.

That’s not to mention that their training preparations will be affected, and Dean Smith will not be able to work with the pair. In Martinez’s case as a goalkeeper, that may not be too much of a concern, but for an attacking midfielder and new summer signing like in Buendia, that is something to worry Villa fans – in effect, the Manchester United game on September 25 may also be one too soon as well for the 24-year-old.

Whatever the case, reports that the duo now stand to miss at least two games (if not more) is sure to devastate Villa fans, who must make do without their first-choice goalkeeper and one of their star signings from the summer transfer window for longer than originally anticipated.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa must give this starlet a chance…