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After picking up two points from a possible nine in the opening weeks of the new Premier League campaign, Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off over the weekend.

The Eagles recovered from a 3-0 opening day defeat at the hand of European champions Chelsea to hold both Brentford and West Ham United to draws, showing signs of promise under new manager Patrick Vieira.

However, the Frenchman may be concerned about his side’s lack of goals before the international break, despite their improved performances.

A 1-0 loss to Watford in the Carabao Cup second round meant that the Eagles failed to score in their first three outings under Vieira in all competitions before a Conor Gallagher brace against the Hammers broke their duck.

Nevertheless, the lack of clearcut opportunities that Palace are creating will still be cause for concern for the former New York City and Nice coach.

As per SofaScore, the Eagles have only created 1.3 big chances per game so far in 2021/22 and have averaged just five shots per game, highlighting their struggles in the final third of the pitch.

The solution to their struggles could be a rather simple one, though. Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard arrived at Selhurst Park on transfer deadline day in a deal which could be worth up to £18.5m.

During his time in Scottish football, the £70,000-per-week magician established himself as one of the most promising young strikers in European football, and his underlying numbers for this season indicate that he could have a huge impact at Palace.

Edouard averaged 3.3 shots and 2.3 key passes per league game for Celtic in the early weeks of the current campaign before making the switch to Palace, while also creating three big chances.

The highly-rated 23-year-old also continued to demonstrate his fantastic end product to go with his skill, bagging two goals and providing one assist for the Hoops in his last four league appearances for the club.

Therefore, Vieira must start his compatriot against Spurs on Saturday, providing his charges with the natural goalscorer and cutting edge they so desperately require in the final third.

In other news… Journalist reveals exciting Crystal Palace transfer update which will have fans buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur gem Dane Scarlett could have a big future in north London and he may well play a part during the 2021/22 campaign.

The 17-year-old academy prospect has now played five times for the senior side, including 90 minutes against Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying stage.

His form for the young Lilywhites has certainly caught the eye, having bagged three goals in six appearances at U23 level, on top of an impressive 23 goals and four assists for the U18s, via Transfermarkt.

Spurs fans have every right to remain cautious but Scarlett is a talent they should be hugely excited about.

For every Harry Kane, there is a Cameron Lancaster, but the teenage sensation is different. He’s something special and under Nuno Santo, he could well become a first-team star.

Given the 28-year-old’s arduous transfer saga in the summer and reports suggesting that the new head coach wanted to play two up-top, Scarlett could soon see his game time increase at the club, particularly as they still remain in all domestic and European competitions.

Rotation will be key and Kane remains their only senior centre-forward, so it would not be a surprise to see more of the emerging Hotspur Way prodigy throughout the current campaign.

Scarlett became the youngest-ever player to feature for the north Londoners last season and he’s someone that former manager Jose Mourinho regularly praised in the press.

After an assist off the bench in their Europa League clash with Wolfsberger AC, the ‘Special One’ told BT Sport (via The Athletic):

“He is a diamond, a kid with incredible potential. He has worked many times with the first team and that gives him a different personality. He is still 16, 17 soon (in March) and I believe next season he will be a first-team squad player because he has a lot of talent.”

Scarlett has even drawn comparisons to Marcus Rashford, who Mourinho managed at Old Trafford, so this sort of analysis shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“He is going to be a fantastic player and I hope everything around him goes well. He is a striker, a number nine, I have been playing him from the sides similar to Marcus Rashford and he is very clever,” he added.

It’s not every day that a promising talent of this nature comes up through the Spurs system. He is one rare and exciting prospect that should have the Lilywhites faithful super excited to see more.

This season could well be Scarlett’s time to shine.

AND in other news, £14.4m-rated dud’s Spurs days are surely numbered after Nuno’s latest major call…

With West Bromwich Albion heading into Wednesday evening’s Championship clash in a decent run of form, having picked up ten points from a possible 15 over their last five fixtures, Valerien Ismael will undoubtedly be hoping for yet another positive result at the Liberty Stadium in order to keep the Baggies’ push for a top-two finish heading in the right direction.

However, with Wednesday night’s hosts, Swansea City, being in much-improved form in recent weeks, picking up eight points from a possible 15 over their own last five games, the Frenchman will have to ensure he gets his team selection spot on if he is to have any hope of leaving Wales with all three points.

And, having rested the winger in last Friday’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham City due to a slight hamstring injury, it would appear wise for the 46-year-old manager to unleash Grady Diangana from the off against the Swans.

Ismael must unleash Diangana

Indeed, it is clear for all to see that the £18m club-record signing has not been in the best form of his career over his 11 Championship appearances this season, with the 23-year-old averaging a rather disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.64 – ranking him as the Baggies’ fifth-worst performer in the league.

However, in the club’s 4-0 win over Cardiff City prior to the recent international break, the £9m-rated man started to show signs of the form that helped fire West Brom to promotion back in 2019/20, when, over his 27 minutes on the pitch, Diangana registered one assist, created one big chance, made one key pass, completed one dibble and won two free-kicks for his side.

As such, in order to best help the £36k-per-week winger continue his return to form, Ismael must start the man Pablo Zabaleta dubbed a “dangerous” player against the Swans, as, despite his below-par performances this season, the 23-year-old nevertheless still possesses the ability to terrify a defence that has already conceded 14 goals in the current campaign.

In other news: Ismael drops promising West Brom injury update after Blues scare, fans will be buzzing

After the first few weeks of the transfer window, Celtic’s business looked questionable.

The Hoops had only signed a couple of younger players and it didn’t look as though Ange Postecoglou was going to be backed.

Yet, the new Bhoys manager has now sunk his teeth into the market with aplomb.

What’s the word?

After securing the services of Josip Juranovic last weekend, it looks as though Celtic have one more desire; to sign a new striker.

That could come down to whether Odsonne Edouard departs but one man who’s been on their radar is Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Talks have been ongoing over the last week but with German side Werder Bremen also interested, it’s thrown a spanner in the works.

That being said, Postecoglou has spoken to the player personally and there is a feeling in Greece that Parkhead will be his next destination.

A fresh update was given on his future by journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

The reporter stated: “Giakoumakis talks with Werder (almost) collapsed. A new round of negotiations with Celtic has been scheduled for next hours!”

Exciting news

After missing out on Thomas Henry to the Italian side Venezia, Giakoumakis appears to be the next best item on their shopping list.

Henry would have been an exceptional signing given his vast array of talents. Not only is he capable of scoring goals on a regular basis but he’s immensely tall and has pace to burn at the same time.

Celtic’s Greek target might not possess a similarly well-rounded game but he certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Giakoumakis is approaching his prime at the age of 26 and could arrive at Paradise full of confidence.

After all, the VVV-Venlo striker played like a man possessed in 2020/21. Despite never scoring over 11 goals in a single campaign before, he showed that he may well be a late bloomer.

The forward racked up a mighty 29 strikes in all competitions while being named the Eredivisie’s top scorer.

What also stands out about Giakoumakis is his supreme ability in the air. Last season he won four aerial duels per game so by signing him, Celtic could discover a brand new route to goal.

At 5 foot 7, Kyogo Furuhashi is never going to be a threat in the air but no attacking player at Celtic last term even came close to the aforementioned number.

For context, only Shane Duffy and Christopher Jullien won more than four aerial duels a match in 2020/21.

With that in mind, supporters should be excited about seeing him in the green and white hoops this term.

AND in other news, Ange can discover Celtic’s new Turnbull by unleashing “first-class” rarely-seen 19 y/o…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Marvin Johnson fits the bill for his old side, with Darren Moore bringing him in to add more experience to his squad.

Johnson was a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough at the end of his contract and officially joined Wednesday on Thursday.

The Star initially reported on the Owls’ interest in the winger last month.

Ultimately, for Palmer, 30-year-old Johnson can bring the sort of experience that Wednesday need as they aim to make a return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

“You can’t just go with young players,” the ex-Wednesday star told FFC. “You’ve got to balance the side with experienced players, so he fits the bill. 

“A player of his calibre should be able to cope with that league easily and bring experience to the young heads in there.”

The Owls have brought in a few young players this summer, including left-back Jaden Brown, so perhaps the experience of Johnson is something that they needed.

The Englishman has made over 100 appearances in the Championship, with 42 of those coming last season. On a free transfer, you can certainly see the logic behind signing him.

Former All Leeds TV presenter Joe Wainman has revealed Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is “a massive fan” of reported transfer target Lewis O’Brien.

O’Brien has been the subject of interest throughout the window, with the Huddersfield Town midfielder making 42 appearances last season.

However, the 22-year-old has not been included in Huddersfield’s matchday squad for either of their two Championship fixtures so far this term, with his only outing coming in the EFL Cup first round.

O’Brien’s lack of involvement has resulted in even more rumours that he could be heading for the Terriers’ exit door, with Leeds and Crystal Palace ready to pounce.

According to the Sun, via Leeds Live, O’Brien would rather head to Elland Road than seal a switch to a new-look Palace side under Patrick Vieira.

While JustJoe Football Show anchorman Wainman admits O’Brien may not necessarily excite Leeds’ fans, he believes signing the central midfielder could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I think Bielsa has been to see him on a number of occasions, so he is clearly a massive fan.

“He would be an ideal signing. It won’t get the fans excited but anyone at his age, with his potential, working under Bielsa is only a good thing.

“We’ve seen the trajectory players have taken under him and Lewis O’Brien would fit that mould. We’ll see him go from strength to strength if they can get the deal done.”

According to Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers winger Brandon Barker has been told he can leave Ibrox before the end of the transfer window.

The Lowdown: Not long left

There are just a matter of hours left before the transfer window slams shut.

With John Lundstram (rangers.co.uk), Fashion Sakala and Juninho Bacuna all making the move to the 55-time Scottish champions, there may not be many more new arrivals, but outgoings still look likely.

The Latest: Barker told he can leave

As per this latest report, Barker has been told he can leave the club today, with sources at Ibrox informing Football Insider.

His contract is set to expire at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), so he may have played his last game for the club even if the move is only a loan.

The Verdict: Makes sense

This is a move that makes sense for all involved. Barker has made just 26 appearances for Rangers in all competitions since making the move to Ibrox, joining Oxford United on loan last season after he couldn’t nail down a spot in Steven Gerrard’s starting XI.

However, he is a player that still has potential. He was called “one of the best” by Andy Halliday in regards to his performances in training at Rangers (via This is Futbol), while three goals and four assists in 19 League One appearances at Oxford displayed his ability – he had five strikes in total, mustering up 12 goals throughout his senior career. Surely there will be a suitor for him between now and the deadline.

In other news, this former Ger could make a shock transfer.

Crystal Palace are looking to sign Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to The Athletic journalist Matt Woosnam.

The versatile Maitland-Niles, 23, has been made available for transfer after failing to nail down a place in Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s future plans.

Maitland-Niles made 15 appearances during a loan spell with West Bromwich Albion last season but he was unable to steer the Baggies away from relegation to the Championship.

However, Maitland-Niles remains on the radar of a host of top flight clubs, including Palace.

The Eagles, under new manager Patrick Vieira following his appointment earlier this month, face competition for Maitland-Niles’ services.

Newly-promoted Watford, along with Southampton, are also monitoring the situation ahead of the Premier League season getting underway next month.

Maitland-Niles, who has been capped by England five times, impressed Palace fans during West Brom’s 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park in March, according to Woosnam.

The reporter believes Palace are vying to win the race for the Arsenal man’s services.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Woosnam said: “Ainsley Maitland-Niles did well last season at West Brom.

“Certainly, he was one of the two players that stood out when Palace hosted West Brom towards the end of the season, along with Okay Yokuslu.

“He would bring an element of positivity to Palace but it will come down to the cost.”

Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost to their chances of bringing Ryan Longman to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Argus, which revealed that the winger has signed a new two-year deal with Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, the report went on to relay the comments of the Seagulls’ technical director, Dan Ashworth, regarding the 20-year-old’s future on the South Coast, with the 50-year-old opening the door to the youngster’s temporary departure this summer.

Ashworth said: “Ryan really proved himself in men’s football last season with Wimbledon, impressing David Weir and his team and has earned this new contract. Ryan is keen to continue to learn and wants to build on what that experience has given him.

“We are currently reviewing his situation, and that is likely to involve another season on loan, but we are confident he has another good year ahead of him.”

The technical director’s comments come following a report by Football Insider, that claimed Nottingham Forest are plotting a move for the Brighton starlet ahead of next season.

Fantastic news for Forest

Considering just how impressive Longman was during a loan spell at Wimbledon last season, as well as the fact that Forest badly struggled for goals in the Championship, the fact that the 20-year-old looks set to be available on the loan market this summer is fantastic news for the Garibaldi.

Indeed, over his 44 League One appearances for Mark Robinson’s side last term, Longman scored eight goals, provided two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making one key pass per game.

These returns saw the man Glyn Hodges dubbed an attacking “threat” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.85, ranking him as the Dons’ sixth-best performer in the third tier of English football, playing a huge part in the club securing survival in the division.

The winger also scored one goal and provided three assists over his five appearances in the EFL Trophy, taking his total haul for the season to nine goals and five assists in all competitions.

As such, with Lewis Grabban being Chris Hughton’s top league goalscorer last season, with just six goals to his name, as well as only Derby County scoring fewer than Forest’s 37 Championship goals last term, the addition of a fresh face in attack is something that would appear desperately needed at The City Ground this summer.

And, with Longman having highly impressed for Wimbledon last time out, we would not back against the 20-year-old continuing to shine after making the step up to the second tier next season, be that with Forest or elsewhere.

In other news: Nixon drops transfer claim on “important” £1.2k-p/w gem, Forest fans would be fuming

Birmingham City are reportedly edging closer to an agreement to signing Wolves defender Dion Sanderson on loan, according to comments from Lee Bowyer which were shared by Birmingham Live.

What’s the story?

Sanderson has been attracting significant interest during the summer transfer window after catching the eye with a number of impressive performances whilst on loan with Sunderland in 2020/21. The likes of Sheffield United and the Black Cats are just some of the clubs who are rumoured to have been interested in a deal to sign the defender permanently.

The 21-year-old made 27 appearances in total for the Wearsiders last term and has been hailed as a “superb player” by former Blues striker Kevin Phillips, although his efforts weren’t quite enough as they missed out on promotion into the Championship after defeat to Lincoln City in the play-off semi-finals.

Birmingham seem to have won the race to sign him this summer though, with Blues boss Bowyer confirming that an agreement is close. He told BBC WM: “It’s something that I think has been agreed but he is just coming back from an injury so we are just making sure everything is right on the medical side of things.”

It’s somewhat of a coup for the Blues

Signing a player of Sanderson’s quality is likely to leave Birmingham fans buzzing ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, as they don’t seem to be wasting any time in strengthening their squad this summer.

You don’t attract interest from the likes of Sheffield United and Sunderland for nothing, and it would be something of a coup for the Blues to land his signature ahead of other suitors.

The Blues are likely to be able to offer him regular minutes, though, and if Sanderson can replicate the performances that he put in for Sunderland last season, then Birmingham will have a fine young player on their hands with a point to prove in senior football.

Sanderson has been unlucky not to have been given a chance to impress with the Wolves first team, but a move to Birmingham could give him the perfect opportunity to prove his worth in the Championship after looking the part in League One in recent months.

His match average of 2.7 clearances last season was bettered by just four players at St Andrew’s, while of those who featured regularly for Birmingham in 2020/21, only Ivan Sanchez (81.8%) posted a better passing accuracy rate than Sanderson with 81.6%.

The Blues finished 18th last season but they seem to be serious about challenging higher up the table this time around, with the likes of Chuks Aneke, Ryan Woods and Tahith Chong already arriving at St Andrew’s this summer, and Sanderson seemingly now set to join them on loan.

With Sheffield United having just been relegated from the Premier League and arguably better placed for promotion than most in the second tier, for Birmingham to sign him ahead of the Blades could have Blues supporters thrilled ahead of the big kick-off in three weeks’ time.

In other news, Birmingham are interested in another Wolves player, fans would be buzzing if it comes off.