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Glasgow Rangers crushed Celtic in a comprehensive 2-0 win at Parkhead to take all three points in the first Old Firm derby of the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership season.

For the first time since taking charge of the Ibrox outfit, it’s safe to say that Steven Gerrard isn’t exactly short of options. Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis bullied their biggest rivals on the pitch, whilst Ryan Jack was a surprise substitute as Bongani Zungu was ruled out of the top of the table clash after being forced to quarantine upon his arrival in Scotland.

Competition for places isn’t exactly a bad thing, but it can cause a few headaches here and there, and it looks like there is a growing problem that could cause Gerrard a few sleepless nights.

Brandon Barker stakes his claim!

Rangers are absolutely stacked on the right wing, that’s for sure, after the addition of Ianis Hagi in the summer and the re-emergence of Jordan Jones in recent weeks but Brandon Barker gave a good account of himself after earning a rare start on Saturday, so you can see the problem that Gerrard faces. Both full-backs Borna Barisic and James Tavernier ran riot on the flanks, combining with Barker and Ryan Kent whenever they wanted to.

Per SofaScore, the 24-year-old, who earns wages of around £10,000-per-week, received a pass accuracy rating of 85%, won four out of seven ground duels, completed one successful dribble attempt, and made two tackles, which shows that the right winger put in a defensive shift too.

The Daily Record gave him a solid 6/10, whilst The Sun went one higher and awarded him a 7/10 for his efforts.

Tough choice

He is clearly highly rated by Gerrard as he was given the chance to show what he can do against Celtic instead of Hagi and Jones, but it’ll be hard to justify spending £4m on the 13-cap Romania international if he stays on the bench.

Jones could also be in with a shout. He received praise from Gareth McAuley after fighting back from the brink of an Ibrox exit, but was benched for the trip to Celtic Park. One thing’s for sure, with all three players competing for a space in the starting XI, one unlucky contender is almost always guaranteed to miss out on the matchday squad, as it is highly unlikely that there will be two spots on the bench for one position.

The ever-reliable Kent has started every game he has played this season so far, so that rules out any of them starting on the opposite wing anytime soon. Either way, we wouldn’t want to choose between the trio, so we’re glad it’s Gerrard’s decision at the end of the day!

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers show they are early favourites for the title but must avoid a repeat of 2019…

A number of Everton fans have welcomed a transfer link to Isco as the Daily Mirror have reported that the Real Madrid star wants to work with Carlo Ancelotti.

As per the news outlet, Isco is keen to link up with the Italian as well as his former Bernabeu teammate James Rodriguez.

The Spain international is reportedly not in Zinedine Zidane’s plans and Los Blancos will apparently put him up for sale in the January transfer window. The Spanish giants plan to initially send him out on loan for the rest of the 2020/21 season, with an obligation to buy set at £18m plus add-ons.

Real Madrid have also spoken with representatives of Isco in the hope that they can sound out possible buyers both in Italy and England. However, the idea of moving to the Premier League is appealing to the attacking midfielder, with the Goodison Park outfit reportedly the most likely candidate.

A four-time winner of the Champions League, and with a combined tally of 105 goals and assists for Real Madrid (Transfermarkt), Isco would seem a shrewd signing indeed by the Merseyside club.

Everton fan reaction to Isco transfer links

These Everton supporters on Twitter were excited by the links to Isco, with one fan labelling the 28-year old as an ‘absolute baller’:

In other news, find out which Toffees outcast Ancelotti has confirmed will stay next season here!

Despite beating Lincoln City 7-2 on Thursday evening, there wasn’t really all that much to talk about after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup fixture this week.

However, one thing that did catch the eye was Marko Grujic’s first Liverpool goal, four years after signing for the Reds, and while the Serbian is something of a forgotten man at Anfield these days, he did catch the eye against the Imps.

Due to how stacked the Reds are in midfield these days, it seems unlikely that the 24-year-old is going to be all that prominent in Jurgen Klopp’s plans this season, and with Thursday’s goalscorer consistently being linked with a move away, it’s possible that he may not even be here beyond this transfer window.

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However, if the Reds do opt to keep him, they may end up uncovering a player who can add a lot of value to the side.

Now, we’re not tipping him to follow in Jordan Henderson’s footsteps in winning a footballer of the year award, nor are we saying that he has the technical capabilities of Thiago Alcantara, but he is quite similar to another of Liverpool’s midfielders who may need replacing in the near future.

James Milner has built a career out of being a jack of all trades and a hard worker, and Grujic seems to be of a similar mould.

The Serbian didn’t really excel anywhere statistically last term, but he was steady across all areas, putting in 1.9 tackles per game, 0.8 interceptions and 2.3 clearances while also having a decent attacking output with 1.5 shots per game and 5 goals to his name.

That statistical makeup is eerily similar to what Milner was putting up during his first season at Anfield with the same goal tally coming off of 0.1 fewer shots per game, while the defensive output is also strikingly similar with Milner putting up 4.8 combined tackles, clearances and interceptions per game, while Grujic had 5 last term.

A Milner-esque player is a great addition for any team, and with Grujic previously proving that he’s willing to put in the effort to impress Jurgen Klopp with extra gym sessions, the Reds could have a ready-made replacement right under their noses.

This article forms part of our Profit Players feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how well a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how good of a deal the club managed to achieve.

We all like a free sample every now and then, with the ‘try before you buy’ mantra enabling us to enjoy the use of an asset without an obligation to make a lasting financial commitment towards it.

That approach worked wonders for Burnley with regards to their acquisition of Michael Keane. The Manchester United academy graduate signed for the Clarets on loan six years ago last Wednesday, his fourth such move away from Old Trafford being made off the back of his appearance in United’s galling 4-0 League Cup defeat to MK Dons.

Those weren’t the most auspicious of cirumstances in which to arrive at Turf Moor and the centre-back had to wait until late November 2014 to make his first Premier League start for Burnley. However, he then enjoyed a prolonged run of games in Sean Dyche’s starting line-up and, in January 2015, the Clarets signed him permanently in a £2.3m deal (as per TransferMarkt).

Keane was unable to prevent the club from relegation that year but, in his first season as a full Burnley player, he and his team enjoyed a campaign to remember. The defender helped himself to five goals and three assists in 44 Championship games as the Clarets topped the division to ensure an instant return to the Premier League, where they have remained ever since. One of those goals was a stoppage time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against fellow high-fliers Middlesbrough during the season’s run-in.

In October 2016, his impressive performances were recognised with a call-up to the senior England squad, although he would have to wait another five months to make the first of his 10 appearances for the Three Lions to date.

He enjoyed another strong season in 2016/17, netting twice in 35 Premier League games as Burnley survived in the division for the first time, following their relegations in 2010 and 2015. He was even shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, which ultimately went to Tottenham’s Dele Alli.

His performances caught the eye of Ronald Koeman, then the manager of Everton, and the Dutchman brought him to Goodison Park in July 2017 for a fee of £25.65m (as per TransferMarkt), which represented a profit of 1,115.22% on Burnley’s initial outlay of just £2.3m.

Keane has since gone on to make 107 appearances for the Toffees and was even the subject of recent transfer rumours linking him with a shock move to Barcelona (OK Diario, via Daily Mail), where Koeman was appointed manager last month.

However, with James Tarkowski and Ben Mee proving a trusted centre-back partnership at Burnley ever since his move to Merseyside, the 27-year-old has not been greatly missed at Turf Moor, especially as his lucrative sale to Everton enabled the Clarets to bankroll a handsome sum.

Burnley fans, did the club cash in on Keane at the right time? Comment below with your views!

Aston Villa continue to be linked to new left-backs during this summer transfer window but there’s an emerging name that they must simply avoid…

What’s the word?

According to Le10 Sport, the Midlands outfit hold interest in out-of-favour Spurs left-back Danny Rose, who is also wanted by Serie A outfit Genoa along with West Ham.

They claim that Jose Mourinho no longer sees a place for the 30-year-old and he’s free to find a new club before next month’s deadline.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have also entered the race following the injury to Juan Bernat. He could be available for just £5m.

Must avoid

Despite the relatively low price on offer here, it’s a move that Johan Lange and co must absolutely swerve at all costs.

The long-serving Lilywhites defender had to go out on loan to Newcastle back in January, but he failed to truly put himself on the market with a string of poor performances.

Per WhoScored, Rose averaged 1.9 tackles, one foul, 0.3 key passes and just 0.2 crosses per game at St James’ Park, which is hardly inspiring for any keen party.

Dean Smith’s first-choice Matt Targett managed the same amount of tackles but produced more clearances (2.4), interceptions (2) and key passes (1) per match last term.

Rose is also quite the outspoken figure having publically criticised ‘Project Restart’ as well as questioning his manager Jose Mourinho, which was broadcast during the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary.

In the past, Gary Neville has described the Englishman as “unprofessional” and this isn’t something Smith will want ruining his dressing room this season.

It also goes against their plans to recruit young homegrown talent. Lange shouldn’t even consider this even at £5m. It could become a nightmare to deal with.

AND in other news, Aston Villa must clinch “fearless” Dean Smith favourite before deadline day…

Somehow Arsenal have found themselves in a nightmare scenario with their star player’s contract again.

You’d think they would learn their lesson after losing both Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United in the final year of their contracts, but once again, arguably Arsenal’s most important player’s contract is running down.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has just a year left on his deal, and with the striker yet to put pen to paper, the Gunners need to have a plan for if he does leave.

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Fortunately, Arsenal have been linked to a few alternative options.

What’s the story then?

Le10Sport are reporting that Arsenal have their eyes on a plethora of new attacking options such as Raul Jimenez, Moussa Dembele, Memphis Depay and most interestingly Allan Saint-Maximin.

Jimenez is apparently their top priority, but if they do end up landing Saint-Maximin, you have to wonder if that’s going to work.

Square peg, round hole

Now, we’re not saying that the Newcastle winger isn’t a fantastic player, his hat-trick of assists earlier this month proved that he’s dangerous when he’s on form, but we just can’t see how he replaces Aubameyang.

The Gabonese forward’s game is all about goals, he’s hit 50 Premier League goals quicker than any other Arsenal player while also picking up a Golden Boot last season, and Saint-Maximin just doesn’t have that type of end product.

With just three league goals to his name this term, it would take around 17 seasons for him to hit 50 Premier League strikes if he continues at this rate, in comparison, Aubameyang did it in just two and a half terms.

Saint-Maximin would certainly add something to Arsenal’s side, he’s the second-most proficient dribbler in the Premier League and he’s incredibly exciting to watch, but you can’t help but feel they’d be making a grave error if he was signed as Aubameyang’s replacement.

Tottenham didn’t have much to cheer about after Arsenal beat Southampton on Thursday night.

To make matters even worse, Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City handed Liverpool the Premier League title.

While their rivals were celebrating for obvious reasons, some Spurs fans were glumly scrolling through social media as their hopes of reaching the top four went seemingly further out of reach.

Although he was on the losing side, Kyle Walker-Peters gave the Lilywhites a glimpse of what he has to offer.

The 23-year-old originally joined Southampton on loan from Spurs to cover for Cedric after he moved to Arsenal on loan.

After arriving at the St Mary’s Stadium, Walker-Peters initially struggled with his fitness levels, as he only made one appearance for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side prior to the nationwide lockdown, playing 73 minutes against Burnley, until he was replaced by Michael Obafemi.

The Saints recently reached an agreement with Spurs to extend his stay on the South Coast for the rest of the season, via The Daily Echo.

Jose Mourinho has made it abundantly clear he will not be privy to his future plans, after the Englishman took aim at the Portuguese in an interview with the club’s website, and he only played one game for Mourinho before being shipped out on loan.

Nevertheless, Walker-Peters impressed against the Gunners as a second-half substitute, as he made one key pass, completed two dribbles, and provided two crosses according to WhoScored.

However, it is unlikely this will be enough to convince Mourinho to allow him to return, as his criticism was never going to go down well.

Hasenhuttl is a known admirer of Walker-Peters and Southampton may be willing to take a gamble on the youngster if he can prove himself in the short amount of time left in the season.

If the former England U-21 international can convince the Saints that he is worth the risk, this may make it easier for Daniel Levy to agree terms with Matt Crocker. Football Insider recently revealed Spurs plan to use him in a swap deal with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer.

Tottenham fans, do you believe the board should sort out an exchangce for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg? Let us know down below!

Leeds United are ever so close to ending a 16-year wait for Premier League football at Elland Road, but reports emerging this week suggest that the current Championship season is now ‘unlikely to be played to completion.’

Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth revealed that the football season outside of the English top-flight is probably not going to resume, meaning the Whites could go up without kicking a ball again this term – depending on how the EFL choose to decide the final outcome.

A true test for any Leeds fan: Can you match these iconic images with the right results?

France’s Ligue 1 ended their season this week with the standings being decided by a points-per-game system, which has caused some controversy as Lyon, who were fifth, ended up finishing seventh – and they could pursue legal action as a result.

Leeds have always maintained that the Championship campaign should be finished when it is safe to do so, but the decision is out of their hands.

Supporters have been reacting to news on social media after Smyth tweeted his article, here’s what some of the United faithful have been saying…

AND in other news, Leeds fans destroy Ouasim Bouy…

Ever since news first emerged that Newcastle could be undergoing a takeover, fans of the Tyneside club have no doubt been waiting anxiously to see whether it would actually come to fruition.

Now, The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas has revealed just why things aren’t progressing as quick as many of them would have hoped for. He said: “This is the sixth week of checks and despite surges of excitement that an announcement could be soon, the situation remains that Premier League confirmation and transfer of funds are required to complete the buy out.

“It’s understood that this deal has been one of the most complex the Premier League has ever dealt with. The process has required lawyers and outside investigators to look into stacks of sensitive information and interrogate objections from several parties. But buyers’ side sources insist there have been no red flags raised and remain hopeful of an announcement soon.”

And after hearing about Douglas’ insight into the takeover process, Newcastle fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

This article forms part of our Total Duds feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how bad a deal the club got.

A deal that many Everton fans may look back on and wonder why it even happened in the first place, was their appointment of James McCarthy. The Blues brought him in from Wigan for a £13 million fee (via Independent), but in hindsight, maybe they shouldn’t have even bothered.

The Glaswegian turned Republic of Ireland international hardly painted his name in lights during his time with the Merseyside outfit. Amassing 133 appearances in blue, McCarthy managed to muster up just six goals and ten assists (via Transfermarkt) which works out to be a goal every 22 matches. Not exactly ideal numbers for a central midfielder.

His final couple of seasons with Everton were riddled with injuries. Before he was sold in 2019, the 29-year-old suffered a a leg fracture and was out of action for almost 12 months. Despite returning to fitness, McCarthy was dropped almost completely from the first team squad, featuring just once in the 2018/19 season – a 14 minute cameo against Manchester United.

The ROI international’s stint at Goodison Park ended last summer, when Crystal Palace came knocking with a £3million bid to acquire his services. Snatching their hand off so as not to miss another chance to offload him, Everton banked the money and accepted a hefty loss on the fee they originally paid.

Following the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, the Blues’ transfer tactics seem a lot smarter. The Italian is using his links to Serie A to coax proven players into joining the Everton set up. Hopefully with the 60-year-old in charge, the club won’t make a similar mistake in the near future.

How would you rate James McCarthy’s time at Everton, Blues fans? Have your say in the comments below…