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Manchester City secured their progression into the FA Cup fourth round with a comfortable 4-0 win over Chelsea at the Etihad, with Aymeric Laporte impressive.

Riyad Mahrez set Pep Guardiola’s side on their way with a brilliant free-kick over the wall, before Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Kai Havertz’s handball.

Phil Foden added a third before half-time after a beautiful passing move and City’s total domination was emphasised further from another penalty in the second 45, with Mahrez ending his poor run from 12 yards by smashing in the fourth.

While the Algerian winger was undoubtedly impressive against Graham Potter’s side it was arguably Laporte who was the star performer at the Etihad.

As per Sofascore, the Spain international would earn an impressive 8.2/10 rating for his performance, which was the second-highest of any player to feature in the game behind Mahrez (8.8).

During the 90 minutes, the former Atletico Bilbao man would enjoy 117 touches of the ball, which was the most of any player in the game.

He would also complete 104/108 passes with a superb pass success rate of 96%, which included one key pass. Considering he has averaged just 61.3 passes per game in the Premier League with a success rate of 91%, it is clear that he raised his game to another level against the Blues on Sunday.

Laporte was also able to complete 11/13 long balls in the game, helping to create a big chance, so he really emphasised his ability on the ball in what was his first appearance of the new year.

While City didn’t have too much defending to do against the lacklustre visitors, the 28-year-old would still manage to complete four tackles in the game, which again was a significant increase on the 0.5 tackles he has averaged in the top flight this season.

It was no surprise that Guardiola labelled Laporte “exceptional” after just a few months at the Etihad and he has continued to live up to that praise over the last few years, with his return from injury undoubtedly a big boost for the Spanish manager ahead of the second half of the season.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped an update surrounding the fitness of Anthony Ralston ahead of the Hoops’ Premiership clash against Hibernian tonight. 

The Lowdown: Ralston injury blow

The Hoops were without the 24-year-old during their 4-1 win over St. Johnstone at the weekend after he was forced off in the second half of the 2-1 victory against Livingston three days previously, having picking up a knock to his ankle.

This ended up not being a problem for the Bhoys as Reo Hatate scored two of Celtic’s four goals on Saturday whilst filling in for Ralston at right-back.

As the Glasgow giants prepare to take on Hibernian at Easter Road, Postecoglou has shared some behind-the-scenes details regarding the defender’s recovery.

The Latest: Postecoglou’s update on Ralston

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of tonight’s clash, Postecoglou shared an update on Ralston’s fitness and the likelihood of him being able to play against Hibs.

The Celtic manager said of the 24-year-old (via Glasgow Times): “We will see. There was improvement yesterday and there was improvement today. We obviously have an extra day’s break for this game, so we will assess it as we go along.”

The Verdict: Encouraging for Celtic

While this is undoubtedly an encouraging update from Postecoglou, Celtic’s previous match – and Hatate’s goalscoring performance in particular – showed that they didn’t miss Ralston all that much.

This could suggest that the Hoops may not need to rush him back into action tonight and risk him incurring further damage which could keep him on the sidelines for longer.

However, with Ralston having the joint-highest average of tackles per game (1.6) at Celtic in the league this season, this would make him a useful player to recall against Hibernian, especially as they have the third-most shots at goal in the Scottish top flight this season (309).

With tonight’s game in mind, Postecoglou should not consider starting the Scottish right-back unless he is 100% fit enough to play.

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous in January and the Scottish centre-back could be a dream signing under Tony Mowbray.

According to Football League World, the 23-year-old is extremely likely to leave Easter Road in January after failing to agree a new contract with the Scottish side, with the Championship his most likely destination.

The Black Cats, as well as Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford are all mentioned as interested parties in the report, while Celtic and Rangers are said to have been keen in the past.

Porteous’ contract situation means that the Black Cats would be free to approach him on a pre-contract deal in January but it seems as if Hibernian want to sell him ahead of the summer, which means he could arrive at the Stadium of Light next month.

During his time at Hibernian, the young defender has gone on to make 151 appearances, contributing 12 goals and eight assists but he clearly feels it is time for a new challenge.

Teammate Chris Cadden was full of praise for Porteous’ ability and attitude after he played a big part in earning a draw against Celtic last season. He said:

“He goes out there, gives 100 per cent, wears his heart on his sleeve. Every time he pulls on the jersey he gives 100 per cent and you can see that week in, week out.

“It’s a pleasure to play alongside him. He’s been brilliant and he just keeps putting in those performances. It’s standard for him now.”

Although Mowbray has plenty of centre-back options to choose from at the Stadium of Light, especially with Daniel Ballard returning from injury and Bailey Wright returning from the World Cup, Porteous could be a great option for the future.

Wright is 30 and Danny Batth is 32 and while both have been impressive at times, they cannot be expected to start at centre-back forever, so Porteous could join Ballard and Aji Alese as the natural heirs in the heart of the Black Cats defence.

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The Hibernian star has averaged a strong 7.00 rating from WhoScored for his performances this season and if he can continue that fine form with Sunderland in the new year, he would surely be a dream signing for Mowbray.

Everton are renowned for their transfer disasters and Moise Kean is certainly one player who could be considered as one of the worst signings made under Farhad Moshiri. However, a reliable source has provided an update on the striker’s future that could hugely benefit the club.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed more details about Kean’s future and prospective permanent move to Juventus.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast on November 24th, Romano claimed:

“For Moise Kean, the situation is pretty clear, Juventus will buy him on a permanent deal from Everton. It’s just a matter of time and everything will be completed in 2023. So for Everton, it’s also important news as they will make money with Moise Kean.”

Rare Moshiri masterclass

Indeed, Moshiri has rarely got it right over the last six years when it comes to transfer business but the latest development surrounding Kean’s future could be a masterclass for the Everton owner.

The Italian striker was signed for an initial fee of £25.1m back in 2019 but failed to hit the ground running at Goodison Park, scoring four goals and registering just two assists over 39 appearances before being shipped off on loan after just one full season with the Toffees.

Kean made a season-long loan move to Paris Saint-Germain and then returned to his former club Juventus for a two-year loan where he has scored four goals in 13 appearances so far this season.

It is reported that Juventus have a £24m obligation to buy Kean, something they have been keen to renegotiate in order to permanently sign the 22-year-old. However, Everton have stood strong on their opportunity to make a profit on the player.

Including wages covered over the last 18 months as well as the obligation to buy the total fee is expected to be around €38m (£33m), which means Everton have profited enormously from signing Kean which will surely delight Moshiri.

With that being said, the promise of some incoming cash will be a huge boost for Everton in the summer when they look to reinvest in the team. Moshiri will be thankful that not only the club has finally cut ties with the player but that Everton are able to recoup some money from the failed transfer.

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has been an ‘unsung hero’ at St James’ Park this season, according to pundit and former professional footballer Tam McManus.

The Lowdown: Longstaff playing regularly

The Magpies maestro has started nine of his team’s Premier League games this season, featuring across all 13 having also been introduced as a substitute four times.

The 25-year-old has had to battle with Joe Willock for a place in midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but he has shown exactly what he’s capable of when given the chance to play by Eddie Howe.

The Latest: McManus’ praise for Longstaff

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus was full of praise for Longstaff and couldn’t believe the transformation in his performances compared to the 2021/22 campaign.

The former Hibernian striker said: “My word, Longstaff has an engine on him. The way he gets about that midfield, he is absolutely everywhere. It is a key part of Howe’s style, isn’t it? Those players have to be so fit and I think Longstaff has embraced that.

“I don’t know what happened in pre-season but I suspect it involved a lot of running. He just seems to go all game and he is getting back to the form he had when he first came into the team a few years ago.

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“Another example of how Eddie Howe can really improve these players. Longstaff was maybe one of the players who you thought might be replaced at some point but he is making a really strong case for himself.

“As a Geordie, I am sure the fans are delighted with that. I think he is a bit of an unsung hero to be honest because he has been brilliant when I have seen him this season.”

The Verdict: Underrated player

Newcastle are currently fourth in the Premier League table after a flying start to the campaign under Eddie Howe, and Longstaff has played a significant role in helping them get there.

The 5 foot 9 gem already has two assists and one goal to his name this season and is averaging 1.2 tackles per league 90 minutes (WhoScored).

It’s easy to go slightly under the radar when playing alongside the likes of Brazil international Guimaraes, but the impact that Longstaff has had shouldn’t go unnoticed, and McManus’ praise is wholly justified.

West Bromwich Albion will go into today’s game against Bristol City hopeful that they can achieve back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

With Steve Bruce yet to be replaced over a week after his sacking, Richard Beale will once again take charge hoping to mastermind another performance like their 2-0 victory over Reading.

They will have to overcome a Robins side that sits just four points above them in the table.

It marks a fine opportunity to give the incoming manager, whoever it may be, the best possible atmosphere to come into.

With no injuries to contend with, it can be expected that Beale will not make wholesale changes.

As a result, here’s the West Brom XI we’re predicting for tonight’s game…

From their win against the Royals, Beale is expected to make just two changes.

Alex Palmer should continue in goal behind an unchanged back three, as a rare clean sheet makes them the best available options.

Erik Pieters will continue to deputise as the leftmost centre back.

Goalscorer Matt Phillips will be hoping to continue his upturn in form on the right flank, with Conor Townsend occupying left wing-back.

The first of two changes could see Tom Rogic recalled for Jake Livermore, to add some added class and energy in midfield beside last week’s match-winner.

Academy graduate Taylor Gardner-Hickman will continue in central midfield, as finally since the departure of Bruce has he been allowed to flourish in his natural position.

They will sit behind a front three that only sees one major change.

Grady Diangana and Jed Wallace will start on the flanks despite their rather underwhelming form, but now free from the shackles of the previous regime, the two could be the catalyst for a true turnaround in the Baggies’ season.

That leaves the impressive 23-year-old, Brandon Thomas-Asante, to likely drop to the bench. Dubbed a “pocket rocket” by his teammate Phillips, Karlan Grant is expected to be preferred to him as Beale strives for a more experienced name to spearhead his front line.

Although he too has been misfiring, he could truly be the key to unlocking this squad. His chances are dwindling, however, as he has started just one of the last four.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that it is unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino will be the new manager at Southampton.

The Lowdown: Hasenhuttl on the brink

As per The Daily Telegraph, Ralph Hasenhuttl is on the brink of the sack at St Mary’s, as he has been under pressure for some time and the owners are preparing to make a change.

It has been reported that Pochettino is plotting a return to the Premier League and is open to the possibility of managing a team outside of the UEFA Champions League.

The Latest: Pochettino return?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that it is unlikely that Pochettino will return to the Saints, as there is ‘probably too much baggage’ there.

The journalist said: “I don’t think there’s much chance of it happening. It’s not something I can see him turning to when he does come back to the Premier League.

“Just thinking about what I’ve been told before on Pochettino, he wants to find a stable club, but one that has fresh possibilities and an open mind. With Saints, I just feel like there’s probably too much baggage there.”

The Verdict: Interesting

The prospect of Pochettino going back to Southampton is an interesting one indeed, but it does seem highly unlikely.

The Argentine came under some criticism for the way that he left the Saints to join Tottenham Hotspur, after previously claiming that he was not interested in job rumours and was waiting for the board’s new plan.

Although he is thought to be open to managing a club not in the Champions League, he has recently managed Ligue 1 giants PSG and was also linked with the Chelsea job before Graham Potter was appointed instead.

Therefore, Pochettino is likely to have more ambition than going back to Southampton, who currently sit 16th in the Premier League table.

When Wolverhampton Wanderers sold Rui Patricio to AS Roma last summer, the Molineux faithful may have been worried about who would be a suitable long-term replacement for the Portuguese goalkeeper.

The 34-year-old became one of the club’s big statement signings when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2018 and went on to make 127 appearances, keeping 37 clean sheets in the process.

Bruno Lage has hit the jackpot on his replacement, however, with Jose Sa impressing so far during his spell at the club.

Wolves hit the jackpot with Sa

A £6.25m deal was agreed between Wolves and Olympiacos for the transfer of the Portuguese goalkeeper following Patricio’s departure last summer and his arrival has made the Old Gold all but forget about their former ‘keeper.

The £29k-per-week shot-stopper made 37 appearances in his debut campaign, keeping 11 clean sheets as Wolves finished in the top half of the table.

Three further clean sheets have followed this season, although the club’s goalscoring woes have continued, netting only three times as they sit near the relegation zone.

Lage has gotten the best out of Sa, allowing him to make a seamless transition to the English game and this has been rewarded with a string of solid performances. His value has also skyrocketed too, with CIES Football Observatory valuing the goalkeeper at €20m (£17.8m) – an increase of 165% in just over a year.

It was an excellent move by Lage to bring him to the club and if he continues to perform like this, then there is no reason to suggest why his value cant increase over the next couple of seasons.

Former Old Gold keeper Matt Murray lavished praise on Sa following a victory over Everton last season, saying:

“I’ve been really impressed with Sa. I liked what he had done for Olympiacos, and thought he did really well for them, and it was interesting to see how he came in and stepped into Rui Patricio’s shoes.

“He’s very good with his feet and is very composed, and Wolves want to have more possession and play with a higher line, and he’s that dominant goalkeeper. I’ve been really impressed and by all accounts from the lads, he’s a proper top guy, a real character and good in the dressing room.”

As Wolves’ attacking options continue to flatter to deceive, it’s a good job Sa is constantly saving them from even more misery.

Football Insider pundit John Wenham has been reacting to an update from Aston Villa regarding manager Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Source shares update

Villa haven’t had the best of starts to the new season, suffering a fourth defeat from five against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Sources from FI prior to the trip to the Emirates stated that NSWE won’t hesitate to sack Gerrard if results do not improve after being booed by sections of supporters after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham last weekend.

They even claimed that Villa already have Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino on a list of potential replacements.

The Latest: Wenham reacts

Wenham, a Premier League insider who regularly contributes for FI, was talking to the site about the update on Gerrard.

He said it is a ‘big worry’ following their start to the season due to the money that has been spent and even appeared to hit out at deadline day signing Jan Bednarek.

“He has spent a lot of money on players like Coutinho, who has completely switched off since his move was made permanent.

“Big, big worry for Aston Villa now. Obviously, they have spent a lot of money on Diego Carlos and he is out for something like six months. “They were linked with Jan Bednarek, is that the type of player they need? Someone who Southampton have deemed not good enough?

“Is he going to sort them out? Villa are asking for their own problems if they are making decisions like that.”

The Verdict: Running out of time?

It looks as if NSWE won’t hesitate to call time on Gerrard’s tenure in the Midlands, should things fail to improve.

It doesn’t get easier for Gerrard’s side on the pitch either, with champions Manchester City travelling to Villa Park on Saturday evening.

Who knows, this could be the sort of game where Gerrard can get everyone back on side, however, another defeat would pile huge pressure on the manager ahead of a trip to fellow strugglers Leicester.

Manchester City have been linked with signing Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta in recent weeks and the Brazilian could prove to be Pep Guardiola’s next £100m talent at the Etihad.

Recent reports have suggested that City are weighing up a move for the talented midfielder, who has played a starring role for Lyon in the last few seasons and could cost around £68m.

In the last campaign, Paqueta contributed nine goals and six assists in 35 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging an impressive 7.24 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

For context, the same level of performance would have ranked him as the joint-sixth best performer in Guardiola’s side last season, with only Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus contributing to more goals.

Considering both Jesus and Sterling are now plying their trade elsewhere, there is definitely an argument to be had that Guardiola could use another goal-scoring midfielder or winger, even with the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

At just 24, the “extraordinary” – in the words of Peter Bosz – Paqueta could also be a long-term heir to the likes of De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, as they are both now 31 and could struggle to maintain their current levels of performance for the significant future.

According to FbRef, the most similar player to Paqueta in terms of play style is RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku, who has been valued at a staggering £100m after a sensational season with the Bundesliga side that saw him contribute 20 goals and 15 assists in the German top flight.

Last season saw the two register extremely similar scores in terms of pass completion percentages (79.7 vs 80.1), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.9 vs 4.43) and shots on target per 90 (1.1 vs 1.29), numbers that demonstrate they are rather devastating in the final third.

Furthermore, WhoScored suggests that both Paqueta and Nkunku excel at through balls, passing, dribbling and key passes, which emphasises just how similar the players are. It also shows how much the former would suit City’s possession-based style of play.

From a goal-scoring and creative point of view, both players are extremely dangerous in the final third, and if Guardiola could get his hands on the Brazil international, he could well craft him into a £100m talent, just like Nkunku.