Newcastle United have enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League campaign as they currently sit sixth in the table after nine matches.

Eddie Howe’s side have only lost once in the top-flight so far, winning three and drawing five, and are coming off the back of 5-1 and 4-1 wins over Brentford and Fulham respectively.

The strong recruitment in the transfer market since PIF completed their takeover of the club has played a huge role in the success on the pitch, with the likes of Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes making big contributions.

Guimaraes, in particular, has been in sublime form since joining the club from Ligue 1 side Lyon in January and was recently compared to a former Newcastle cult hero in Hatem Ben Arfa.

Speaking on talkSPORT, retired striker Darren Bent said: “He reminds me of Ben Arfa. They always get these types of players that are a little bit maverick but have got all the ability.

“The only difference between him and Ben Arfa is that I think he will be a little bit more consistent whereas Ben Arfa would sometimes go missing but when he turned it on he turned it on. They kind of remind me of the same person.”

Between 2011 and 2015, the French attacker produced 14 goals and 15 assists in 86 matches and was no stranger to a wondergoal, as he was capable of providing moments of magic on the pitch.

Guimaraes is similar in that he has already shown he has the ability to score sensational goals in the Premier League. The £120k-per-week gem scored a stunning solo goal from distance against Brentford recently and found the back of the net with an impudent flick against Southampton last season.

Speaking on MatchDay Extra on Premier League Productions (08/10/22 at 8:20 pm), Glenn Hoddle previously heaped praise on the Brazilian gem’s all-round game, saying:

“He has a bit of everything. He shows his strength and desire to run with the ball, then he is looking forward to pass. He has this energy about him. He is a modern-day player, in the sense that he has everything. He’s an 8/10 in everything he tries to do.”

This suggests that he has more to him than the occasional wondergoal and the statistics back that up. He has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.57 in the Premier League this season – the sixth best in the whole league – and made 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game, which shows that he works hard for the team defensively as no other player in the squad can match that.

The dynamo, who has seven goals and two assists in 23 top-flight appearances for the club, has proven that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch and that is reflected in his average rating.

Howe has certainly unearthed a new talismanic cult hero for Newcastle, a Ben Arfa 2.0 if you will, in Guimaraes and the head coach will be hoping that the former Lyon man will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come.

Leeds United suffered greatly during their absence from the Premier League, and after their 16-year wait, they finally returned in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa.

Patrick Bamford was an integral part of his side, scoring 16 Championship goals during their promotion and then 17 in the Premier League the season following.

It seemed like he would truly begin to kick on and announce himself as a fine striker for the division. However, injuries have prevented him from having the chance to prove that.

He managed just nine games in the league last year, and the Yorkshire side unsurprisingly suffered from it. They narrowly avoided relegation, and yet did not invest in another striker this summer.

It will therefore leave fans dreaming of some of the best finishers they have had in their illustrious history, and during their last stint in the Premier League, Robbie Fowler is one name that springs to mind.

Signed by the manager at the time David O’Leary in 2001, an £11m deal marked a large outlay for the time. However, he was brought in to replace the great Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

He was clearly enamoured with his new signing, as he claimed: “I have bought an outstanding goalscorer. Technically he is as good as anyone.”

Former England striker Franny Lee clearly agreed as he took to Twitter in 2012 to label him and Kevin Phillips “exceptional goalscorers”.

At a time when Jesse Marsch is desperate for a guaranteed source of goals, the English striker would offer just that – despite only playing 32 times at Elland Road, he did manage 14 goals and one assist.

However, it is his time at Liverpool where he was truly unstoppable. If this version of the forward was to be in the modern Leeds side, they would certainly be challenging way further up the table.

He scored 183 times in 369 games for the Reds.

Leeds have not looked completely toothless this season, as ten goals in seven goals represents a fair return. However, with the guaranteed goals a striker of this ilk would bring, it will leave fans wishing for his fairytale return.

Middlesbrough are in the ‘advanced’ stages of speaking to managerial candidates to replace Chris Wilder at the Riverside Stadium, according to journalist Craig Johns.

The Lowdown: Wilder’s departure

The 55-year-old was relieved of his duties after a disappointing start to the season which saw his side drop into the relegation zone following the 1-0 Championship defeat against Coventry City last weekend.

Chairman Steve Gibson has been on the hunt to find a replacement over the last 48 hours, with former Watford boss Rob Edwards emerging as a strong contender, though an official appointment is yet to have been made.

The Latest: Middlesbrough manager latest

Taking to Twitter, Johns delivered an update on Middlesbrough’s current state of play, and ruled one of the linked names out of the running. He wrote:

“Bit of an update… Told Boro are advanced in speaking to candidates to replace Chris Wilder.

“Won’t rush the appointment though as they want to get it right after troubles that brewed with Wilder.

“Gary O’Neil is NOT under consideration.”

The Verdict: Edwards is a risk worth taking

Whilst recruiting Edwards would be somewhat of a risk considering he’s only managed 12 games in the second-tier, he does have an impressive track record and would match the long-term vision of the club given his younger profile.

The Welshman has won 47 and drawn 27 of his 101 games in charge during his career (promotion last season.

Knowing what’s required to take a team up will play a huge part in who Boro decide to recruit, and Edwards has the sufficient knowledge and experience of that under his belt, making him an attractive candidate in the race to find the new Riverside boss.

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost ahead of Thursday’s Premier League meeting with Leicester City.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Conor McGilligan, with the Manchester Evening News journalist initially relaying the news on Twitter that, after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Foxes’ draw with Crystal Palace last weekend, James Maddison will now be suspended for the visit of the Whites in midweek, before stating that this will come as a big boost to Jesse Marsch and his side.

In his post, McGilligan said: “James Maddison will miss the Leeds game on Thursday. MASSIVE boost for us.”

“Massive boost”

Considering just how impressive Maddison has been in a struggling 19th-placed Leicester side so far this season, it is easy to see why McGilligan believes that the 25-year-old’s absence on Thursday night will come as a massive boost to Leeds’ chances of returning to Elland Road with all three points in tow.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League fixtures in 2022/23, the £43m-rated talent has been in sensational form, having already scored five goals, registered two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.2 shots – 1.2 of which have hit the target – and making 2.3 key passes per game.

The attacking midfielder has also chipped in for his side in a defensive capacity, making an average of 2.2 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per outing.

These returns have seen the £110k-per-week playmaker average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.44, not only ranking him by far and away as Brendan Rodgers’ best performer in the league but also as the joint seventh-best player in the English top flight as a whole so far this term.

As such, it is clear to see that the absence of a player who carries the goal-threat, creativity and hard-working nature of Maddison will indeed come as a huge boost to Leeds’ chances of picking up all three points at the King Power on Thursday night – a result Marsch will be desperate for in order to end his side’s current six-game run without a win.

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to monitor RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Long-standing interest

The Premier League giants have held a long-standing interest in the centre-back for two years, having first been credited with an admiration back in 2020 during his time at Dinamo Zagreb.

Marco Rose’s side won the race for his signature, and despite the 20-year-old’s name once again cropping up in the capital over the summer, he has recently put pen to paper on a new deal at the Red Bull Arena.

This contract is set to run until 2027, but is believed to have a £44m release clause included.

The Latest: Tottenham scouting Gvardiol

According to Football Insider, Spurs are ‘closely monitoring’ Gvardiol, and are ‘stepping up their pursuit’ after Fabio Paratici sent scouts to watch him in action during Leipzig’s Champions League 2-0 victory over Celtic on Tuesday.

It’s stated that Chelsea are also ‘keeping close tabs’ on the Croatian, and are looking to sign him alongside his teammate Christopher Nkunku.

Leeds United are similarly keen on a deal, though it’s claimed that he will only be tempted by a switch to an ‘elite European club’.

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The Verdict: Get it done…

Tottenham obviously aren’t ready to give up the chase for Gvardiol, and the fact that they have been after him for so long shows how highly they think of him.

An ‘aggressive’ defender, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he also averages an 89.5% pass success rate in the Bundesliga and is a versatile player, with the ability to operate at left-back as well as centrally.

Antonio Conte will see this attribute as extremely valuable given the need to eventually find a successor for Ben Davies at left-centre-back, and Gvardiol’s release clause is more than reasonable.

West Bromwich Albion could be set to make an exciting young appointment to fill their current managerial vacancy.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Mail, the Baggies have Rob Edwards as part of a shortlisted that contains plenty of impressive names.

Steve Bruce was sacked just yesterday morning following a string of poor results that had his side sat in the Championship relegation zone.

Among the other names listed in the report are Carlos Corberan and Chris Wilder. Ron Gourlay will have a task on his hands picking wisely from this list.

His man management could be integral

Edwards might be the most progressive name of those noted, and despite his short and ultimately unsuccessful spell for Watford, he earned huge praise for his performances with Forest Green Rovers.

The 39-year-old was handed just 11 games at Vicarage Road, and as is always the way with the Hornets, you are never far from the sack.

At the Green Army, he managed to take a side that had finished in sixth the season prior to promotion into League One, the first time in the club’s history.

His managerial displays led to him receiving the Manager of the Year award for the division.

He has been lauded for his man-management skills during his short time as a head coach and has an ability to build incredible team spirit and a winning atmosphere aided by the confidence he has in his squad.

One of his former players Jamille Matt even noted: “Man management-wise, he’s the best I’ve worked under.”

With a side in such miserable form, likely heavily oppressed during the Bruce regime, a coach like Edwards could completely revitalise a club that had ambitions of a Premier League return this season.

His Watford sacking will likely not count against him due to the trigger-happy nature of their ownership, but he will be keen to jump straight back into management to maintain the momentum of his Forest Green success.

A move to the Hawthorns could be the perfect match, for a side desperate for an upturn in mood and a manager that specialises in such. He would enter with little pressure following his predecessor’s underperformance and could make something really special happen there.

Aston Villa have invested heavily in the playing squad over the last few summers, with Steven Gerrard having had the chance to make his own mark over the most recent summer.

Arguably his marquee signing was to tempt Diego Carlos to Villa Park, with expectations of him being the domineering centre-back to lead them up the Premier League table.

However, disaster struck just two games in as he ruptured his Achilles against Everton, ruling him out for the foreseeable future.

It has led to a long-term recall for Tyrone Mings alongside Ezri Konsa but leaves them incredibly light at the back now.

Gerrard might have to call upon the youth squad to find added depth, and in there he could actually find an heir to the 29-year-old Brazilian.

One such prodigy is Josh Feeney, who seems to have all the hallmarks of a really impressive centre-back.

The 17-year-old stands at an outstanding 6 foot 3 and has already captained the England under-18s side on numerous occasions.

 There is a reason why BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece labelled him “highly-rated”.

Mature beyond his years, he has even been called up to Villa’s U23 side and has one goal in his opening two appearances this season in the Premier League 2.

Last season was when he truly made the step up to this level, featuring just three times in the under-18s Premier League before making 18 appearances in the higher age group.

Already standing way above Carlos’ 6-foot frame, he clearly has the physical attributes to compete with the former Sevilla defender.

Last season in La Liga he averaged 1.0 tackles and a mammoth 3.5 clearances per game, which was impressive as he led his side to a fourth-placed finish.

He was instrumental, so it makes his freak injury even more frustrating.

However, with the lack of depth, it could now present a fine opportunity to slowly move Feeney up through that last step to senior football.

Blessed with incredible height, and clearly a threat from set pieces too, this miserable period could be the marking of a long-term successor to Carlos birthed through his own injury.

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko could be set to return for the Europa League game vs PSV Eindhoven on Thursday night after Mikel Arteta’s positive injury update.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Ukrainian hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 3-1 Premier League victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the month.

The 25-year-old sustained a calf injury which has seen him miss the last three games, and there was cause for concern that he may miss the World Cup, though the boss has now firmly put those rumours to bed.

The Latest: Arteta’s fitness update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Arteta confirmed that Zinchenko’s injury isn’t a long-term issue and insisted that he could be available for selection to face PSV alongside Gabriel Martinelli.

“No they are not ruled out, but we will see tomorrow what we decide.”

Asked if he was worried by his left-back’s problem, he said: “No, I don’t think so. Obviously, he had a current injury in his calf and that’s why he’s been out for this period.”

Further questioned on if he’d feature before the World Cup, the boss replied simply: “Yes.”

The Verdict: Boost for Arsenal

Should Zinchenko return for the Gunners tonight, it would be a huge boost for Arteta, who will know how much of an impact his summer arrival has had on the starting XI.

A ‘very good asset’, as dubbed by sports journalist Josh Bunting, the Ukraine star averages 1.8 tackles per league game and has one assist to his name in just five starts, alongside recording an 88.7% pass success rate (WhoScored).

Europa League victory over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side would guarantee the Emirates outfit’s place in the competition’s knockout stages, and the potential comeback of Zinchenko would only increase the chances of that happening.

Celtic have set aside “significant” cash to make a marquee midfield addition in 2023, Football Insider reports.

The Lowdown: Spending under Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou has had three transfer windows at Parkhead, with the Hoops extremely proactive during that time.

Celtic have signed a number of players under the Australian’s leadership, spending just under £45m in total. The Hoops have brought in just under £35m through player sales, and it looks as if the club will be active in 2023.

The Latest: Transfer update

FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared a story on Tuesday morning regarding Celtic’s transfer plans.

He stated that the Hoops have set aside “significant” cash to sign a proven central midfielder after Postecoglou made it clear behind the scenes that he wants to strengthen the squad in the new year.

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The Verdict: Good news

It seems as if Postecoglou wants a certain type of midfielder who can shield the defence – something that appears needed in Glasgow.

Captain Callum McGregor is currently sidelined through injury and the only out-and-out defensive midfielder on the books is loanee Oliver Abildgaard, who has played just 47 minutes of Scottish Premiership action this term.

Therefore, it is good news that Celtic chiefs seem willing to back Postecoglou once again in the new year, and it will be interesting to see who the club target.

Derby County have ruled out a move to sign Middlesbrough defender Darnell Fisher.

The Lowdown: Fisher links

Paul Warne didn’t take charge at Pride Park until the start of October, meaning that the January transfer window will be his first opportunity to get some of his own signings through the door.

The 28-year-old Fisher is just one of several players to have been linked with a switch to League One, with the Riverside outfit open to letting him leave in the New Year, though any hopes of a move have now been firmly shut down.

The Latest: Warne’s update

Speaking to Derbyshire Live (via Football League World), Warne denied all claims of interest in Fisher and revealed that a future deal is not on the cards.

“January is a great opportunity but whether we get the players we want we will have to see. But every day is like a press day. Everyone asks what’s happening.

“I got told the other day that I had been linked with Darnell Fisher. There is zero truth in that. I know Darnell really well. If I want him I’d just phone him. So there is zero truth in that. It was said it was off a good source, but there is no better source than me.”

The Verdict: One to avoid

Fisher was once dubbed a ‘fantastic’ potential signing by sports journalist Josh Bunting, but making the decision not to pursue a deal is the correct one.

The right-back hasn’t featured since sustaining a serious knee injury in a freak accident last summer and offers little threat from full-back, scoring just three goals in 210 career appearances.

The Rams need to be targeting players who are fully fit and could come in and make an instant impact, and Warne appears to know exactly who, and what, he wants from the upcoming window.