Nottingham Forest progressed to the next round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night after knocking out Tottenham Hotspur in a giant-killing that Steve Cooper can be proud of.

The Tricky Trees are currently rock bottom in the Premier League table and a great performance in the League Cup was exactly what the team needed for a huge confidence boost going into their last game this weekend before they break for the World Cup.

Despite only having 41% possession, Forest had more shots on goal (14 v 9), more shots on target (8 v 2) and more big chances (2 v 1) which ultimately led to their 2-0 victory at The City Ground last night.

The first half was largely uneventful, but Cooper would’ve been pleased with his team’s resilience to stay in the game over the first 45 minutes and when the second half commenced, Forest finally came to life, delivering Antonio Conte a nightmare.

Jesse Lingard took full control of the attacking threat in the team which would have delighted the home supporters following a string of uninspiring performances from the former Manchester United star.

The 29-year-old’s hard work finally paid off when he registered an assist for Renan Lodi’s 50th-minute opening goal and then followed up with a goal of his very own to double the lead just seven minutes later. It was strike that ultimately killed the game, sending Spurs packing back to north London with nothing to show from their visit.

Indeed, Lingard finally proved his worth to his manager and the Nottingham Forest supporters, however, there was another player who lit up The City Ground with a solid performance that ensured Conte’s side had no hopes of converting any of their chances last night.

Willy Boly put on a phenomenal defensive display by winning 100% of his ground and aerial duels throughout the contest. He made one key pass too, but it was the solidity further back that was most impressive with five clearances and three tackles over his 90-minute performance.

They are numbers that showed to his manager that he deserves a more consistent spot in the Forest backline.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back had only made one Premier League appearance with just 63 minutes tallied up before going into the clash with Spurs on Wednesday, so Cooper will surely be thrilled that his player was outstanding in the challenging fixture.

With that being said, the manager must now unleash Boly in the team more often and could even give him another opportunity to impress when Forest host Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Everton have suffered yet another injury setback over centre-back Yerry Mina, with the Colombian set to spend upwards of three weeks on the treatment table.

The Lowdown: Injury strikes again

Since signing for Everton in the summer of 2018, arriving from Barcelona, Mina has missed at least a few games each season due to injury woes.

Although, this time – at age 28 – the Colombian international has missed more games than ever before across the last two seasons.

Mina suffered an ankle ligament injury on the opening day of the season and upon Everton’s mini pre-season across the World Cup’s international break, the Colombian suffered a hamstring injury and will need to undergo a scan as a result.

It’s another setback for the star who has already missed 15 games this season.

The Latest: Dinnery dishes out disaster-class

Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes that Mina will endure yet another spell on the sidelines for a minimum of two weeks, though his recovery time could be extended.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Dinnery said: “It’s a difficult one because, with any hamstring injury, we’re looking at two or three weeks at least.

“Certainly, with Yerry Mina, it may be one that you’re just looking at and thinking is that going to stretch even beyond that?

“It’s just unfortunate that this is the latest setback and, undoubtedly, it will impact on the remainder of his season.”

The Verdict: A gutting blowAt 28-years-old, in and around his prime years, the opposite seems to be occurring for Everton’s £29m star.Over the last two seasons, the ex-Barca defender has missed 32 games and counting for Everton.With his contract expiring next summer, his prospects towards earning a new deal at Goodison Park are looking slim, with the star no longer a reliable feature in the squad.The latest setback is cruel and could be detrimental to his Everton career.It’s a gutting blow for both parties with Everton needing all of their reinforcements amidst their relegation dog fight.

Celtic are reportedly open to allowing midfielder James McCarthy to depart in January, with the Republic of Ireland international having failed to make an impact at Parkhead to date.

What’s the word?

Reports at the end of last month suggested that the Old Firm outfit are keen to move on the 32-year-old in the winter window, with the playmaker seemingly not part of manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans having struggled for game time of late.

The former Crystal Palace man – who arrived in Glasgow on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 – could well prove difficult to shift, however, with his existing deal at the club set to run until 2025.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke – in an interview with Football FanCast – has now given his thoughts regarding a potential departure for the 42-cap dud, with the transfer insider suggesting that the best scenario for all concerned could well be an exit.

Asked whether the experienced asset has been a disastrous signing for the Hoops, the reliable source stated: “I wouldn’t say it’s a disaster. Obviously, the move hasn’t worked out for either party really.

“James McCarthy just hasn’t been given enough minutes and when he has played he’s maybe not performed at his best level either, as well. So it’s probably looking like a parting of the ways is the best for both parties in this one.”

Ruthlessly ditch

As O’Rourke alluded too, it could well be that time is up for the £14k-per-week dud at Celtic Park, with McCarthy having been unable to establish himself in the side over the past year or so at his boyhood club.

Now something of a forgotten man with the Bhoys, the one-time Everton star has made just 27 appearances for his current side over the past 12 months or so, with only six of those outings having come from the start.

This season, in particular, has proven somewhat frustrating as far as the player is concerned, with the 5 foot 11 brute having made just five substitute appearances in all competitions, totalling only 62 minutes of action.

The arrival of the likes of Oliver Abildgaard and Aaron Mooy have only served to shunt the ageing talent further down the pecking order, with even the injury absence of captain Callum McGregor having failed to lead to a more prominent role for McCarthy.

The Glasgow-born ace has seen his woes compounded of late after suffering a “significant” injury, in the words of his manager, with the hope being that such an issue won’t prevent an exit, with Celtic likely keen to get the peripheral asset of the wage bill.

While it may not be easy to find a suitor for the player, Postecoglou and co simply need to be ruthless and ditch the midfield maestro sooner rather than later.

Leeds United and AS Roma are in the front row to sign Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for Lukic in recent days, with the player himself admitting he has ‘big ambitions’ following reported interest from Elland Road.

Leeds are set to ‘closely observe’ Lukic during the World Cup in Qatar, with the Serbia international entering the final 18 months of his Torino contract in the New Year.

The Latest: Transfer update

A further update regarding Lukic was shared on Wednesday, where Leeds were once again mentioned with financial details over a possible transfer now included for the first time.

Forza Roma stated that Leeds and Roma are in the front row for the midfielder, who looks set to cost €15m (£12.8m). The report adds that Roma doesn’t have that money to spend in the New Year, with Lukic potentially able to double his current €700,000-a-year salary.

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The Verdict: Realistic?

It seems as if Leeds have a financial edge over Roma in January, and you’d expect that Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises will be able to meet a £12.8m asking price, should they wish to firm up their interest.

Lukic, labelled as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting, can turn out in a variety of midfield roles and is 26 years of age, so you could say that Leeds would be bringing a player in the prime years of his career to Yorkshire.

There’s still plenty of work to be done of course, but speculation isn’t going away when it comes to Lukic.

Newcastle United are reportedly still interested in a move for Bayer Leverkusen winger, Moussa Diaby, having been heavily linked with the Frenchman over the summer.

What’s the word?

Reports in the recent window revealed that the Magpies had abandoned a move for the 23-year-old as a result of the Bundesliga side’s reported £60m valuation, with the Premier League outfit having been wary of being manipulated into forking out hefty fees and exorbitant wages.

Despite walking away from any deal a few months ago, the suggestion now is that the fleet-footed forward could again be a target when the market re-opens in January, alongside Leicester City talisman, James Maddison.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now provided his thoughts on a potential capture of the France international – who has been omitted from Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad – with the respected source suggesting it could be a real coup for those at St James’ Park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones stated: “I’ve spoken a lot about this. I know for a fact that they do still love Diaby, and it’s no surprise because he’s got that game-changing potential. He’s got something different about him from most players in the Premier League.”

Forget ASM

Eddie Howe and co are likely to have kept a watchful eye on the youngster’s form since the close of the summer window, with the eight-cap sensation having thrived for his current side so far this term, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in just 22 games across all fronts.

While it has proven a tricky start to the season for the German giants – with Xabi Alonso’s side languishing in 12th in the table – Diaby has been something of a shining light both domestically and in Europe, having netted twice during Leverkusen’s Champions League group stage campaign.

That competition is one which those at Newcastle are themselves looking to earn a place in next season, with the addition of such a “fearless” talent with “electrifying speed” – as described by journalist Aaron Stokes – likely to bolster their chances of a top-four berth.

The £31k-per-week gem is no mere one-season wonder either, with his overall record at the BayArena now standing at 84 goal contributions in just 146 games since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, having been a truly consistent force over the last few years.

That word consistency is not one that can be attributed to current Magpies hero, Allan Saint-Maximin, with the explosive forward having been unable to regularly deliver the goods in the final third in recent seasons, with just 12 goals and 16 assists to his name in the Premier League to date.

That rather measly tally includes just one goal and three assists in the 2022/23 campaign thus far, with injury woes having yet again plagued the 25-year-old this season, after previously enduring multiple spells on the sidelines since joining from Nice just over three years ago.

The addition of his compatriot – who can operate on either flank – could well see Saint-Maximin slip down the pecking order at the club, with Diaby able to match the mercurial talent’s breathtaking speed, but while producing the end product to match.

As Jones alluded to, signing Diaby could well be a major statement capture as far as Newcastle are concerned, with the only notable victim of that move likely to be the club’s current wing wizard.

Liverpool have experienced a lot of upheaval and uncertainty since FSG announced they were interested in selling the club and now a reliable source has given an update on what is to be expected in the transfer market.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has shared further details surrounding the news that Sporting Director Julian Ward will resign at the end of the season and how it will affect Liverpool’s business in the transfer windows ahead.

Romano revealed to Caught Offside:

“There is important news, because Julian Ward has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of this season.

“It’s not just Julian Ward, it’s also Ian Graham, another key figure behind the scenes. The transfer team will change and there will be a lot of rebuilding, and a change of the structure.

“We know that Jurgen Klopp remains an important part of this project – he’s the man, he signed a new contract not so long ago, and he will continue at Liverpool.

“We will have to see how this changes what they do in the market, but they are likely to sign more than one midfielder because Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita could both leave.”

It’s much needed

There is no doubt that a refresh and rebuild in the centre of the pitch is much needed and Jurgen Klopp will need to evaluate his options when the transfer window reopens despite the drama behind the scenes at Anfield.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all set to be out of contract in June 2023, whilst skipper Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are well into their 30s and at the latter stages of their careers. It is now becoming a matter of urgency to invest in the next generation of talent at the club, so this update is surely good news to hear.

Indeed, Liverpool have been linked on numerous occasions with many midfielders including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Youri Tielemans over the last few months, but it remains to be seen if the owners will invest at the level needed to secure these signings due to their plans to part ways with the club in the future.

The Reds missed out on signing Aurelien Tchouameni early into the summer transfer window with Real Madrid stealing the talented young midfielder’s signature instead, and Klopp can not afford a similar scenario unfolding in the transfer windows ahead when approaching targets.

With that being said, FSG’s intentions will become clear in the January transfer window as to whether they are committed to developing the team or if they have washed their hands with reinvestment, either way, the uncertainty at Liverpool is a cause for concern for supporters ahead of the second half of the season.

Everton have found themselves in a similar situation as last season in the Premier League and are currently now just one point above the relegation zone heading into the World Cup break.

The Toffees have fallen into a poor run of form losing three of their last five league fixtures and Frank Lampard will be desperate to get his team into shape when they return to action after Christmas, as his job at the club has come into question over the last few weeks.

It was reported that the Everton hierarchy were looking at potential successors for the former Chelsea boss due to the poor performances on the pitch, however, it has most recently been claimed that the club are willing to back the manager for the foreseeable future after considering their options.

As a result, Lampard will be feeling the pressure to start putting in performances and picking up crucial points in the Premier League, something that could be achieved by acquiring some top-quality talent in the January transfer window.

One player who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk and there is no doubt the 21-year-old would offer a huge boost in the attacking threat in the team.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than the Toffees this season so finding players who can positively affect the amount of goal-scoring opportunities delivered and converted over the second half of the season.

Over 43 appearances for Donetsk so far, Mudryk – who was hailed a “serious talent” by Sascha Pisani – has scored 11 goals and delivered 17 assists, with a goal contribution every 83 minutes, which is an incredibly impressive output for the young winger and that consistency in front of goal would be a valuable asset at Everton.

In fact, the talented player ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across Europe for non-penalty goals, assists, dribbles completed and touches, proving that he is a potential superstar in the making that could compete at the highest level with some of the biggest players in the world if he continues to flourish.

The £85.75m Ukrainian international has been attracting a lot of attention for his performances over the last 12 months and it is not only Everton interested in securing his signature with Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain also in the mix.

Mudryk’s expensive price tag has been defended by the club’s chief executive Sergei Palkin (via The Athletic):

“Mudryk is a talent in a process. What he is showing today, it’s just 60 per cent of what he can do in the future. And when you multiply this, you realize that he costs much, much more. Therefore, I we believe that in the future he can cost definitely around €100m.”

With that being said, if Moshiri does sanction a move for Mudryk it would certainly be proof of his ambition and intent to get Everton back where they belong in the top half of the table and could be the difference in saving Everton’s season.

Newcastle United will be given the ‘opportunity to strengthen’ their squad in January, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Smart business

The Premier League side welcomed PIF as their new owners just over 12 months ago, but instead of going out and signing several household names as maybe expected, they have been shrewd with their additions in bringing in the likes of Nick Pope and Dan Burn.

Alexander Isak has really been the standout marquee addition after joining for a club-record fee, but as a result of currently sitting third in the table, the winter market could prove to be a lot more interesting than first imagined.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones shared that Newcastle will have signing new players at the top of their wishlist in the New Year. He said:

“They don’t want to stand still. So, you’d imagine that being in this position they’ve put themselves in, they’ll see it as an opportunity to strengthen further and it will feel like less of a gamble now to put a bit more money into the club than it might have done six months ago.”

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The Verdict: Wait for the summer

The Magpies are undoubtedly in a higher position than they probably would have expected at this point in the season, but they should wait until next summer before making multiple big investments.

Securing a place in the Champions League comes with a huge financial reward, but with so many games still left to play, anything could change between now and the end of the season.

January is the perfect opportunity to make a few smaller, cheaper additions in case any injuries occur, but in terms of box-office targets, sealing them at the end of the term would be a lot less of a risk.

Reported West Ham United transfer target Youssef En-Nesyri could be made available for sale during the upcoming January window. 

The Lowdown: West Ham linked with En-Nesyri

The Premier League club have been linked with a move for the Sevilla striker in the past, most recently during the previous summer transfer window.

Since then, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 15 appearances for his club across all competitions this season, while he also grabbed a goal for Morocco in the World Cup as he helped his country to top their group ahead of Croatia, Belgium and Canada.

Now that another transfer window is set to open for business in the coming weeks, it seems as though En-Nesyri could be at the centre of attention once again.

The Latest: En-Nesyri potentially up for sale

According to a recent report from Marca, Sevilla could look to cash in on the striker in January to improve their financial situation.

The report also mentions West Ham’s previous interest in signing the Moroccan in both January 2021 and last summer.

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The Verdict: A question for West Ham

With just two La Liga starts to his name across 10 appearances this term, it seems that the striker – who was once described as “prolific” by journalist Muhammad Butt – is not Sevilla’s first-choice at the moment, despite boasting 73 goals across club and international level.

However, the Moroccan has still shown how much of a threat he can offer by posting the second-highest rate of shots at goal per 90 minutes (3.98) at his club, along with the highest rate of shots on target per 90 minutes (1.49).

Considering how only four teams have a lower rate of shots on target per 90 than West Ham (3.53) in the Premier League this season, it could be said that a player with En-Nesyri’s attacking quality is something which could greatly benefit David Moyes’ side.

With all of that in mind, it could well be worth the Hammers testing the water to see how much it could take for Sevilla to sell the Morocco striker in January.

Aston Villa have endured a tumultuous time in midfield this season, with Steven Gerrard seemingly unsure as to who he truly trusted with the starting spots.

Stripping Tyrone Mings of the captaincy and instating John McGinn marked a sole show of faith for the old guard as he looked to place him beside one of Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz.

This struggle for consistency likely fed into the rumours linking the Brazilian with a move away, with deadline day moves scuppered only for him to sign a new contract in October.

However, it now seems that Unai Emery is keen to add another face to that mix, as rumours just last week persist linking the Villans with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Spaniard would add a wealth of talent to an already stacked midfield, but crucially, he would provide creativity and goalscoring seldom seen since the exit of Fabian Delph.

Many will remember the Leeds United academy graduate as a solid if not unspectacular option for Manchester City and Everton, with a career ravaged by injuries.

However, before his big-money move to the Cityzens, he was a powerful box-to-box force for the Midlands outfit.

In his final season at Villa Park, he would score twice and assist five times, with his combinations with Christian Benteke likely to go down in Premier League folklore.

Now, in Merino, they could actually have a similar if upgraded presence.

This season the 26-year-old already has two goals and six assists from the engine room, looking to improve upon his four-goal and four-assist campaign last year.

His exploits for Real Sociedad have led to the ultimate praise from his coach Imanol Alguacil, as he claimed: “Mikel Merino is the best player in La Liga.” 

This has culminated in an average Sofascore rating of 7.24, with the former Newcastle United maestro boasting the second-best rating of any of his teammates.

His apparent consistency and capability to push forward will leave Villa fans reminiscing about the impressive performances of Delph, but should Emery pull off this deal they will quickly forget them in favour of the new man in town.