Tottenham Hotspur have cruised through almost all of their Premier League matches thus far to open the season, but face a very difficult task this weekend as they travel to bitter rivals Arsenal.
Perhaps Ange Postecoglou, in an effort to add some more steel to his front line, could be best served unleashing Richarlison from the start once again.
How did Richarlison play vs Sheffield United?
Having started their clash last weekend with Sheffield United on the bench again, he was forced to watch his side endure a profligate game play out as he sat on the sidelines.
Patiently waiting until he was called upon, the Brazilian entered the field with just ten minutes left, seemingly with a determination to prove everyone who had rushed to criticise him wrong. After all, in the run-up to the clash, the 26-year-old had captured great media attention for admitting his mental struggles and the psychological help he sought to employ.
Richarlison
So, it was likely a welcome sight for most to see him head home a late equaliser to snatch what they thought would be just a point. However, he was far from finished.
Collecting a neat inside ball of Ivan Perisic, his outside-the-foot pass found Dejan Kulusevski, who would cut inside and fire home the winner. A quick turnaround completely instigated by Richarlison.
Having suffered greatly since moving to north London for a whopping £60m, perhaps handing him a solid run of starts off the back of such a performance could help hand him the show of faith needed to earn some consistency in front of goal.
Who should Richarlison replace?
Given he would score just one league goal in the whole Premier League season last year, it bodes well that he has scored again just five games into this campaign.
As a man who simply could not find the net no matter what, journalist Danny Hall even sought to mock one effort he had in an EFL Cup clash with the blades, suggesting rather than worrying the goalkeeper it instead "threatens the corner flag".
The £90k-per-week finisher clearly thrives off the backing of his manager though, outlining one experience with Marco Silva which helped him feel at ease and ready to develop: "He is always helping me out and I’ll continue to improve. Everyone can see my development here at Everton. Marco Silva has been really important in this aspect, he will show me videos of my performances, what I’ve done well and what mistakes I’ve made and how I can correct them."
However, if Richarlison is to earn a recall, one of the dangerous front four must drop out.
Although Heung-min Son struggled to shine on the weekend, his place is likely never really in threat due to his captaincy. Then, with Kulusevski scoring the winner, it would be harsh to then drop him too.
5
2
2
8.10
2
0
2
7.37
5
2
0
7.40
5
3
0
7.72
3
1
1
6.88
Therefore, perhaps the South Korean could return to his more natural left wing, where he has terrorised the Gunners in the past on numerous occasions, allowing the former Everton marksman to replace Manor Solomon and start up front.
After all, they are unlikely to boast the control they have enjoyed in other matches with a visit to the Emirates. They need battlers, and people willing to rise to the occasion and give their all to claim something from the match.
So, who better than the hard-working ace with a point to prove and a chip on his shoulder? For his own confidence to build on his recent display, Richarlison must start.
Manchester United are weighing up a move for a "sensational" goalkeeper, with Erik ten Hag already looking at options to replace Andre Onana, according to reports from Spain.
How well is Andre Onana playing?
Onana has not had the easiest of starts to life at Old Trafford, having joined from Inter Milan in a £47.2m summer deal, with Mark Goldbridge recently suggesting Man United would have been better off keeping David De Gea, saying: "I really do like Onana but it's a mistake. It's a mistake.
"I don't like saying I told you so but so many people were clipping De Gea up last season, saying he's a problem in the team. This, that, and the other.
"He's not a problem in the team. Man United have conceded 10 goals in five games. They're averaging two goals per game, going in."
As pointed out by Goldbridge, the Cameroonian has already shipped ten goals in the Premier League, while De Gea conceded 43 across the whole of the 2022-23 campaign, and collected 17 clean sheets, winning the Golden Glove award for his efforts.
Although it is still very early days for the 27-year-old, there have now been reports that Ten Hag is already looking into signing a replacement, with a Spanish publication suggesting they are now interested in acquiring the services of Diogo Costa (via Foottball 365).
The Red Devils are now willing to launch an offer close to €70m (£60m) to sign the FC Porto goalkeeper, who is also on the radar of some of Europe's other top clubs, namely Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
The report states that Onana "does not offer guarantees despite Ten Hag's confidence and the club is thinking about safer options", with Costa reemerging as a target, having been considered in the summer transfer window.
Are Man United replacing Onana?
In truth, it seems a little far-fetched to suggest United are already looking at replacing their summer signing, considering we are only five games into the Premier League season, but Ten Hag will be hoping his form picks up in the near future.
The former Inter Milan man has conceded the joint-third highest number of goals in the top flight, but he must be given more time to adapt to the Premier League, having put in some top performances for his old club over the past year.
During that time period, the 6 foot 2 goalkeeper has picked up a clean sheet in 40% of his outings, placing him in the 92nd percentile compared to his positional peers, while he ranks in the 88th percentile for touches per 90, displaying his willingness to get on the ball.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Onana clearly has the talent to be a success at Old Trafford, and it is far too early for his future to be in doubt, but there is no doubt that Costa is also a top goalkeeper.
The Porto shot-stopper has been lauded as "absolutely sensational" by members of the media, and it would not be a surprise if he gets a big move in the near future.
In the post-2000-era, Manchester United's unrelenting dominance of the Premier League was built on a squad of superstars as Sir Alex Ferguson nurtured some of the best young prospects to grace the beautiful game.
Of course, prising Cristiano Ronaldo away from Sporting Lisbon for £12m in 2003 will go down as arguably the greatest piece of business the club has ever done, but the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney arrived as young prospects for big money and departed the club as legends.
While the pillars of their success were built on their eye for talented youngsters that they developed into superstars, Ferguson also did some underrated business in the transfer market, capturing Nemanja Vidic for £7m from Spartak Moscow in 2006 – who became a colossus at the back alongside Ferdinand – Patrice Evra for £5.5m from AS Monaco and PSV Eindhoven's Ji-sung Park for £4m.
It is fair to say the 2005/06 season was a hugely successful one in the transfer window as that trio played a huge role in helping United dominate on the domestic and European front.
Similarly, luring Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic in 2009 was another time when the Red Devils struck gold in the transfer market, as the Ecuador international became an integral cog in Fergie's winning machine.
How much did Man United pay for Antonio Valencia?
Signed in the summer of 2009, Man United captured the signature of highly-rated Wigan winger Valencia for £16m.
Valencia became Ferguson's first signing since Ronaldo departed for £80m in the same summer, and although he was never going to be a direct replacement for the outgoing superstar, he was a player that the Scot was chasing for a while.
Antonio Valencia
Upon the completion of the transfer, Ferguson said: "Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan, I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."
Possessing the raw pace and power that was a staple in Ferguson's well-oiled machine, Valencia arrived at the club after producing 17 goal contributions in 89 appearances for the Latics – whilst that record is nothing to write home about – a move to Man United would be the catalyst for the 24-year-old's development.
How good was Antonio Valencia at Man United?
Valencia was built in the mould of an old-fashioned winger; difficult to defend against in one vs one's, utilising his fast, powerful and direct attributes to fashion a space for a cross and flash a ball into the danger zone.
Although defenders knew what was coming, Valencia was excellent at crafting a yard of space to send a telling and often quality delivery into the box, a movement that saw him record an impressive seven goals and 13 assists in his first season at Old Trafford.
United went on to lose out on the Premier League title by a single point to Chelsea, preventing them from lifting a fourth consecutive title and while they would return to the top of the tree in the following season, Valencia's campaign was hampered by a dislocated and fractured ankle, though he did return in time to help the Red Devils lift their 19th league title.
In the following season, the explosive winger began his transition into becoming a dependable right back and the switch to a more defensive role allowed him to thrive from a deeper position, chalking up an incredible 14 assists in 27 appearances in the top flight as he scooped the United’s Fans and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
Rewarded with the number 7 jersey that was donned by Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Ronaldo previously, Valencia's form subsequently dipped, contributing to half the number of goals and a quarter of assists in Ferguson's final campaign.
During the David Moyes and Louis van Gaal eras that followed, Valencia's output declined – as did United's powers in English football – and it wasn't untill Jose Mourinho arrived in 2016 that the 5 foot 11 "beast", as dubbed by former teammate Juan Mata, was allowed to flourish once more.
Valencia was someone who the Special One had admired since his days managing Real Madrid and although Mourinho didn't turn him into the flying fullback, the process began long before his arrival.
“I tried to sign Antonio when I was at Madrid,” Mourinho said. "Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position.”
Mourinho showcased his love for Valencia even further by labelling him as the "best right back in the world" in 2017, paying an ode to the longevity and consistent quality that he produced.
After tallying up 87 goal contributions in 339 appearances, current manager Erik ten Hag can only dream of having a right-back capable of producing that level of output in the final third with Diogo Dalot, for instance, only contributing to nine goals in 115 appearances for the club so far.
Remembered fondly by supporters for being a winger turned world-class right back, who was adored by Ferguson and Mourinho, Valencia was one of several unsung heroes at Manchester United during their glittering period at the top and is now retired following stints in Ecuador and Mexico.
The expert archer-like precision of Newcastle United's transfer activity over the past two years has been a testament to the diligence and meticulous process in crafting success under the new Saudi owners after many years of inferiority.
Eddie Howe has been tremendous in the managerial role and really does deserve all the plaudits, but technical director Dan Ashworth has been equally important in devising a transfer strategy fit for lasting prosperity, and it seems to be paying off handsomely right now.
Player
Figure (via Football Transfers)
Alexander Isak
£63m
Sandro Tonali
£55m
Anthony Gordon
£45m
Bruno Guimaraes
£42m
Tino Livramento
£40m
So far, the most lucrative acquisitions have either hit the mark emphatically or tantalised such promise that will provide them with a starring role at St. James' Park for many years to come.
The former owner, Mike Ashley, oversaw a steady decline with his pernicious hold on the prestigious Premier League club, with misfires and poor additions embedded in the club for many years, resulting in two relegations and only one campaign in Europe since launching his takeover bid in 2007.
One player who was pursued but ultimately not signed back in 2014 was Alexandre Lacazette, who would have been the perfect fit to lead the line for the years preceding the PIF takeover, perhaps providing such a goal threat that relegation would have been avoided.
Were Newcastle interested in Alexandre Lacazette?
In 2014, Newcastle were indeed interested in signing the French striker while he plied his trade in his homeland for Lyon, but he dispelled rumours of a move to Tyneside by signing a new contract with the Ligue 1 side.
Three years later, he would join Premier League rivals Arsenal in a club-record £46.5m transfer, surpassing the previous record deal by the Emirates Stadium side for Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
But more on that later; the Magpies needed a striker and ultimately settled for Emmanuel Riviere and Siem De Jong to bolster the offensive ranks, moves that… didn't quite work out as hoped.
Lacazette had been enjoying considerable success for Les Gones, posting 22 goals and eight assists across all competitions during the 2013/14 campaign, and while Newcastle had reached the Europa League quarter-finals in 2013, the club's direction was not headed to a destination Lacazette was enticed by.
He would continue to rise and the Toon actually rekindled their intrigue in the 5 foot 8 talisman, with ESPN reporting in January 2016 that Newcastle were looking to complete a move and had even offered £18m for his services, though sources close to the club revealed that this was not the case.
There is a pretty compelling case that had he been successfully signed either in 2014 or 2016, Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League in the 2015/16 campaign would have been avoided.
Rafa Benitez was appointed in March as Steve McClaren's successor but the distinguished Spaniard arrived too late, losing just three of his ten matches at the helm before the plummet into the second tier but ultimately finding survival was too tall an order.
Finishing only two points behind heated rivals Sunderland, Newcastle were a whisker away from preserving their top-flight status and might've done so had a "goal machine" such as Lacazette been added to the fold, as he has now been dubbed by former Gunners teammate Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
How good is Alexandre Lacazette?
Lacazette enjoyed success with Arsenal, no doubt, scoring 71 goals and supplying 36 assists across 201 appearances before moving back to France to re-join Lyon on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with the Premier League side.
With his best individual campaign coming in 2018/19, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists, the 32-year-old was undoubtedly impressive and left England with an FA Cup trophy and Community Shield to his name.
In fairness, his final season with Arsenal was easily his worst, scoring only four times in the Premier League, but he proved himself as a reliable goalscorer during his time at the club and earned praise for "bringing the fire" by former teammate Albert Sambi Lokonga.
At present, as per FBref, the £90k-per-week striker ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for passes attempted, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 15% for tackles and the top 17% for interceptions per 90.
This illustrates the immense success he has across the different departments of the field, thriving with his cutting-edge but equally integral in his build-up play and defensive contribution.
Such metrics are built on his remarkable goalscoring feats during his first campaign back in his homeland, scoring 31 goals across all competitions – including 27 strikes in the top-flight.
It was an astonishing year, with only Paris Saint-Germain sensation Kylian Mbappe outscoring him in Ligue 1, ahead of the likes of one Lionel Messi, who plundered 16 goals and assists apiece across his final campaign with PSG.
Such success led AS Monaco player Chrislain Matsima to gush over his qualities, saying: "He is a great striker. Everyone agrees with that. He’s proven it again this season by carrying Lyon on his shoulders. It’s always exciting to play against this kind of player. It will be a great challenge for me and the rest of the team to stop him from shining."
Alexandre Lacazette for Lyon
The regularity of his clinical efforts will have stung those affiliated with Newcastle, who could have made good use of such qualities and provided the staunch supporters with a bit more to cheer about in the years preceding the affluent, direction-changing takeover.
Howe has steered the club toward success unseen for a long time at present, and any concerns over failed deals to sign players such as Lacazette are now dead and buried, especially with Alexander Isak, who has scored five times this season already, leading the line.
But regardless, this would have been a really good deal to have gotten over the line, potentially preventing years of hurt.
Everton are keen to strike a deal for a teenage central midfielder, but there are also two other clubs who are hoping to bring him to the Premier League.
Who are Everton's youngest players?
The Toffees currently have four squad members who are aged 21 or under, starting with Youssef Chermiti at 19, followed by Lewis Dobbin and Tyler Onyango who are both 20, alongside Jarrad Branthwaite who is 21.
The Merseyside outfit had to rely on their most experienced players towards the end of last season when Sean Dyche needed everyone to step up to survive relegation, so the up-and-coming talents haven’t had a real chance to prove what they are capable of.
The Goodison Park outfit, however, are looking to change that and have set their sights on FC Schalke’s Assan Ouedraogo, who having worked his way up through their academy, has made nine senior appearances for the first-team (Transfermarkt – Ouedraogo statistics).
Germany’s youth international, who is just 17 years old, still has four years remaining on his deal (FC Schalke contracts), but having impressed since first bursting onto the professional scene, he’s caught the eye of three high-profile teams in the top-flight.
Assan Ouedraogo transfer update
Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg shared a transfer update on Assan Ouedraogo and name-checked Everton as one of the midfielder's three potential suitors in England.
He wrote: “Liverpool and especially Jurgen Klopp is monitoring the development of Assan Ouedraogo! The 17 y/o versatile midfielder from @s04 has a release clause in 2024. Clubs from abroad have to pay around €20m [£17m]. Next to #LFC more clubs from [England] are interested: Everton & Brighton!”
Everton's home stadium, Goodison Park.
How good is Assan Ouedraogo?
According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ouedraogo is an “exciting” player with bags of potential in his back pocket, and having already shown the positive impact he’s capable of making, it would be a massive coup should he decide to put pen to paper at Everton.
Standing at 6 foot 3, Schalke’s young colossus has already posted 31 contributions (17 goals and 14 assists) in 45 appearances across youth and senior levels, and even if the ball doesn’t always hit the back of the net, he’s able to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s defence.
Likes to dribble
Likes to play short passes
Does not dive into tackles (Data via WhoScored)
The Mulheim native currently ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons by midfielders so loves to use his physicality and skill to dribble past his marker and create as many chances as possible for both himself and his teammates in the final third, whenever he gets the opportunity to do so (FBRef – Ouedraogo statistics).
Ouedraogo has already had a taste of success having been crowned an U17s champion with both Schalke in the Bundesliga and internationally with Germany, so he would be able to pass on a much-needed winning mentality to the rest of the squad who are in L4.
Chelsea have spent a lucrative wad of money since Todd Boehly's arrival, eclipsing the £1bn mark in his 17 months at the club.
The American businessman has splashed the cash and aimed to craft the Premier League outfit into a team capable of competing for silverware both domestically and in Europe.
While this chronic spending has done wonders to reshape an ageing squad with youthful talent, it is yet to provide the west London outfit with the requisite success.
What's more alarming, however, is the fact that Chelsea rejected the opportunity to sign a world-class star as a youngster in the past who would have administered their dominance at the top of European football for years to come.
Did Chelsea almost sign Kylian Mbappe?
Kylian Mbappe may have become one of the best players on the planet at Paris Saint-Germain, however, the French superstar could have first made his name in the Premier League had Chelsea not passed up the opportunity to sign him.
Indeed, the Blues former scout Serge Daniel Boga brought him to the club's Cobham Training Centre in 2012, where the youngster immediately impressed on trial, as per GOAL.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.
Despite instantly showcasing his attacking talent, Chelsea were reluctant to snap him up as concerns over the defensive side of his game prompted the Londoners to request a second trial, but that didn't go down well with Mbappe's mother.
She said: "Listen, my boy won't be coming back. If they want him they have to take him now or in five year's time they will be coming back to buy him for €50 million!"
It turns out Mbappe's mother was right to believe in her son's world-beating talents as he'd go on to cost PSG a whopping £166m five years later while the rest, as they say, is history.
How many goals has Kylian Mbappe scored?
When discussing the career of Mbappe so far, the term 'generational talent' springs to mind.
At the age of 24, the French superstar has already won more trophies than most players do in an entire career.
kylian-mbappe
For instance, in 2018 he became the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pele in 1958 and at that point, those watching him in action knew he was going to be special, backing that up remarkably by scoring a hat-trick in the showpiece in Qatar in 2022, only to watch his side lose to Argentina on penalties.
While it's difficult to stop Mbappe from hoovering up a whole host of accolades, it is near impossible to stop him on the pitch too as he combines his blistering pace and lethal finishing to devastating effect, remaining incredibly composed in the final third and thriving in high-pressure situations, as seen with his heroics for club and country.
Lauded by iconic manager Carlo Ancelotti as the "best player in European football", Mbappe is now arguably the best in the world, posting a robot-like goal record that propels him towards Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo territory.
In 270 appearances for PSG, the "incredible" goal machine, as dubbed by Messi himself for his World Cup final treble, has scored an eye-watering 221 goals and supplied 99 assists, averaging more than a goal contribution per game.
The 72-cap international's relentless consistency and the power to win a match on his own haven't been enough to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or as of yet, however, it feels only a matter of time before he gets his hands on one.
Over the years, there are many clubs who have missed out on world-beating talent through their own misjudgement but Chelsea's decision to not sign Mbappe, who is now valued at £130m (€150m) as per CIES Football Observatory, takes the top spot in that list.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and a fresh update has now shared the chances of him moving to the Premier League in January.
How much did Victor Osimhen cost Napoli?
Back in 2020, Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille for a reported €75m (£65m), and he’s since gone on to make a total of 111 appearances to date, but there is a chance that he could be on the move at the start of next year due to recent off-field developments (Transfermarkt – Osimhen statistics).
The Serie A side posted a video on their social media channels mocking the 24-year-old for missing a penalty, which resulted in his agent, Roberto Calenda, threatening to take legal action, though Napoli chiefs are apparently still keen to extend his stay at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The Nigeria international still has another two years remaining on his deal (Napoli contracts), but Rudi Garcia’s side are hopeful that he will put pen to paper on fresh terms, even though club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has admitted that he’s having second thoughts.
Should the centre-forward move onto new pastures, he won’t be short of suitors having established himself as his club’s best-performing offensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Napoli statistics), and having been strongly linked over the summer, Mauricio Pochettino once again has his eye on a deal in January.
Victor Osimhen transfer update
According to TEAMtalk, sharing a transfer update on Victor Osimhen, Stamford Bridge sources have delivered some news regarding a potential swoop for the Napoli talisman.
“It is not guaranteed that Osimhen will be a Chelsea player but he is someone the club have been and are tracking closely. With that the recent actions and statements from Napoli and De Laurentiis have obviously been noted.
"The new contract is a huge matter, it does not look like he is going to sign at this moment, but as a club it is something that would have a major bearing on any plans for him.”
Napoli strikerVictor Osimhen.
How many goals has Victor Osimhen scored?
During his time at Napoli, Osimhen has clocked up a remarkable 80 contributions (65 goals and 15 assists) in 111 appearances which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s always posing a threat no matter whether the ball hits the back of the net or not.
The Lagos native currently ranks in the 99th percentile amongst strikers in the top leagues for both shots and number of touches in the opposition’s penalty area (FBRef – Osimhen statistics), highlighting his desire to create as many chances as possible for both himself and his fellow teammates.
Osimhen knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured three top goalscorer awards since the start of his career, alongside being named the Serie A’s Best Young Player for 2022, so with him possessing a real winning mentality, this is a no-brainer of a deal to complete should the opportunity present itself.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have become prolific at unearthing flops at Molineux as their scattergun transfer strategy continues to curtail the club's quest for progress.
The Old Gold have suffered through a multitude of ill-fated decisions in the market and this is exemplified by their terrible recruitment in recent years.
While Nuno Espirito Santo's time at the club was largely successful, he did suffer a rather chequered history in the transfer market, bringing in incredible talent such as; Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Diogo Jota, but also failing in equal measure.
The Portuguese manager struggled to hit the jackpot in the striker department, aside from Raul Jimenez, shelling out huge sums of money on youngsters Patrick Cutrone and Fabio Silva. Cutrone only scored three goals in 28 appearances and is currently plying his trade in Serie B.
raul-jimenez-wolves
Silva, meanwhile, is still at Molineux and has only mustered a measly five goals in 71 appearances after costing the club a staggering £35m in 2020.
Another of those failed additions was Willian Jose, who arrived on loan from Real Sociedad in January 2021.
Willian Jose's statistics at Wolves
Wolves were desperate to sign a striker in the winter window after seeing Jimenez sidelined with a fractured skull in November, which left him with only 18-year-old club-record signing Silva to call upon through the middle.
The target man was expected to fill the Mexican's void, utilising his physical presence to occupy defenders and someone capable of bringing others into play, which is exactly the kind of player that the Old Gold had missed in the absence of Jimenez.
Aside from possessing the sought-after physical attributes, Jose was also known for his consistent goal-scoring powers having reached double figures in La Liga across four consecutive seasons between 2016 and 2020.
The Brazilian had accumulated 11 goals to his name in 37 appearances for Real Sociedad in the 2019/20 season, however, in the first half of the following term he'd only mustered three goals in 13 matches, which should have drawn concerns over his form.
Wolves instead chose to ignore the warning signs and instantly regretted that decision after he only managed one goal in 17 appearances for the club.
Whilst it was ultimately a disastrous spell for Jose, who struggled to acclimatise to the Premier League's demands, the only saving grace was the option to buy in his contract wasn't mandatory and the club were able to send him back to Spain in June.
What Willian Jose has done after leaving Wolves
After departing Molineux, Jose endured a loan spell at Real Betis in the 2021/22 campaign and made that move a permanent one last year for €11m (£9.5m).
He's spent the majority of his time struggling to find the net, evidenced by only scoring two goals in 28 La Liga appearances last term.
This season, however, the Brazilian has turned into an animal in front of goal, plundering four goals in eight matches in Spain's top flight.
And on Wednesday night, Jose's scoring exploits reached new heights as he notched a remarkable four goals in a 12-1 victory over sixth-tier side CD Hernan Cortes in the Copa Del Rey.
Perhaps more alarming for Wolves, the man who flopped at Molineux has now scored more goals than any of their current players this term, including in-form danger man Hwang-hee Chan.
International breaks can either come at an ideal time or the worst possible time for a club – there is rarely an in between. And for Leeds United, it has come at the worst possible time, with Daniel Farke's side firing on all cylinders in pursuit of Ipswich Town and Leicester City at the top of the Championship. The Whites have lost just once in their last seven games and sit just seven points adrift of what once looked like an unreachable top spot.
From Farke's perspective, he'll just hope to see that momentum continue after the international break. But bad news is already beginning to pile up for the Whites, with one star player already potentially injured ahead of their return to club action in a week or so to make it yet another international round to forget.
Leeds United injury news
When it comes to injuries this season, Leeds haven't faced incredibly unfortunate times with knocks, keeping the majority of their side together to eventually form what is currently an impressive run of results. That said, Farke will know just how quickly things can change and could already be without one specific player when club football returns.
According to Leeds All Over, Wilfried Gnonto was forced off with an injury for Italy U21s as they smashed San Marino 7-0 on Thursday. The winger was responsible for two goals, before passing on the chance to score a hat-trick, instead handing the penalty to Sebastiano Esposito. Gnonto reportedly appeared to clutch his hamstring as he limped off in what is a worrying sign for Farke and co.
It wouldn't be Gnonto's first injury of the season, either. The Italian has struggled to get going after seeing his campaign disrupted early on by an ankle injury which saw him miss four games. Now, he could be set to miss even more action after coming off for the national side.
Leeds need "incredible" Gnonto back to his best
If Leeds are to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, then getting Gnonto back to his best could be the key. The winger showed glimpses of what he can do in the top flight last season, recording six goal involvements, but has struggled to get going in the Championship, with just one goal and one assist to his name in 11 appearances.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
At just 20-years-old, Gnonto still has plenty of time to rediscover his golden touch and become the player that former manager Jesse Marsch praised so highly in the past. The ex-Leeds boss said after the winger's Paolo Di Canio-esque volley last season: "It was a good diagonal ball from Rodrigo, really clever from Willy to fox the defender and then an incredible finish. He’s really happy with that. We knew about him for a while and we initially had a little more of an idea to bring him in the future.
“But we brought him in early and he’s shown what he can do. He is very humble, grounded and a real human being who wants to improve. He’s worth more than four million now. I like working with young, attacking explosive talent.”
Aston Villa's bruising defeat to Newcastle United in their Premier League opener seems a distant memory now, having won eight league games from the 11 that have followed.
This fantastic start to the campaign has seen them pick up some massive scalps already this season, with a 1-0 win away to Chelsea and a complete demolition of high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion when the Seagulls made the visit to Villa Park in late September.
This strong start to the league campaign has seen them climb to fifth place, just one point behind former League leaders Tottenham Hotspur and two points behind Arsenal and Liverpool in third and fourth, respectively.
Their European campaign has also well and truly recovered from their early defeat away to Legia Warszawa, as they find themselves second in the group, level on points with the Polish side in first.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has previewed and predicted their next six fixtures as they travel down to Spurs on Sunday in their first league game back from the International break.
26th November
Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur
A
30th November
Europa Conference League
Legia Warsaw
H
3rd December
Premier League
Bournemouth
A
6th December
Premier League
Manchester City
H
9th December
Premier League
Arsenal
H
14th December
Europa Conference League
HSK Zrinjski Mostar
A
Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
26th November, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The first game back from the international break for Aston Villa is a trip to north London to take on the high-flying Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have been one of the best teams in the league this season, although their bruising defeat to Chelsea and loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break has undoubtedly taken some of the shine off of their start to their league campaign.
Villa have proved that they're no pushovers under Emery this season, and while they certainly won't be favourites for the game, they also won't make it easy for the hosts.
After 12 Premier League games, the Claret and Blue are sitting pretty in fifth place with eight wins to their name and a goal difference of plus 12.
In fact, Villa's 29 goals scored this season is only bettered by Manchester City's 32, while Spurs have scored 24.
Another thing that the Lions have in their favour is history. In the last five meetings between these two sides, Villa have emerged with all three points three times, while Spurs have only done so twice.
However, with all that said, Tottenham are a different animal this season, and with home wins against Liverpool and Manchester United to their name this term, they are likely to be just one step beyond Villa as things stand – even with a few players missing through injury or suspension.
Therefore, we reckon the Lilywhites will just about clinch this one, although it won't be easy.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa v Legia Warsaw
30th November, Europa Conference League, Villa Park
The Villans return to European action in their final fixture of November.
Having conceded defeat to the Polish outfit in the reverse clash, Villa will be eager to put right the performance in Warsaw, which saw them ship three goals.
Legia are currently leading the way in Group E, having won three of their opening four games, including a 2-0 victory against Bosnian side HŠK Zrinjski Mostar last time out, so the hosts will be incentivised to overthrow the table-toppers. However, Villa are level on points with the Polish side, so there really is very little to separate the sides.
The Claret and Blue will therefore be the favourites heading into the encounter, and with their current skyrocketing trajectory, their opponents could be in for a thumping.
Keeping the Premier League's second-highest scorers at bay will be a colossal task for the visitors, who currently lie sixth in the Ekstraklasa standings.
Although, Emery's side will have to be wary of Legia's Tomás Pekhart, who has already amassed four goals in the competition so far, albeit all during the qualifying phases.
Prediction: Aston Villa 4-0 Legia Warsaw
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
3rd December, Premier League, Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
Just three days after hosting Polish side Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League, Unai Emery's men will be on the road once more as they make the 123-mile trip down to the south coast to take on Andoni Iraola's struggling Bournemouth.
While the turnaround time is certainly less than ideal for the Claret and Blue, the team will still be going there full of confidence and rightly so, as they are the clear favourites for this encounter.
For all their investment over the summer, the Cherries are currently down in 16th place, just four points above Sheffield United in 18th place. In their 12 Premier League games so far, Bournemouth have picked up two wins, drawn three times, lost seven games and have a goal difference of -16.
In contrast, Villa are flying high in fifth place, having won a seriously impressive eight out of 12 games thus far, with a goal difference of plus 12.
That said, the Cherries do have one thing on their side this weekend: History. In their previous five meetings, Bournemouth have emerged with all three points four times to Villa's one.
However, the result won't be decided on history alone and with the way the sides are performing at the moment, we can't see anything other than a win for the visitors, and a comfortable one at that.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa vs Manchester City
6th December, Premier League, Villa Park
Manchester City manager PepGuardiola
Just three days after travelling down to the south coast for their game against Bournemouth, Unai Emery's Aston Villa will have to take on the Herculean task of playing this Manchester City side.
Villa have been undeniably impressive this season, and while they'll have the belief that they can beat anyone at Villa Park – as they should – City aren't just 'anyone'. Pep Guardiola's team are on the hunt for their fourth league title on the bounce, and from recent results, they look just as hungry as ever.
The treble winners currently sit atop the table – at the time of writing, at least – with 28 points and nine wins from 12 games. Whereas, Villa sit in fifth with eight wins, one draw and three losses from their 12 league games this season.
While the Villans will likely make this a challenging game for the visitors, we can't see anything other than a win for the men in sky blue, especially as they haven't lost to the Claret and Blue since 2013.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-3 Manchester City
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
9th December, Premier League, Villa Park
kai-havertz-arsenal
The games come thick and fast in December, and just a few days after hosting the Premier League champions, Aston Villa will have to host last year's runners-up, Arsenal.
Unai Emery will be taking on his former side in this Saturday evening kick-off, and while he'll be keen to get one over on the team that sacked him over three years ago, his side will certainly be the underdogs.
The Gunners haven't been at their free-flowing best so far this season, but while they have struggled to score as frequently as they once did, their defence has become increasingly solid. In fact, only Liverpool can match their ten goals conceded at the time of writing.
However, Villa are just two points behind Arteta's side in the table after 12 games, and with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz, they could spring a surprise on the men in red and white, especially with the vociferous support of Villa Park behind them.
That said, we still reckon Arsenal will have just enough to collect all three points from this one.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal
HSK Zrinjski Mostar vs Aston Villa
14th December, Europa Conference League, Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom
John McGinn
Aston Villa are blessed with a few days off after their clash with Arsenal before they have to make the long trip to Bosnia for their final Europa Conference League game of the year against HSK Zrinjski Mostar.
Unai Emery's men are undoubtedly the favourites going into this one, although when they met one another on October 5th, it took a 94th-minute strike from John McGinn to seal the win for the Claret and Blue.
However, the scoreline doesn't really reflect the game, as Villa had 75% of the possession in that game, a passing accuracy of 88%, made 634 passes to Zrinjski's 223 and took 27 shots, nine of which were on target. So, it's a real mystery how that game only ended 1-0.
The Premier League side will be away from home for this one, which could make life harder, especially as Zrinjski currently sit in third place in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
That said, there is more than enough quality in this Villa side to get the job done, and with Emery at the helm, there will be very few teams that can get the best of the Claret and Blue in Europe this season.
Ultimately, we reckon this will be a relatively straightforward win for Villa, and while they may not have quite as many shots away from home, we wouldn't be surprised if they do end up with more goals this time.