Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has done a phenomenal job at Ibrox after taking over a team that had only won one of their opening eight Scottish Premiership matches.

Now, the Gers are level on points with Celtic after beating them 3-1 on Saturday and six points behind league leaders Hearts in the table, with plenty of football left to be played.

There is still work to be done in the January transfer window, which opened for business last week, and that includes moving players on from Ibrox in the coming weeks.

Rangers midfielder set to leave this month

The Daily Record reports that Kieran Dowell is one of the players who is set to be allowed to move on from the club before the end of the window, as he is surplus to requirements under Rohl.

Per Transfermarkt, the English midfielder currently ranks 24th in the squad for appearances (six) and 23rd for minutes (384) in the 2025/26 campaign, which speaks to how much of a fringe player he is.

The former Norwich City star spent the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City in the third tier of English football, and did show quality as a scorer and a creator, suggesting that he is more suited to that level than playing for Rangers at Ibrox.

24/25 League One

Kieran Dowell

Appearances

19

Goals

5

Big chances created

9

Key passes per game

1.5

Assists

4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Dowell was superb for Birmingham in their run towards the League One title last season, with 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 19 games.

But a return of zero goals and three assists in 38 games for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, shows that he does not have the quality to deliver consistent quality for the Scottish giants.

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The Light Blues can finally part ways with Dowell and move on from his struggles at Ibrox by using the January transfer window to sign a huge upgrade on him.

How Rangers could replace Dowell

Rangers are reportedly eyeing up Motherwell central midfielder Elliot Watt as a potential target for the January transfer window, as he only has 18 months left to run on his current contract at Fir Park.

The 25-year-old star has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Premiership so far this season, and could come in as a player who can seriously challenge for a place in the starting XI.

Dowell, who has not played a game since August, has clearly not done enough to prove to Rohl that he has what it takes to play as the number ten or in central midfield.

Watt, though, has the qualities to play in either of those roles for the German head coach, because he is an incredibly well-rounded midfielder who can offer plenty to the team in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

Heart & Hand podcaster Adam Thornton recently described the 25-year-old star as “a bit of a unicorn” while analysing that his best qualities are a “rare blend”. His statistics in the Premiership this season back up that claim.

25/26 Premiership

Elliot Watt

Rank vs CMs

Goals

4

Top 5%

xA

3.09

Top 9%

Assists

2

Top 25%

Touches

2,058

Top 1%

Tackles

43

Top 6%

Duels won

96

Top 11%

Ball recoveries

163

Top 1%

Stats via FotMob

Described as the “best midfielder in the league” this season by Scottish football analyst Kai Watson, Watt certainly ranks favourably among the best central midfielders in the division in various areas of the game, showing he can impact matches at both ends of the park.

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This makes him a highly versatile and valuable asset to have because he could be deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, tasked with breaking up play, or as an attacking midfielder, tasked with scoring goals and creating chances.

His return of four goals and two assists this season means that he already has more goal contributions than Dowell has in his entire Rangers career in all competitions, despite the Englishman having joined in the summer of 2023.

This suggests that the Motherwell talent would be far more likely to make an impact in the final third than Dowell at Ibrox, as he has proven that he can be a difference maker at the top end of the pitch in the Premiership.

Now, it is down to the board to strike a deal with their Premiership rivals to bring Watt to the club this month, allowing them to finally ditch Dowell and upgrade on him in the process.

Related Rohl can bin Aasgaard by signing £5m gem who'd be a "huge coup" for Rangers

Danny Rohl could drop Thelo Aasgaard from the team with a Rangers swoop for this reported target.

Posts ByDan Emery

The transfer window has not opened yet, but Tottenham Hotspur are already looking to get business done early on.

Rumours have been flying around recently regarding Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson, who seems like he could be set to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter.

A recent report from David Ornstein suggests that the Lilywhites have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the transfer of the winger.

The esteemed journalist said the two London rivals have agreed a £35m deal for the Welshman, which could set into motion a flurry of incomings in North London.

Already, they have been linked with a new winter addition.

Spurs target new attacking star

With money for Johnson potentially coming into the club, it certainly seems as though Thomas Frank will have room to upgrade his attack. It seems like a deal for Antoine Semenyo is now completely off the table.

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But, Spurs may yet recruit from within the Premier League. According to a report from the Mail, the Lilywhites are one of the sides thought to be ‘admirers’ of Manchester City attacker Oscar Bobb, who could be on the move this winter.

However, this will not be a straightforward deal for Frank’s side to complete. Spurs are set to be rivalled by another London rival, Fulham and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, for his signature.

Newcastle United, who have also been linked with a move for Bobb this winter, were quoted a fee of £20m, so it is safe to assume Spurs would have to pay a similar fee.

Why Bobb would be a good signing

Although Bobb’s career has certainly had its ups and downs, there is no doubting his talent. He’s struggled with injuries and getting into the City team ahead of the likes of Phil Foden, but at his best, he is “one of the best wingers in football,” according to BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan.

This term has not been easy for the 22-year-old. Bobb has only played 15 times across all competitions, racking up 739 minutes in that time.

He has managed to get an assist, though, in the first game of the season, in which City beat Wolves 4-0.

Don’t let the fact that the Norwegian international has played so little this term fool you. It is worth remembering that he is competing with Foden and Rayan Cherki for a spot in the side. However, he oozes technical class, as this goal away to Newcastle a few years ago shows.

In the summer, Spurs were close to signing Eberechi Eze before he moved to arch-rivals Arsenal. Well, now they are in for Bobb, it is certainly a deal that has a similar feeling.

Frank clearly wants a more technical player, able to play out wide or in the pockets, to add to his attack.

Eze has done well for the Gunners, so it might sting Spurs fans, given they missed out on him. The England international has five goals and four assists in 24 games.

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That included a hat-trick in the North London Derby

Interestingly, the pair are deemed to be statistically similar players in the Premier League, according to FBref, with the numbers showing why the signings are alike.

For example, the City star 1.92 key passes and 3.27 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Eze’s 0.73 key passes and 2.18 progressive carries each game.

Bobb & Eze key stats in 25/26 PL

Stat (per 90)

Bobb

Eze

Key passes

1.92

0.73

Progressive passes

3.46

3.91

Goal-creating actions

0.58

0.54

Take-ons completed

3.08

1.73

Progressive carries

3.27

2.18

Stats from FBref

It is clear to see that Frank wants a player of this profile in his squad. A versatile attacker who can play outside or in the middle, thriving when dribbling in small spaces and creating chances in the final third.

Bobb certainly ticks those boxes, and can offer an exciting new dimension to the Spurs squad that can help take them to the next level.

Related Kolo Muani upgrade: Spurs in record bid for “one of the best CFs in Europe”

Tottenham are prepared to spend a pretty penny on new recruits in the January transfer window.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair

Fuelled by EA SPORTS IGNITE, FIFA 14 will feel alive with players who think, move, and behave like world-class footballers, and dynamic stadiums that come to life. Players have four times the decision making ability and feel alive with human-like reactions, anticipation, and instincts.

With 10 times more animation depth and detail than previous consoles, FIFA 14 delivers the dynamic movements and biomechanics of the world’s best footballers. Players are agile and athletic as they plant, pivot and cut, and explode out of each step. The increased fidelity has a game-changing effect on gameplay. Plus, the artistry and athleticism of footballers will come to life with the addition of hundreds of new types of skills and hundreds of new behaviors. And for the first time ever, fans will feel the electricity of a living stadium as the emotions of new 3D crowds rise and fall around the stories on the pitch. Additional features will be revealed in the months ahead, but here are a  list of some of the biggest changes FIFA 14 has in store for everyone:

EA SPORTS IGNITE — Ignite blends new technology with the best rendering, run-time physics, animation, intelligence, locomotion, and online systems from across EA into one powerful, new engine. Athletes possess human-like intelligence for advanced decision-making, players have true athletic motion, and living worlds make the game experience as rich and dynamic as real-world stadiums. Pro Instincts — Players will make intelligent decisions with human-like reaction times, moving instinctively around the pitch like world class footballers. Players will anticipate moves to seal off opponents and intercept passes, skip over tackles and out-stretched legs to avoid collisions, and slow opponents by hooking or holding an arm. Precision Movement — With 10 times more animation depth and detail, EA SPORTS IGNITE delivers the dynamic movements and biomechanics of the world’s best footballers. Every step counts as players now plant, pivot and cut, change direction and shift their momentum with the agility and explosiveness of elite athletes. Player acceleration and deceleration is more realistic with a game-changing effect on gameplay. Players feel more grounded, agile and explosive, and manage their momentum with distinct foot plants and push-offs. Elite Technique — Harnessing the power and memory of the new consoles, FIFA 14 delivers hundreds of never-before-seen new skills and behaviours. Players have an arsenal of new shot types such as side volleys, defections, power chips and first time screamers, and new passes such as touch, over-head, slice and lobs. New behaviours include trapping the ball in stride at pace, panic turns when defenders are beaten, off-balance shots, missed shot reactions, and more. Living Worlds — The world inside the stadium feels alive and stunning 3D crowds and dynamic sidelines impact the experience. Players are also aware of the match and what needs to be done to get a result—their sense of urgency increases as the match draws on, and if a goal is needed, they rush to take a throw-in or corner if time is running down. Pure Shot — Players have the intelligence to adjust their stride and approach angle to find the best position for hitting the back of the net. Well-hit balls feel satisfying and goals are rewarding. As well as quality strikes, players can now shoot while off balance or rushed. Real Ball Physics — Strike the ball with more force and finesse. Realistic ball physics now determines the trajectories of balls in game, enabling players to strike the ball with force from distance, drill low rising shots with accuracy, and blast dipping or swerving shots, just like real footballers. Protect The Ball — Dominate midfield and dictate the tempo. Fend-off and block defenders from the ball while dribbling at any speed. Protect the ball from opponents to control play through midfield and dictate the pace of the match. Plus, out-muscle opponents for position before receiving the ball, then turn defenders to carve out opportunities. Teammate Intelligence — Better decision-making delivers tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking. Defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession. Attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents by creating space for themselves, running along the backline and checking their pace. Sprint Dribble Turns — Utilize quick, explosive cuts and turns to beat defenders one-on-one while sprinting with the ball. Players can move in any direction, preserving their natural momentum and maintaining possession of the ball. Variable Dribble Touches — The First Touch Control of dribbling varies a player’s touch when dribbling with pace. Skilled players stand out while less skilled players will experience fewer perfect touches and more uncertainty dribbling. Skill Games – A competitive practice mode to learn or master the fundamental skills necessary to compete at FIFA 14. Become a better player, faster, no matter what your skill level, competing against yourself or friends in all-new mini-games. Career Mode — Search for talent year-round with the new Global Transfer Network that brings the world of professional scouting to life. Develop and refine your own scouting network. Evaluate footballers to uncover the attributes of players who could bolster your squad during the transfer windows. A new hub delivers easy navigation, fewer interruptions and live scouting reports. Complete Authenticity — 500 officially licensed clubs, over 30 leagues and more than 15,000 players.

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Tottenham manager Antonio Conte could finally replace Emerson Royal by signing Nottingham Forest dynamo Djed Spence this summer.

What’s the story?

Amid reports back in the January transfer window claiming that the north London club were looking at signing Adama Traore and using him as a right wing-back, it’s clear that Conte is keen to strengthen that position.

Goal have now claimed that it’s Spurs who are leading the race to sign Spence, although a number of European giants, including Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, are circling as well.

Could finally replace Emerson Royal

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the 21-year-old full-back could be available for a reasonable fee, even despite the competition that appears to exist for his signature.

He told GiveMeSport: “There’s going to be a lot of competition to sign him, but Middlesbrough are open to the idea of him leaving permanently. I think it’s £10m, I was told, that was the figure, which isn’t that bad for a Premier League club to be signing a player at that level.”

Described as a “constant threat” by former Premier League title winner Wes Morgan, Spence really came to the fore with a performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January, a display which had Ian Wright waxing lyrical about him.

The BBC pundit gushed: “Let me say, that was one of the best right-back performances I have seen for a very long time. A very long time. I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.”

With Emerson struggling badly since his move to Spurs last summer – he’s been dubbed a “liability” by some fans following his performances – Conte could find the ideal replacement in Spence.

Indeed, former Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate has recently claimed that the 22-year-old would be a significant upgrade on Emerson.

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He said: “If you play in La Liga like Emerson Royal has, balls don’t really go into the box that much to the back post.  You don’t need to do that much defending. In the Premier League, it happens week in, week out. I’ve watched Emerson Royal and Djed Spence for Nottingham Forest, and Spence looks a different level, compared to him.”

Getting Spence in would finally allow Conte to axe the Brazilian defensive disaster.

Meanwhile, Spurs are leading the race for this English starlet…

Arsenal have been rocked by a huge injury doubt heading into their clash with Watford on Sunday afternoon.

The news came courtesy of Mikel Arteta who speaking in his pre-match press conference had a dose of good and bad news.

He first hinted that Emile Smith Rowe should be able to return after illness but sadly, Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu is still very much a doubt.

Arteta said in the build-up: “We are in the same place as last week, we still have a doubt over Tomiyasu but the rest I think are in a good place.”

The summer signing has been missing since mid-January when the full-back sustained an injury. He returned to the bench against Brentford but has been absent again due to a calf problem.

Tomiyasu has been one of Arsenal’s most impressive acquisitions over the last year and thus, Arteta will simply hate it if he is unavailable again on Sunday.

A rock at the back, the 23-year-old has caught everyone by surprise, ever since Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol seemed to dismiss his ability before he’d even taken to the pitch.

He said: “I’ve just got a message to say: ‘Tomiyasu was offered to most clubs in the Premier League. He’s a good player but the problem is he’s not really a right-back, nor is he a central defender. I’m not sure how he will get on at Arsenal’”.

Well, since that moment, he has been nothing short of a revelation in the red and white of the Gunners, becoming an instant fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium.

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No player to start more than two games in the top-flight for Arsenal this term has made more tackles per game (1.9) than Tomiyasu while he ranks second for interceptions a match (1.2) and tops the charts for aerials won per outing (2.7).

As a result, the idea of him missing yet another key fixture in the race for a top-four spot is likely to worry the club’s manager and indeed their fanbase.

Aston Villa have been one of the busier Premier League clubs over the past few years in terms of being active in the transfer market and securing deals for players to come in and help push the team forward.

The previous summer transfer window was a particularly hectic one for the Villans as they sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City for a recording-breaking fee of £100m and spent a significant amount of money on bringing three new attacking players to Villa Park.

With the next transfer window on the horizon at the end of the season, it seems as though a clue has emerged on the future of one of Villa’s precious summer recruits.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say about the upcoming summer transfer window and what it could look like for Emi Buendia, in particular.

He said: “Buendia, to be honest, seems reasonably safe. I know that [Steven] Gerrard really rates him, so I don’t think he would look to get rid of him.”

Fans delighted

Since arriving at the Midlands side in a club-record deal from Norwich City, the Argentine has started 18 of the 23 Premier League games he’s appeared in, scoring two goals and providing three assists along the way.

While some may have hoped for more goals and assists from the 25-year-old considering how often he’s played, he has still proven himself to be a very useful player for Villa.

He has had the joint-second highest number of shots on target (10), more live-ball passes (43) that have led to a shot at goal than any of his teammates as well as more tackles (42) than the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa among many others.

His overall performances have earned him a rating of 6.8 from WhoScored, making him the fifth-highest rated player in Gerrard’s squad that has been there since the beginning of the season.

Taking all of this into account, the Villa fans will surely be delighted to hear that Jones doesn’t think the attacker is or will be in danger of getting sold in the summer.

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Also, with the club breaking their transfer record for him, it seems unlikely that they would want to get rid of him after just one year with the team.

If the former Norwich star can keep delivering solid performances for his new club and add some more goals and assists to his tally, this would definitely put to bed any doubts there may be about his future at Villa Park.

In other news: Lange can replicate Coutinho masterclass as AVFC eye bid for “beautiful” £180k-p/w ace – opinion

As per Sky Sports, there has been a major transfer twist out of Manchester City involving Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: City have Haaland deal in place?

Reliable journalists Jack Gaughan and Craig Hope turned the heads of many Sky Blues supporters when they broke recent news of City having a deal in place for long-time target Haaland.

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The Norway star, they claim, is edging closer and closer to Eastlands with sources in Germany expecting Dortmund’s forward to ultimately choose a move to Manchester.

The Mail also believe that personal terms have been discussed with Haaland and his entourage as Sky Blue ready the green-light to sign him this summer.

After this development, you’d think that would put an end to City’s interest in Kane, but you’d be wrong according to Sky Germany.

The Latest: Sky share transfer twist…

According to the big name broadcaster, sharing ‘different’ information, Pep Guardiola and co actually hold Kane in higher esteem with the England international remaining a top target.

“In England it has already been reported that Haaland is about to move to City. Our information is different,” said Sky journalist Marc Behrenbeck.

Sky go on to state that City are still eyeing Kane and even see the 28-year-old as a ‘little stronger’ than Haaland, believing he ‘fits better’ into Guardiola’s system.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain, however, does still have the latter man in their sights.

The Verdict: Major claim…

This comes as a pretty surprising development given Haaland could leave Dortmund this year for the very reasonable price of his £63 million release clause, though add-ons and his sky-high salary package will bump up the overall cost.

Saying that, for a striker still only 21-years-old and already proving to be prolific at the very top level, even a total of figure of around £100 million (including signing-on fees and agent bonuses) is arguably peanuts for City.

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Meanwhile, a swoop for Kane could prove as difficult as it did last year.

An Eastlands source slammed chairman Daniel Levy’s famous nature of being a stubborn negotiator after they agreed a deal to sign Kyle Walker for £50 million, using a rather colourful description (The Athletic).

City have wasted enough time attempting to reach a compromise with Spurs and Levy, as evident by their four approaches in 2021, and we believe Haaland comes as the far greater option.

In other news: Man City are also eyeing an ‘absolutely unplayable’ forward, Pep’s in love with him…find out more here.

Southampton are reportedly now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Tete as a free agent.

The Lowdown: Contract uncertainty

It has been reported that Brazilian players at Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, including Tete, are now potentially looking to terminate their contracts, following Russia’s invasion of the country.

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It means that Tete would become a free agent, and so could be signed by clubs from the Premier League, although he would not be able to play until next season.

The Latest: Tete talks

As per talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the St. Mary’s faithful are one of a number of teams to have held ‘advanced talks’ over Tete.

However, Leicester City and Brentford are also ‘keen’ on his signature, and he also has ‘offers’ from AC Milan, Atalanta and Benfica.

The Verdict: Bargain

If Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side could sign Tete as a free agent, it would certainly represent a bargain.

Currently rated at £18m, the Brazilian has managed to score ten goals and make two assists in total over all competitions so far this term, including a goal and an assist to help Shakhtar qualify for the UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

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At just 22 years of age, Tete still has a high ceiling as well, and even if things did not quite work out at the Saints, they could still sell him on for a tidy profit.

In other news, find out which position is now a priority for Southampton to sign here!

Liverpool transfer target Gavi is almost certain to sign a new deal with current club Barcelona, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Liverpool talks

The 17-year-old, hailed as “terrific” by Italy boss Roberto Mancini, has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in world football, already making a total of 35 appearances for Barca, racking up five assists from midfield.

Liverpool made contact to sign the La Masia graudate in an audacious move recently, as Jurgen Klopp looks to build towards the long-term future, with reports even claiming he had been identified as a long-term successor for Thiago.

The young Spaniard’s current deal only runs until 2023, opening the door for interested parties like the Reds to being talks, but a key update has now emerged regarding the matter.

The Latest: New Barca deal expected

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Romano claimed that a new contract is a given at Barca and it will be agreed later this year:

“Barcelona have Gavi’s new contract almost ready since December. It’s matter of time to complete the proposal and then enter into final details. Club still more than optimistic to get his contract extension signed this year.”

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The Verdict: No great surprise

While the idea of Gavi joining Liverpool was a mouthwatering one, it always felt highly unlikely, with his future always looking like being at Barca.

He is a special talent and the Catalan giants were simply never going to allow his contract to run down, having become the youngest-ever player to represent Spain last year.

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Along with Pedri, it could be that Gavi is the poster boy for the next great era at the Camp Nou and it may be that Liverpool end up coming up against their former target in key Champions League matches.

In other news, a journalist has shared a big update on another Liverpool target. Read more here.

Under-fire Everton boss Frank Lampard faces a tough battle in his quest to renew the Toffees’ Premier League status for next season. It’s a battle that is made even more difficult as he returns to the club where it all started in West Ham United.

The Hammers will certainly not consider their opponents’ position in the table this season and will be out to fight for their own cause, as they look to bustle their way into the Champions League places in what, albeit, looks like a very unlikely ambition.

Two wins from their last six games in all competitions is not the kind of form that will elevate David Moyes’ side to that next level and todays fixture at the London Stadium represents a high stakes fixture for both sides.

West Ham seem to have lost momentum at the worst possible time of the season and will need a win against this season’s Premier League strugglers Everton in order to bounce back from what was a disappointing 3-1 loss against Antonio Conte’s Spurs side last time out.

Everton are in a similar vein of form, with the Toffees also registering two wins from six in all competitions, though one of their two wins came against National League outfit Boreham Wood during their FA Cup tie, so make of that what you will.

During that span of six games, Lampard’s side have shipped an unbelievable 11 goals and scored just three with both stats pointing towards serious downfall for the Merseyside outfit.

In terms of injury news, Lampard is optimistic over the return of the 6 foot 5 Colombian giant Yerry Mina and believes he will return to action in “the next couple of weeks.”

The Everton boss also revealed that Fabian Delph’s return could be “in another week or so” whilst the “long-term injury” to Andros Townsend will be a disappointing one to take for the Toffees faithful.

This is how we believe the Toffees XI will line up against an ambitious West Ham side:

Everton XI: Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Coleman, Doucouré, de Beek, Kenny, Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Gray

Our prediction sees Richarlison, who was dubbed a “top” player by journalist Carl Markham, miss out after failing to score since the middle of January.

As a result, the £37.8m-rated Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns in what will be just his third start since early March.

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His inclusion in the side will come as a huge boost with the Toffees in need of goals. Calvert-Lewin should certainly bring more of a goal threat considering his 21 strikes in 2020/21.

Townsend will miss out through injury, with Demarai Gray coming in to replace him and Andre Gomes will be axed for the inclusion of on-loan United midfielder Donny Van de Beek in the third and final change to the side.

In other news – Everton must finally unleash £19.8m-rated “freak of a talent” who has been “destroyed”