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Swansea City can move into the automatic promotion spots with a win against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, although with the visitors looking strong under Neil Warnock, it won’t be an easy task for Steve Cooper’s side.

The Swans picked up a hugely important three points in their last fixture against Stoke thanks to Andre Ayew’s last-gasp penalty in midweek, and with Brentford having struggled of late, Saturday could represent a real opportunity for Swansea to stamp their authority as automatic promotion candidates.

Although Swansea have conceded the fewest goals in the division, they have been leaking goals in recent defeats against Bristol City and Huddersfield, so Cooper will be hoping for a clean sheet when they take on Warnock’s side this weekend.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Swansea to line up on Saturday, with three changes from the side which started in midweek against Stoke…

Having recovered from injury to feature, Kyle Naughton continues in defence alongside Ben Cabango and Marc Guehi, as it was he who won the late penalty against Stoke with a typical run forward from defence.

Although Jake Bidwell was rested in midweek, Ryan Manning produced an impressive display and provided the assist for Connor Roberts’ equaliser, so he keeps his place.

There are two changes in midfield, as Connor Hourihane comes back in, replacing Korey Smith to partner Matt Grimes.

Yan Dhanda, who has averaged 1.1 shots per game this season, could be the man to unlock this Middlesbrough defence, so he starts in place of Jay Fulton in a more attacking midfield role.

Finally, there’s one change in attack, as Morgan Whittaker comes in for the out-of-form Jamal Lowe, who struggled to have any real impact against Stoke on Wednesday (zero shots on target) and is scoreless in his last ten matches.

And, in other news… Jamal Lowe disappointed again in Stoke win

Recent reports have linked Manchester City with Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz and if he were to join the Citizens, he could potentially be the club’s next David Silva.

According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), the Citizens have ‘never stopped following’ the Spanish midfielder and the summer could be the ideal time to make a move for him.

The report suggests that whilst the 24-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the best season will Napoli, Pep Guardiola has not forgotten about him, and the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are also well aware of the potential he showed during his time with Real Betis.

City have been linked with the Spanish international in the past and after a difficult season under Gennaro Gattuso, perhaps the upcoming summer transfer window will see him move on from the Serie A side.

Ruiz joined Napoli from Betis in 2018 and has gone on to make 115 appearances for Gli Azzurri, in which he has contributed 13 goals and 10 assists.

Last season saw the midfielder average an impressive 7.03 rating for his performances in Serie A, as he managed three goals and six assists in 33 appearances but his performances this season have been far less impressive.

In 20 league appearances, he has managed just one goal and one assist, resulting in a 6.80 rating, although Napoli have struggled as a whole, as they currently sit sixth in the Serie A table.

Despite his indifferent club form, Ruiz continues to impress for his country, which suggests that he could drastically improve his form if he were to join a side better than Napoli.

WhoScored suggests that the 24-year-old’s main strengths are his passing and his through balls, which certainly suggests that he could fit in well in this City side, and potentially be a replacement for David Silva, who departed to join Real Sociedad last summer after a decade with the Citizens.

The 35-year-old’s strengths are described as his passing, through balls and key passes, which suggests that the two share a lot of similarities, and with them both being Spanish, you would imagine that they have been instructed to play in a certain way when playing for the national side.

The Napoli man earned a lot of praise from Hoffenheim star Diadie Samassekou last year, as he said:

“It was incredibly difficult to defend against him because he is extremely agile and only ever needs two touches.”

Therefore, Ruiz could end up being the ideal man to replace Silva should he join City this summer, so Guardiola should encourage the club to bring in the £43.2 million-rated midfielder.

And, in other news… £99m-rated City star’s place could be under threat after 23 y/o’s super display

West Brom seem a certain candidate to drop straight back down to the Championship.

They sit ten points adrift with only nine games left to play, so barring any surprise comeback, the Baggies ought to be preparing for life in the second division.

That now gives sporting and technical director Luke Dowling plenty to think about – is Sam Allardyce the right man to bring them back up?

Given that is something he hasn’t done since winning the playoffs with West Ham in 2012, you’d have to say there must be better candidates out there. And the Midlands side do have a break clause should they get relegated under the 66-year-old.

If that comes sooner rather than later, then it may be best to put him on gardening leave whilst they sort out who should take them forward – very much like the club did with Alan Pardew last time they faced relegation.

One name that has started to crop up is a man familiar to the Hawthorns, Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton.

According to The Athletic’s Steve Madeley, the 45-year-old is an ‘obvious contender.’ He’s a former colleague of Dowling’s and of course managed Albion’s U23 squad prior to his move to Sincil Bank.

And now those calls have been ramped up even more after former Birmingham Mail journalist Chris Lepkowski spoke about his credentials on the recent The Liquidator podcast.

He said: “I’ve always been really impressed by Michael Appleton. He’s a very progressive coach, he doesn’t rest and he’s not a [Tony] Pulis, he has evolved as a manager and introduced different styles,” before adding: “I know he’s worked with Luke Dowling before, quite harmoniously I believe which certainly helps his credentials in that respect. “I would be quite excited to see what he would offer.”

It’s an interesting case to make.

Appleton’s Imps outfit are in contention for promotion from League One this season. They’re currently sat in fourth place behind some big names in Sunderland and Hull City.

Only two other teams have scored more goals this season (53), whilst their defensive record (37 goals conceded) is amongst the top seven too.

WhoScored list Lincoln’s strengths as being very strong at counter attacks as well as being strong at finishing scoring chances, coming back from losing positions and protecting the lead.

This merely reinforces the view that Appleton is indeed quite a progressive coach, and certainly isn’t one like the defensively-minded and outdated Tony Pulis.

What makes him even more intriguing is the fact that he has worked with so many of the players still at the club, as prior to his appointment as U23 manager, he was first-team coach under caretaker Jimmy Shan.

So not only will youngsters like Dara O’Shea, Kyle Edwards and Rekeem Harper benefit from his appointment, but so should the likes of Conor Townsend, Kyle Bartley, Hal Robson-Kanu, Matty Phillips and Jake Livermore, who have all been here for several seasons now.

Appleton, unlike many other potential candidates, will know exactly what it means to be part of West Brom and should be able to connect with the fanbase – something that only really Slaven Bilic has done in the past few seasons.

He may not have the relevant experience at Championship level, but he’s still young and given everything mentioned above, there surely cannot be a more perfect candidate out there.

Dowling should be all over this in the summer.

AND in other news, Sam Allardyce repeating a big Slaven Bilic mistake at West Brom

This summer is going to be one of the most crucial in Celtic’s recent history. They have just surrendered their grasp on the SPFL title and are in need of reinvigorating Parkhead.

First on Dermot Desmond’s to-do list will be to find a new manager for the playing squad. Neil Lennon left his post around three weeks ago and they are still no closer to discovering his successor.

There is also set to be plenty of movement in the hierarchy. Peter Lawwell is due to retire at the end of the season and be replaced by Dominic McKay. Nick Hammond could also depart if you believe reports.

As a result, a new director of football role is set to be appointed with that role potentially being handed to Fergal Harkin.

It will be a summer of change but one man we won’t see depart is Desmond. Answering questions in a rare media appearance on Tuesday evening, he claimed that his shares were not for sale.

Instead, it looks as though he could plough further investment into the football club. Speaking on A Celtic State of Mind podcast last week, Paul Dykes shared some rather interesting news from one of his sources.

Dykes commented: “I was speaking to someone who is close to the club and who reckons there’s going to be an incredible investment in the Celtic coaching staff and playing staff moving into next season.”

Considering the Hoops won’t have the prize money that comes with winning the SPFL or the finances that come from the Champions League, it bodes well to hear that the kitty isn’t completely empty.

For supporters, this should be incredibly exciting news. Of course, the Bhoys spent over £4m on both Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas last summer, but if they put significant investment into the playing squad and bring in a new director of football, their recruitment could improve significantly.

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Football Insider has also revealed that a team of scouts and analysts are set to follow Harkin through the door so it’s certainly believable that Celtic are wanting to spend more.

After losing your grasp on the title, the answer is usually to spend. However, merely flashing your cash is easier than actually using that money wisely.

With fears about the futures of both Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer still lingering in the background, the report that Celtic won’t be afraid to spend on the playing squad this summer should be music to the ears of the Green Brigade.

The next transfer window represents the ideal chance to put the mistakes of the last 12 months to rest; Desmond must act decisively but intelligently.

His money simply has be to be used wisely if Celtic want to usurp Rangers again.

AND in other news, Celtic could find the new Scott Brown in rarely-seen 16 y/o, he’s “very athletic”…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have waxed lyrical over forward Connor Wickham after footage emerged of the 27-year-old playing for the club’s Under-23 side.

Wickham, who joined the Eagles in 2015 from Sunderland, was making his first Premier League 2 appearance of the 2020/21 season.

The striker has been out through injury, with numerous issues having a major impact on his Palace career. He’s made just 50 appearances for the club in all competitions since his £9m switch to Selhurst Park, scoring 11 times.

Wickham’s moment of magic

Wickham produced a brilliant piece of skill during the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Tuesday, which caught the eyes of multiple Palace supporters.

The Englishman controlled a goal kick on his chest in his own half, muscled off a defender before hitting an inch-perfect curved pass on the half volley into the path of a teammate out on the right flank.

Palace fans react

Eagles fan @samuelpjordan shared the clip on Twitter on Tuesday evening, with the club following suit on their official account a few hours later.

This is what these supporters had to say, with one describing the clip as ‘ridiculous’.

“That is naughty”

Credit: @SelhurstCPFC

“This is actually ridiculous”

Credit: @HunterCPFC

“That’s enough for Parish to give him a one year extension”

Credit: @ZacCPFC

“I’m telling you now Connor Wickham would have been our all time top goalscorer without injuries”

Credit: @conread_

“Extension incoming”

Credit: @cam_cpfc

“A fully fit Connor Wickham over Benteke all day. Don’t @ me. #CPFC”

Credit: @Wheddsta

In other news: Palace fans flock to transfer update on £55k-a-week star, find out more here. 

Many England fans were left slamming the display of Raheem Sterling despite their 5-0 home win over San Marino in World Cup qualifying on Thursday night.

Two goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well as further strikes from James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins and Sterling himself gave Gareth Southgate’s men all three points on the night, but several Three Lions supporters were left frustrated at Sterling’s overall performance.

Even though he did eventually score, albeit by a deflection that helped him out, the 26-year-old was guilty of missing a number of glorious opportunities, as he recorded no fewer than six shots off target in total, three times as many as any other player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

He also lost out on four of his duels, the second-most lost out of his teammates, and failed to put in a single cross or long ball, all while losing possession on five different occasions (Sofascore).

England fan reaction to Sterling display

These England fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the winger is ’embarrassing’:

“For me Chilwell & Foden make a case for starting XI. Mount did Mount things and Ward-Prowse for me is on the plane, if for nothing else then for his dead ball ability. The rest were pedestrian, Lingard and Sterling playing selfish #ENGSMR #EngSan”

Credit: @JynZ0

“Sterling wouldn’t be near my starting 11 for the euros. #EngSan”

Credit: @JCoffen17

“Take Sterling off, replace him with a garden gnome, instant goal fest #EngSan”

Credit: @oldimagestore

“Sterling has to have the worst 1st touch & finishing ability in world football, the man is embarrassing #poorplayer #EngSan #football #internationalfootball”

Credit: @PaulWellsC

“Sterling isn’t good enough #engsan #england”Credit: @alfie_dobbo”Sterling is possibly one of the most overrated footballers on earth. #EngSan”Credit: @bornbold4In other news, find out what FFP development has been flocked to by MCFC fans here!

Fans of Southampton have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the current contract situation of Saints centre-back, Jannik Vestergaard.

According to the report by The Athletic, talks are yet to take place over a new contract for the £60,000-per-week defender, whose contract at St Mary’s expires in the summer of 2022.

The report goes on to mention Vestergaard’s links with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur, as well as relaying the 28-year-old’s comments in a recent interview with Tipsbladet, in which the Denmark international admitted he was flattered by the reported interest in his services.

And, after Southampton Page relayed the report on Twitter, as well as asking fans of the club whether they feel Vestergaard deserves to be awarded a new contract with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, many of the St Mary’s faithful flocked to have their say on the matter, with the majority appearing to be desperate for the club to tie the £16.2 million-rated man down to a new deal.

So, what exactly did these Southampton fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Jannik Vestergaard?

“Been a great signing, he deserves a new contract. I’ve no faith in Semmens and Crocker to get a contract agreed. Don’t seem to be able to get things done.”

@ScottHammy87

“He’s been superb and has been really tested this year. He’s a must!”

@bfgfox

“Top three player for the Saints this year. A new 4 year deal for him would be great.”

@mwmiller3471

“Without a doubt. The most improved player over the last year.”

@SimonParkerPT

“No brainer. Special player, just hope we can keep him.”

@MarcRolf1

“Yes, otherwise he’ll be off.”

@toblermoan55

“Deffo, no question about it.”

@Stevewe1965

In other news: lots of Saints fans buzzed at the link with this star who’s ‘better than Redmond’ –  find out more here!

Carlo Ancelotti should urge Everton to launch a pursuit of Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Toffees have begun tracking Armstrong and had scouts watch the Rovers sensation in action against AFC Bournemouth on Monday.

Armstrong has been one of the Championship’s stand-out talents this term and his efforts at Ewood Park have not gone amiss on Merseyside.

The 24-year-old has 20 goals and three assists in all competitions, including 19 in 34 league games for the division’s third-best record behind Ivan Toney (28) and Teemu Pukki (25).

Everton are monitoring Armstrong’s situation as his prolific record has club chiefs on alert, with the Goodison Park outfit set to be in the market for a new centre-forward this off-season.

The Blues are set to part with winter signing Joshua King when his contract expires in June, while doubt has arisen over the futures of Cenk Tosun and Moise Kean with both available for suitable offers.

Blackburn are expected to value Armstrong at £25m as Newcastle United would be due 40% of any fee received, while the striker also has interest from West Ham with David Moyes said to have carried out personal checks, per The Sun.

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Brighton & Hove Albion have also been linked, while Newcastle are reportedly ready to re-sign their academy product regardless of the outcome of their fight for Premier League survival.

Should Everton sign Blackburn’s Armstrong?

Ancelotti could do far worse than to urge Everton’s owner Farhad Moshiri to bankroll a pursuit of Armstrong in the off-season, when the Goodison Park outfit strive to bolster the Italian’s attacking options.

The Blues will likely have to meet Blackburn’s valuation in full to snap up Armstrong given the widespread Premier League interest, but would acquire a lethal centre-forward in the West Denton-born frontman.

Armstrong has been thriving in the second-tier this season in a Rovers side that has seen any hopes of promotion be completely dashed, with the Play-Off positions almost out of reach with a 20-point deficit to sixth-placed Reading with eight games to play.

That cannot be said for Toney or Pukki, with the Championship’s top-scorers playing for sides contending for automatic promotion with Brentford sitting third and Norwich topping the table with an eight-point lead over second-placed Watford.

Armstrong has also averaged the most shots-per-game in the second-tier this season with 4.6 – 1.1 more than Pukki and 1.7 more than Toney – while only five players across the division have attempted more from outside the box (1.3), per WhoScored.

What has counted against Armstrong is that the £17,000-per-week star missed five games with a hamstring injury before returning to face Bournemouth on Monday, depriving Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray of a forward he lauds for his “dynamic movement”.

Mowbray also hails Armstrong for having “amazing attributes” and was surprised that no Premier League side sought his signature in January, which Ancelotti should see is not the case come the summer if moves are secured for Tosun and Kean to leave Everton.

AND in other news, Everton have landed a huge boost in the race to sign a £20m “victim of circumstance”…

Leeds could deliver a big message to Marcelo Bielsa by landing AZ Alkmaar ace Teun Koopmeiners this summer amid reported transfer interest from Liverpool.

What’s the story?

In a list of options suggested by The Athletic’s Phil Hay as potential cover for Kalvin Phillips, Koopmeiner’s name came into the discussion, with the suggestion that he could be set for a move away from his native Netherlands in the summer.

Italian publication Calciomercato have now claimed that fellow Premier League side Liverpool are keen on signing the Dutchman, who they see as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

Could be big message to Bielsa

In some player analysis done by The Athletic, it was suggested that: “Koopmeiners has more of an attacking profile than Phillips (something that might fit with Bielsa’s standards of versatility) and there is a lot to like about him. He stands out as a very good all-rounder in top-flight terms: an extremely strong tackler who mirrors Phillips in his constant attempts to look for forward passes rather than lateral balls.

“While the match with Phillips is not perfect, it is close enough to suggest that Koopmeiners is an asset Bielsa could refine with coaching.”

Described as a “leader” by his former coach Koen Stam, Koopmeiners is AZ Alkmaar’s captain, and as well as being a talented footballer, would be another important voice in the dressing room.

Perhaps just as importantly on a bigger scale, his signing would show that Leeds mean business. Fending off competition from outgoing Premier League champions Liverpool to his signature would signal to Bielsa that the Whites are intent on taking that next step forward – a vital message to convey when you consider that the Argentine’s current contract is coming to an end this summer.

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While Bielsa seems more than happy at Elland Road, landing a key target like this would be the perfect way to prove to the manager that the club are ready to back him in the transfer market.

It’s all in Victor Orta’s hands to beat Liverpool to the 1.83m (6 foot) Koopmeiners now.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign an ideal partner for Kalvin Phillips in this star…

West Ham are now thought to be leading the way in the race to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer, another twist after reports claimed Arsenal and Leicester are chasing a deal.

That’s according to the latest report from Football Insider, who have been informed by a Hammers source that the club are now laying the groundwork over a possible deal.

West Ham make Edouard progress

Progress has been made in London over recent days regarding a swoop for the striker, with West Ham hoping to get a deal in place prior to the summer window opening.

Edouard, who has scored 81 times in 163 appearances for the Hoops, wants to leave Parkhead this summer, regardless of who comes in to replace Neil Lennon.

Transfer Tavern take

With the likes of Arsenal and Leicester City also interested in Edouard, there may well be scope for Celtic to receive over £8-10m – a price range the forward’s representatives believe he could leave for this summer.

If both clubs, along with West Ham, are seriously keen on the striker, the Hoops could look to play them off against each other, resulting in a bidding war for his services.

The Hoops are also looking to insert a sizeable sell-on clause in any deal for Edouard over the coming months, which, in the long run, could see them pocket even more for the 23-year-old.

In other news: Source shares major Eddie Howe update; Celtic’s chances of securing a deal have diminished, find out more here.