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Arsenal fell to a 3-1 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night in an FA cup fourth round clash.

The Gunners have been dumped out of the cup, and also saw centre-backs Laurent Koscielny and Sokratis forced off the pitch with injuries. In his post-match press conference (arsenal.com), Unai Emery could not be certain as to the extent of these injuries, but both could certainly be absent for Tuesday’s Premier League meeting with Cardiff City.

If Sokratis and Koscielny are to be on the treatment table with fellow defenders Rob Holding (arsenal.com) and Hector Bellerin (Sky Sports), then Emery will have to devise a plan for protecting his weakened rearguard.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accesory. Check out the video below to see for yourself…

On the chalkboard

Arsenal need to pack their midfield in deep areas to ensure they win the battle against Cardiff in the middle of the park. In doing so, they shall also offer their defence a much-needed layer of protection.

Emery employed this tactic for his side’s recent 2-0 triumph over Chelsea. On that occasion, he fielded a central trio of Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. The same three ought to be called on again to reprise this system against the Bluebirds.

Emery has taken stick for setting his side up too defensively at times this season, and fans may not want to see three defensive midfielders start at home against a side locked in a relegation battle, but the boss simply must protect whatever makeshift back four he selects.

Maintaining an edge

Packing the midfield does mean that Arsenal lose a man from their attack. However, Emery ought to be able to place his faith in the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to be able to find a way through Cardiff anyway.

What’s more, playing with three deep midfielders, all offering cover for any vacated spaces at the back, gives the Gunners’ full-backs license to push forward into attacking areas with security. Sead Kolasinac can then be effective for Arsenal in the final third, ensuring that Emery’s side maintain their attacking edge despite being an attacker short. 

With Sunderland currently sitting in sixth place in the League One table, Lee Johnson’s side have conceded a total of 22 goals in 17 games, more than any other side above them in the table.

This could have something to do with the fact that the Black Cats currently have a number of injured defensive players such as Niall Huggins, Dennis Cirkin and Denver Hume out of action, leaving Johnson having to play the likes of Carl Winchester and Luke O’Nien in the full-back positions in recent matches.

With this in mind and the fact that the January transfer window is on the horizon, one player that the Wearside club should be looking to bring in to help ease their injury crisis is Eric Lichaj.

After being linked with a move for the full-back during the previous summer transfer window after leaving Turkish club Faith Karagumruk in January, it seems as though the club could be forced into securing the defender’s signature in this upcoming window on a free transfer as a result of their current injury worries.

The 33-year-old, who is currently valued at £450k according to Transfermarkt, has a total of 345 senior club appearances under his belt throughout his career, with 257 of them coming in the Championship, showing how much experience he has that he could offer Sunderland if he joins in January.

Despite predominantly playing as a right-back, Lichaj, who was previously described as “phenomenal” by Nigel Adkins during his time at Hull City, has also played a decent number of games in the left-back position, highlighting his versatility that could be a big help for Sunderland if they still have defensive injuries in the full-back positions heading into the New Year.

On that evidence, signing Lichaj on a free transfer should be at the top of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ priority list. With injuries aplenty, he could help the team push towards promotion by the end of the season.

In other news: Johnson must ruthlessly axe “unique” lightweight tonight, he could cost SAFC dearly – opinion

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is a player Leeds United are targeting in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Barkley a Chelsea outcast

The 28-year-old has struggled for playing time at Stamford Bridge this season, starting just one Premier League game and finding himself way down the midfield pecking order.

Barkley may still have aspirations of making England’s 2022 World Cup squad, in order to add to his 33 caps, but will of course may need to play more for that to happen.

The former Everton man has been linked with a January loan move to Leeds in recent days, as Marcelo Bielsa eyes up reinforcements in the middle of the park.

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The Latest: Journalist confirms Leeds’ interest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke confirmed Barkley is indeed on Leeds’ list of potential signings, talking up the idea of the move happening:

“I believe he is on their list of targets. Leeds have had a slow start to this season by their standards from last season and are sitting at the wrong end of the table.”

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The Verdict: Exciting midfield option

Barkley hasn’t fulfilled his huge promise as a youngster, having been compared to Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard, but he remains a talented footballer who could be a good addition at Leeds.

Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith described him as ‘tremendous’ during his loan spell at Villa Park last season.

Barkley would offer something different to more defence-minded figures such as Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw, scoring and assisting eight times apiece for Everton back in 2015/16.

Granted, he hasn’t been as prolific since then, but his ability to create chances – he has averaged 2.5 key passes per game in the Carabao Cup this season – coupled with Bielsa hopefully improving him and re-finding that confidence in the final third, means he is worth the risk on loan.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a Leeds injury update. Read more here.

Craig Hope has delivered a major injury update on Newcastle United star Callum Wilson, and the impact it could have on the club’s plans for the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, he said: “Callum Wilson will have further scans this week to determine full extent & nature of calf/Achilles injury that could change NUFC transfer priorities. Hierarchy hoping for good news but early thoughts of 6 weeks have made way for concern it could be longer.”

Then, in a follow-up article for The Daily Mail, he added: “Sportsmail understands they are yet to determine exactly how long the 29-year-old will be absent but further tests will give a more definitive timeframe and what treatment is required.

“There is also a danger the injury has affected his Achilles, and the prognosis will have a significant bearing on the club’s transfer business this month.”

Big blow for Newcastle

The former Bournemouth striker has been a rare shining light for Newcastle over the past year or so and marked his debut campaign for the Magpies last season with 12 goals in just 26 Premier League games despite struggling for consistent action through injury.

This season has been a similar story for the England international, scoring six goals in 15 top-flight outings but spending the early part of the campaign out with a hamstring injury.

The £18m-rated Wilson has earned rave reviews in his time playing in the Premier League though, with Howe, who of course managed him at Bournemouth too, particularly fulsome in his praise of the centre-forward.

The Magpies boss said: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.”

News that Wilson’s injury could be worse than initially feared is sure to come as devastating news for Newcastle and the club’s fans, who have pinned their hopes on him to be the man to lead them away from the prospect of relegation.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have held talks with this director of football candidate…

West Ham United are continuing to push hard to sign Sheffield Wednesday starlet Bailey Cadamarteri.

What’s the story?

According to recent claims from The Star, the likes of Brentford and David Moyes’ side have been scouting the 16-year-old forward, and there has now been an update on that transfer race.

The report said: “If it was up to the Hammers, then the talented teen would be on his way down south in the future, with David Moyes’ side believed to be extremely keen on trying to sign him.

“The Star understands that the London-based outfit have already made enquiries about the striker as they seek to tempt him further south, however indications are that the forward is happy where he is and is eager to keep progressing at the club with whom he’s been since he was just nine-years-old.”Moyes would love him

Despite only being 16, the young striker has caught the eye for the Owls’ under-18s and under-23 sides, and he netted a superb hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Ipswich Town last season.

His father Danny, who of course has had Premier League experience himself having played for the likes of Everton, Fulham and Sheffield United, spoke to The Star about his son’s potential, saying: “It’s great for him, and physically he can cope because he’s quite a big boy for his age. It’s nice experience for him.

“He started to get a bit more credit for his own performances then, rather than people thinking it was because of me.”

At just 16, Cadamarteri is very much an exciting young attacker who would be one for the future at the London Stadium, but Moyes would certainly be delighted to get him in through the door and shore up the Hammers’ future up front.

While Hammers fans may not see Cadamarteri really come into his own any time soon were he to make the move down south, he could develop even quicker and realise his potential with the help of the Hammers’ Premier League-quality coaches and staff.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made this predator their main transfer target…

Rangers will have Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey available for their upcoming Old Firm Derby on 2 January, as well as their other fixtures in the meantime.

What’s the latest?

With the Africa Cup of Nations set to start on 9 January, there had been doubt that the Nigerian trio of Balogun, Aribo and Bassey would be available for the Glasgow derby at the start of 2022.

Rangers will travel to Parkhead in what will be Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first game against Celtic as the Light Blues’ manager.

The 46-year-old confirmed when speaking to the press this week that the trio would be available for the derby, stating: “Any players representing at the Africa Cup of Nations will be here for the Old Firm match before being released.”

Rangers fans will be buzzing

It will certainly come as a relief to Gers fans to have a bigger squad available than initially thought, particularly for a game of such magnitude.

Not only that, there are Premiership games against Dundee United, St Mirren and Aberdeen to come beforehand in what is set to be a busy festive period for Ban Bronckhorst’s side.

All three players affected could be crucial for Rangers, but the availability of Joe Aribo will be a particular boost. The 25-year-old has six goals and three assists to his name in the Scottish top flight so far this term, as well as featuring in all six of the Gers’ Europa League group stage matches.

Across domestic and European commitments, the 25-year-old has already racked up 30 appearances in 2021/22 for Rangers, achieving the squad’s second-highest WhoScored average performance rating for the season with 7.40.

As for Balogun and Bassey, the former has been absent from the squad in the Gers’ last five league outings, whilst the latter has started to find a regular spot in the team, starting the last ten games across the Premiership and Europa League.

Balogun has won more headers per game (4.5) than any of his team-mates this term, while Bassey has delivered some quietly impressive performances of late. Therefore, it will come as quite a boost for Rangers fans to learn that these two and Aribo should be available for the Celtic clash on 2 January.

In other news – Hagi 2.0: Van Bronckhorst chasing dream Rangers move for “innate talent” compared to Lionel Messi

A major claim has been made on Celtic’s transfer plans, regarding Portuguese attacker Jota’s future at Parkhead…

What’s the talk?

According to journalist Pedro Almeida, the Hoops will sign the forward on a permanent deal from Benfica, with the winger currently on loan from the Liga NOS giants.

He has claimed that they will pay €7.5m, roughly £6.3m, to complete the signing, Tweeting: “Celtic will advance to the definitive signing of #Jota from Benfica for 7.5M€.”

Buzzing

Celtic fans will surely be buzzing by this update as Jota has been in terrific form since arriving at the club and keeping him at Parkhead in the long term could be a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou.

The attacker has racked up an impressive 12 direct goal contributions in 15 games for Celtic, with six goals and six assists. This includes four goals and four assists in eight Premiership appearances, showing his ability to both score and create goals for the side.

Postecoglou admitted earlier this season that he wants to keep the Portuguese attacker at the club in the long term and claimed that the player is loving life in Glasgow. He said:

“He hasn’t had the easiest start to his career, he was out on loan last year and it didn’t work out for him. I think he’s loving life here and my job is to make him the best possible player he can be.

“If he feels that this is the place for his future we’d be more than happy to keep him here but he’s got a pretty good head on his shoulders and he knows that the best way forward for him is to keep playing his football and the rest will take care of itself.”

At the age of 22, he also has the potential to develop further and grow as a player. This means that Postecoglou could improve him over the course of the coming years and potentially turn him into an asset worth far more than £6.3m to the club in the future.

Therefore, with his current contributions and his potential to increase his value, fans will be buzzing to see him stay at Celtic on a permanent deal. If he is able to maintain his current form and build on it, the money eventually paid could soon be seen as a bargain for the club.

AND in other news, Bitton 2.0: Ange could find Celtic’s new midfield beast in 20 y/o who’s “like Petrov”…

Roma goalkeeper and Sheffield United loanee Robin Olsen is set to have his loan deal at Bramall Lane cut short in order to join Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

What’s the story?

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Olsen is set to make the move from the Championship up to the Premier League and become Steven Gerrard’s third signing as Aston Villa manager after the exciting captures of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne.

Romano tweeted: “Robin Olsen from Sheffield [United] to Aston Villa now at final stages, agreement in place. Last details to be resolved.

“AS Roma will cancel loan to Sheffield [United] and then will let Olsen join Aston Villa until the end of the season. Olsen already agreed personal terms with Villa.”

Olsen had spent last season on loan at Premier League outfit Everton, making 11 appearances for the Toffees as their second-choice behind Jordan Pickford.

The Sweden international was signed by former Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic as a short-term replacement for Aaron Ramsdale who joined Arsenal in the summer and has made 11 appearances in the Championship thus far.

However, it appears as though the 32-year-old will cut his spell in South Yorkshire prematurely and return to the English top-flight with Aston Villa.

Fans will be buzzing

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s status as first-choice ‘keeper is under very little scrutiny after another impressive campaign so far for the Villans with five clean sheets in 18 Premier League matches.

However, what Steven Gerrard does lack is a reliable backup should the Argentinian ever be absent from the Englishman’s side.

Jed Steer is currently the West Midlands club’s only other recognised goalkeeper and has only played two Premier League matches since Villa’s promotion in 2019.

With Olsen, Gerrard’s side will be better equipped should any factor that would make Martinez unavailable arise. Moreover, they will have a goalkeeper with plenty of experience, having played in Serie A, the Premier League, the Champions League and the Europa League.

There may be a slight concern regarding the fact that the 32-year-old hasn’t had the most impressive spell at Sheffield United, keeping just one clean sheet in 11 matches.

However, being a loan deal, it is an ideal solution to what is a major problem in Villa’s squad depth and the presence of Olsen will undoubtedly improve Gerrard’s squad.

In other news: Villa have “agreement†for £13k-p/w ace with a “big presenceâ€, Gerrard will be elated

Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘moved’ to try and sign Paulo Dybala in the summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Dybala is out of contract in the summer, and so he is expected to leave Juventus at the end of the season as a free agent.

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Currently rated at £36m by Transfermarkt, whoever is able to sign him will be getting a real bargain on their hands – the Argentina star has scored eight times in 20 Serie A starts this season, racking up a huge 3.7 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game (Whoscored).

The Latest: Newcastle move

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), both the St. James’ Park faithful and Arsenal have now ‘moved’ for Dybala, with his preference to move abroad from Italy.

However, they have not ‘gone beyond the show of interest’, but would have a chance of signing him from a financial perspective.

The Verdict: No-brainer

To get a player of Dybala’s quality for free is surely a no-brainer, perhaps regardless of whatever his potentially remarkable wage demands are.

Hailed as ‘world-class’ by former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the Argentina international has won as many as five Serie A titles with the Old Lady, as well as many other accolades (Transfermarkt).

He has over 200 combined goals and assists for club and country over the course of his career so far, and at 28 years of age, is still at the peak of his powers.

Nonetheless, bringing him in through the door on Tyneside would certainly send out a big message to the rest of the world that the Magpies mean business.

In other news, find out what three other strikers are on PIF’s shortlist here!

Celtic’s superb defensive performance was the most impressive aspect of their massive 2-1 derby win on Sunday, according to journalist Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Celtic enjoy huge win

The Hoops knew how enormous three points at Ibrox would be on Sunday afternoon, even though avoiding defeat was the primary objective.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went one better than that, recovering from an early deficit to seal a priceless victory thanks to goals from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

In the second half, Celtic defended for their lives as Rangers desperately tried to find an equaliser, the visitors putting their bodies on the line and making countless blocks.

The Latest: Devlin hails Celtic defence

Taking to Twitter on Monday as he shared a corresponding article from The Athletic, Devlin lauded the defensive performance and character on show from Celtic at Ibrox, saying:

“This Celtic get due praise as entertainers, but their other face deserves credit. That of scoring late winners, grinding out hard results, matching Livingston’s physicality, defending their box to the last man at Ibrox. Yesterday was about their character.”

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The Verdict: Defence was crucial

Devlin is right to focus on the brilliance of Celtic’s defensive work on Sunday, with Postecoglou’s men producing a heroic effort, both as a team and individually.

The likes of Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt were particularly brilliant at the back, making a combined 20 clearances and six interceptions according to Sofascore, which sums up their Herculean efforts in defence.

Titles can be effectively won on such days with performances of that ilk, and if the Hoops go on to clinch Premiership glory next month, this win at Ibrox will perhaps be seen as the most pivotal day of the campaign.

In other news, Postecoglou has dropped a positive Celtic injury update. Read more here.