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Everton travel to the east Midlands in the hopes that they can truly kickstart their survival bid, with a vital Premier League win on the road against Nottingham Forest.

Sean Dyche has endured a mixed start to life at Goodison Park, and with two wins and three losses thus far he will be hoping to once again even the scales in favour of the former.

However, his travels take him to a somewhat resurgent side, as Steve Cooper’s men boast just two losses in the league since the start of the new year. They will likely still be reeling from their 4-0 demolition at the hands of fellow relegation contenders West Ham United, and that result will give the Toffees hope.

They are to once again be without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and although the pair are making fine progress, James Garner and Nathan Patterson remain sidelined.

Dyche will be keen to attain a vital three points that could see them rise out of the relegation zone and to within a point of today’s opponents, who sit in 14th.

How might Everton line up against Nottingham Forest?

With this in mind, here is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up at the City Ground, with Dyche making three changes to his side that fell to a heavy defeat at the Emirates in midweek.

(4-5-1) – (GK) Pickford; (RB) Coleman, (CB) Tarkowski, (CB) Mina, (LB) Mykolenko; (RM) McNeil, (CM) Onana, (CM) Gueye, (CM) Doucoure, (LM) Gray; (CF) Simms.

Jordan Pickford will remain in goal fresh from signing his new contract, and a fine display today could be imperative in securing the win.

He will sit behind a back four that only sees Michael Keane drop out, in favour of fan-favourite Yerry Mina who could make his return. A start today would be his first since their loss against the Hammers in mid-January, and just his fourth of the season.

Although often plagued with injuries, the £120k-per-week titan is widely recognised around the club as one of the better centre-backs and certainly the “animal” that journalist Daniel Avellaneda dubbed him when available.

He will partner James Tarkowski, and the two will be flanked by Seamus Coleman and Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Sticking with a flat midfield five, a lack of alternative options means Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye all retain their spots. Had there been a viable substitution, the latter of those three would surely have been dropped after his disasterclass against Arsenal. They cannot afford any liabilities in a game as important as today.

The main change will be to see Alex Iwobi sent to the bench in an effort to add more attacking impetus on the road, as Demarai Gray is recalled. A resurgent Dwight McNeil will occupy the opposite flank.

Then, in the hopes of adding more physicality up front, Neal Maupay will be dropped to allow Ellis Simms an opportunity to disrupt Forest’s defence. 

His hulking frame and increased speed are sure to cause more damage than the diminutive Frenchman, who has only scored once all term.

Journalist Alasdair Gold revealed that Jude Soonsup-Bell looked a “real handful” after making an “impressive” debut for the  Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s.

What’s the latest on Spurs and Jude Soonsup-Bell?

On transfer deadline day, Spurs added a new player to their academy as they swooped in to land the 19-year-old on a deal that will run until June 2025.

The teenager had been with Chelsea from under-13 level all the way up to making his debut with the club before leaving for Spurs with one senior appearance to his name.

Manager Antonio Conte might not have Soonsup-Bell in his immediate plans, but it sounds as though the youngster is already impressing for the youth side.

Indeed, when talking on his YouTube channel, Gold explained: “The Under-21s won their third game in a row at the weekend. Romaine Mundle scored twice, Yago Santiago [scored the other]. They won 3-1 against Brighton.

“Jude Soonsup-Bell made his debut. From what I’ve been told, he was very impressive as well. Looks a real handful, a real talent.” What does Soonsup-Bell’s arrival mean for Spurs?

Before joining Tottenham in January, Soonsup-Bell had spent most of the season playing in the Chelsea academy setup and had scored two goals and provided one assist in just 205 minutes of Premier League 2 action.

Last term, he made his senior debut for the Blues, playing 45 minutes in a Carabao Cup tie against Brentford as his side won 2-0. With all that in mind, it’s clear to see the potential the 19-year-old has to go on and prove himself at the highest level.

Of course, Harry Kane is the main man at Spurs but they could do with a top talent to come in and help provide some depth for that position up front.

It’s early days yet but if Soonsup-Bell can keep impressing for the U21s, then perhaps he’ll get his chance to shine in the first team at some point in the future.

He certainly looks like someone to keep an eye out for.

Dan Cook has questioned why Crystal Palace are interested in Djed Spence on loan while speaking on the HLTCO podcast.

The Lowdown: Palace keen on Spence

Palace are still yet to make a breakthrough in this month’s transfer window despite there being less than a week left for them to conduct any business – and things have started to look bleak for the Eagles.

This is because they had been credited with an interest in Antoine Semenyo and Naouirou Ahamada, with the former now set to join Bournemouth and the latter said to be staying with Stuttgart until at least the summer, according to Sky Sports (via London World).

However, they are still being credited with an interest in Tottenham Hotspur youngster Spence, who joined Spurs for £20m last summer, but has only been afforded seven minutes in the Premier League.

The Latest: Spence only available on loan

While Palace’s interest in Spence could excite some Eagles fans, Cook is more concerned about why they are looking to develop other Premier League clubs’ players without an option to buy them.

He said: “I can see why Djed Spence would make a great deal of sense for us. I think he is a player that fits the Crystal Palace mould, he would work well – I would assume – with Patrick Vieira, I’m sure he would buy into the mentality of this group.

“But I just don’t see the point if there is absolutely no hope of us getting him to sign permanently in the future or doing it even in the short term, because ultimately, we have to become a self-sustainable football club.

“We have to become a team – from my perspective at least – that looks to cultivate a group that can grow together and can hone a style of play and tactical ideology that makes sense for everybody.

“Having a four or five-month loan deal for a player like Djed Spence that went to Spurs with a great deal of fanfare after Nottingham Forest were promoted at the back end of last season – if he does well for us, there is not a hope in hell of Spurs seeing it as an ideal opportunity for them to cut their losses and sell.”

The Verdict: Crystal Palace must plan for the future

It’s a very valid point that Cook brings up because it’s been reported that Spurs have absolutely no intention of selling Spence this month or in the summer so any deal would be a straight loan option.

Therefore, Palace would just be back to square one in a couple of months when it comes to filling their needs and requirements at right-back, so this deal is one that they should likely avoid for the benefit of the club.

Vieira has spoken openly about how he believes the club needs to make signings this month, although that could soon change if he is desperate to land Spence, who impressed last season in the Championship, as highlighted by his ‘bulldozing’ dribbling quality during his stint at Forest last season.

Everton target Duvan Zapata ‘would be a good fit’ for the club, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Everton targeting Zapata

It was reported earlier this month that Frank Lampard had personally requested the Colombian, with negotiations said to be underway for a player who has not received much game-time for Atalanta this season, completing a full 90 minutes on just two occasions.

The 31-year-old is valued at £25m by the Serie A club, with West Ham United also said to be in the race. However, given that the Hammers have just brought in Danny Ings, they might not be quite so intent now on landing another attacker this month.

The Latest: Zapata would ‘fit’ Everton

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about a potential Everton swoop for Zapata, Jones claimed that bringing the Colombian to Goodison Park would be good business, but he warned that a deal may not be possible due to the clubs’ differing stances on the desired structure.

The journalist said: “I think that Zapata would be a really good fit for Everton. But, at the moment, it sounds like they want a permanent deal and Everton would really be looking for an initial loan at the very least, so it’s really tough for them to negotiate at the moment.”

The Verdict: Get it done

The striker has not been an integral part of the Atalanta team this season, but his scoring record throughout his career speaks for itself, and he seems to possess the ability to fire Everton to safety if he is given a consistent run in the team.

Across 269 games in Serie A, Zapata has netted on 107 occasions, while he has also displayed his creative side by laying on his teammates with 46 assists, averaging well over a goal contribution every other game.

This hints at signs that he could develop a good partnership with Arnaut Danjuma, who is reportedly set to complete his Everton medical soon ahead of a loan move to Goodison Park.

Previously lauded as a ‘freight train of a striker’ by Matteo Bonetti, the 6 foot 3 marksman would no doubt be a threat from set-pieces, with the commentator also describing him as ‘excellent in the air’; and he seems like exactly the type of signing that’s required if the Toffees are to save their Premier League status.

Arsenal take on Brighton and Hove Albion tonight in the Premier League as they aim to carry on the momentum from a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Boxing Day.

Mikel Arteta’s men came back from a goal down to produce a stunning second-half performance to claim all three points and the Spaniard will be hoping to end 2022 with a bang this evening.

The vast majority of the starting XI performed well against West Ham, with Martin Odegaard the standout. He made five key passes, registered two assists, and won six of his ten duels throughout the tie.

Arteta must ruthlessly ditch left-back Kieran Tierney ahead of this evening’s match, however, with the Scot putting in a disappointing performance against the Hammers.

On the chalkboard

The £110k-per-week ace didn’t have one of his finer matches despite Arsenal winning, losing possession 15 times, making just one interception, and having a pass success rate of only 76% during his 73-minute spell on the pitch.

His average Sofascore rating was 6.6/10 and was the joint lowest out of the Arsenal starting line-up and Arteta will need to shuffle his pack against Brighton.

Tierney – dubbed a “great leader” by commentator Scott McDonald – failed to deliver an accurate cross or long ball during the match either, and with Oleksandr Zinchenko replacing him with just under 20 minutes left, the Ukrainian should be in prime position to start tonight.

The former Manchester City player has played just eight league matches due to injury this term, yet his qualities, both attacking and defensive, make him a better fit to feature from the start against Brighton.

Gong forwards, he has registered an assist, created a big chance, made 0.5 key passes per game, and succeeded with 67% of his dribble attempts.

Defensively, the 26-year-old has made 1.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 1.0 clearances while winning 3.6 duels per match – at a success rate of 60% and Arteta should consider dropping Tierney for Zinchenko.

It will be a tough match on the South Coast, and with Brighton beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last month, Arteta will know all about the threat the side poses, and claiming another three points in the league could be vital heading into a busy January.

Leeds United may be set to move for a leading creative defender, which could see one of their recent transfer blunders ditched.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to journalist Phil Hay, who delivered a detailed transfer roundup with the January window approaching.

Among plenty of others, he would claim that left back and a forward are Victor Orta’s priority, with the former hoping to replace the disappointing Junior Firpo.

Kai Wagner is namedropped as someone they are looking at, with the 25-year-old having excelled in the MLS for Philadelphia Union. In his adorning Tweet, he claimed that they hold “interest” in the defender.

Ditch Firpo

In what has been one of the Spanish director of football’s more notorious transfer blunders, the £12.8m deal to bring Firpo to Elland Road ranks high up on that list.

Joining with a fine reputation from Barcelona, he quickly established himself as defensively culpable and an unreliable defender for both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.

This has culminated in his 6.30 average rating for this season, with even Pascal Struijk playing out of position to ensure he does not have to feature.

In his potential German replacement, they could gain a fine attacking left-back who boasts more than capable defensive qualities too.

Having already recorded 32 assists in his career, this season has perhaps been his most lucrative as he has provided nine in just one year.

He has earned a 7.48 average rating from Sofascore, which only exacerbates his offensive assets by showcasing his 2.6 key passes per game too. His 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and 1.4 tackles only serve to sweeten the deal.

It is therefore no surprise to see him labelled “creative and technical” by journalist Ben Jacobs, with this statement only supplemented by the claims of former teammate Aurelien Collin.

He said: “He’s young. He’s a fighter. He’s not scared of the contact, which is something very important in this league, and I think that’s why right now he’s adapted very well.”

With this not being the only rumour linking them to a new left-back, it seems Firpo’s time in Yorkshire could be coming to a close.

Orta could finish what he started by securing the long-term answer to this role to ditch his previous botched attempt.

Leeds United are thought to be in contact with the representatives of Rangers defender Jack Wylie.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Wylie

The Whites have been extremely proactive in adding to their Thorp Arch academy ranks since returning to the Premier League, with Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins the two high-profile academy arrivals over the summer.

Rumours emerged in October regarding Wylie and Leeds, with reports suggesting that the Whites joined Arsenal in the race for the full-back, who will turn 16 in January.

The Latest: Wylie transfer update

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update on Wylie, claiming that the Scottish giants are ‘rolling out the red carpet’ to try and convince the youngster that he should stay at Ibrox.

He added that Rangers are aware of interest down south, with Leeds one of three English clubs who have ‘registered their interest’ and are in ‘dialogue with the player’s camp’.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Leeds have had great success when it comes to bringing some of the best young footballers in the UK and beyond to Yorkshire and turning them into first-team players.

The likes of Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, Leo Hjelde, Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville and Joe Gelhardt are all considered first-team players after initially plying their trade in the Thorp Arch academy.

You’d expect that Victor Orta and co will be presenting a plan to Wylie over a possible move to Elland Road, but it seems as if Rangers are desperate to keep the teenager in Scotland.

Newcastle United will have undoubtedly been worried about the news that Bruno Guimaraes had picked up an injury during training with Brazil at the World Cup, and now a new update has emerged on the player’s condition.

What’s the latest?

It has been revealed that the Magpies midfielder took part in the final full training session ahead of the prestigious international tournament after giving both Brazil and Newcastle a scare when he limped out of training in the first session earlier this week.

According to Chronicle Live, Guimaraes was spotted taking part in the final preparations on Friday at the training camp in Italy before the Brazil squad flies to Qatar this weekend.

It’s great news for Howe

There is no doubt that it’s great news for Eddie Howe that his player has evaded being sidelined with an injury as he has been a key player in Newcastle’s success over the season far.

The Magpies are now third in the Premier League table after suffering just one defeat in the top flight this season and currently match league champions Manchester City for the best defensive record with just 11 goals conceded, an impressive run of form that Guimaraes has played a huge part in.

Over 12 appearances, the talented Brazilian has scored three goals, registered two assists and created one big chance, as well as making an average of 1.3 key passes, 2.6 tackles and winning a whopping 6.2 duels per game, proving that he is an effective and relied upon contributor in the centre of the pitch.

Guimaraes joined the club back in January 2022 for £40m, a transfer fee that the Newcastle boss believes was a “bargain” when considering his huge impact on the team already:

“He’s absolutely a bargain because he’s had a huge effect on the team and the club.”

“No disrespect to anyone I’ve played with, but they can’t compare to Bruno, maybe bar Jermain Defoe, who was incredible in his early days. But there’d be no one else like him.”

“I’ve coached some really good individuals, but he would be right up there. He’s an incredible talent and an incredible person.”

With that being said, it will be a huge relief to Howe, the Newcastle team and supporters that Guimaraes is fit and raring to go in the World Cup as he will be a hugely valuable presence in the team when the club returns to action in the Premier League after Christmas.

Leeds United scouts were in attendance for Ajax’s clash against PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Gakpo linked with Leeds

The Whites were heavily linked with a late move for Cody Gakpo over the summer, but as we know, a transfer failed to materialise. Victor Orta even flew to the Netherlands on deadline day looking to finalise a deal, but he returned to Yorkshire by himself.

Hailed as a ‘sensational player’ by Football Oranje editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell, Gakpo has been in fine form this season, contributing to 30 goals in 23 games, and he looks set to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup later this month.

The Latest: Leeds scouts on a mission

90min shared a story on Monday, claiming that Leeds chiefs were in attendance alongside scouts from a number of other Premier League clubs.

The report states that most clubs present were keeping a keen eye on Gakpo, who registered an assist in the first half. PSV went to the top of the Eredivisie table with a 2-1 win over Ajax on Sunday afternoon, knocking their Amsterdam rivals off the summit.

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The Verdict: Move unlikely

Fabrizio Romano has said in recent weeks that Leeds are still dreaming of signing Gakpo, but the feeling at PSV is that he won’t end up at Elland Road.

It doesn’t look as if Leeds are giving up on a transfer, though, especially following the news that Yorkshire chiefs were watching PSV in action over the last 48 hours or so.

A winter move may be one to watch, but it does feel like the ship has sailed when it comes to Gakpo signing for Leeds, given the scale of interest in him now.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura appears set for the bench again after some pre-Newcastle United team news emerged.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for tough test…

The Lilywhites are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 midweek Premier League defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

Second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Fred sealed a lacklustre loss for Antonio Conte’s side, with the north Londoners unable to establish any real dominance or threat throughout the 90 minutes.

Today, Spurs host Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It is set to be a tough test, especially considering that Eddie Howe’s men are undefeated in their last six games and have conceded fewer goals than any top-flight side.

It will be interesting to see who Conte calls upon this afternoon, but according to some pre-match team news, one player is still fighting back to full fitness.

The Latest: Lucas ‘not fit enough’ to start…

Indeed, as per one report, Lucas seems set to be benched once again as Spurs prepare face off against one of their top-four contenders.

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The Evening Standard relay that the 30-year-old is ‘not considered fit enough’ to start against Newcastle, having just come back from recent injury issues.

Conte has hinted at a possible right wing-back role for Lucas in recent months, but as Emerson Royal comes back from suspension, it appears that the latter starting is more likely than using his compatriot as a makeshift option.

The Verdict: Eventually…

Lucas may well be a right wing-back choice for future games given his attacking flair, as evidenced by the fact that he completed more successful take-ons per 90 than any Spurs star last season (WhoScored).

His past heroics exemplify his potential use for Conte, with the Brazilian famously bagging a dramatic hat-trick to send Spurs into their first-ever Champions League final in 2019.

Then-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino called him a ‘superhero’ in response to those exploits and Conte has apparently told the former Paris-Saint Germain star that he is an ‘important’ player, but it appears that Lucas will have to wait a bit longer for the starting nod.