Celtic cruised to victory at Celtic Park in the Champions League second-round qualifying match against Rosenborg.

An early goal from the Norwegians set alarm bells ringing before record-signing Odsonne Eduoard levelled proceedings just before half-time. Just after the interval, Olivier Ntcham put the Hoops in the lead, and a late strike from Eduoard ensured Celtic take a two-goal lead into the second leg. Brendan Rodgers’ side are on course to qualify for the group stages for the fifth season in a row.

The Northern Irishman is yet to strengthen his squad significantly this summer. On the other hand, Steven Gerrard has made ten new signings meaning Celtic need to spend in order to keep a firm grasp on the Scottish Premiership trophy. Landing a new long-term goalkeeper should be a priority with Craig Gordon approaching the end of his career.

One man Celtic should consider is Liverpool outcast – Loris Karius. Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the German looked to have secured his place as Liverpool’s number one after ousting Simon Mignolet. However, two blunders in the Champions League final saw him vilified by many of the Anfield faithful. More errors in pre-season resulted in Liverpool spending £67m to sign Alisson Becker.

According to reports, Karius is disappointed with Jurgen Klopp’s decision to sign a new goalkeeper and will consider his future at the club. Celtic would be wise to bring him to Scotland.

Despite his errors, the 25-year-old could prove to be a great signing. Away from the pressures of the Premier League, Karius needs to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his best form. Rodgers is known as a great man manager and would help bring the best out of the former Mainz stopper.

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Liverpool are unlikely to command a large fee for his services – this one might be a risk worth taking.

Celtic fans, would you like to see Loris Karius as your new number one? Let us know!

Aston Villa have failed in their attempt to re-sign Robert Snodgrass on loan from West Ham United this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.Snodgrass spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at Villa from West Ham, and scored eight times in 43 appearances for the club last term.It is understood that Villa were keen to re-sign the Scotland international on loan for the coming season, but his performances for West Ham during pre-season have convinced Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini to keep hold of him.The Villa fans are not too disappointed with the news, however, as many believe that Andre Green will now be given the chance to secure a regular spot.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257600″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Aston Villa’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Championship season”]Green looked capable of playing a key role for the Championship club last term, but he picked up a hamstring problem against Brentford in September, and did not play again in the league for the remainder of the season.The 19-year-old, who is said to be on £5,000 a week, has since recovered from the injury, however, and will now be looking to make an impression for Steve Bruce’s side during the 2018-19 campaign.A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Villa fans can be seen below:

Loads of Everton fans have been giving their verdict on the draw at Wolves, and they can’t quite believe how good Richarlison looked.

Although he came off late on with a slight knock, Richarlison was undoubtedly the man of the match in the Sunday evening clash at Molineux, rivalled only by Ruben Neves.

The Brazilian has taken loads of flak on social media for his transfer fee, which could rise as high as £50m.

He put all those doubts to rest on Saturday evening though, carrying a depleted Everton side through the storm at Wolves.

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The home side took the initiative after the break thanks to Phil Jagielka’s red card, but Richarlison popped up with a wonderful finish, curling the ball around a defender and out of the reach of Rui Patricio.

That was his second goal of the game after he had stabbed home the opener in the first half, and fans are heaping praise on their big money signing.

Silva got the best out of the Brazilian at Watford, and it’s already looking like a stroke of genius to give him another chance to impress at Goodison.

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//fixtureinfocus.podiant.co/latest/embed/

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Manchester United won 2-1 against Leicester City on Friday night to get their Premier League campaign off to the ideal start.

A summer of bad blood off the field and a lack of big money signings had seemingly thrown United off track somewhat, and manager Jose Mourinho was vocal to say the least in the build up the big kick off.

However, Mourinho did what he knows best, and got the three points in the bag, and there was some encouraging signs for United.

One of the big plus points from Friday was the showing of midfielder Paul Pogba, who captained the side and returned from his small summer break after winning the World Cup with France to take his place in the starting XI and deliver a big performance.

Pogba was often criticised last season for not taking games by the scruff of the neck and allowing the opposition to dominate the game, but on Friday, it was Pogba who showed dominance.

It should come as no surprise, given how well he performed in the summer, but it is a pleasant sight for United fans that they might finally be seeing the player everyone knows he has the ability to be.

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If Pogba can maintain and even improve the levels he displayed on the opening night of the season, then there is every chance United could well find themselves right in the title mix come May 2019.

United fans, what did you make of Pogba’s showing? Give us your thoughts in the comments!

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have erupted over more injury news involving defenders John Stones and Aymeric Laporte as the Sky Blues gear up for crunch clashes against Chelsea, Paris-Saint Germain and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s side, coming off the back of an entertaining 6-1 win in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe on Tuesday, already prepare for what will be a crucial encounter with title rivals Chelsea at the weekend.

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After that, City see a host of other challenging contests on the horizon with Ligue 1 giants PSG in the Champions League group stage next week and Liverpool at Anfield next after that.

The Citizens have had to cope with mounting injury issues amid this difficult run with Stones and Laporte currently sidelined alongside the likes of Rodri, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ilkay Gundogan as it stands (The Independent).

Now, more injury news has come to light involving the former pair – and it doesn’t look good.

According to reliable reporter Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, writing on his social media, both Stones and Laporte are ‘facing a fortnight out’ – meaning they could miss City’s upcoming trio of blockbuster clashes.

Reacting to this news, it’s safe to say Sky Blues are worried – find all of their verdicts on the update down below.

Man City fans erupt over more injury news…

“oh boy”

Credit: @butty27236994

“This is a massive blow for us.”

Credit: @Ericklthier

“We’re doomed”

Credit: @FodenBetter

“we’re done”

Credit: @fogohere

“no way a knock is that bad”

Credit: @FerdReformed

“I might pray for the first time”

Credit: @FatherRuben3

“Noooooooo”

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Credit: @AguxroSZN

“What is this….. How does this even happen”

Credit: @DupeMcfc1

“We’re finished”

Credit: @FerranTorresSZN

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Finally’, ‘This is good news’…Man City fans flock to Harry Kane update, find out more here.

Noel Whelan has been reacting to the injury to Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Digne injured against West Ham

The 28-year-old was forced off after 10 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday with a hamstring problem and now looks set to join Marvelous Nakamba and Jed Steer on the treatment table.

Calum Chambers and Douglas Luiz also took blows to the face but carried on at the London Stadium as Villa’s run of three straight wins without conceding came to an end.

Steven Gerrard labelled Digne a ‘major doubt’ for the Arsenal game this weekend, with the full-back set to undergo an MRI scan back in the Midlands.

The Latest: Whelan reacts to Digne injury

Whelan, who contributes as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds and watched Digne in the recent 3-0 win at Elland Road, was asked for his thoughts on the defender’s injury by Football Insider.

He labelled Digne’s absence as a ‘huge blow’ and believes they could have done with the Frenchman being fit up against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka this weekend, saying:

“When you bring in new players, you want them to be part of the team week-in, week-out.

“There’s no other way to help them find their feet at a new club. They’ve got to get that understanding with the players around them, and you want them to feel a real part of the team.

“He’s not really had the chance to build those types of relationships on the pitch because of the stop-start first couple of months he’s had.

“It’s a huge blow for Aston Villa because he’s a quality player. Set-pieces, experience, talent – they’re going to miss all of that, especially going into a big game against Arsenal.

“They could really do with him fit against someone like Saka – who is in incredible form.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Everyone at Villa will be hoping that Digne’s injury isn’t too serious and that he can make a return prior to the end of the campaign. He has impressed since joining in January, averaging 1.4 key passes per game and drawing more fouls than team-mate Philippe Coutinho. [WhoScored]

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You’d expect that Ashley Young will come in and provide cover for the Frenchman this weekend, but hopefully the experienced 36-year-old won’t need to line out at left-back for the remainder of the season due to Digne’s injury.

In other news: ‘Not strong enough’ – Ashley Preece slams Villa man who completed just seven passes against West Ham

It’s no secret that West Ham are arguably one of the teams of the season in the Premier League.

It has been an incredible campaign that has seen them flirt with a top-four spot on occasions and witnessed a stunning run to the Europa League semi-finals.

David Moyes has got his side firing during his second tenure in charge and there seems to be no ceiling for his side as they chase success.

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His diligent recruitment along with a fearless mentality has powered his team to some fine wins during the campaign, with many players contributing to the cause.

Next season will be different, however, as West Ham hero and club stalwart Mark Noble won’t be there as he is retiring at the end of the current campaign. There could also be fresh options in attack with the club lacking many options at centre-forward.

As a result, Moyes may save the club millions by promoting from the U23 squad, and he could well have an exciting player in the mold of Michail Antonio, who is ready to stake his claim.

Thierry Nevers is versatile and while primarily operating as a left-winger, he is adept at playing across any position along the forward line and this variety is what Moyes urgently needs.

With Antonio going through a bit of a scoring drought at the moment, netting only once in his previous 12 matches, Nevers may find himself involved sooner rather than later.

Academy manager Ricky Martin has dubbed him as “impressive” when he signed for the club and has “been on fire” in the words of Roshane Thomas alongside fellow U23 player Armstrong Okoflex which could tempt Moyes to see how pre-season goes and potentially give them an opportunity early in the campaign.

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Like Antonio, Nevers has a strong eye for goal, scoring seven times this season in a variety of positions which will make him more attractive to the manager in the long haul.

West Ham could have a new generation of youth talents coming through the academy, let’s hope they don’t go to waste.

AND in other news, Contact made: West Ham plot bid for 14-goal gem, he could become a £63m-rated talent

TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Jack Harrison is too good for Leeds United but not good enough for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Steady progress

Having been shipped about between Liverpool’s and Manchester United’s respective youth ranks, Harrison ventured across to America in the hopes of forging a professional career. 

He was picked up by Chicago Fire, and did just that, making the switch to City Group owned New York City in a move that fuelled his rise to the top.

He never got a chance at Manchester City, despite signing on a permanent deal back in 2018, but impressed enough for Leeds United, with Agbonlahor feeling that his level now lies somewhere just above the Yorkshire side.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor fuels the fire

With Harrison set to enter the final 18 months of his contract with Leeds, Agbonlahor has chipped in as to where he believes his future lies. 

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to recent news of talks for a brand new deal, the pundit said: “First of all, I don’t think he’ll want to sign a new deal because I don’t think Leeds will pay him what he wants.

“But then I look at Newcastle and can they be looking at better players than him?

“I do like him but with where Newcastle want to go, I don’t think they should be looking at Harrison anymore.

“They should be looking at better players in Europe, to be honest. They are so close to the top four and staying in there, I don’t think Harrison is the answer.

“I think he’s better than Leeds but I just feel Newcastle are onto bigger things.

“Is Everton the right sort of move for Harrison? That sort of level where you get an extra £20,000-a-week or £30,000-a-week.

“I just don’t think Newcastle is the right place for him.”

The Verdict: A great option

Having delivered a consistent haul of eight goals in each of his two Premier League seasons with Leeds United, Harrison has fully asserted himself as a reliable Premier League asset.

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You would think that if the 26-year-old is to switch sides, it would be for a club who are challenging within the top half of the table, rather than fighting with the sole purpose of renewing the club’s Premier League status. 

Newcastle therefore fit that description, and quite frankly, as an inverted left winger, he would offer the side a bout of dependable quality where Allan Saint-Maximin is too often injured. 

At this point, the Magpies should be looking to sign a couple of marquee signings, particularly in the attacking areas, so you can certainly see where Agbonlahor is coming from. 

But, Harrison would represent a solid and dependable option who is yet to enter his prime years.  The £40million man would be a great option for Eddie Howe.

Aston Villa have experienced a lot of change at the club with the appointment of Unai Emery in October, and now the new manager will go into his first window at the club with a potential transfer target emerging.

What’s the latest?

According to Sport 1 (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are interested in signing Switzerland and Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow in January.

As per the report, Villa will need to compete with West Ham United for the player and it will cost over €30m (£25.8m) to secure his signature ahead of the second half of the season.

It is also claimed that Frankfurt are not keen on selling the player but that could change if there is an offer large enough to tempt them to part ways with Sow when the transfer market reopens next month.

The next Douglas Luiz

The new Villa manager will have a challenge during the transfer window to identify the right players to join the side that can make an instant impact and make genuine improvements in the team.

Douglas Luiz was linked with a move away from Villa Park in the summer transfer window with both Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested on Deadline Day, however, the Brazilian midfielder ultimately signed a brand new contract in October tying him into a long-term deal to remain at the club.

Now, Emery could be set to offer the player a great partner in midfield with the signing of Sow who has many attributes and similarities to Luiz that combined could strengthen Villa’s midfield.

According to FBref, the 24-year-old is the most comparable positional peer to Sow over the last 12 months with the duo sharing many comparisons in their output over the season so far.

The midfielders came close in their shots on target rate (40% v 37.5%), shot-creating actions (28 v 26), aerial duels won (54.2% v 57.1%) and tackles against dribblers (50% v 56.3%).

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Sow – who was dubbed “one to watch” by journalist Sam Smith – has been impressing at the World Cup in Qatar with Switzerland and helped the side progress to the round of 16.

Over four appearances, the talented ace registered one assist and tallied up a seriously impressive 98% pass completion rate in his own half, as well as winning 56% of his aerial and ground duels combined.

With that being said, the signing of Sow could be a great opportunity for Villa to add depth to their midfield as well as providing a high quality partner for Luiz that could bring out the best in both players.

Chelsea are seeking clarity over their future at the forefront of European football and have identified a new precocious midfielder to hopefully spearhead the Todd Boehly era.

Having spent a vast amount of money on new signings since Boehly took over at the club last year, the barrage of deals being struck at Stamford Bridge might not have concluded for this month, with midfield the area now highlighted for bolstering.

According to a report from Calciomercato earlier this month, Juventus’ rising midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been earmarked by the Blues’ hierarchy, with the highly-rated gem quickly asserting himself as one of Italy’s hottest prospects.

The report states that Fagioli would only be granted a departure from the Turin for €50m (£44.3m), which could prove a hindrance considering his inexperience, although Chelsea have certainly displayed little sign of being deterred in this regard over the past year judging by their frivolous spending.

With established midfielders N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both out of contract at the end of the current season, it is likely that Chelsea will target several options in that area of the pitch.

Fagioli has made 11 appearances for Juventus this season, scoring twice in Serie A from just four starts.  Despite his inexperience and utility role, Sofascore record his average rating at a solid 6.97, with his 84% passing accuracy and 0.9 key passes per game a further indication of the burgeoning skills at his feet.

Despite being in the early throes of his senior career, Fagioli is already exhibiting promising tendencies, with FBref ranking him among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s big five leagues for rate of goals scored, and also within the top 6% for progressive passes received.

This is an illustration of the offensive presence which could be nurtured at Stamford Bridge from midfield, growing into a devastating asset which can be wielded to great effect as Chelsea look to once more content for silverware both domestically and on the continent.

The 21-year-old could emulate the triumphant success of former Blues legend Frank Lampard, who made 648 appearances for the club, scoring a record 211 goals and supplying 145 assists.

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With Lampard one of football’s superlative attacking midfielders in his prime, Fagioli would to well to hone those talents and provide west London with a new force of might, an all-encompassing midfielder to add a fearsome dimension to the attack ahead of him.

Former AC Milan and Barcelona transfer chief Ariedo Braida once claimed that the maestro is “just like Pirlo”, which is quite a statement surrounding this young Italian midfielder’s potential.

With Boehly and Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell putting a considerable emphasis on youth, as evidenced by the age profile of many of their signings over the past 12 months, Fagioli could be a stellar prospective addition to the Blues’ squad, with his innate attacking instinct hopefully blossoming into a refined skill-set of world-class capability for the new chapter at Stamford Bridge.