Manchester United have reportedly made their move to sign Karim Benzema, who is looking to leave Al-Ittihad on a temporary basis.

Anthony Martial injury

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been short of goals this season, with every side in the top 14 in the Premier League scoring more than United’s tally of 24 from 21 games.

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Therefore, the need for attacking reinforcements seems clear, especially with Anthony Martial struggling for game time and form, netting just once in the top flight.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and it has now emerged that the forward is set to be out for 10 weeks after surgery on a groin issue, with a Man United statement reading:

“Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about 10 weeks as he rehabilitates. We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.”

Therefore, the need for a short-term striker solution to help Rasmus Hojlund for the second half of the season appears to be clear, and it looks as if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are wasting no time in searching for a new marquee attacker.

Man United open Karim Benzema talks

According to reports in Spain, relayed by Sport Witness on Wednesday, the Red Devils are in talks with Benzema’s entourage over a January deal, with the Frenchman looking to leave Saudi Arabia on a temporary basis.

The ownership of Al-Ittihad have not granted the 36-year-old’s request, though, but it is added that discussions are continuing and Benzema’s entourage are talking to various clubs, including Manchester United.

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Benzema is thought to be on a whopping £200m per season salary in Saudi Arabia after leaving Real Madrid last season, so you can see why Al-Ittihad would want to keep hold of the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.

Goals have continued to flow for the legendary striker in the Saudi Pro-League, contributing to 17 goals in 20 appearances for his current employers. However, the Premier League is a competition that Benzema has never played in throughout his career after long stints at Lyon and Real Madrid, so he could well be open to a short-term deal in England with United.

If that is the case, then Ten Hag could be getting the “best no.9 in the world”, as Benzema was dubbed by former manager Zinedine Zidane back in 2018.

“I know what a player Benzema is, everyone knows it. The number of goals he’s scoring is incredible. I’m made up for him. Everyone can have their opinion on who is the best No.9 in the world and for me it’s Karim. He is confident, he knows you can always improve too, which is great. It doesn’t surprise me what he’s doing.”

Aston Villa were brought back down to earth following a drab 0-0 draw against Everton over the weekend as they slipped down to third in the Premier League table.

With just over a couple of weeks left in the January transfer window, Unai Emery will be keen on bringing at least another one or two fresh faces to Villa Park in order to bolster his squad.

There have been plenty of names linked with a move to the Midlands, yet it is a talented 18-year-old who could be the most exciting link.

Aston Villa want to sign Champions League sensation

According to Graeme Bailey (via Total Villa on X), Villa are showing interest in teenage FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji this month ahead of making a potential move.

According to reports, Villa have even sent scouts to monitor the youngster recently, and it is clear that his performances have impressed Emery enough to consider luring him to the Premier League.

He could cost the club around £20m if any move goes ahead and while on the surface this sounds like a lot, the fee could turn out to be a bargain in the next couple of years if he lives up to his potential.

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Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen on signing Bardghji and this suggests that Emery must act swiftly to bring him to Villa Park.

How Roony Bardghji compares to Jhon Duran

Jhon Duran only signed for Villa last January from Chicago Fire in a deal worth £18m, and it looked as though he could be the heir apparent to Ollie Watkins.

It hasn’t quite worked out for the Colombian sensation at Villa, however, as he has played 35 times for the club and scored just four goals during that time period.

Out of these 35 matches, only seven have been starts and Emery has yet to unleash him in the starting XI in the Premier League.

The arrival of Bardghji could spell the beginning of the end of Duran’s Villa career, especially considering how impressive he has been this season.

In 30 matches for Copenhagen, the youngster has already found the back of the net on 11 occasions, including a famous strike against Man Utd in the Champions League to send the Danish side through to the last 16 at their expense.

While this goal certainly caught the eye of a few teams, his consistent performances in the Danish top flight have shown that he is remarkably mature for his age.

Indeed, across the whole Copenhagen team, Bardghji ranks second for goals and assists (seven), while ranking third for successful dribbles per game (one) and second for goal frequency (a goal every 134 minutes), which clearly indicates just how impressive he has been during 2023/24.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig perhaps foresaw how good he would be at such a tender age, describing the Swede as an “unreal talent” back in 2022 and there is seemingly no limit to just how good he can become.

Duran has not enjoyed the most productive of seasons, and he can count himself unlucky that Watkins has been in such good form.

If Bardghji does join Villa, however, it could mean even fewer opportunities for Duran on the pitch as there will be a new teenage starlet in town ready to steal the plaudits.

Ashwin claims 6-69 as Surrey are bowled out for 220, but Notts end first day on 20 for 1

Jon Culley in Nottingham13-Jul-2019What felt like one of Nottinghamshire’s better days may prove to be so only if a depleted batting line-up can somehow find the resolve that has deserted them so many times this season and match Surrey, who had to battle for almost every run on a slow, turning pitch.You would not be inclined to risk a lot of money on it happening. Only on six occasions this year have Nottinghamshire exceeded Surrey’s score and they have lost their top two batsmen, Chris Nash and Ben Duckett, to injury. Of those who are available, none has an average higher than mid-20s.You would certainly not be wise to bet heavily on their staying in Division One. They began this round 37 points adrift at the bottom of the table and of the five matches they have left, even the least negative voices in the dressing room admit that they need to win three at the very least, including this one in particular.It felt like a good day for them only because Surrey, whose own struggles leave them only 40 points better off than Nottinghamshire, were never really on top. Well set at 104 for 2 at lunch after the toss granted them their wish to bat first, they were not able to build on that position anything like as emphatically as they had hoped.This was largely down to R Ashwin, the Indian bowling machine on whose shoulders Nottinghamshire’s hopes of survival weigh heaviest. Ashwin appears to be tireless. This is only his third match for the county yet he has already bowled 157 overs. They can only have imagined he would wheel in, hour after hour, so uncomplainingly.On a used pitch obviously prepared for his delectation, Ashwin took six Surrey wickets for 69 runs, including all of the top four. But for the second match in a row, he also inspired and encouraged Nottinghamshire’s youngest player, the 20-year-old left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White, who followed an eventful yet ultimately successful debut at Taunton last week by taking his first wickets on home soil.Floored by such a severe bout of tonsilitis on the opening day in Somerset that he had to go to hospital, he returned to take 5 for 73 in the second innings, and while it was in a losing cause the young man admitted the experience of working alongside Ashwin, who also took five wickets, had advanced his education considerably.He put what he learned to good use here, taking 3 for 62 from 22 overs. Having celebrated his maiden Trent Bridge wicket when Will Jacks offered him a rather tame return catch during the afternoon session, Patterson-White made the most important breakthrough as Nottinghamshire sought to snare the final four wickets after tea by dismissing Rikki Clarke leg before with a nicely flighted, turning delivery, and followed that by spinning one back a long way to bowl Morne Morkel, who was deceived enough to offer no stroke.Clarke, whose patient resistance spanned almost two hours, was the third-highest scorer in the Surrey innings after Dean Elgar and Jamie Smith, who shared the best partnership of the innings in adding 81 for the third wicket and might have made a good few more, individually, had they not fallen victim respectively to the best ball and the best catch of the day.Elgar, who batted with calm authority after Ashwin – into the attack inside the first 30 minutes of play – had dismissed makeshift opener Ryan Patel with his fourth delivery, completed an 82-ball half-century soon after lunch but then lost his off stump as he failed to keep out a terrific ball from the Indian Test bowler that would have seen off most batsmen.Smith, the wicketkeeper whose batting form has earned him a run of games and who now has the gloves with Ben Foakes away with England Lions, batted sensibly for an hour and a half before falling foul of the sharp reactions of Ben Slater, fielding at short-leg, who held a fine catch off the face of the bat, giving Ashwin his fourth success. Nonetheless, a day after his 19th birthday, Smith had made an important contribution.Surrey, without Sam Curran, also on Lions duty, and Mark Stoneman, who is missing for family reasons, have welcomed back their young spin bowling prospect, Amar Virdi, who turns 21 next week.Virdi was a sensation last season, bouncing exuberantly into the title-winning side with 39 wickets. He suffered a back injury during the winter and struggled to regain his overall fitness, prompting director of cricket Alec Stewart to subject him to a regime of “tough love” in order to get him back in shape.Looking suitably trim, he was handed the new ball alongside Morkel, who immediately looked a dangerous proposition on this surface and sent Nottinghamshire into the pavilion one down after facing 11 overs, forcing Slater to fend a rising ball off his hips to be caught at short leg.

MatériaMais Notícias

No site oficial do Bragantino, o zagueiro Natan concedeu a sua primeira entrevista após a conclusão do empréstimo onde o defensor chegou proveniente do Flamengo com vínculo até o fim de 2021. E, para promover a interação do atleta com o torcedor, os sócios-torcedores do clube receberam a oportunidade de fazer perguntas diretas a serem respondidas pelo defensor.

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>Classificação do Braga até a paralisação do Campeonato Paulista

Questionado sobre quais os elementos que pesaram para ele aceitar a ideia de sair do futebol carioca para ter a experiência de atuar no Massa Bruta, Natan pontuou que tanto o aspecto estrutural como também a filosofia de ter um elenco priorizando jogadores mais jovens:

– O projeto, a estrutura e a equipe, com jogadores jovens, dispostos a ter uma carreira brilhante pela frente, assim como eu, foram as coisas que me motivaram a escolher este clube, que é um dos melhores dentro do Brasil – e em breve do mundo – para progredir.

– Eu vim para o Red Bull Bragantino pelo grande projeto que me mostraram. Um clube que está em evolução e eu espero ajudar e progredir com a equipe. E sobre a cidade de Bragança, eu gostei, é uma cidade bastante calma e eu já estou acostumado porque, mesmo vindo do Rio, já morei no Espírito Santo, que tem cidades parecidas. É uma cidade bastante calma e pretendo ficar muitos anos aqui – acrescentou.

Outros pontos abordados pelo jogador de 20 anos de idade foram as suas características como atleta e quais as suas projeções para a disputa da Copa Sul-Americana em fato que não ocorria para o Bragantino há 25 anos.

– Eu me considero um zagueiro bastante rápido, técnico, bom de cobertura e com passe bom. Sou um jogador que estou disposto a ouvir, o treinador e meus companheiros, e a ajuda-los, tanto dentro como fora de campo – disse Natan, encerrando:

– Minha expectativa é a melhor possível. Tanto eu como o grupo estamos bastante motivados para disputar essa Sul-Americana. Tenho certeza que podemos fazer uma ótima campanha e, se Deus quiser, sairmos campeões!

Glamorgan 449 and 137 for 1 (Labuschagne 90*) lead Worcestershire 370 (D’Oliveira 103) by 216 runsMarnus Labuschagne saw off (in Glamorgan’s eyes at least) rival claims on behalf of Warwickshire’s Dom Sibley in the race to reach 1,000 first-class runs this season, so becoming the first Glamorgan batsman to achieve that particular feat since Steve James in 1997.His achievements this season were duly rewarded when he was presented with his county cap by Glamorgan stalwart Alan Jones during the lunch interval.Sibley’s record included runs in the season’s curtain-raiser betweern MCC and the Champion County which was traditionally played at Lord’s but which this season took place in the UAE.Brett D’Oliveira summoned a dogged century in a rare Championship appearance to lead Worcestershire’s resistance but Division Two leaders Glamorgan took an overall lead of 216 to set up an exciting final day of their Specsavers County Championship clash in Cardiff.Glamorgan will begin the final day on 137 for 1 in their second innings, with the prolific Australian Marnus Labuschagne 90 not out,after they had gained a first innings lead for the first time this season.He built a second wicket partnership in excess of a hundred with Nick Selman to take his side a step closer to the win, and himself closer to a fifth first-class hundred this season. But the innings had begun poorly, when Owen Morgan was caught behind off Joe Leach from just the sixth delivery.Earlier in the day, having resumed their first innings on 191 for 5, Charlie Morris and Ed Barnard looked to reduce Worcestershire’s deficit from the outset. However, they got off to a calamitous start as Morris, attempting a quick single, was run out by Billy Root in the seventh over.Barnard reached his half-century from 93 deliveries, bringing up the milestone with successive boundaries after Glamorgan’s Lukas Carey had taken the new ball. But he was dismissed, leg before wicket to Michael Hogan for 56.The visitors had obtained a second batting point shortly before Ben Cox edged Dan Douthwaite to wicket-keeper Tom Cullen, who picked up his third catch of the innings.They gained a third batting point early in the afternoon session, but they soon lost Joe Leach when he was caught behind off Michael Hogan, as Tom Cullen claimed his fourth catch and Glamorgan claimed full bonus points for the match.D’Oliveira reached his half-century from 70 deliveries, including five fours. A patient Adam Finch, who had got off the mark from his fifteenth delivery, took until his 36th to score again, when he drove Michael Hogan through the off-side for four.D’Oliveira, who prior to this innings had had a lean season with scores of 31 and 0 in red ball cricket, faced 154 balls and had struck 12 fours before he was caught and bowled by Michael Hogan for 103 from the final delivery before tea, with the bowler finishing with five wickets for 62.

Mark Howard has clearly been taking lessons from Paul Mullin at Wrexham, with the Red Dragons keeper scoring a goal at The Soccer Tournament.

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Red Dragons in seven-a-side actionThrough to the last-32Shot-stopper gets shooting boots onWHAT HAPPENED?

The 37-year-old shot-stopper is one of the senior stars to have made the trip to America for a seven-a-side tournament that sees players of past and present join forces with amateurs and celebrities for high-octane, end-to-end competition.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT HOWARD SAID

Wrexham, who are gracing the event for a second successive year, have progressed through their group and into the knockout stage. Howard has helped them into the last-32, saying of his exploits in North Carolina: “TST has been amazing so far. We just qualified. I scored a goal! Come on!”

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Howard’s strike was an impressive one, as he ambled forward from his usual position between the sticks and found himself within shooting range. The cleanest of shots fizzed low into the bottom corner, giving his opposite number no chance.

علق سيد عبد الحفيظ مدير الكرة السابق بالنادي الأهلي، على خسارة المارد الأحمر بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي أمام الزمالك، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين أمس الجمعة.

والتقى فريقا الأهلي والزمالك، في نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي لعام 2024، بالمملكة العربية السعودية، واستطاع الفارس الأبيض تحقيق الفوز بركلات الترجيح 4-3، بعد انتهاء المباراة في وقتها الأصلي بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق.

وقال عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات عبر قناة mbc مصر 2: “لاعبو النادي الأهلي بالكامل لم يكونوا في حالتهم خلال المباراة”.

وأضاف: “أرى أنها مباراة للنسيان للنادي الأهلي، لأول مرة وحاجة غريبة أن يلعب الأهلي على رد الفعل”.

وأكمل: “التمرير بالكعب من اللاعب المغربي يحيى عطية الله الظهير الأيسر للأهلي في كرة الهدف ليس له أي مبرر بالنسبة لي”.

طالع | حسام المندوه: الزمالك عائد بقوة إلى سابق عهده.. ودونجا استحق ركلة جزاء

وتابع: “أري أن سبب فوز الزمالك، هو نقطة التحول من التعصب والتوتر بعد ركلة الجزاء المحتسبة للأهلي في نهاية الشوط الأول، إلى هدوء وتركيز كبير من بداية الشوط الثاني”.

وواصل: “هذا السيناريو نفس الذي حدث مع الأهلي في الموسم الماضي، خسارة لقب السوبر الإفريقي أمام اتحاد العاصمة الجزائري ثم التتويج بكل الألقاب”.

وأردف: “المباراة بشكل عام لم تكن الأفضل على مستوى الفنيات، لكن حقيقةً الفريق الذي يستحق المكسب في اللقاء هو الزمالك”.

وأستمر: “الزمالك كسب الاستحواذ والالتحامات وعدد المحاولات على المرمى، لكن رب ضارة نافعة من أجل تحفيز الأهلي على البطولات القادمة”.

وأتم: “الحديث من جانب الزمالك كان قليلاً قبل المباراة، بسبب التخوف عكس الأهلي، وهذا درس من الدروس التي لابد من الاستفادة منها، الكرة أعطت ظهرها للنادي الأهلي، ودائمًا هناك متغيرات ولا يوجد ثوابت في كرة القدم”.

Former India captain will continue to be the chief coach of the men’s Under-19 and ‘A’ teams

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Jul-2019

Rahul Dravid is set to take charge as head of cricket operations at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, with an eye on converting the academy into a high-performance centre, the BCCI’s target for a long time now. Although the tenure of the contract could not be ascertained, ESPNcricinfo understands that it will be a long-term arrangement.With the NCA job, Dravid’s role in Indian cricket has been expanded. He is also head coach of the India A and India Under-19 men’s teams, positions he has held since 2015. It is believed that Dravid will continue in those roles, but will have the authority to delegate coaching duties to the assistant coaches in case he is unable to travel.Dravid was meant to take charge at the NCA in early July, but it was delayed because he is also a paid employee of India Cements, owned by former BCCI president and ICC chairman N Srinivasan. It would have led to a conflict of interest situation, but as reported by the , Dravid has taken a leave of absence from India Cements until such time he serves as the head of NCA.Keeping in mind the exponential growth of the game in India, especially after the advent of the IPL, the BCCI has wanted an experienced person at the helm at the NCA, someone who would chart a pathway and structure for young talent to flourish. It is understood that Saba Karim, BCCI’s general manager of cricket, and Rahul Johri, the BCCI chief executive, were the key people involved in getting Dravid on board.As part of Dravid’s role at NCA, he will help create coaching and development programmes for both the men’s A and the age-group teams, as well as for women’s cricket. Dravid is also expected to create a programme for the development of physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches, keeping in mind the focus on fitness in modern cricket.The BCCI confirmed in a statement on July 8 that Dravid’s responsibilities would encompass men’s, women’s and age-group cricket.* “Mr Dravid will also work closely with the national men’s and women’s head coaches and cricket coaches for India developmental teams – including India A, India Under-19, and India Under-23 teams – in the identification of key training and development objectives,” the statement said. “He will also be responsible for monitoring progress against these objectives for the developmental teams and provide necessary inputs on the same to the senior men’s and women’s head coaches.”The BCCI has always wanted to model the NCA on the same lines as the high-performance centres in Australia, England and South Africa, which have not just been breeding grounds for young cricket talent – male and female – but have also developed coaching staff and support staff including physios and trainers.For long, the NCA has been run on an ad-hoc basis, although in the past decade the BCCI has tried to create a structure of sorts by appointing coaches and consultants to assist the second-string of Indian cricketers as well as age-group players. As part of the revamp, Tufan Ghosh was appointed chief operating officer at the NCA in late 2017 following a search for a professional with management experience from outside cricketing circles.The NCA is also expected to move out of its home at the Karnataka State Cricket Association premises in Bengaluru to the outskirts of the metropolis in Arebinnamangala village, where the BCCI owns 40-odd acres of land. Ghosh is expected to play a key role in setting up the facility there and creating a centre of excellence.*

Deadline Day has already been extremely hectic for Aston Villa, but they may not be done just yet.

Indeed, manager Unai Emery is keen to sign another attacker to support Ollie Watkins and provide a rotation option.

Nevertheless, let's take a look at who could be the latest face to arrive at Villa Park.

Aston Villa's search for an attacker

According to a report from journalist Alex Crook via GIVEMESPORT, Villa have shown an interest in Wilfried Zaha.

Speaking to the publication on deadline day, the talkSPORT journalist said: "I thought Villa might be busier in this window, to be fair. It was mentioned to me that Wilfried Zaha was on their radar, but I think that would be quite expensive because he is doing quite well in Turkey."

Although it is mentioned that a deal before the deadline is highly unlikely, it hasn't been completely ruled out.

That said, if Villa do qualify for the Champions League, then Villa Park could become a desired destination for the attacker next summer.

Emery is certainly a fan of the player, having previously targeted him over Nicolas Pepe when he was at Arsenal. Previously speaking about that, the Spanish boss said: "When we played against Crystal Palace, Zaha showed he was a very good player. I also think Nicolas Pepe is a very good player. When you make the decision you have to decide how easy the adaption will be of some players.

"I was thinking the adaption was easier for Zaha because he was playing in the Premier League and you didn't know exactly how fast Nicolas Pepe can adapt to the Premier League because I know you can need some time to adapt."

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Posts ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Zaha could become Villa's best LW since Grealish

Aston Villa legend Jack Grealish left the club in the summer of 2021 for Man City in a deal worth £100m.

The boyhood Villan and then subsequent captain fantastic has been by far the club's most influential player over the years, and he boasted a goal contribution record of 65 in 213 games. However, Villa have still failed to replace their star boy since his departure, even if they have signed players like Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.

Therefore, the potential signing of Zaha could just become Villa's most influential best left winger since the days of Grealish, with the former Man United player having the character and certainly the entertaining personality to fill the role.

The 31-year-old only left the Premier League in the summer to start life in Turkey for Galatasaray, and his performances have piqued the interest of some teams in England. The Ivory Coast international has started 12 games in the Super Lig, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in the process, which highlights his impact on the side.

Nonetheless, the table below shows Zaha's Super Lig statistics and where they rank in the Galatasaray squad.

Zaha's Galatasaray Stats

Stats

Zaha

Squad Ranking

Goals

9

=2nd

xG

3.42

4th

Scoring frequency

124 mins

=1st

Assists

3

4th

Successful dribbles

1.8

1st

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see by his goals and assists statistics, Zaha is among Galatasaray's most influential players in the final third, showing that he can take on attacking responsibility without feeling the pressure to succeed.

This is what Grealish thrived at while at Villa, as he would often put the team on his back to pick up points. That said, Zaha has also displayed that in the top flight, as highlighted by the fact he's Palace's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Zaha's extreme overperformance of xG proves that he can produce a moment of magic and put the ball in the back of the net from nothing, which is what makes him so "dangerous," as per ex-teammate Yannick Bolasie. His goal-scoring frequency being the joint-best also suggests that he is a reliable finisher, while his dribbling and direct approach are reminiscent of Grealish.

Overall, the potential signing of Zaha could be a smart move by Villa, and Emery could have a lethal attacker to bolster his attack.

Glasgow Rangers endured a slightly lacklustre deadline day on the transfer activity front, adding just one new player – Oscar Cortes – to the squad.

Philippe Clement had previously signed striker Fabio Silva and midfielder Mohammed Diomande before deadline day and the three new signings could all offer something different and this may give the side a boost heading into the next few months.

The Light Blues have returned from the winter break looking revitalised, winning three consecutive competitive matches, and it sets them up nicely for the clash against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday.

We at Football FanCast predict the team that will take to the pitch, with several changes to the one that beat St. Mirren 1-0, to face the side sitting bottom of the Premiership table in another must-win clash…

1 GK – Jack Butland

The goalkeeper was rested for the Scottish Cup tie against Dumbarton a couple of weeks ago, with Robby McCrorie making his first start of the season.

The Englishman was restored to the starting XI for the league ties against Hibs and St Mirren, keeping clean sheets in both and his presence between the posts has been vital for the Gers this term.

2 RB – James Tavernier

The captain will retain his place in the starting XI as he has only missed only one match so far throughout the campaign and that was a League Cup clash against Morton in August.

With 17 goals and seven assists, the Englishman is once again setting the standard at Rangers with regard to goal contributions, and he is on track to shatter his tally of 28 goal involvements from last season.

3 CB – Connor Goldson

Goldson also retains his place and has been arguably the Light Blues' finest centre-back this season.

The Gers have conceded just ten league goals when the 31-year-old has been on the pitch and, alongside Butland, is key to whether or not the club go on to win more trophies during the second half of the season.

4 CB – John Souttar

Souttar has endured a Jekyll and Hyde opening 18 months to his spell in Glasgow. The defender missed nearly all of last season having suffered an injury on the opening day, but when he is fit, the former Hearts star is the perfect partner for Goldson.

He has started the previous three league matches and will come into the starting XI today.

5 LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Much of the talk during the transfer window was on Yilmaz’s future as, at one stage, it looked as though he was set for a move away.

The Gers rejected an approach from Galatasaray for the defender on deadline day, and he now has between February and May to prove his worth to Clement.

6 CM – John Lundstram

The midfielder has entered into the final few months of his current contract, and he is technically able to speak to other clubs as of now.

Over the previous few months, he has turned into the Lundstram of old and is clearly relishing playing under Clement, which should suggest he will be offered an extension sooner rather than later.

7 CM – Nico Raskin

The former Standard Liege midfielder has not enjoyed the most productive of seasons, missing a large chunk of the season due to an ankle injury.

He has featured in all three of their matches since the domestic season resumed, however, and will surely be given another start by Clement alongside Lundstram in the heart of the midfield.

8 RW – Ross McCausland

Scott Wright was given a rare start against St Mirren last weekend, yet he failed to shine during the nervy 1-0 win.

The £5.6k-per-week winger made just 13 passes and lost possession 11 times during the opening 45 minutes, and he was substituted following his poor display, replaced by McCausland.

The Northern Irishman failed to really settle into the match during his second-half cameo, yet there is no doubt who Clement should choose for tomorrow's tie.

With two goals and two assists for the first team since October, the youngster has shone in patches, and against Livi, he could cement his place on the right wing with a solid performance.

9 AM – Todd Cantwell

Cantwell started against St Mirren but, like Wright, he was subbed off at halftime and replaced by Tom Lawrence.

He completed 100% of his passes and made two key passes, succeeded with one dribble, and made two interceptions during the first half, and he will likely be unleashed from the start tomorrow.

With Sam Lammers moving to Utrecht until the end of the season, Cantwell will face less competition for that number ten slot he has enjoyed over the previous few weeks.

This should not make him complacent, however, and if the Gers are looking to end Celtic’s spell as Scottish champions in May, the former Norwich City starlet will have to be at his very best between now and May.

10 LW – Rabbi Matondo

The Light Blues suffered a major blow when on-fire winger Abdallah Sima was ruled out for the foreseeable future with an injury sustained on international duty, and it required Clement to do some thinking.

Matondo is the obvious choice to replace Sima on the left, yet Dujon Sterling was unleashed there last week in an experiment that did not quite work out as planned.

The Welsh dynamo has registered six goal contributions this term so far and when in the mood, can cause damage to any opposition defence.