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Liverpool won just their sixth Premier League match of the season with a straightforward 3-1 win over Southampton this afternoon.

It was the last match before the break for the upcoming World Cup and Jurgen Klopp will be happy at three points and a chance to refocus and regroup during the hiatus.

With a much-changed starting XI from the midweek EFL Cup win, Liverpool’s big guns were in the mood.

Darwin Nunez underlined his World Cup credentials with two first-half goals, while Roberto Firmino put his heartbreak behind him of missing out for Brazil by chipping in with another before the break.

The second half gave the crowd no more goals to celebrate, but it was a comfortable victory for the club.

It was perhaps a player who hasn’t quite been at his best this season that put in one of his finer performances of the campaign against the Saints, with Fabinho justifying Tite’s faith by shining today.

The Brazilian – who has been dubbed “outstanding” by Klopp previously for his defensive performances – received a 7.2 rating via SofaScore, and he was solid in the centre of the midfield.

His defensive abilities were evident during the match, with the 29-year-old winning a staggering 88% of his total duels while only surrendering possession five times all game.

The midfielder was constantly seeking the ball, taking 77 touches, while also demonstrating his excellent passing capabilities by finishing the tie with a 93% pass success rate – and this was vital for Liverpool to maintain momentum.

He had one shot off target and that was about as involved as he got in an attacking sense, but with Nunez and Firmino in splendid form, Fabinho’s job was simply to keep control in the middle of the park and he was excellent.

Brazil could go far at the World Cup, and although they have an attacking line-up that will send shivers down the majority of defenders they come up against, the Liverpool player could be key to their chances by forming an integral midfield axis with Casemiro.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to be busy after the World Cup as they plot additions ahead of the January transfer window.

Despite being well-stocked in the engine room, it appears as if another central midfielder is on Antonio Conte’s wishlist and one name has emerged in recent days.

Spurs chief Fabio Paratici is set to send scouts to Qatar to watch a number of players but it’s Mohammed Kudus who could catch the eye for Ghana, who will face Rodrigo Bentancur’s Uruguay and Heung-min Son’s South Korea in Group H.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Ajax maestro has ended up in the crosshairs of the Lilywhites, thanks to his star-studded domestic performances this campaign, though Italian giants AC Milan are also keen on his signature.

The versatile Ghanian midfielder has already racked up 12 goal contributions across 21 appearances, including goals in the Champions League against Liverpool and Serie A leaders Napoli.

His role in Amsterdam has often been as a secondary striker or attacking midfielder but for his country, he’s likely to occupy a deeper role as Otto Addo has called up numerous forwards, such as Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace, Club Brugge’s Kamal Sowah and the Basque-born Inaki Williams.

Kudus has immense qualities as a box-to-box machine, as evident by the level in which he’s performed over the last year – as per FBref, the 22-year-0ld is in the top 3% of his positional peers in the ‘next eight’ divisions for passes attempted, pass completion, progressive passes, successful dribbles and total shots per 90.

Meanwhile, WhoScored list his dribbling, tackling and passing as his strongest attributes, which bears some similarities to that of Mousa Dembele, formerly of Tottenham.

The Belgian monster formed a formidable partnership with Victor Wanyama for several seasons under Mauricio Pochettino, with the powerful pair often there to do the ‘dirty work’ behind Christian Eriksen.

And whilst there is no longer an obvious no.10 or even room for one in Conte’s current system, Kudus could partner with Rodrigo Bentancur to recreate this tough duo.

The Uruguayan leads the squad for tackles per game (2.6) and is joint-second for interceptions per game (1.3) too, so he’s taken up the Wanyama-type of role and as Kudus can get forward in the final third, he could go one better than Dembele by providing goals and assists, meaning the Italian head coach could unearth another monster midfield duo if Paratici were to sign the latter in January.

Kudus, once lauded as a “superstar” by Opta analyst Owuraku Ampofo and compared to Netherlands gem Frenkie de Jong by teammate Daley Blind, could be the missing piece of the puzzle at Hotspur Way.

As such, the Italian supremo must look to sign him after the World Cup and if he performs well, then he could well command way more than the €70m (£60m) that was originally touted in the summer.

AND in other news, Spurs could find perfect Romero partner in £43.5m “monster”, he’s set to stun in Qatar…

Celtic are currently flying high on the domestic front, with Ange Postecoglou’s side having surged nine points clear at the summit following what’s been a rampant start to the Scottish Premiership season, winning 14 of their opening 15 games in the top-flight.

A key component in that title charge for the champions has been the former full-back, Greg Taylor, with the Scotland international having seemingly kicked on this term after initially struggling to make his mark at Parkhead, after joining from Kilmarnock back in 2019.

Hoops supporters had seemingly been “slaughtering his performances” in his early stint in Glasgow, in the words of ex-Bhoys playmaker Kris Commons, with the overriding feeling among most that he simply wasn’t of the quality of the man he had been tasked with replacing, Kieran Tierney.

As Commons more recently noted, Taylor had been handed a “raw deal” by being routinely compared to his compatriot – who left for Arsenal for a club-record price of £25m just over three years ago – with it something of an “impossible task” trying to replace the former Celtic Park hero.

Tierney had developed such acclaim following his impressive displays for the club after emerging from the youth set-up, going on to rack up 45 goal contributions in 170 appearances for the Old Firm side from his defensive berth, while winning a plethora of major honours in that time.

The Isle of Man-born machine was notably part of the side that went unbeaten under Brendan Rodgers during the 2016/17 campaign, with the current Leicester City boss having heaped praise on his “unique” asset during the Northern Irishman’s time in the dugout.

Trying to replace a ‘unique’ talent is no small feat, although on recent form it could well be said that Taylor has finally begun to fill that void, with the aforementioned Commons even stating that the £15.5k-per-week gem has “stepped out of Tierney’s shadow”, having been “on fire” of late.

The ten-cap gem has improved “insane amounts” since first joining the club, in his own words, with that having been evident by the fact that he has discovered a goalscoring touch so far this season, netting twice in the league to date – as well as laying on two assists.

That has ensured that the diminutive gem – who pundit Frank McAvennie described as “different class” – now has 22 goal involvements in 104 games for the Hoops, with plenty of time left to try and match Tierney’s impressive tally for the club.

While it is never easy stepping into the shoes of such a beloved figure, at present it looks as if Taylor is beginning to relish that task, rather than be burdened by it.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has ‘great interest’ in signing Real Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi in January.

The Lowdown: Muriqi impressing for Mallorca

The 28-year-old joined Mallorca from Lazio during the summer transfer window, having initially enjoyed a spell on loan at the La Liga side last season.

Muriqi has hit the ground running at his current club, scoring eight goals in just 12 league starts in 2022/23 to date, as well as netting five times in six outings for Kosovo in the UEFA Nations League.

While the towering 6ft4in attacker has only recently joined Mallorca, another switch could potentially be on the cards.

The Latest: Emery keen on signing

According to a report from Spain [via Sport Witness], Villa and Sevilla are the ‘most insistent’ clubs when it comes to potential interest in Muriqi and Emery sees the Kosovan as a ‘great option’ to add to his attack.

It is stated that the player is currently happy at Mallorca, however, which could prove to be a possible stumbling block.

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The Verdict: Upgrade on current options?

Muriqi could be an inspired signing if Villa managed to get a deal over the line, enhancing an area of the pitch that has arguably looked weak at times this season.

Danny Ings leads the Villans’ Premier League scoring charts with just five goals to date, while Ollie Watkins has really struggled for form, bagging just twice.

If Villa come in with a sizeable offer for Muriqi, who has scored 119 goals during his career for club and country, it will be interesting to see if Mallorca consider a sale – his record this season suggests he could be a great addition to Emery’s side, bringing aerial prowess and proven end product in a top European league.

Wolverhampton Wanderers would majorly benefit from the acquisition of Chivas de Guadalajara and Mexico star Alexis Vega, according to transfer reporter Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Goalscoring woes

As if being rock bottom of the Premier League table wasn’t bad enough, Wolves cannot find the back of the net, having managed just eight goals across the first half of the season. 

They have struggled to even generate any meaningful chances, with no signs of improvement to their faltering total of 15 big chances created anywhere to be seen.

This is where Mexico World Cup star Vega could come in to proceedings. The 25-year-old created more chances last term (with 44) than two of Wolves’ greatest chance creators combined this season in Daniel Podence (23) and Joao Moutinho (20). 

The Latest: Wolves’ spark 

According to transfer expert Jones, who previously told GMS Vega is on Fosun’s radar, the attacker would bring a much needed spark to Molineux, with new boss Julen Lopetegui bound to be grateful for a creative addition. 

Asked whether £23k-per-week Vega would represent a good signing for Wolves, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I do think he would bring a spark.

“I think that is something they’re crying out for once the second half of the season gets underway.”

The Verdict: Sign him up!

With Mexico star Vega about to enter the final 18 months of his contract with Chivas, Wolves may be able to snap him up for a cut-price fee. 

In doing so, they would be signing a star who would comfortably sit as the most creative asset in the side. 

Ultimately, it is their lack of ability to create opportunities that is costing the side goals and, ergo, valuable points, so it is vital that the issue is fixed across the January window.

Wolves should take a gamble on Vega with a view to bringing in a couple of other forward thinking assets across this winter window, possibly including an out and out number nine as well.

Scottish champions Celtic could well be looking to strengthen defensive ranks even further in the January window, having already secured the signings of Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Radio Marca Valladolid, the Old Firm giants are believed to be one of several European clubs who are interested in signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, in 2023.

The report suggests that the Parkhead outfit – as well as the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus, among others – are interested in making an offer for the 18-year-old, despite the defender’s inexperience at first-team level.

Any move could well prove costly for those interested parties, however, with the piece also adding that the right-back has a release clause of around €30m (£26m) in his existing deal, with that figure having the potential to rise even further.

Juranovic heir

While the Glasgow side are highly unlikely to meet that clause – with the club’s current record transfer that of Odsonne Edouard for a fee of around £9m – the aim would no doubt be to agree to a reduced fee or strike a loan deal for the promising talent.

Although the teenage Spaniard has made just nine appearances for the La Liga outfit to date at senior level, the Madrid-born starlet has clearly already made an impression in that time, having been praised for his “beastly ability” to provide quality service from the flanks, in the words of journalist Juan Arroita.

The 6-foot ace has showcased his undoubted talent in the early weeks of the current campaign having made seven appearances in all competitions thus far, notably ranking in the top 16% in Europe among those in his position for progressive passes received to illustrate his strength in possession.

Not only a threat in an attacking sense, the Spain U19 international has also illustrated his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% for tackles made and the top 3% for interceptions.

The exciting asset could well prove to be a suitable heir to highly-coveted star, Josip Juranovic at Paradise, with the Croatia international potentially set for a departure next month following a stall in contract negotiations.

Having been “immense” for his country in Qatar – according to writer Zach Lowy – the 27-year-old is now believed to even be attracting the attention of the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Manchester United.

The former Legia Warsaw man has spent the past 18 months in Scotland since his £2.5m arrival last summer, notably illustrating his attacking threat after scoring six times and registering three assists in 50 games for the Bhoys to date.

With it looking likely that an exit will be on the cards in the New Year, Postecoglou could well turn to young Fresneda as a more long-term fit, with the one-time Real Madrid youth asset able to provide stern competition to both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston.

Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the 25-year-old could solve a big issue in Julen Lopetegui’s side.

It has been widely reported in recent days that the Old Gold are keen on signing the former Crystal Palace man when the transfer window reopens in January, with a loan deal seemingly on the cards.

Wan-Bissaka looks almost certain to leave Old Trafford in January after making just one substitute appearance under new manager Erik ten Hag in the first half of the season, and Wolves could be the ones to benefit.

Since making his £50m switch to Old Trafford in 2019, the right-back, who earns £90k per week, has gone on to make 127 appearances for the Red Devils, contributing two goals and ten assists in that time.

While he has come under criticism for his lack of attacking output during his time with the club, he has always been considered a very tough player to beat one-on-one, and it is his strong defensive abilities that could make him so valuable to Lopetegui.

In 2019, the young defender was labelled “unstoppable” by journalist Dave O’Grady, while Jamie Carragher dubbed him “the best one-on-one full-back in the world,” which emphasises what he could add at Molineux.

Right-back has been a problem area for the Midlands club since Matt Doherty’s exit in 2020, with Nelson Semedo and Jonny both struggling there so far this season, emphasised by WhoScored ranking them as the eighth and 18th-best performers at Molineux.

If the Old Gold are to get out of trouble this season, they need to rediscover the defensive form they showed in the first half of the last campaign, which had them challenging for a European spot despite their lack of attacking prowess.

It is telling that Wolves’ two wins this season have both come via 1-0 triumphs at Molineux against Southampton and Nottingham Forest respectively, so keeping clean sheets has to be the aim for Lopetegui when Premier League fixtures resume.

Wan-Bissaka’s form last season at United, when he ranked top for tackles and interceptions per game in the Red Devils’ squad, suggests that he can be key to solving Wolves’ defensive woes in the second half of the campaign.

Therefore, Lopetegui should definitely bring the 25-year-old defender to Molineux in next month’s transfer window.

Newcastle United are set to return to competitive action at home to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, with the Magpies looking to pick up where they left off prior to the World Cup break.

Despite the notable excitement of the resumption of club football after an extended hiatus, manager Eddie Howe will no doubt be sweating on the fitness of his key individuals, particularly in the centre-forward ranks.

England international Callum Wilson was a notable absentee from the recent friendly triumph over Rayo Vallecano at St James’ Park following his return from Qatar, with doubts creeping in as to whether the 30-year-old is carrying an injury at present.

While Howe has since moved to suggest the six-cap menace has not sustained an issue, the former Cherries boss was vague as to whether the striker would be in line to feature against his former club tomorrow evening.

More worryingly, the 44-year-old also stated that there is no fixed return date for summer signing Alexander Isak, with the club-record capture having been out of action since early September after making just three appearances for the club thus far.

Although the Tynesiders do have £25m man Chris Wood waiting in the wings for a chance – with the 31-year-old netting against the La Liga side last time out – the New Zealand international has hardly pulled up any trees in 2022 thus far, scoring only four times for the club to date.

That could well lead to an opportunity for academy starlet, Dylan Stephenson, to make his senior debut against Gary O’Neil’s men, with the 20-year-old having notably scored in the recent, 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabian side, Al-Hilal.

Following that late strike, the emerging talent was lauded for his performance by his manager, with Howe stating post-match: “You always remember the first goal you score. He’s a great lad, very hard working, great attitude, this is a great experience for him and hopefully the first of many.”

A player who clearly “knows where the net is” – according to journalist Craig Hope – the young Englishman has sparkled in the academy ranks in recent times, with five goals and two assists in just ten games at Premier League 2 level this season.

The youngster’s total record for Newcastle’s U21 side stands at 19 goals in 56 games, having previously scored 20 goals in just 39 outings, proving himself a truly clinical presence in front of goal.

The next test will now be to replicate such displays in the first team, with these latest injury woes ensuring it may well be an ideal time for Stephenson to earn his competitive senior bow this week.

Manchester United are on the prowl for fresh additions to lift the tenure of Erik ten Hag to new heights, with Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister touted…

What’s the word?

Reports from Spain have recently stated that the Red Devils are the latest club to express an interest in Mac Allister, who recently played a central role in Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign in Qatar.

United’s interest arrives following initial murmurings that Arsenal and Atletico Madrid were weighing up their options concerning a transfer, according to Spanish outlet AS.

And with the January transfer window looming, Ten Hag may be wise to instigate a deal before a rival, and cement the club’s stature at the forefront of the Premier League.

United’s next Pogba

Mac Allister started six of Argentina’s seven World Cup fixtures, earning an average rating of 7.05 and clinching a goal and an assist – which came exquisitely served to Angel di Maria in the finale against France, as per Sofascore.

Completing 89% of his passes, succeeding with 67% of his dribbles and making 1.5 tackles per outing, Mac Allister was a truly brilliant cog in the prosperous Argentina outfit.

And the 23-year-old had been in fine fettle before absorbing the responsibility at the centre of his country’s triumphant exploits, scoring five Premier League goals from 14 appearances for the Seagulls this season.

Indeed, signing for Albion in 2019 from homeland outfit Argentinos Juniors, Mac Allister has gone on to make 86 appearances on English soil, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists, making incremental gains each year and growing into his role at the club.

As per FBref, the 14-cap star ranks within the top 6% for total shots and 15% for tackles when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues across the past year – indicating a vigorous approach to his play, not shirking from offensive or defensive duties.

He could adopt the hole left in the United side by Paul Pogba, who departed from Old Trafford on a free transfer for the second time this summer, repeating his previous exit by signing for Juventus. 

The “sumptuous” South American – as hailed by Gary Lineker – plays a flexible role at the heart of his team, often the offensive spark from the middle and known to drift down the left flank; a roaming playmaker. 

Like Pogba, he drifts from the position that cements teammates in place, and combines physicality with an all-round game iced by a knack for finding the net.

In the Frenchman’s best season, he scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists, and this rate of productivity that Mac Allister can look to emulate under Ten Hag.

He could provide United with the missing element to their attacking efforts, serving as the “golden boy” – as once lauded by Brighton-focused creator Ryan Adsett –  to ignite gilt-edged success at the Theatre of Dreams.

Some reports claim that Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi would demand a fee of around £30.5m for his signature, but it’s hard to believe the AMEX Stadium would part with such a promising young player for anything less than near double that – especially with the recent lucrative departures of the likes of Marc Cucurella for roughly £60m and Ben White for £50m.

United have money in the bank, however, and they should plunder the Seagulls for one of their most coveted assets, unleashing their new Pogba to play a pivotal role in the return to prominence.

Southampton players and Nathan Jones are reportedly in conflict over a planned change of formation.

The Lowdown: Bad start

Jones got off to a bad start in his first Premier League game in charge at St. Mary’s Stadium, losing 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day.

The result has left them bottom of the top-flight table, and Jones has a huge job on his hands to keep them up come the end of the season.

The Latest: Formation conflict

As per Football Insider, Jones is ‘at odds’ with senior Saints stars over a planned change of formation.

He wants the team to change to a new system with three central defenders, but the squad is resisting the tactical switch-up and have made it clear they want to stick to an orthodox back four.

Southampton set up in a 4-2-3-1 for what was Jones’ second game in charge, following a six-week gap from his first, a 3-1 loss at Liverpool.

Previous manager Ralph Hasenhuttl started this campaign using a 3-5-2 system after working on it during pre-season matches, but he scrapped the three-man defence just two league matches in, and got the sack in November.

The Verdict: Worth a go again?

The Saints have clearly been struggling to get results playing their four-back system, so it is worth a change again to try and change their fortunes around.

They face Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Aston Villa, and Brentford in their next five fixtures in the Premier League, which gives them a great opportunity of getting enough points on the board to drag them out of the relegation zone.

Jones needs to make his own stamp on the side after being appointed, and the January transfer window provides an opportunity for him to get his own players in that would suit his new proposed system.