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Many Sunderland fans have been reacting to the League One Team of the Week after their 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers in the third tier this past weekend.

The Black Cats picked up an important victory on Saturday as they push for promotion to the Championship. They are now up to third in the table, just three points behind leaders Hull City with two games in hand (BBC). There were some other big results in League One during the past matchday, such as Peterborough United’s 7-0 humbling of Accrington Stanley.

Unsurprisingly, that led to five Posh players being named in the Team of the Week, as well as manager Darren Ferguson. Sunderland were represented only by Aiden McGeady, but it seems that many Black Cats supporters were shocked by the XI which was chosen – firstly, because the 34-year-old was selected despite him seemingly not having his best game, and secondly because Aiden O’Brien, who scored the only goal of the match against the Pirates, was not included.

The line-up was shared on League One’s official Twitter page, and these Sunderland fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Sunderland fans had to say about the team below

“Aiden Mcgeady at CDM”

Credit: @LukeCostello13

“Are these just randomly picked? McGeady should be in every week if he was in yesterday average game compared to usual.”

Credit: @calvinfox96

“O’Brien?”

Credit: @jacobcunliffe10

“I mean I’ll take it but how did McGeady get in this team”

Credit: @SAFCTC

“How has McGeady got in, but not O’Brien? Or O’Nien? Or Burge? Not saying all 3 of those should be in it, but they deserved it more than McGeady , Geads had an above average game, but wasn’t TOTW quality this week.”

Credit: @army_hub

“No O’Brien, absolutely laughable”

Credit: @DavidHindmarsh7

In other news, Kevin Phillips has urged Sunderland to sign this ace.

Jurgen Klopp looks to have been handed a timely injury boost at Liverpool, with Fabinho reportedly back in training after his recent injury problems.

The German manager recently lost captain Jordan Henderson, who is expected to be sidelined until April, so Fabinho’s return to fitness could be the ideal timing for the Reds, who now look desperately short on senior options at centre-back.

The former Monaco man was impressive at centre-back earlier in the season, with Klopp forced to drop him back there after the injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

Henderson joined him at centre-back after the injury to Joel Matip, whilst Ozan Kabak has become a regular since his loan switch in January, and it seems likely that Fabinho will partner him at the back once he is ready to feature again.

Klopp confirmed ahead of Sunday’s game against Sheffield United that the Brazilian international has now returned to training after his minor muscle injury, so whilst the game at Bramall Lane could come too soon for him, a return to action in upcoming games seems likely.

The Reds have now lost four consecutive games in the top-flight and will now be content with a top-four finish this season, so Klopp will be hoping that Fabinho can come in and steady the ship, with his defence showing their vulnerabilities in recent fixtures, particularly in the 3-1 defeat against Leicester.

Considering the German manager was quick to sing Fabinho’s praises earlier in the season when he returned from injury, dubbing him “world-class”, his return could help Liverpool turn their season around, should he be able to repay his manager’s faith in him by performing well on his return to action.

In the absence of Henderson, perhaps Fabinho can be the leader Liverpool need for the rest of the season, as he has consistently shown with his performances in recent seasons just how important he can be for Klopp.

AND, in other news… Klopp can finally sign his Coutinho heir at LFC with swoop for £63.5m-rated whizz loved by Del Piero

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Wolves striker Marlon Harewood suggested the Midlands club could miss out on reported target Ivan Toney in the summer with the chances of him staying at Brentford not impossible.

Toney has torn up the Championship this season, scoring 25 goals in 33 appearances, a feat that appears to not have gone unnoticed.

The 24-year-old’s goalscoring form has seen him linked with a move to the Premier League, and Wolves are just one club who are said to be interested. According to TEAMtalk, the Molineux outfit, as well as Arsenal, Leicester City and Leeds United, are keen on the player.

Harewood, though, believes Toney remaining at the Brentford Community Stadium for the time being could be his best option, while he is also convinced the west London club will fight to keep hold of their star man.

In an exclusive interview with FFC, Harewood said:

“The club’s going to want to keep him, hopefully, [and] he might want to stay there. I like that in a striker, obviously there’s a lot of interest coming from other clubs, but sometimes it doesn’t always work out. If you’re scoring goals week in, week out and you’re going to get promoted to the Premier League or wherever you’re going to go, why not stay there and try and prove yourself.”

On the same subject, Harewood added: “The club will want to sort you out a contract. If you’re the top goalscorer, they’re going to want to sort you out and then you can concentrate on moving forward with the club.”

Links to an attacking player like Toney are no surprise, with Wolves arguably in need of some more firepower. The horrible injury to first-choice No.9 Raul Jimenez, which has seen him miss a large chunk of the season, has left Nuno Espirito Santo’s side short in the goals department.

At this point of the campaign, no player has scored more than five goals in all competitions, arguably showing that the team could do with another forward coming in.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former defender Steve Howey revealed that he believes Celtic manager Neil Lennon will be shown to the Parkhead exit door, but not until the end of the current season.

Lennon to go at the end of the campaign

Lennon has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent days. Earlier this week, he held a press conference in which he appeared to deny Celtic did anything wrong with their trip to Dubai (Glasgow Live), even though Peter Lawwell had already apologised (BBC) for the incident.

The boss’ time in the Celtic hot-seat does seem to be drawing to a close, but Howey believes he will last until the end of the campaign. He said:

“With a club like Celtic, you’ve got to win games, and you’ve got to win things, it’s as simple as that and it hurts even more when it’s their biggest rivals that actually seem to be coming up as Celtic are coming down a little bit.

Obviously, he’s found it difficult. I have to be honest, I think his press conferences, he could have easily been a little bit more sticky with anybody, he’s been quite upbeat, but still kind of had that little bit of nip in him, which has been good.

I mean, I’d like to see him stay on but at the same time, the people upstairs, they’ll be like, ‘kind of see the season out and we’ll look to get somebody in’, but who will replace him? We’ll have to wait and see “

End is nigh

This had the potential to be a fabulous term for Celtic as they closed in on ten Premiership titles in a row. However, after 22 games, they find themselves 20 points behind league leaders Rangers. Even though they have two games in hand, it would take a huge turnaround for the Parkhead outfit to finish the season on top of the table.

It is not so much that they are not winning this term, but rather the manner of their failures that will likely lead to Lennon’s downfall.

Relieving him of his duties now makes no sense – no manager in the world would fancy his chances of winning the title in the Bhoys’ current position. At the end of the term, though, a managerial change is more than likely, as Howey himself suggests.

In other news, this pundit had named on key Celtic figure for the club’s failings.

According to Calciomercato, Aston Villa have started to press for the signing of Sogndal starlet Sivert Mannsverk.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested Dean Smith’s side are interested in signing the 18-year-old and bringing him to the Premier League in this January transfer window.

Now, Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) have claimed that whilst both Villa and Everton have started to make their move for the Norwegian, but that they face a race against time to try and complete a deal.

The report adds that the two Premier League sides are a step behind both Ajax and Groninjen as the two Dutch teams have come forward with official offers for the midfielder.

Smith’s next crown jewel

After the excitement that Villa’s academy players brought following their involvement in the FA Cup third round clash against Liverpool, the club will have seen first-hand the kind of impact young, hungry talent can bring.

And whilst Louie Barry was the undoubted star following his goal against the Reds, Villa could really add to their abundance of young stars with a move for Mannsverk.

The teenager has already been named captain of Sorndal, and has been compared to Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge for his style of play.

Predominantly a central midfielder, Mannsverk can play further forward and a bit deeper too, and showed off his impressive potential with four goals and four assists in 29 competitive appearances last season whilst wearing the armband for his side.

With scouts from clubs all across the globe, finding the next big superstar who’s yet to be properly discovered has become a tall order. And given Mannsverk has already attracted interest from the likes of Everton and Ajax among others, it just goes to show Johan Lange has got a tough job trying to get a deal done.

But if he can, he could get Smith’s next crown jewel to go along with the likes of Barry and Jacob Ramsey.

Meanwhile, Villa are making an unforgivable mistake…

Everton midfielder Tom Davies badly let Carlo Ancelotti down in Saturday’s Premier League win over Arsenal in the absence of Allan.

Ancelotti confirmed ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Goodison Park that Allan would play no part after sustaining a hamstring injury in the midweek win over Leicester City, and opted to name Davies alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure in a dual-axis holding duo.

The decision to pair Doucoure with Davies appeared well-thought-out in the opening stages when the duo forced Mikel Arteta’s side to drop deep, allowing for Mason Holgate to overlap Alex Iwobi and create space for the Nigerian to deliver the cross for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s deflected header which beat Bernd Leno to open the scoring.

But Davies’ promising start lasted just over 10 minutes before his afternoon took a sour turn when his clumsy attempt to clear the ball saw Arsenal awarded a penalty, with the £14.4million-rated Toffees product unaware of Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ presence on his blind side.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was disgusted by Davies’ lack of awareness and was adamant the 22-year-old had to do better during what was only his third start of the Premier League season.

“When you’re the defensive midfield player, you have a responsibility to react,” Redknapp said during Sky Sports’ half-time coverage (19/12, 18:23). “Arsenal get it wrong, but work at it again.

“Maitland-Niles gets the cross in and just follows it in. Davies has got to react, you can see he’s just on his heels, he doesn’t sense there’s danger, he doesn’t realise he’s coming in behind him.

“He’s got to react quicker, Maitland-Niles gets there before him and it’s a definite penalty. He knows what he’s doing. It’s not a great header by Yerry Mina, but Davies has got to do better.”

Mina restored Everton’s lead on the brink of first-half stoppage-time when the Colombian headed home Gylfi Sigurdsson’s corner, but Davies was unable to restore his performance to a higher regard after the break.

Davies saw out the entire 90 minutes, yet ended the match having recorded fewer touches (35) than Jordan Pickford (36), per SofaScore. He also registered the same aerial duel success rate as the Blues’ shot-stopper, having each attempted and won a single contest.

Davies further let Ancelotti down with success in just two of six ground duels, committed three fouls, made only two successful tackles, was dribbled past once, never successfully intercepted the ball and misplaced three of his four long passes.

He was poor positionally, too, often dropping to within touching distance of defenders Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane to leave acres of space for Arsenal to control possession in the Toffees’ territory in search of a second equalising goal that never came.

No doubt Ancelotti will be fuming with Davies for his calamitous foul which gifted Arsenal a route back into the tie, and must now be questioning whether or not the £25,000-per-week outcast can cover for Allan when Everton play Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night.

AND in other news, an £18m-rated Everton ace once an automatic pick for Carlo Ancelotti faces a huge hurdle to regain his place at Goodison Park.

Tottenham Hotspur eased into the next round of the FA Cup with a 5-0 victory over non-league minnows Marine this evening, though for all of the positives, one player’s performance will have Jose Mourinho seething.

A first-half 13-minute hat-trick by Carlos Vinicius, a pinpoint free-kick from fellow Brazilian Lucas Moura and a debut strike from history-maker Alfie Devine settled the resounding rout at the Marine Travel Arena in Crosby.

Indeed, it was a routine win for against a side that competes in the eighth tier of English football, some 160 places below Spurs in the pyramid.

It gave Mourinho a chance to look at several of his fringe players with the likes of Eric Dier and Harry Kane not even making the trip north.

Benfica loanee Gedson Fernandes was one of many to be gifted a golden opportunity to impress, but he did anything but and was quite clearly the worst player on the pitch.

His performance looks even worse considering the opposition and many fans took fire at him on social media during and after the match.

Gedson was dubbed “absolute garbage” and “one of the worst signings” in Spurs history by one fan, another labelled him a “possession vacuum” as he often lost the ball and there were even members of the Hotspur faithful asking the club to send him back to Portugal.

It’s easy to see why so many were left fuming by his display – per SofaScore, the 22-year-old recorded more touches (117) than any other player but failed to provide much substance as he made 0% of crosses, had zero key passes and fired two shots off target.

The attacking midfielder also lost the ball more times (22) than any other Spurs player, which meant he handed possession back to Marine once every five touches.

Alasdair Gold at football.london wasn’t impressed by the £12.15m-rated Portugal international either, grading him as Spurs’ worst player with a 5/10 in his post-match ratings and claimed: “This won’t have done his case much good to get more minutes.”

Whilst Dan Kilpatrick at the Evening Standard teased that it could’ve been his final game for the club, he said: ” Quite possibly a farewell appearance.”

Sky Sports reported last week that the Primeira Liga outfit wanted to recall Gedson early and Spurs would be open into doing so, well, after that performance, Daniel Levy might as well pay for his plane ticket now.

The £55k-per-week flop’s career at Spurs is surely finished after that shocking and pathetic outing.

AND in other news, Spurs must land dream Lo Celso partner in £18m-rated gem, Jose dubbed him “phenomenal”…

West Ham United are reportedly eying a hazardous swoop for Spezia Calcio striker M’Bala Nzola, who is enjoying a career redeeming shot at the Serie A side.

What’s the word?

According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, the Irons and Newcastle United have both approached Spezia after showing an interest in Nzola, only for a potential deal to lure the 24-year-old away from Italy to be rebuffed by the player.

Premier League interest failed to turn the French forward’s head toward leaving the Liguria-based outfit, having only signed for Vincenzo Italiano’s side permanently this summer following an initial half-season loan spell.

Nzola is focused on succeeding with Spezia for the time being after aiding their successful promotion bid last term with six of his seven career Serie B goals, before netting a brace away to Benevento Calcio last weekend to open his top-flight account.

Tuttosport claim interest from West Ham and Newcastle following an exclusive interview with Nzola’s agent Didier Pingsi, who noted that his client’s experience in Serie A will ensure he’s ready to take the next step of his career.

“I think M’Bala must now consolidate his experience in Serie A,” Pingsi noted. “Then he’ll be ready for the five most important European championships: England, France, Spain, Germany and precisely Italy.”

A hazardous move

West Ham moving to sign Nzola in January would be a pursuit riddled with potential hazards, as the 24-year-old has only ever tackled four Serie A fixtures and appeared set for a future in the third-tier of Italian football until Spezia registered the Frenchman on a free transfer.

Nzola is now enjoying a redeeming moment of his career under Italiano, who sought to bring the striker back after opting against acquiring his services at the end of his loan spell only for Trapani to release the £810,000-rated attacker just a month ago.

The 6ft centre-forward’s time as a senior player had been met with relentless challenges before joining Italiano’s side, too, with L’Equipe noting how Nzola struggled during the six-years spent between leaving academy side Troyes at 18 and joining Spezia permanently this summer.

Nzola is now being revered in Italy, with Metropolitan Magazine lauding the forward for his enviable physical strength and for connecting the entire Spezia attack.

Those two attributes would play out nicely for David Moyes at West Ham by handing the Scot another Michail Antonio-type, but the signs of Nzola making a successful switch to the Premier League are thin and far between.

AND in other news, David Moyes is “worried” by a West Ham blow that a Manuel Pellegrini favourite can capitalise on.

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic appears to be back on the hot seat once again amid speculation over his future in the Midlands…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable John Percy at the Telegraph, the Croatian faces another battle to save his job at the Hawthorns following an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

He claims that Albion’s board remain seriously concerned over the team’s performances and results, dating back into their promotion-winning season too and now this Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United could be pivotal in deciding his future.

Another capitulation could spell the end for the 52-year-old.

The only firm name linked with potentially succeeding Bilic has been Charlton Athletic boss, Lee Bowyer, as per the Mirror.

Perhaps he’s truly worth considering.

A risk worth taking?

Despite going the opposite way of the Baggies last season, the 43-year-old has done a sterling job at The Valley throughout his two-and-a-half years at the helm.

Twice a winner of the League One Manager of the Month award, the former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder guided the Addicks to promotion in 2019 all whilst dealing with difficult circumstances with tumultuous owner Roland Duchatelet in control.

All under a shoe-string budget too, which makes his win percentage of 43% and 1.5 points-per-game record all that more impressive.

His assistant manager Jonnie Jackson has lauded his management style in an interview with The Athletic, he said:

“He’s very detailed in his approach, very diligent studying opposition, and loves the tactical side of it all — coming up with different formations for certain opponents. He’s a very good man-manager, knows the right time to put an arm round the player or give him a kick up the backside. He’s not afraid to do that — if it’s needed at half-time or full-time — but never to excess.”

But most interestingly is the fact that he’s gotten the best out of both Chelsea loan star Conor Gallagher and mega-money signing Karlan Grant – getting this duo in harmony could be the defining factor in turning around West Brom’s season, and there’s surely no one better than Bowyer.

It would bring back the good shades of Darren Moore after he took over permanently from the academy set-up; many of the Baggies’ younger players benefitted hugely from his influence.

Now where are they?

Under Bowyer, Gallagher delivered six goals and four assists in just 26 starts, via Transfermarkt, whilst Grant romped to 14 goals and seven assists in just 29 appearances under him at Charlton before earning a move to Huddersfield Town.

He may not have experience managing in the Premier League, but his history under a problematic owner as well as his proven track record with two of Albion’s current stars should be enough to take the gamble.

If they go down, then his credentials for another Championship push will only increase tenfold.

AND in other news, Albion made to pay over their failure to sign £16m magician this summer…

Tottenham Hotspur are set to launch a bid for one of their key EFL targets this week, according to fresh reports…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claim Spurs are poised to submit an offer of around £13m for Swansea City centre-back Joe Rodon and will also allow him to remain at the Championship outfit in the hope of clinching him before the October 16th deadline.

The north Londoners appear to be battling West Ham for the 22-year-old’s signature. It’s also thought that the Welsh international, who played against England on Thursday evening, is keen to make the step up.

Swansea are thought to want around £15m to let their key man depart.

Massive upgrade?

Rodon could well be a massive upgrade in more ways than one.

Standing at 6 foot 4 inches tall, he’s more of a colossal presence at the back than any of Jose Mourinho’s current options and that’s reinforced by the number of aerial duels won this campaign.

Davinson Sanchez leads the way for Spurs’ centre-backs, averaging 3.7 per game but this is merely dwarfed by the Swans’ sensation, who is managing a whopping 5.3 aerials won each outing this campaign.

It doesn’t stop there either, Rodon is averaging more clearances (7.8) than any of the Spurs squad and even more interceptions (2.3) than what Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (one) or Eric Dier (one) can muster up.

Rodon has been lauded as many things during his meteoric rise in Wales, ranging from The Athletic dubbing him “one of the brightest prospects in the Championship” to his manager Steve Cooper claiming that he’s “destined for the top”.

Sky Sports have even claimed he’s a “special talent” who bears similarities to both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

Spurs’ current first-choice option Sanchez has looked particularly poor next to Dier this campaign, failing to record above a 6.78 rating whilst in the past Ferdinand himself has slammed the £42m man’s defending – not a good look at all.

They may well have to wait until next summer to get him fully, but Rodon would be an upgrade to Mourinho’s current options and certainly one for the future.

AND in other news, Spurs could unearth a new Danny Rose in “skilful” teenage sensation…