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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Pablo Hernandez is almost back from injury, and while that may be music to the ears of many Leeds United fans, one man may not be too happy about the Spaniard’s return.

Indeed, Helder Costa’s spell in the starting XI may be coming to an end once Hernandez is back, and Phil Hay’s recent tweet certainly suggests that the Spaniard will slot straight into the team at the expense of Costa once he returns.

Costa’s poor run

Leeds fans had been crying out for the Portuguese winger to get a run in the starting XI before Hernandez was sidelined, but his time as a starter hasn’t quite gone how they would have hoped.

Costa hasn’t scored a single goal since Hernandez limped off against Derby County, and on top of that, he’s not provided an assist either.

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It truly has been a torrid time for the former Wolves man, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s immediately out of the team once Hernandez is back.

Bielsa’s comments

Hay tweeted a paraphrased version of Bielsa’s comments after the game against Sheffield Wednesday as the Argentine agreed that Leeds were missing Hernandez, while also pointing out some things that were missing in Costa’s game.

For the manager to say these things publicly certainly hints that Hernandez will be back in the team as soon as he is once again available.

Ever wondered how modern day skills would cope with the world’s oldest football? Find out in the video below…

It’s hard to disagree with the sentiment that Leeds have missed their Player of the Year in recent weeks as they’ve failed to score more than one goal in their last seven matches.

Having Hernandez back will be a huge boost, but the fact that Costa’s form has been so woeful during his absence is a huge worry, and it’s made Bielsa’s decision much easier once the 34-year-old is back fit.

After all, he had a hand in 24 goals for the Whites last season. His reintroduction could prove game-changing.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Sheffield Wednesday appear to have made the right appointment in Garry Monk – the 40-year-old has guided his side to ten points from a possible 15 which sees them sit just one point outside of the playoff picture.

After being appointed in early September, the former Swansea City man has had to work with a squad assembled by his predecessors, namely Steve Bruce and then caretaker boss Lee Bullen – the latter’s familiarity would have helped to an extent as he still remains as part of the backroom staff.

Some of their signings like Julian Borner and Kadeem Harris have been spot on, they are averaging over a 7.00 rating by WhoScored this season as both have made an impact at either end of the pitch.

But not all of the arrivals have gone swimmingly – Moses Odubajo has been particularly poor on the right-hand side of defence.

Against Everton in the Carabao Cup, he struggled with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, and then fans slammed his performance in the Hull City defeat last week.

On the Chalkboard

Dealing with Odubajo’s inconsistencies over the course of the season isn’t something Monk can afford to do if they are truly a playoff contender.

The Wednesday chief has options in that role too, so it can’t hurt to shake things up.

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Maybe he opts for Dominic Iorfa with Tom Lees lingering closer towards a return from injury. However, that’s not a move that seems likely given how well the 24-year-old has performed at centre-back alongside Borner.

How about playing Liam Palmer in his actual position?

The Scotland international has been at the Owls his entire career and is primarily a right-back.

But since the start of the season, he’s been playing on the left-hand side to allow Odubajo to feature in the starting line up.

When comparing his eight games at left-back this term to those played on the opposite side last season, you’ll soon see where he’s more comfortable.

And it’s no surprise that it’s in his more natural position – recording better figures for tackles, clearances, and dribbles per game on top of his crossing ability – all via WhoScored.

Monk should shift Palmer back across to the right, especially as he can call on Morgan Fox to instantly come in and fill the resulting void left behind at left-back.

That way, Wednesday can shore up the one weak spot in their defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a little bit unfortunate when it comes to individual accolades this year.The Liverpool right-back controversially didn’t make FIFA’s Team of the Year, and he was pipped to the PFA Young Player of the Year award by Raheem Sterling.Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

However, he’s finally been acknowledged for his personal achievements as he was given a Guinness World Record certificate for one of his incredible feats last season.

Indeed, the 21-year-old is now a record breaker, as he’s been given an award for the most Premier League assists in a single season by a defender.

While we’re not quite sure if that can truly be considered as a ‘world record’, the feat is still impressive nonetheless.

The Liverpool man set up 12 league goals last term, eclipsing two Everton stars as Leighton Baines and Andy Hinchcliffe held the previous record of 11.

With Alexander-Arnold averaging 3.5 key passes per game in the league this season, don’t be surprised if he has to pick up an updated version of this award this time next year after breaking his own record.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to talkSPORT, Paul Scholes has insisted Manchester United losing Paul Pogba wouldn’t be a “big loss”.

What did he say?

The France World Cup winner was the subject of intense transfer speculation over the course of the summer transfer window, but a move to either Real Madrid or Juventus failed to materialise.

Since then, the midfielder has been caught up in the Red Devils’ penalty controversy at Wolves, and received criticism from some quarters over his below-par performances.

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Now, Scholes has said if United were to lose him in the future, there would be players capable of stepping up to the plate.

He said: “I think it’s quite clear he wants to leave the club. He wanted to move to Real Madrid (in the summer) and for whatever reason it didn’t happen. If they ask him to stay for a year then we’ll see what happens. But I don’t think it will be a big loss to United (if he does go).

“At the end of the day his form hasn’t been great anyway over the last three or three years he’s been there. I’m sure there’s more players there who can step in and do just as good a job.”

Questionable

Having been one of United’s most productive performers last season with 16 goals and 11 assists, for Scholes to suggest Pogba leaving wouldn’t be considered a “big loss” is quite puzzling.

Losing the kind of drama the Frenchman appears to be followed around with off-the-pitch is understandable, but the 26-year-old has been a key performer for the Red Devils since his return from Juventus.

Scholes’ further suggestion that he’s sure the club have more players who can “step in and do just as good a job” is incredibly short-sighted too. If there are, then why haven’t they been given a chance yet?

The likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have had plenty of opportunities to turn to other players in the first-team squad or even the academy. Instead, Pogba has remained a cornerstone of the United midfield, and that perhaps says it all.

Aston Villa’s summer was almost like a revolving door at Villa Park as 12 new players walked in for a total surpassing £140m.

Having been promoted back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016, manager Dean Smith understandably wanted some reinforcements.

He splashed the cash on Wesley Moraes to make him a club-record signing at £22m, and he’s so far returned just two goals in seven appearances with their top goalscorer being John McGinn with three.

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They were also linked to several attacking players throughout the summer and even towards deadline day with the likes of Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma, and Jean-Kevin Augustin all being mooted for a potential move to the west Midlands.

At the weekend, another one of their reported targets from the summer scored his first goals for his new team.

Mbaye Diagne was linked to Villa after his former Kasimpasa teammate Trezeguet joined the club though nothing ever came of it and he joined Club Brugge on loan at the start of September.

He’s only managed 36 minutes of game time in the league for them so far this season but did net a brace against KV Mechelen in their 5-0 victory as they took top spot in the Belgian Pro League.

Later tonight, the 27-year-old could be in action against La Liga giants Real Madrid in the Champions League as Philippe Clement’s men head to the Bernabeu.

He was gifted 17 minutes against his parent club Galatasaray just two weeks ago when Europe’s elite competition got underway, so he could well feature again tonight.

That brace could even springboard him into the starting XI, but we’ll have to wait and see.

His career to date suggests he’s been rather prolific, bagging 81 goals in 148 appearances which is better than a goal every two matches.

The bulk of his performances have come in the Super Lig for both Kasimpasa and Galatasaray where he has produced 42 goals in just 49 appearances.

Based on those records alone, Smith may have missed out on a potentially valuable source of goals – fans in B6 can take a look for themselves when the two sides kick off in the early sector of matches later this evening.

A good performance against a team as big as Real is likely to have supporters wondering what if.

Tottenham have been brilliant this season and although it’s a longshot, still have a chance in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Without spending a single penny and suffering badly from big injuries, Mauricio Pochettino and his players have just got on with things, not worrying about anything else apart from doing the business on the pitch.

There have been a number of terrific showings from Tottenham recently that have since brought them back into the Premier League title debate, whilst their Champions League aspirations are also very much alive and kicking.

Yet, whatever success they may or may not enjoy this season, Spurs cannot stand still in the transfer market again and must look to replenish their squad.

Whether he would want to play second-fiddle or Tottenham somehow integrated him within the starting line-up, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic could be a brilliant summer coup.

Mitrovic, (who is valued at £22.5 million on Transfermarkt) is far greater than the Championship striker he could become if Fulham are to be relegated and would arguably good enough for Tottenham’s squad.

With the chance to play with a much greater surrounding of quality, Mitrovic could be looking at bettering the ten goals he has scored this season so far.

The Serbian international is still only 24-years-old as well, meaning that his career with Tottenham could be very long lasting and full of success eventually.

Tottenham have a squad full of young and exciting players, which Aleksandar Mitrovic would also fit the criteria of being too.

He is a bullish striker that is superb in the air and on the ground knocking the ball around. He would be far better than Fernando Llorente and would ultimately improve Tottenham’s choices massively.

Do you agree… Let us know!

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Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it five goals in five Premier League appearances this season with a brace against Watford on Sunday afternoon.

The Gabon international has been a revelation since joining the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.

And it will not come as a surprise to learn that a number of Arsenal fans took to social media on Sunday to lavish praise on the attacker.

Aubameyang’s first full season at the Emirates Stadium saw him score 31 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions.

And it does appear that the 30-year-old will be able to rival that total this season as he continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

Arsenal gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with the Hornets at Vicarage Road but Aubameyang’s display in the capital was once again impressive.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the London club’s fans can be seen below:

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Leeds United youngster Crysencio Summerville is reportedly Hamburg’s ‘preferred’ target to join the club before the January transfer window closes.

The Lowdown: Summerville struggles for playing time

The 20-year-old may be one of the Whites’ most exciting young players but he has had to make do with a peripheral role this season.

Summerville’s only start of the campaign to date came in the Carabao Cup, so it could make sense for Leeds to loan him out for the rest of the season.

As deadline day approaches, that still looks to potentially be on the cards, with reports from Hamburg delivering more news on that front.

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The Latest: Hamburg keen on move

According to Hamburger Morgenpost [via Sport Witness], Summerville remains the 2. Bundesliga club’s primary target, as they continue to chase a temporary deal.

It is stated that ‘talks with Leeds are increasingly difficult’, however, so it may be tricky to get it completed before Monday’s deadline.

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The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

In terms of Summerville’s development, it makes perfect sense for him to seal a loan move away from Leeds this month, having been described as ‘superb’ by Noel Whelan.

It would hopefully allow him more regular football in Germany’s second tier and the experience of playing abroad could help him mature as an all-round footballer.

There seems little benefit for anyone if Summerville ends up staying put in January, sitting on the substitutes bench or playing for the Under-23s.

All that said, with such little depth in attacking areas already at Elland Road, perhaps part of the trouble with the deal is Leeds’ desire to secure their own attacking signing first.

In other news, Leeds have been boosted in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Glasgow Rangers have now been gifted a big boost in their hope of tying Scott Arfield down to a new deal at the club.

The Lowdown: van Bronckhorst wants him

Speaking to the media before their 3-3 draw away at Ross County (via The Glasgow Times), manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted that he wants to keep Arfield beyond his current contract with the Teddy Bears, which will run out in the summer.

As the Dutchman says, the central midfield player has been ‘really important‘ to the side, as he has played 27 matches in total across all competitions for them this term, scoring four goals (Transfermarkt).

At 33 years of age with 19 international caps to his name, he is one of the most experienced players in the dressing room.

The Latest: Arfield speaks out

Speaking to the media in a pre-game press conference ahead of their match at home to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon, Arfield has now revealed that his agent is talking with the club about a potential new deal:

“My agent is talking to the club, this is a club I want to be a part of.

“I love being part of this football club.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Called a ‘very clever’ player by former boss Steven Gerrard, Arfield is someone who can still thrive under another coach in van Bronckhorst, and there is no doubt that he is still a key part of the team.

Yes, there will be a time when the Light Blues will have to start thinking about phasing him out given his age, but the Canadian should be given at least until the end of next season in order to help stabilise the ship under the new boss.

Nonetheless, he is someone that the fans want to keep at Ibrox too, and so a new deal will work out for all parties involved.

In other news, find out what big Gers transfer update Fabrizio Romano has dropped here!

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook on Twitter, West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph is set to move to Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Randolph now third-choice at West Ham

The veteran has been well down the Hammers’ pecking order this season, as Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola have been battling it out for the berth between the sticks. The 34-year-old has not yet featured in a West Ham shirt this season, having last done so against West Brom towards the end of last term.

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Indeed, Randolph has not even been included in any of Moyes’ Premier League squads this season. This could threaten his spot in the Republic of Ireland national team, having been capped 50 times by his country.

The Latest: Randolph set to join Villa on loan

According to Crook, Randolph is set to join Aston Villa on a loan deal, as Steven Gerrard seeks a backup for first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the Midlands

The talkSPORT journalist tweeted: “Another pending arrival at #AVFC who I understand are set to sign #WHUFC goalkeeper Darren Randolph on loan as back-up for Emi Martinez”

It has previously been reported by Claret and Hugh that the Irons would have accepted any offer which would see the Irishman leave the club, and it now looks likely that a loan exit to Villa will materialise.

The Verdict: Could be just what Randolph needs

With Fabianski and Areola going toe-to-toe with one another for the starting spot at West Ham, it seems silly to keep Randolph at the club. A move to Villa could reinvigorate the 34-year-old, who through no fault of his own has been left kicking his heels on matchdays since the start of the campaign.

Former Middlesbrough teammate Ryan Shotton has previously described the Irishman as ‘brilliant’, exclaiming that ‘some of his saves are just unbelievable’.

The move to Villa could provide him with the opportunity to play whenever Martinez is rested or unavailable, and it may just enable him to return to east London sharper and more motivated to force his way back into David Moyes’ plans.

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘Absolutely insane’ – Many West Ham fans erupt over ‘huge’ boost for Irons beast