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The festive period was not a very joyful one for Arsenal this season, as the Gunners followed up their draw away at Anfield with three losses on the bounce to leave themselves down in fourth in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup.

At present, the Gunners look miles from their best, but with the January transfer window comes the opportunity for Edu and Co to improve the squad, and the latest player touted for a move to N5 would do precisely that, Everton's Amadou Onana.

Arsenal's £195k-p/w star was as bad as Havertz v Liverpool

Arsenal were torrid in attack as they limped out of the FA Cup to Liverpool.

ByMatt Dawson Jan 7, 2024

The Belgian would improve Arsenal's already impressive midfield and could become the perfect partner for Declan Rice.

Arsenal transfer news – Amadou Onana

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder this winter and are currently 'exploring' a marquee deal for Everton star Onana.

The Toffees are understandably reluctant to sell one of their best players amid a relegation-threatened season, but according to the report, offers of around £60m – almost twice the £33m they paid for him in 2022 – could be enough to tempt them into selling.

Other reports on Monday have stated that talks are ongoing between the two parties over a respective move this winter.

Amadou Onana's season in numbers

The former LOSC Lille man has played 16 league games for the Toffees this season, scoring one goal, maintaining a passing accuracy of 84.8%, winning 2.3 aerial duels per game, winning one Man-of-the-Match award and averaging a match rating of 6.82, per WhoScored.

While the fee is certainly high, the prospect of seeing a player that talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a "one-man army in midfield" alongside Rice should be all the convincing Arsenal need to get it done.

That said, if they do need more convincing, they need not look further than the highlights of their game at Goodison Park last season.

Why Onana is a perfect partner for Declan Rice

If Arteta were to pick his strongest XI, you can be pretty sure that Rice and Martin Odegaard would be in the midfield three, which means that the only spot up for grabs is the role alongside the former West Ham captain, be that as a left eight or number six.

Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny have proven themselves useful as temporary solutions in that role. Still, their age means that they cannot be the long-term solution, and while Partey isn't necessarily too old yet, his injury record has become a genuine concern.

Finally, while Kai Havertz has looked better in recent weeks – scoring four goals in the run up to Christmas – he has yet to convince many that he should be a starter in this team.

Therefore, there is a spot for Onana to come in and make his own, but how do his underlying numbers stack up alongside Partey, given that the Ghanaian would probably lose out with his arrival?

Well, when comparing their numbers from last season – when Partey was fit – it's the Toffees ace that comes out ahead in most essential metrics.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.20

0.14

Shots on Target

0.22

0.14

Passing Accuracy

83.3%

87.2%

Tackles Won

1.56

1.45

Interceptions

1.34

1.01

Aerial Duels Won

2.17

1.34

Dispossessed

0.62

0.69

In fact, the only area in which the 30-year-old comes out on top is his passing accuracy. In all areas relevant to an all-action defensive midfielder, such as tackles won, interceptions, and aerial duels won, the Belgian comes out on top, very much living up to the "complete package" label that Jacek Kulig gave him in December.

Ultimately, playing Onana in the six role could allow Rice to move into the left-eight position permanently, which in turn could lead to Arsenal's midfield becoming one of the most formidable units to break down in European football.

The £105m summer signing has been exquisite playing further back but his explosive ball-carrying abilities mean he could well be suited to playing further forward.

Agreeing a move for another holding midfielder, be it Onana or someone else, could well allow this to happen. Therefore, the club should be pushing to get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Eddie Howe is now 190 games into his tenure in the Newcastle United hot seat with only Marco Silva, Mikel Arteta, and Pep Guardiola being in their respective Premier League jobs for longer than the Magpies boss.

Yet, the 47-year-old – despite being such a long-standing fixture at St James’ Park – isn’t above criticism, with only three wins collected so far this season in league action troubling his once rock-solid grip on the Toon job.

Indeed, away from Nick Woltemade lighting up the Premier League already as a £69m summer recruit, with four top-flight strikes next to his name, the majority of the Magpies starting XI right now feels stale and in need of a refresh.

Even Howe could be viewed as a rusty figure, with the under-fire manager now left with plenty of time to think about what immediate changes he needs to make to ensure his Newcastle team is a force to be reckoned with again, as the international break is now in play.

The biggest selection dilemmas facing Eddie Howe at Newcastle

Not even the likes of Sandro Tonali were safe from his manager’s wrath against the Bees, with the usually lively and energetic Italian only winning one meagre duel last time out, as Newcastle collapsed to a 3-1 defeat on the road.

He does, however, have some significant credit in the bank by starring more often than not across the entire campaign to date, with Tonali even being branded as an “absolute joke” of a talent by journalist Andy Sixsmith, when picking up an assist in the Toon’s recent EFL Cup success over Tottenham Hotspur.

On the other hand, Tonali’s common midfield partner in Joelinton could find himself more at risk of the first-team chop shortly, with his poor showings extending far past his 24-minute run-out against Brentford.

Indeed, the Brazilian epitomised Newcastle’s “leggy” showing against West Ham United – as it was branded by Tyneside great Alan Shearer – when winning just two of his ground duels, as Lucas Paqueta stole the midfield show for the Hammers, instead.

With no goals and assists also next to his name in the Premier League this season, Howe could be tempted to throw in the likes of Jacob Ramsey in his place.

There could also be a great deal of change at the back. While Malick Thiaw has been serenaded as their player of the season so far, his colleagues in the backline haven’t been much of a help.

Indeed, it was Sven Botman’s ball-watching that led to Igor Thiago’s second goal on Sunday and it was Dan Burn’s red card that turned the tide for the hosts beforehand. Nick Pope also failed to cover himself in much glory for Kevin Schade’s equaliser.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Newcastle's defensive duo must never play together again

Howe has become too comfortable selecting the same faces week in, week out, with the 47-year-old very much set in his old ways, having been at St James’ Park for so long now.

Still, with the emergence of Woltemade from Stuttgart this summer, and Thiaw, who has barely put a foot wrong in the main Newcastle XI since joining from AC Milan, the time could be right for Howe to start ditching figures he once heavily relied on.

Both Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier will be worried that they will be victims of this approach.

It’s strange to think that in the Champions League that both the ageing defenders combined for Newcastle’s opener against Athletic Club, as the 6-foot-7 warrior headed home a perfect free-kick delivery from the ex-Atletico Madrid full-back.

But, when watching them together back in the Premier League against Keith Andrews’ Bees, it’s clear that this is a full-back partnership that cannot continue in the bread and butter of domestic action, with both Trippier and Burn combined giving possession away a costly 37 times in West London.

Moreover, before Burn piled on the Magpies’ misery by being sent off, both Newcastle veterans also failed to register a single accurate cross, with the away side stunted down either flank as a result.

On top of that, only two tackles were won between them, as Brentford ultimately felt no fear piling forward with ease, up against the Toon’s ageing backline.

Howe will have to get rid of Burn automatically when Premier League action gets back underway, owing to his suspension, but, with Tino Livramento tipped to return to the first-team picture for the Manchester City tie up next, after injury, it wouldn’t be the greatest shock to see Trippier ditched for fresh blood down the right.

Likewise, with Lewis Hall also putting in an energetic cameo against the Bees, that makes him a prime candidate to start as Howe’s left-back against Guardiola’s men.

As bad as Botman: Howe must drop Newcastle dud who lost the ball 20x v Bees

Newcastle United had another away day to forget in the Premier League when losing 3-1 versus Brentford.

2

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 10, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to selling their Mexican striker of four years, Raul Jimenez, this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who has claimed that the Old Gold are open to offers for the 31-year-old and will consider selling him for as little as £15m – just under half of what they paid for the Mexican’s services back in 2019.

Having disappointed with his goal returns over the current season, it is said that there is a feeling amongst the Wolves hierarchy that the 31-year-old needs a change of scenery.

As per the report, Crook stated that the £100k-p/w Mexican would be open to a return to Spain, where he began his European journey with Atletico Madrid.

Jimenez out, Gibbs-White in?

Jimenez, who has scored six goals in the Premier League this season.

Whilst there is the argument that the Old Gold’s chance creation has been poor – having made just 37 big chances this season, the joint-fourth worst in the English top flight – that debate is quickly shut down with the Mexican’s squad-high tally of eight big chances missed.

When they needed him to be clinical, he has often failed to find the net, and with Lage’s recent switch in tactics catering to a counter-pressing approach, a more mobile forward would be better suited to the Old Gold.

A player who could step up to the plate, and would cost the Molineux outfit nothing in transfer fees, is their on-loan star Morgan Gibbs-White, who has set the Championship on fire this season in taking up a more offensive position as an attacking midfielder for Sheffield United. He has also played as a centre-forward six times, with four goals and two assists from that position.

Hailed as a “sensation” by The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, the £8.1m-rated Gibbs-White has proven himself as a goal poacher, having scored 11 times whilst chipping in with nine assists for a total of 20 goal contributions in 35 appearances for the Blades.

With Lage eager to involve the 22-year-old in Wolves’ pre-season plans this summer, it would be worth testing his potency as a striker, with his returns this season underlining his threat in front of goal.

In other news – Mendes links: Wolves now plot bid for “exciting” 20y/o wonderkid, Lage will love him 

Anyone watching his debut at Lord’s was left in little doubt as to what Jofra Archer brings to this England side, but his six-wicket haul rammed the message home all the same as Australia were bowled out for 179 on the opening day of the third Test at Headingley.It was a case of another day, another intriguing chapter in this Ashes contest as David Warner found some form and Marnus Labuschagne – only in the side because Steven Smith was still suffering the effects of being concussed by Archer – top-scored for Australia for the second time in as many innings. But Archer, playing just his second Test, had the last word, his 6 for 45 putting England on top.Despite rain and bad light forcing a delayed start and long, frustrating stretches without any play at all, there were enough twists and turns amid the action to ensure it was in keeping with the rest of the series so far.England, keen to make the most of Joe Root’s decision to bowl in overcast conditions upon winning the toss and having already reduced the tourists to 25 for 2, were stymied first by the weather they had hoped would work in their favour and then by the stubborn pairing of Warner and Labuschagne.But just as it looked like Warner might dig in after rediscovering some much-needed form with his first double-figures score of the series and then having a caught-behind decision rightfully overturned, he exited, the first in a flurry of three wickets that had England back in control as Australia slid from 136 for 2 to 139 for 5 in the space of 15 balls.That became 162 for 6 thanks to Root’s deft use of the DRS when Tim Paine was given not out lbw on 11 to a Chris Woakes inswinger, with replays showing the ball hit the knee roll in line and would have taken the top of leg stump.But as in the second Test, when he came in as Smith’s concussion replacement and scored 59, Labuschagne produced another composed innings.After play started 70 minutes late, Archer struck in the fourth over of the match when he had Marcus Harris – in the side for Cameron Bancroft who was dropped after scores of 8, 7, 13 and 16 in the series so far – caught behind for 8. Harris’ disappointment was compounded as the players immediately followed him off the field as the rain returned.After lunch was taken early, Stuart Broad had Usman Khawaja out just as cheaply early in the second session, caught down the leg side after a confident and ultimately successful review by Root. The England players looked rather dubious when play was halted as light rain began to fall again with Warner on 18 and Labuschagne yet to score and they were even slower to leave when bad light was called 3.1 overs into the resumption.An elongated tea break was followed, however, by a break in the weather, which is forecast to be fine for the coming days. That did not, however, lift England’s mood as they became bogged down in a tenacious partnership between Warner and Labushcagne, which yielded 111 runs.Warner reached his half-century off 79 balls with a four off Woakes and booing could be heard as the batsman – still finding his way back into the game following his year-long ball-tampering ban – acknowledged the crowd, which also offered warm applause as his wife and two of his three young daughters cheered him on from the stands.Warner was on 61 and mighty swift to call for a review when he was given out caught behind off Broad, with UltraEdge revealing he had not hit the ball. He failed to add to his score, though, before Archer found the edge in the next over with a near-unplayable 90mph ball and Bairstow took the catch.Far from the onslaught of speed and aggression he showed with such devastating effect at Lord’s, Archer bowled in more controlled spells with no damage whatsoever to his figures. He still produced speed when he needed to, as Warner discovered, and enough bounce to keep the batsmen on their toes. He bowled the most overs with 17.1, having sent down 44 overs of venom in the previous match, which ended just four days ago.Broad, too, caused Australia some problems, answering Labuchagne’s fifty celebration with a ball to the groin that took the batsman several minutes to recover from and taking 2 for 32 from his 14 overs, including the dismissal of Travis Head for a duck with a gem of a delivery that crisply struck the top of off stump, the second wicket of Australia’s mini-collapse.Matthew Wade followed, also for a duck, after an Archer delivery struck him on the glove and thigh pad before dropping behind him and rolling gently into the base of leg stump.Labuschagne carried on as Paine, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins fell – the latter two more Archer fodder – before his bizarre dismissal, lbw to a dipping Ben Stokes full toss that he reviewed to find the ball would have smashed into the centre of middle stump.Nathan Lyon was the last man out, and Archer’s sixth wicket, lbw to a full, straight ball that was hitting leg stump and which allowed England to claim the day.

Everton are in the thick of their pre-season preparations, and David Moyes is looking to recapture the form that allowed him to make such an impressive (second) start to life as the Toffees boss.

The exodus on the blue half of Merseyside was needed at the end of the 2024/25 season, even though Everton rallied and leapt away from the relegation zone in the half-season with Moyes in charge, finishing 13th in the Premier League.

More is needed, but the seeds have been planted. The Blues have welcomed Thierno Barry to the fold for a £27m fee, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin at centre-forward.

But Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom were both carried away in the stream of summer exits, loan spells wrapped up. Both flattered to deceive last season, but now a right-sided forward is needed.

Everton searching for new winger

Everton have been locked in talks with French club Lyon for their talented winger Malick Fofana in recent days, and though a breakthrough is close, the Belgian is holding out for a suitor with the allure of Champions League football.

But the 20-year-old would have the chance to nail down a starting berth at Everton, fostering his dynamic attacking qualities over the next few years.

Should the Friedkin Group’s effort prove fruitless, however, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton have made an enquiry to Real Sociedad for Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause.

The 24-year-old principally plays down the right wing, and so would be an ideal positional fit for Moyes’ side.

What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Everton

Kubo has 41 goal contributions for Real Sociedad across 137 appearances, having played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s youth academies.

He’s a talented man, endowed with ferocious athletic skills and charged with a tenacity which once led Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani to say this: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Constantly in attack mode.”

While Kubo might not be the most prolific winger on the block, he ranked among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in La Liga last season for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Fofana is also a high-speed runner with a burgeoning sharpness in the final third, but Kubo may well have a bit more about him, a bit more completeness.

Matches (starts)

36 (27)

29 (16)

Goals

5

5

Assists

0

4

Shots taken*

1.2 (0.4)

1.1 (0.5)

Big chances missed

2

4

Pass completion

77%

84%

Big chances created

9

6

Key passes*

1.3

0.9

Ball recoveries*

3.3

2.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

1.1

Dribbles*

2.1

0.8

Total duels (won)*

5.3 (52%)

2.9 (50%)

Sure, Kubo didn’t register an assist in La Liga last season, but his creative numbers bespeak his playmaking ability. Moreover, he dribbles forward with far more consistency than the electric Fofana, who has already garnered a reputation for his ball-carrying ability.

He’s also far more active in the duel, something that would please Moyes as he constructs a balanced and hard-working outfit, capable across the different phases of play.

If Fofana proves unattainable this summer, Everton must push ahead for Kubo. He might even prove the better pick.

He could be Ndiaye 2.0: Everton make enquiry to sign "electric" £43m star

Everton are looking to overhaul their attack this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 31, 2025

Their opponents are still technically battling for one of those semi-final spots, but for South Africa the post-mortem has already begun. How did two years of intense planning, which featured serious blooding of hopefuls and all manner of contingencies, including letting David Miller keep for a few games in case Quinton de Kock got injured – how did all that manifest in this train wreck of a campaign?And what does it mean now that the dream is dead? What happens to the coaches and senior players? South Africa had had success in ODIs in the past year, winning five successive bilateral series, but does that mean anything without a half-decent World Cup to show for it?Head coach Ottis Gibson’s contract runs to September. Who deserves to stay as they attempt to build for the next cycle?”It’s a bit tough for all of us – we haven’t performed as well as we would have liked and we have to suffer the consequences of that,” assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa said ahead of the match in Durham against Sri Lanka. “We are willing to take responsibility, but hopefully we will be judged on more than what we have done here. A lot of good work was done before. Hopefully that counts for something.”If heads do roll then we can look back and say we’ve given it our best shot. We came here to win and it hasn’t happened. We want to make sure we leave Cricket South Africa in a better place than when we took over. It might not look like it now, but we think we have contributed.”Although coaching staff are clearly thinking about their jobs right now, there are still two games to play before South Africa return home to face consequences. For the likes of Imran Tahir and JP Duminy, who had announced their ODI retirements before the tournament, the games against Sri Lanka and Australia are a chance to bid farewell on at least a mildly pleasant note. The remainder are attempting to salvage pride and stem negativity.Senior players – Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis in particular – may find themselves under the microscope when the tournament ends regardless of what happens in these games. But two wins, perhaps, would temper the scrutiny a little.”What’s left to play for is really ourselves,” Maketa said. “We’ve dedicated the last two years to coming here and win the tournament. We can’t let two weeks’ work reflect badly on us. We need to make sure we really finish strong. As much as we’re playing for millions of people back home. We need to make sure we walk away from this World Cup and justify why we’re here.”The way we see ourselves representing our country, we want to make sure that we finish off on a high. We’ve got a few players who are finishing after this World Cup. Two victories here will go a long way, rather than just one victory. That will be our legacy of the World Cup, and we don’t want to let ourselves down.”

England to play four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is before Australia arrive for limited-overs tour

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-2019Centurion will remain the host venue for South Africa’s Boxing Day Test against England later this year, with CSA confirming its fixture list for the 2019-20 season. As well as a full England tour featuring four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, South Africa will also host Australia for six limited-overs matches in February and March.England will travel to Cape Town, the traditional venue for South Africa’s New Year Test, followed by matches in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Durban misses out on a Test but is the venue for an ODI and T20I; England will also travel to East London for the start of the T20I series.The tour will begin in mid-December with one two-day and one three-day tour match in Benoni. After the Tests, England have two one-day warm-up games scheduled in Paarl.Australia’s arrival in late February will see them go straight into T20Is at Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, with the three ODIs scheduled for Paarl, Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom – Australia’s first visit to Senwes Park since the 2003 World Cup.”This will be a huge summer both for our Standard Bank Proteas, who are currently ranked in the top three in all three formats, and for our fans who can look forward to action-packed and top-quality entertainment against two of the powerhouses of world cricket,” CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe said.”The Test matches will take on particular significance as this will be our first home series in the ICC World Test Championship following our away series in India in October. I am delighted also to announce that we will be working closely with SA Tourism around the Test host venues of Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg to ensure that this series creates a win-win situation both for cricket and the South African economy.”The two KFC T20 international series take on extra relevance as we start our preparation for the ICC Men’s World T20 to be played in Australia in October and November next year.”South Africa 2019-20 fixturesDec 26-30 – 1st Test v England, SuperSport Park, Centurion
Jan 3-8 – 2nd Test v England, PPC Newlands, Cape Town
Jan 16-20 – 3rd Test v England, St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
Jan 24-28 – 4th Test v England, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Feb 4 – 1st ODI v England, PPC Newlands, Cape Town
Feb 7 – 2nd ODI v England, Kingsmead, Durban
Feb 9 – 3rd ODI v England, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Feb 12 – 1st T20I v England, Buffalo Park, East London
Feb 14 – 2nd T20I v England, Kingsmead, Durban
Feb 16 – 3rd T20I v England, SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 21 – 1st T20I v Australia, Bidvest Wanderers, Johannesburg
Feb 23 – 2nd T20I v Australia, St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
Feb 26 – 3rd T20I v Australia, PPC Newlands, Cape Town
Feb 29 – 1st ODI v Australia, Eurolux Park, Paarl
Mar 4 – 2nd ODI v Australia, Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Mar 7 – 3rd ODI v Australia, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

The FedEx Performance Zone provides the top performers of the week as Real Madrid, Bayern, Paris and Dortmund play out the semi-final first legs

The stakes are tremendous, but the thrills are even greater. We're halfway through the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, but all four teams still have an excellent chance of booking their spot in the decider at Wembley Stadium.

After Bayern and Real Madrid played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Fußball Arena München, Borussia Dortmund secured a 1-0 victory on home soil in their first-leg clash against Paris on Wednesday.

Both games could have ended with completely different results, however, as the tightly contested matches saw plenty of excellent chances in a thrilling week of European action.

With the help of the FedEx Performance Zone, GOAL takes a look at the stars of the latest round of fixtures in the competition.

Getty ImagesVinicius Junior | Real Madrid | 137 points

Bayern may have had the brighter of starts to their clash against Real Madrid, but the German side were punished for their wastefulness with a fine move midway through the first half.

Toni Kroos found himself in acres of space in midfield and was able to pick out an excellent pass to send Vinicius Junior, who raced ahead of the Bayern defence and expertly tucked it beyond Manuel Neuer and into the bottom corner.

He was a real threat throughout the 90 minutes and, after seeing Bayern fly into a 2-1 lead in the second half, he started a tricky move that ended with Rodrygo being fouled in the box and earning a penalty. It was Vinicius who kept a cool head to fire in the equaliser from the spot.

AdvertisementGettyNico Schlotterbeck | Dortmund | 87 points

German defender Nico Schlotterbeck was one of many excellent performers for Dortmund as his side beat the recently-crowned French champions in Germany.

It was the centre-back who found Niklas Fullkrug, sending him on his way to netting the winning goal in the first half of the clash. Schlotterbeck did much more than that, however. He made three important tackles and a solid interception and was reliable on the ball to help his team see out the victory.

GettyHarry Kane | FC Bayern Munich | 87 points

English striker Harry Kane added yet another goal to his awesome record since joining Bayern from Tottenham last summer. He calmly sent his penalty beyond Andriy Lunin to give his team the lead just before the hour mark.

He even had many opportunities to fire in another goal, too, as the 30-year-old ended the game with five attempts, hitting the target with two.

GettyOusmane Dembele | Paris Saint-Germain | 65 points

Ousmane Dembele was a bit of a hellraiser for Paris despite their upset in Germany on Wednesday. After emerging as the hero in the previous round against Barcelona, the winger tried his best to bring his team back into the semi-final tie, too.

He had four shots in the game, was constantly driving at the Dortmund defence and was excellent with his passing, but simply could not get the ball into the net despite his efforts.

USMNT star Chris Richards has shared that both he and Crystal Palace have scheduled a date for his return to the pitch after a three-game absence.

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Richards sidelined with 'frustrating' injuryUSMNT star missed 3-straight gamesTimeline for return revealedWHAT HAPPENED?

The U.S. international, who had played in 16-straight matches for The Eagles prior to his knee injury, is finally set to return to the pitch. The central defender and Oliver Glasner's side are targeting a return against West Ham United this weekend.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT RICHARDS SAID

“I think frustrating would be a good word for it,” Richards said ahead of their Liverpool match last weekend.

“I feel like I worked hard over the last two seasons that I’ve been here and I think I was finally reaping the benefit of that. It’s always nice playing games.

“I have a knee injury. Hopefully, what we’re aiming for is West Ham. I’m just kind of taking it day by day, hoping that it continues to heal and that’s what I’m aiming for, at least, is the West Ham game.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Palace pulled off a shocking 1-0 victory last weekend at Anfield without Richards available, but in the two matches prior, they fell to Bournemouth and Manchester City. During his 16-match run with the Eagles, they pulled off a result in nine of the matches, keeping two clean sheets.

With his potential return at the weekend now on the cards, the Eagles could receive a massive defensive boost.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PALACE?

The Eagles take on West Ham Saturday in a Premier League clash. The South London club will hope to pull off a result for the second-straight week as they look to end their campaign on a high note.