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West Ham United manager David Moyes should ‘go to Specsavers’ after claiming not to have seen the handball incident during the Premier League game vs Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Controversy at the London Stadium

The Irons secured a 2-0 victory over the Cherries at the London Stadium on Monday night, but there was controversy after Thilo Kehrer appeared to handle the ball seconds before Kurt Zouma put it in the back of the net.

During a BBC interview post-match, the Scottish boss claimed that he didn’t see the incident that gave his side the lead, despite a lengthy VAR review from Mike Dean.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell was shocked by Moyes’ revelation, but couldn’t deny that the Hammers fully deserved the victory on the night, regardless of the decision made:

“If David Moyes did not see that maybe he should go to Specsavers. It was blatant.

“Managers could say, ‘I have seen them given. We have got the rub of the green today.’ I would like to see that.

“I am sure West Ham know they got away with one there.

“It is part and parcel of the game though. Some decisions go your way, some don’t. West Ham deserved the win on the night though.”

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The Verdict: Back to normal

The Irons were definitely lucky that the goal stood, but their performance more than earned them the win over their opponents and it seems they are really back in business after a slow start to the campaign.

These three points saw them climb up to tenth in the table, and after securing qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League in midweek, they should be full of confidence.

West Ham return to league action to take on Manchester United this Sunday and will be hoping to continue their decent run of form on the back of some strong results.

West Ham United’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace saw summer signing Thilo Kehrer deputise at right-back, with Vladamir Coufal forced to watch on from the bench.

The German, clearly playing out of position, was handed the worst SofaScore rating of anyone on the pitch (5.9) yet still managed the full 90 minutes.

Whether Moyes has an issue with the Czech Republic international, or just wanted added defensive solidity up against the Eagles’ fluid front three, he blundered massively with this tactical decision.

If he is so keen on leaving Coufal out of the side, perhaps he could turn to the academy to unearth a success story similar to the one Ben Johnson has enjoyed in recent years.

Another fine right back in the making is young Harrison Ashby, who will be hoping to build on his seven senior appearances for the Hammers.

Upon first making his debut for the first team back in 2020, journalists Sam Delaney and Roshane Thomas spent time on the U Irons Podcast to praise his talents (via This Is Futbol).

Labelling him “one to watch”, the former was particularly vocal in his praise, stating: “He’s big as well. He’s like a big unit. He’s only young, but he’s like a giant.

“Usually, you’re used to seeing smaller players in those wing-back positions, but he looked big, strong, he was very fearless, decent on the ball.”

The powerful 20-year-old full-back has endured a tumultuous year, struggling for consistency given his constant swap between the youth and senior team. This has resulted in a lack of goal contributions, of which he recorded nine last season.

What was a previously crowded position at right wing-back seems to be thinning out with each season, and soon Ashby could announce himself as the outstanding candidate for the position for the foreseeable future.

With Moyes clearly keen on handing youngsters a chance to show what they are capable of, outlined in the four academy graduates that started in their midweek win over FCSB, there is a huge possibility that soon this bombing Scotsman could be ready to set the Premier League alight.

Liverpool face Southampton this afternoon in what is both side’s final match before the World Cup halts the domestic season until after Christmas.

For Jurgen Klopp’s men, the break has arrived at the perfect time especially considering just how badly they have struggled in the Premier League this season.

After 13 matches, the Anfield side have won just five league games all season and are currently sitting a lowly eighth in the table.

Improvement is needed and following a penalty shootout victory over Derby County in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, which saw a raft of youngsters unleashed, Klopp will make sweeping changes.

We at Football FanCast predict the Liverpool starting XI that will take to the field at Anfield today…

Predicted Liverpool XI

Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson will come back into the starting XI in place of Caoimhin Kelleher – dubbed “top-class” by John Pearman following his cup heroics – and the 30-year-old will be hoping to keep just his fifth league clean sheet today.

The back four will comprise Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson at right and left back respectively, while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – who Phil Thompson described as an “absolute dream” last season – will form a formidable duo at the heart of the defence.

Klopp is likely to go with three in the midfield as he did against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, meaning Thiago and Fabinho will reprise the same roles in the 2-1 victory, with Jordan Henderson coming into the starting XI in place of Harvey Elliott.

Darwin Nunez will start on the left of a three-pronged attack, with the Uruguayan providing an assist against Spurs and Mohamed Salah will once again be deployed on the right.

Roberto Firmino will be aiming to make up for his World Cup heartbreak and prove to Brazil manager Tite why he should have been on the plane to Qatar by adding to his six league goals already this season by leading the line against the Saints.

With his side back to near full strength, all Klopp will be looking for is three points and a solid performance in front of the Anfield faithful.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Robertson, Konate, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold; Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson; Nunez, Firmino, Salah.

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has reportedly been in contact with Barcelona over a potential free transfer next year.

The Lowdown: Contract situation

Hailed as an “irreplaceable” figure at Selhurst Park by journalist Malik Ouzia, the Ivory Coast international will soon be entering the final six months of his current deal. The 29-year-old is one of 11 Eagles players who are out of contract in 2023.

He has continued to be a regular under Patrick Vieira, contributing to eight goals in 12 games in the Premier League this season, but it seems as if Zaha may have one eye on his long-term future, possibly in Spain.

The Latest: Zaha contacts Barcelona

One Spanish outlet shared a story regarding Zaha and Barcelona on Tuesday.

They claimed that the Palace star has made an offer to the Catalan giants over a potential free transfer, adding that the winger would like to try his luck in Spain.

The Verdict: Big decision for Palace

Palace are facing the possibility of losing Zaha for nothing, so they may have a big call to make over the coming months regarding his future.

Should the 29-year-old not want to sign a new contract, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman may decide to put the forward up for sale to ensure that the Eagles receive a fee for their star player.

Of course, that wouldn’t be ideal mid-season, but otherwise it looks as if there is a strong possibility that Zaha may depart Selhurst Park for nothing next summer.

Everton have been dealt an almighty hammer blow as they look to tie down two of their key players…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who thinks that the scrutiny aimed at some of the stars at Goodison Park could actually drive them away from the club.

The names mentioned in the report are Alex Iwobi and Jordan Pickford, who both have contracts that expire in 2024. 

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones claimed: “For these two players, you would have to think twice about committing at the moment.

“They’ve both had pretty good campaigns, but they also both seem to get picked apart when things don’t go especially well.”

Worrying news

Of all the players that Frank Lampard boasts at the moment, Iwobi and Pickford are likely the two he would hold dearest.

Both played instrumental roles in his side’s narrow escape from the drop last season, with the English shot-stopper in particular shining in crucial wins over Chelsea and Leicester City.

Then, since the restart of the Premier League for the 2022/23 campaign, the Nigerian trickster, reborn in his attacking midfield role, has been a creative leader for the Merseyside outfit.

He already boasts six goal contributions this campaign which is more than he has made in any other season since moving from Arsenal.

The brevity of their respective contracts will worry the club not only due to their incredible talents, but the simple fact that they are arguably their most prized assets; especially since the summer sale of Richarlison.

Both of them are ranked in the top five for the highest market value at Everton by Transfermarkt, outlining their importance to the team.

Lampard will rightly be worried, as without them it would spell incredible danger once again for his outfit.

Already sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone, this World Cup-enforced break will likely allow him some time to assess where the issues lie at the club.

Whilst Farhad Moshiri must put his hand in his pocket, the role the fans can play will also likely be a factor in deciding their future.

The England international himself even stated last season that Evertonians “are very passionate”, and that “to get that buzz on the bus is a great feeling, it touches you.”.

Although the form is poor, perhaps galvanising once more to support the players will not only give them another much-needed boost but incentivise their biggest stars to stick around.

Sheffield Wednesday have kept pace with the top two in League One in recent weeks and Darren Moore’s side have been handed another boost in their automatic promotion hopes.

Denis Adeniran, who has missed much of the season through injury, was pictured back in training earlier this week, in what is undoubtedly good news for Darren Moore’s side.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Owls on a free transfer after leaving Everton in 2021 and caught the eye in his 18 appearances in League One last season, contributing three goals.

He was also superb in his two League Cup appearances earlier in the season, hitting two goals and one assist in just two appearances, including a screamer against Rochdale, which helped him to a superb 8.63 rating from WhoScored in that competition.

However, he would then suffer an injury to his knee which required surgery, which meant that his last appearance for the club came in August’s 5-0 win over Forest Green.

Fortunately for Moore, as his side prepares for a busy festive period, it seems as if Adeniran will soon be back in contention, as he was pictured back on the grass on Sheffield Wednesday’s official Twitter account.

The Owls boss is certainly a big fan of the defensive-minded midfielder, as he sang his praises after his arrival in 2021.

Moore said: “I am really, really pleased to have someone of that calibre in there. He is really different to what we have got in midfield.

“He will be a wonderful acquisition for us this season.”

Adeniran’s return means that Wednesday have nearly a fully-fit squad to choose from as they approach a crucial stage of the season, with only long-term absentee Ben Heneghan ruled out after he injured his ACL earlier this year.

Having a big squad with reliable options is going to be important for the Owls as they look to leapfrog either Plymouth Argyle or Ipswich Town before the end of the season, so it is definitely fantastic news for Moore than Adeniran is closing in on a return to first-team action.

Leeds United have are interested in a move for Boulaye Dia in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Tutto Salernitana (via Sport Witness), who claim that, having been heavily linked with a move for the centre-forward in recent weeks, Victor Orta has now expressed interest in a winter move for the 26-year-old.

However, the report goes on to state that Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of the Senegal international – who is currently on loan in Italy from CF Villarreal – with the likes of Everton, Leicester City and West Ham United also believed to be keen on a move for the striker in the January transfer window.

Absolutely fantastic

Considering just how impressive Dia has been for club and country so far this season, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be keen on a deal to bring the Salernitana sensation to Elland road this winter.

Indeed, over his 14 Serie A outings – only ten of which have come as starts – this season, the £17.5m-rated forward has been in devastating form, scoring six goals, providing two assists and creating one big chance for his side, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £30k-per-week talent average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.88, currently ranking the striker as Davide Nicola’s joint fourth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

The 26-year-old has also impressed at the Qatar World Cup this month, with Dia particularly catching the eye during Senegal’s 3-1 victory over the host nation last Friday.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, Dia proved a constant thorn in the Qatar defence’s side, taking two shots at goal, completing one dribble and making one key pass, as well as making one interception, one clearance and winning five duels.

However, it was undoubtedly the striker’s 41st-minute opener that made the biggest impact for his county, with the 20-cap star picking up a loose ball after some shocking defending by Qatar, before unleashing a furious drive beyond a helpless Meshaal Aissa Barsham between the home side’s sticks.

These metrics saw the Villarreal loanee earn a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.3, ranking him as Senegal’s best performer in the meeting, as well as seeing him pick up the Man of the Match award in the fixture.

As such, with Dia having proven he can perform on the biggest of stages this month, coupled with the centre-forward having also been on fire in Italy, it is easy to see why Leeds would be keen on €17m (£15m) talent, as Dia would undoubtedly represent an “absolutely fantastic” – in the words of Marlon Harwood – addition to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking options at Elland Road.

Celtic defender Josip Juranovic looks increasingly likely to be heading for the exit door in the New Year, amid rampant speculation over the Croatian’s future at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has only recently revealed that the Scottish champions are “open” to offers for the 27-year-old after a stall in contract negotiations, with West Ham United having been mooted as a potential destination of late.

The latest suggestion is that the Hoops would be looking for more than £5m if they are to part ways in January, although reports over the summer stated that the full-back’s valuation could be closer to £15m, amid interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

Journalist Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided an update on the former Legia Warsaw man’s current situation, with the transfer insider suggesting that a departure could well be on the cards – potentially to the Premier League.

The respected source stated: “It’ll be interesting, there is a pretty good chance that he leaves, I’m told that.

“And there’s no doubt he could end up in the Premier League because there have been two or three clubs watching them over the course of the season so far.”

Time to cash in

If the Old Firm giants are able to recoup a fee close to that previous £15m valuation it could well represent an astute piece of business for Ange Postecoglou and co, with the club having signed the right-back for just £2.5m back in the summer of 2021.

Although it may well be something of a blow to lose a player who is so highly coveted, the £16k-per-week man has no doubt come under scrutiny for his form so far this season, having notably been dubbed as “too inconsistent” by pundit Tam McManus.

After laying on fallen off” this time around – according to McManus – with just one goal and one assist to his name this season in 15 outings.

In a side that relies upon its front-foot and aggressive approach, that return of goal involvements for the Zagreb-born ace is no doubt somewhat disappointing.

By contrast, teammate Anthony Ralston has already recorded three assists from just nine appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, while the Scotland international also thrived last term after netting five goals and registering nine assists.

With new addition Alistair Johnston to add into the equation – the Canadian gem having provided eight goal involvements in the MLS this year – Postecoglou’s side are already well-equipped in the right-back berth, hence the willingness to allow Juranovic to depart.

Although the latter man has been a solid performer for the Bhoys over the past year or so, there will likely be few tears shed if the club can rake in a sizeable fee in the winter window, such is the quality already at the manager’s disposal to help replace him.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has dropped a double fitness update ahead of his team’s upcoming Premiership clash. 

The Lowdown: Rangers return to league action

The Ibrox giants return to competitive action on Thursday night, with the Scottish top flight resuming following the World Cup break.

Rangers recently beat Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in a friendly thanks to goals from Malik Tillman (two) and Scott Arfield, putting them in good stead ahead of the visit of Hibernian to Ibrox in four days’ time.

Two players who weren’t involved in Saturday’s game were Ben Davies and Connor Goldson, although Beale has since shared an update regarding their fitness.

The Latest: Davies and Goldson injury update

Speaking after the win over Leverkusen (via Herald Scotland), the Rangers boss shared his optimism that the two defenders would be available to feature against Hibs, although he will not take a chance on their fitness if they remain doubtful then.

He said: “If everything goes to plan I will have four options not two on Thursday. It’s just where they’ll be at physically. I think the five subs might help us but certainly, I won’t rush them because we have got a busy period coming up.

“I was pleased with the two lads today; we have to remind ourselves that James Sands is playing out of position, and playing out of position very well on a day like today. And young Leon [Balogun], who has been thrown in.

“If it’s those guys that we go with on Thursday then I have got every confidence in them. If the whole team defend like that I’ve got all confidence in them.

“But Ben and Connor, the plan is in the next 24 to 48 hours they return to training, which will be hugely important to the group.”

The Verdict: Good news for Rangers

Bearing in mind how Goldson and Davies have the two highest averages of clearances per game (2.8 and 2.4 respectively) at Rangers in the league this season, this illustrates how important they are at the back and why Beale would be delighted to have them available for Thursday.

In addition, the defensive duo have the squad’s joint-second-highest average of blocks per game in the Premiership (0.4 each), further highlighting the defensive attributes that they offer to the team.

Taking all of that into account, if they are fit enough to play against Hibernian, Beale will definitely have a big decision to make as to who lines out at centre-back on Thursday night.

Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham and the England international could be Pep Guardiola’s next version of Yaya Toure.

City are one of the favourites to sign the 19-year-old but will face stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid, with an exit from Dortmund looking likely in 2023.

Since joining the Bundesliga side from Birmingham City in 2020, the young midfielder has gone on to make 112 appearances for BVB, contributing an impressive 19 goals and 21 assists in that time.

The 2022/23 campaign has already been his best from a goalscoring perspective, as he has nine goals to his name in all competitions, including four in the Champions League group stages, so it is easy to see why he is attracting so much interest from Europe’s elite.

Real Madrid defender David Alaba was full of praise for Bellingham earlier this year in an interview with Welt (via Daily Mail).

He said: “As for Bellingham as a player, I can say that he is one of the greatest midfield talents in the world.

“And that at a young age! At just 19, he leads the team, doesn’t hide and already decides games with his style of play.”

Should he arrive at the Etihad next year, he could follow in the footsteps of City legend Yaya Toure, as while the Citizens boast a number of world-class midfielders, none possess the Ivorian’s ability to be incredibly effective in both boxes, in the same way that Bellingham has shown in recent performances with Dortmund and England.

Toure wrote about the English wonderkid in a recent piece for The Athletic and praised him for his ability in all areas of the pitch.

He commented: “Bellingham has been the star of all of England’s matches for me. Sometimes he’s scoring, sometimes he’s passing, and the timing of his box-to-box runs are perfect.

“He’s in good shape and came into this tournament with the right confidence from Borussia Dortmund. You can tell he sees himself as a potential top player in the world, and wants to show it at the World Cup.”

WhoScored suggests that Bellingham excels at passing, dribbling, through balls and tackling, all of which Toure mastered during his spell at the Etihad, contributing 79 goals and 49 assists in 316 total appearances for the Citizens.

Signing the Dortmund star could set City’s midfield up for easily the next decade and there seems no reason why someone of Bellingham’s talent couldn’t emulate Toure under Guardiola, should he make the move to the Etihad next year.