The Latics will meet Southampton in the weekend without eight players. Crusat and Ramis are both sidelined with knee injuries while Watson is struggling with his shin. Ryo Miyachi is out with an ankle injury till late February and Michael Pollitt is currently not given any return date. However, both Antolin Alcaraz and Fraser Fyvie can be ready for the weekend. Koné is representing the Ivory Coast in ACN.

Aston Villa took a 2-1 victory against Newcastle last night, and their next match will be in the weekend against Everton. Both Fabian Delph and Richard Dunne are doubtful for this match while Marc Albrighton and Chris Herd are out with foot injuries. The Lions have two long term injured players; Gary Gardner and Stilian Petrov. The first will return from his knee injury in May while the latter is out for an unknown time due to a critical illness. Furthermore, Karim el Ahmadi is representing Morocco at the African Cup of Nations.

Kieran Richardson is finally ready to return for Fulham while Momo Diarra and Kerim Frei are both expected to remain out once again due to knee and groin problems. Simon Davies is still out with a knee injury, and Neil Etheridge is struggling with a leg injury.

Newcastle has been spending a lot of money during this transfer window, which is lucky considering their injury list. Hatem Ben Arfa is sidelined until late February while Taylor is ready late in March. Harris Vuckic is out for the rest of the season while there is no confirmed return date of Dan Gosling and Danny Simpson. The midfielder. Furthermore, Tioté is unavailable as he is playing for the Ivory Coast in the ACN.

David Moyes will have to do without Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson and Tony Hibbert for the match against West Bromwich tonight. He will also have to assess Kevin Mirallas before the match, after his knock from the weekend.

City's Matija Nastasic is doubtful for the weekends match against Liverpool while Maicon and Micah Richard still are sidelined. The same matters for Vincent Kompany who will return next week. Furthermore, the Touré brothers and Razak Abdul are playing for the Ivory Coast.

Darren Fletcher has been through an operation and will be not be available for the match against Southampton. Ashley Young is expected to miss out again with a knee problem while Nick Powell has returned to training after recovering from a recent knock. Furthermore, Jonny Evans is unlikely to play due to his hamstring injury.

Lee Cattermole, Carlos Cuéllar and Danny Rose are all close to a comeback, but doubtful for Saturdays match against Reading. Meanwhile, Wes Brown is sidelined for an unknown time due to his MCL knee injury.

Kemy Agustein is sidelined until late February due to an ankle injury while both Daniel Situ and Neil Taylor are out with knee injuries. Furthermore, Worm is doubtful to be guarding the goal this weekend.

The Hammers can hope to have Andy Carroll back after his knee injury, while James Collins and George McCarthy both are out with knee injuries. Daniel Potts is out with a head injury, and Modibo Maiga is at the ACN playing for Mali.

Fabianski is recovering from his back injury and is doubtful for tonight's match against Liverpool. Meanwhile, both Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin are sidelined tonight. Gervinho is representing Ivory Coast at the ACN.

Both Petr Cech and Luiz have been ruled out by Rafa Benitez while Oriol Romeu is out with a knee injury. Both John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses are playing for Nigeria at the ACN.

Brian McDermott might have Noel Hunt back from a knock for the match against Chelsea, while both Alex McCarthy and Jason Roberts are sidelined. The first with a shoulder injury and the latter with a bad hip.

Adam Lallana may feature against Manchester United, having returned to full training last week, while both Fonte and Do Prado are sidelined with knee injuries. Emmanuel Mayuka is playing for Zambia in the ACN. 

Spurs are without both Sandro and Younes Kaboul due to knee injuries, while William Gallas are close to a comeback. Furthermore, Emmanuel Adebayor is playing for Togo in African Cup of Nations.

Nearly fifteen years after he left Glasgow, Brian Laudrup is ready to play a role for his old Scottish adventure - Rangers.

If you are as a Rangers fan is hoping to see Laudrup back in the blue shirt again, you will be sadly dissapointed. You will not see the elegant striker on the pitch as he was in the mid 90's with great sucess; instead he can be the new 'club ambassador'.

It was known today that Laudrup spend his Monday in Glasgow, meeting with Rangers-Director Charles Green about the possibility of helping his old club. Laudrup said to rangers.co.uk, "To be able to be an ambassador for Rangers Football Club would be absolutely fantastic and we want to see if we can find a way to work together."

But how is the 43-year old meant to help Rangers in their current situation? It is no secret that Rangers is in money problems, the same reason why they are playing in Scottish third division. Laudrup is meant to spread the word about Rangers in Scandinavia, however, the Scots are not the most popular club in Scandinavia. Furthermore, Brian Laudrup is a big personality in Scotland and Denmark, but not many other places.

It is slightly doubtful how much capital Laudrup can create for the Blues, blut in their current situation all kind of money is welcome. No matter what, the former start is more than welcome in Glasgow!

 

 

The Gunners have won three of their last five matches, latest 5-1 against West Ham and 3-2 against Brighton in the FA Cup. They are currently 6th in the Premier League, one point behind Everton on the 5th. The teams top scorer is Theo Walcott with 10 goals so far in the season.

Liverpool is currently 7th in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal. Like Arsenal the Reds have won three of their last matches, however, they surprisingly lost against Oldham in the FA Cup this weekend. Luis Suarez is the clubs top scorer with 16 goals, only two after Robin van Persie on the Premier League top scorer list.

The last 10 matches between the Londoners and the Merseyside team have ended in five Arsenal victories, four draws and one win for Liverpool. The last meeting was in October 2012, here Arsenal won 2-0 by goals of Podolski and Cazorla.

Keep an eye on: Jakob Busk Jensen 

Joining FC Copenhagen's youth department KB as 13-years old, Jakob Busk Jensen has been through a massive development, making him one of the most interesting young goalkeepers in Denmark.

The 19-year old keeper has been a regular name on the match sheet throughout his youth career in KB and for the Danish national youth teams. Jakob Busk appreciates the pressure of being part of one of the top Scandinavian clubs.

"The expectations to you are higher, but so are the club's resources as well", says the goalkeeper.

Assistant Manager, Brian Reimer said in an interview with FCK's own news channel fckobenhavntv about the young keeper:

"He is a top professional player, who has been used to, through his youth matches for the national team and as a part of the captain group on our own U19 team, to take responsibility. His act and his approach, as well as his humility of being a reserve have been fantastic."

And added, "He is a goalkeeper, whom I hope we will see more to in FC Copenhagen."

Jakob Busk has so far represented his nation in 20 matches on a youth level, 11 of them on the U19. Here, he was a part of the team playing the European Qualification and reaching the Elite round where they ended as second. Furthermore, the goalkeeper was selected for the U20 team participating in the NI Milk Cup last summer.

Despite, having tasted success with the national team, Busk is not longing to take the next step:

"In these matches you meet some of the best youth players in the world, and it is great to have as a ballast. However, I am not thinking about the U21 national team. I am sure it will come if it is meant to be."

In Copenhagen, the talent is the third choice after Johan Wiland and Kim Christensen, two goalkeepers with a lot of routine. However, Busk are happy to learn from his two colleagues and is willing to wait for his chance as he is sure it will come sooner or later.

At the same time, the Busk Jensen admits that, at some point, he needs to get a breakthrough and play more matches.

"I can't be a reserve for ever, but I'm taking it slow and not thinking about chancing club," the keeper says.

The future looks bright for Jakob Busk Jensen as he has the support needed from the club and is expected to be representing the club some day. The keeper himself, only has one goal; to reach his potential.

Brian Clough has always been a rather controversial manager, adding to this reputation in 1989. Clough was manager of the Nottingham Forest team winning 5-2 against QPR, when fans ran into the pitch celebrating. However, Clough was not a fund of the fans reaction and punched two in the face. The two fans were so devoted to Forest and Brian Clough that they both apologised for their behaviour on national television.

In 2005, Newcastle United was behind 3-0 against Aston Villa, however, the worst part of that match was the fight between the team mates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer. The bust-up occurred in the 81st minute when the two players squared up after a heated exchange. Lee Bowyer appeared to throw the first punch while Kieron Dyer only defended himself not punching back. However, both players received a red card and apologised to the club and the fans after match, promising it would never happen again.

Manchester United is on the hunt for Danish wonderkid and Suarez might make a surprising transfer - here is the latest transfer gossip!

Adel Taarabt is in talk with AC Milan over a move from QPR (TuttoMercato) - Probability: Medium

Norwich City is hoping to snap up keeper Lee Camp on a free - just in front of neighbours Ipswich (The Mirror) - Probablity: High

QPR is looking to add yet another Chelsea player to the squad - Florent Malouda (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Roberto Martinez are eyeing loan moves for Liverpool's Sebastian Coates and Wolves' Ronald Zubar in order to strenghten his back line (Daily Telegraph) - Probability: Medium

Manchester United will make a shock move for Pepe Reina (Daily Express) - Probability: Low

However, the Liverpool keeper would be "more than delighted" to return to Barcelona, according to his dad (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

David Villa has told Barcelona that he wants to leave, opening the door for a transfer to Arsenal (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

Chelsea and Bayern Munich are battling for Malaga's Isco (Daily Express) - Probability: High

The Hammers are showing interest in Dnipro's defender Samuel Inkoom (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Jose Mourinho has regulary been texting and phoning Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich asking for a return (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium

However, the Russian is lining up Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spaletti (Corriere dello Sport) - Probability: High

Both Manchester clubs are battling it out for Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Bayern Munich and Pep Guardiola is ready to make a move for Liverpool's Luis Suarez (Daily Express) - Probability: Low

Danish wonderkid Viktor Fischer is negotiating a new contract with Ajax. However, Manchester United is ready to give him an offer he can't refuse (Daily Express) - Probability: Low

Both Southampton and Liverpool are preparing bids on Inter Milan youngster Philippe Coutinho (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic can be the next Arsenal striker (Caught Offside) - Probability: Low

Sir Alex Ferguson have travelled to Celtic to take a look at Victor Wanyama (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

 

 

Aston Villa is meeting Newcastle at home next Tuesday, and at least two of the eight injured players will not be available. Marc Albrighton and Chris Herd are sidelined with a foot injury and will not be in match fitness for this match. Both Shay Given, and Richard Dunne are expected to be fit for the Newcastle match while there is doubt about Nathan Baker and Fabian Delph. Furthermore, there is no return date of Gary Gardner and Stilian Petrov. Karim El Ahmadi is playing for Morocco in African Cup of Nations but might be available depending on his nation's progress.

Bans: 0

ARSENAL

Injuries: 6

Wenger is hoping to have both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Podolski back in the squad after they were unavailable last week against Chelsea. Mikel Arteta and Lukasz Fabianski are the only players who is far from a comeback, and they will not recover from their calf injury and back injury in time to be ready for the match against West Ham. Both Francis Coquelin and Tomas Rosicky are doubtful for the West Ham match while Gervinho is taking part in the ACN for Ivory Coast.

Bans: 0

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Injuries: 6

Both Ryan Taylor and Harris Vuckic are sidelined with knee injuries for an unknown time while the return dates for Dan Gosling, Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling are still to be confirmed. Pardew can be hopeful to have Yohan Cabaye back from his groin injury, but he is very doubtful for the match against Aston Villa. Tioté is representing Ivory Coast at the ACN.

Bans: 0

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Injuries: 6

The Latics is meeting Stoke away on Tuesday and is hoping to have Antolin Alcaraz back as he is in lack of match fitness. However, Wigan will be out Crusat and Ramis, both out with knee injuries and Ryo Miyachi with an ankle injury. Piscu and Michael Pollitt are also unavailable for an unknown time while Arouna Koné is with the Ivory Coast in the ACN.

Johnny Heitinga is out with a knock, and Kevin Mirallas is out with a hamstring injury, however, David Moyes rates them as doubtful for the match against WBA. Both Darron Gibson and Tony Hibbert are out for an unknown period of time while Seamus Coleman will return next week from his thigh injury.

QPR are coming closer to relegation from the Premier League, and their chances are not getting any better with the currently squad situation. José Bosingwa and Esteban Granero are rather doubtful for the Manchester City match while Ephraim, Johnson and Zamora unquestionably are out. Diakite is currently playing in the ACN for Mali.

Bans: 0

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Injuries: 5

Zoltan Gera is out with a knee injury and unavailable for the Everton match. The same matters for Steven Reid who is ruled out with a leg injury, while Marc-Antoine Fortuné, Shane Long and Claudio Yacob are doubtful. Youssuf Mulumbu is representing Congo in the African Cup of Nations.

Bans: 0

FULHAM FC

Injuries: 4

Fulham can have both Mahamadou Diarra (Knee injury) and Kerim Frei (Knock) back from injuries for their next match. However, Neil Etheridge is out for an unknown time with his leg injury while Simon Davies will return mid February from his knee injury.

Bans: 0

LIVERPOOL FC

Injuries: 4

Liverpool's next match is on the 30th of January against Arsenal, and this may just give them enough time to have José Reina back from his thigh injury. Meanwhile, John Flanagan and Martin Kelly are still sidelined with their knee injuries. The same matters for Enrique who is struggling with a hamstring injury. Oussama Assaidi is at the African Cup of Nations with Morroco.

Bans: 0

NORWICH CITY

Injuries: 4

The Canaries are still without Seve Morrison and John Ruddy whom both are sidelined with thigh injuries. Meanwhile, Sébastien Bassong and Steven Whittaker is coming closer to a comeback and might be in play for the Tottenham match.

 

Sir Alex Ferguson has not always been lucky with his pick of goalkeepers, and now it seems to be a problem again.

Edwin Van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel - legendary Manchester United goalkeepers - and some of the best in the Premier League of all time. These are the quality goalies both Sir Alex Ferguson and the Man United fans are longing after. However, it seems that both De Gea and Lindegaard have joined the line of failed keepers.

According to the Daily Mail Online, Ferguson is ready to sell both De Gea and Lindegaard as he does not find them good enough for the time. The two players then can join Fabien Barthez, Mark Bosnich and Roy Caroll on the list of goalkeepers who never lived up to Ferguson's expectations.

Let's take a look on the two goalies' performances. David de Gea was brought to Manchester marked as the next big goalkeeper in Spain. However, the Spaniard has never reached the level he had in Atlético Madrid. The youngster has made more mistakes than you can count on both hands and has never seemed to settle on or off the pitch in Manchester.

However, the Dane Anders Lindegaard does not look as a Premier League goalkeeper, at least not in Manchester United. Many were surprised when the Red devils bought Lindegaard in Aalesund and especially in Danish football fans as he only got six matches in the Danish Super Liga.  However, Lindegaard found a proper level, but when he looked at his best he was struck by an injury. Lindegaard never managed to comeback to his earlier strenght and has also made his share of blunders in the goal.

So, who is going to take over the goal if Ferguson succeeds in selling both players? Two Spanish class keepers are being mentioned as replacements for De Gea. Iker Casillas is in dispute with José Mourinho in Real Madrid while Victor Valdes is expected to leave Barcelona after refusing to sign a new contract. Furthermore, both Real and Barca have shown interest in De Gea, who still have a reputation in Spain. A replacement for Lindegaard could be Stoke's Asmir Begovic. However, it is doubtful that he will settle with the bench in Manchester.

Whether we will see a change of goalkeepers in this transfer window or in the summer, time will show. No matter what, it is most likely that a Spaniard will be Fergusons number 1 next season.