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Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United will both be desperate for a win in their Premier League match this weekend.

Spurs have drawn all four of their matches since beating Manchester City at White Hart Lane and slipped five points behind in the title race.

West Ham, meanwhile, have been struggling at the other end of the league and currently sit in 17th place, just a point above the relegation zone.

In this fixture last season, Spurs ran out 4-1 winners, but it will be interesting to see what side Mauricio Pochettino picks with a number of his charges having been away on international duty.

Slaven Bilic will also have emphasised the importance of getting something from the game, with the Hammers players already likely to be pumped up for a London derby.

We take a look at four key battles that could decide what should be a very close match.

KYLE WALKER VS DIMITRI PAYET

You’d be forgiven for thinking the battle between Dimitri Payet and Kyle Walker is purely that of attack vs defence.

But that may not be the case on Saturday, with Walker acting as a strong attacking outlet for Spurs – recording ten key passes and two assists already this season.

The rapid right-back even found the net in this fixture last year, so it will be interesting to see how much effort Payet puts into tracking back, despite being the Hammers’ chief creative force.

PEDRO OBIANG VS MOUSA DEMBELE

Unless Pochettino keeps the three-at-the-back formation he employed in the North London derby, there could be a mismatch in midfield.

The Spurs manager usually favours three men in the middle of the park, while Christian Eriksen also has license to drift inside.

Bilic has been pairing Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang. The latter and more defensive of the two may have a lot of work cut out against the likes of Mousa Dembele, who hounded Arsenal’s midfield for 90 minutes and won a penalty.

HARRY KANE VS WINSTON REID

Harry Kane loves playing West Ham, having scored three goals in his last three fixtures against them.

The 23-year-old also has the advantage of being rested over the international break, with Gareth Southgate sending the striker home as he continues his return to full fitness.

Kane will likely be facing up to three centre-backs on Saturday and will probably be embroiled in an aerial battle with Winston Reid – West Ham’s conductor at the back.

Danny Rose V Michail Antonio

Antonio has been in fine form this season, topping West Ham’s goalscoring charts with five goals in eleven Premier League appearances.

Most of those goals have come with his head and as he is coming up against a small full-back in Danny Rose this weekend, he will fancy his chances of netting a few more.

Whilst Rose is no slouch in the air, there’s no doubt that Antonio has the advantage.

That being said, few full-backs in the Premier League carry the same attacking threat as the Spurs man, so Antonio’s ability to effectively track back will be tested as much as Rose’s weaknesses in the air.

This should make for a very interesting battle on Saturday evening.

Liverpool fans have been dealing with the blow of Philippe Coutinho being ruled out for five weeks with an ankle problem, so some good news on the injury front was welcome.

They have had just that after Sky Sports reported that Adam Lallana has returned to full training ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.

The midfielder has been absent from the Reds’ last three games after suffering a groin injury during England’s 2-2 draw with Spain last month.

It is believed that Lallana has a chance of playing this weekend as Liverpool try to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to 11 games at the Vitality Stadium.

There has been no official confirmation from manager Jurgen Klopp as yet, but if Lallana is named in the starting squad, the onus will be on him to step up over the next few weeks.

With Coutinho scheduled to be on the treatment table until 2017, pressure is likely to fall on the former Southampton man to help keep the Reds’ attacking threat thriving.

The Merseyside outfit are in a strong position in the top flight having risen to second place after 13 games, but the fans have breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the latest injury update involving Lallana.

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Ah, Christmas in Scotland. Just like Christmas anywhere else until midnight when your brother pulls out a liqueur no-one has heard of called ‘Stag’s Breath’ and suddenly Boxing Day is at risk. I wish this was a joke…

That won’t matter much for Celtic fans this year with Brendan Rodgers’ side not in action post-festivities until the 28th December.

It’s all going rather well for the reigning Scottish champions. A win against Partick Thistle on Tuesday night moved them a massive 14 points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

Can the Hoops continue that form until the end of December and have the league all but wrapped up by the end of 2016? That’s what every fan is hoping for.

While it’s been a belter of a season for Celtic supporters, there’s one last surprise before you get fired into your holiday, our Christmas Cracker! One teaser, one goal and one stat sure to be better than the inevitable mini sewing kit to fall out of the real thing during Christmas dinner…

The Teaser – Name Them

This season Scott Brown won his 50th and 51st caps for Scotland. Just nine other past Celtic players have won 50 caps or more for the Scottish national team. Name them all.

A tricky one, we think you’ll agree…

Click through to the last page to reveal the answers.

The Goal – Commons’ Class

Kris Commons moved to Hibs last week, initially on just a month long loan. However, it’s likely he’s played his last game for the club having not featured at all under Brendan Rodgers so far this season.

He scored many brilliant goals as part of a total of 91 he banged in. But, this one may top the lot.

Nutmegging Kyle Bartley before chipping Allan McGregor, it was the kind of class he produced on a regular basis during spells of his Celtic career.

He’ll likely always remain a popular figure around Celtic Park for moments like these.

The Stat – Rodgers’ Amazing Start

No manager in Celtic’s history has had a better start to his first season in charge than Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic boss is unbeaten in 20 domestic games, winning 19 of them. The previous greatest start was Martin O’Neill’s in 2000, his side went 17 domestic games unbeaten at the start of his reign.

Brendan Rodgers has been a phenomenal Celtic manager so far and stats like this, surpassing club legends, is making people wonder just how far he can take them.

Already with a trophy win, the Scottish League Cup in November, there’s the genuine prospect of winning the famed ‘treble’ of League Cup, Scottish Cup and Scottish league title in his debut season, just like Martin O’Neill managed in 2000/01. That was the last time the Bhoys managed the feat.

Teaser Answer…

We asked you to name the nine Celtic players, apart from current captain Scott Brown, that had won 50 or more caps for Scotland.

They are:

Alan Rough – 53 caps

Gary Caldwell – 55 caps

Roy Aitken – 57 caps

John Collins – 58 caps

Danny McGrain – 62 caps

Kenny Miller – 69 caps

Tom Boyd – 72 caps

Paul McStay – 76 caps

Kenny Dalglish – 102 caps

Quite a few legends on this list, and all are well worth a chat about around the Christmas dinner table!

Patrick Bamford has suggested that he could one day return to Chelsea if he performs well at Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old striker spent five years at Stamford Bridge, but he did not make a single competitive appearance for the West London outfit.

During that spell, the forward was shipped out on loan six times, and despite not becoming a regular feature for the Blues, they still made £10m in a sale to Boro.

Bamford joined Aitor Karanka’s side permanently on Wednesday after spending the 2014-15 campaign at Riverside, scoring 19 goals and winning Championship Player of the Year.

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Since that loan stint, the forward has suffered a dip in form, having failed to score a single goal, but he is hopeful that he can revive his career back at Boro.

Despite sealing a permanent move away from Chelsea, Bamford has not ruled out going back to the West London outfit and finally making a Premier League appearance for the Blues.

In an interview with talkSPORT, the striker said:

“I’ve put Chelsea behind me now, but I really enjoyed working with the staff and the players there. I’ll remember my time there fondly.

“But I’m not closing the door on Chelsea. You never know what will happen in the future, depending on how well I do.”

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It has been well documented that relegation threatened Sunderland have very little in the way of transfer funds to spend this January – something most Premier League clubs would struggle to deal with.

But when you add that problem to a side which is currently sitting bottom of the Premier League after a 3-1 defeat at home to Stoke City, then it only makes the already difficult task of survival even tougher.

If David Moyes is to bring any new faces to the Stadium Of Light this month, then he will undoubtedly have to offload some of his current under-performing squad to free up the much-needed finances required to sign new players.

So with that mind, let’s now take a look at three players who could be heading for the Sunderland exit door over the next few weeks. Will they bring in enough money for Moyes to transform the Black Cats’ fortunes?

Vito Mannone

With Jordan Pickford going on establish himself as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, it has left Vito Mannone somewhat on the sidelines. Although Mannone may well be playing as of late due to an injury to the England Under 21 international, his future at the Stadium Of Light is by no means secure.

With Sunderland having three senior goalkeepers on their books and in desperate need of raising money, Mannone could be viewed as a saleable asset. Any move could be hurried along by the fact that the impressive Pickford could return from injury sooner than first expected.

Should that be the case, then the 22-year-old will likely be given the opportunity to go back in between the sticks and add to his raft of creditable performances this season, leaving Mannone not only once again surplus to requirements but nearer to a departure from the club.

Fabio Borini

Another Italian who could be making a move away from Sunderland this month is Fabio Borini. It’s not necessarily a departure that David Moyes is in a hurry to see happen but again, he will look at Borini as one of the few players that could command a decent transfer fee.

The 25-year-old former Chelsea and Liverpool forward is being eyed by both AC Milan and Roma.

Last term, Borini chipped in with some crucial goals towards the end of the season as Sam Allardyce masterminded survival. But this time around he’s had little impact as his side sit at the foot of the table.

His five appearances in the league this season have warranted just a single goal and perhaps Borini will now make way in a bid to freshen up an attack that cannot simply rely on Jermaine Defoe to score the goals.

Wahbi Khazri

The final player who could be making their Sunderland exit this month is Wahbi Khazri. Only bought to the club this time last year by Sam Allardyce, he has been all but frozen out of first team matters this season by current boss David Moyes.

The Tunisian international made a positive impact last season as he went on to make 14 appearances for the club, in which he managed to score two vital goals. Unfortunately though, this season tells a different story.

With just a solitary league appearance to his name this season, it is quite apparent that the 25-year-old does not feature in Moyes’ plans and the signs point to his stay at Sunderland being shorter than expected.

West Ham United defender Reece Oxford has left the Premier League to join Reading on loan until the end of the season, both clubs have confirmed.

What do we know?

The 18-year-old has struggled for game time under Slaven Bilic this season having failed to make a single Premier League appearance.

The only time when Oxford has pulled on a West Ham shirt for the first team was in the early stages of the season when he played in two Europa League fixtures.

The defender broke through the club’s academy in 2015 and has gone on to make nine appearances in all competitions since.

In December last year, the youngster signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers but in order to continue his progress, he has joined Reading on a temporary deal for the rest of the season.

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Is Reading the right option?

At his age, Oxford may still not start every week in the Championship, but he has more of an opportunity to get first-team minutes than if he were to stay at West Ham.

The second-tiered division also provides a perfect platform to work on his craft, particularly due to the physical demands on the players.

The overriding positive for Oxford’s move to Reading, though, is the ability to learn from manager Jaap Stam, who was one of the best centre-backs of his time.

The Dutchman spent three years at Manchester United during his playing career, winning three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

After Oxford’s arrival was announced, Stam told the club’s official website:

“Hopefully we can give him the stage to play, the time to grow in confidence and help him develop as a player during his time with us. So it’s a good move for both clubs and we’re very happy to have him in the squad for the rest of the season.”

This transfer works out for all parties, as Oxford has an opportunity to learn from one of the best, while Reading have an additional option in defence and West Ham can look forward to welcoming back an improved player (hopefully) in the summer.

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As reported by The Daily Mirror, West Ham United are keen on signing Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna when his contract expires at the end of the season.

What’s the story?

Now in his tenth season of English Premier League football, Bacary Sagna looks set to continue his stay in England even if he leaves Manchester City this summer.

The Mirror reports that Slaven Bilic is keen on taking the defender to the London Stadium when his current deal is up at Manchester City.

The paper reckons the West Ham manager is looking for experience when it comes to defensive recruitments and is likely to offer a one-year deal to the Frenchman.

A good choice?

Despite being 33 years of age, Sagna has shown he has plenty left in the tank at Manchester City this season, a dependable hand when called upon by Pep Guardiola.

He may not have a future at one of the division’s elite clubs but for an ambitious side like West Ham United he could be the perfect fit to help them climb up the table and push for European football.

Wtih that vast Premier League experience, 86 European appearances and 65 caps for France, Sagna has done it all in the game. He has versatility too, able to deputise at centre-back if the Hammers are caught short with injuries.

It’s a move that would make perfect sense, especially on a free transfer and it’s no surprise Bilic is reported to have cast his eye on the veteran defender.

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The future right now at Rangers is uncertain. With no new manager in sight and a Director of Football post unfulfilled, U20s coach Graeme Murty continues to take charge of the first team.

Whichever direction the club head in there will always be certainties at Ibrox: expectation of success and expectation of dominant football.

With resources for transfers and wages more stretched than they’ve ever been at the club, it’s more important than ever to bring through fresh faces from the youth ranks or attract the best young players available and develop them in the first team. Right now, the fact Murty is taking charge of the first team presents a unique opportunity for some of these stars to get a proper taste of senior football.

We’ve seen with the emergence of Barrie McKay that if an opportunity is given then young players can step up and produce – and even become the best player in the side.

Here are three more young players at Rangers that could feature heavily in the coming years…

Liam Burt

Perhaps the teeanger with the most hype about him at Rangers right now is midfielder Liam Burt. The 18 year old actually began his youth career at Celtic but eventually found his way to the Rangers Academy.

A midfielder with a keen eye for goal, he’s already made first team appearances for the club and looks destined to appear more regularly in the future.

He’s capped at youth level for Scotland at four different age groups and despite his tender age is already turning out for the Scottish U21 side. He also captained Scotland’s U17 team at last year’s UEFA U17 European Championship, highlighting his leadership skills.

Burt will have a great opportunity to impress any new manager coming in and make a case for why he is ready to feature regularly in the first team. If he keeps progressing the way he has been, there’s no doubt he has what it takes to be a star at Ibrox.

Zak Rudden

A young, powerful striker with bags of confidence and ability, Zak Rudden is already performing well above what his age would suggest at Rangers. Having just turned 17, Rudden has been a regular for the U20s Development Side, banging in goals on a fairly regular basis including a hat-trick against Falkirk on the opening day of their season.

Rangers need a striker to step up and start scoring for the first team and the four ahead of Rudden in the pecking order, Kenny Miller, Martyn Waghorn, Joe Garner and Joe Dodoo don’t seem to be getting the job done to the standard required.

Graeme Murty knows all about Rudden’s ability so why not throw him into the team and see what he can do? The pressure is high at Rangers now but the supporters will be far more likely to back young players coming through than the current faltering first-teamers.

Jordan Rossiter

Jordan Rossiter arrived at Rangers last summer with a lot of fanfare and hype but has had his season ruined by injuries, making just six appearances for the club before his spell on the treatment table. Initially picking up a calf injury, it has since been revealed he actually needs specialist treatment for a back problem, which is why he’s been out for so long.

However, he’s still tipped to be a top player for the Gers. The former Liverpool man is an English international at four age groups and it was seen as quite a coup when the Ibrox side managed to land him last year.

At just 19 there’s plenty of time for him to get over his back troubles and force his way into the Rangers first team. If he can live up to his potential he can be a regular for years to come.

Leeds United teenager Ronaldo Vieira has tried to calm concern among the supporters by insisting that the team are still on course for Premier League promotion.

Nerves may have begun to jangle within the Leeds following when Garry Monk’s side were restricted to a goalless draw by Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road.

It followed on from last week’s result at Craven Cottage, which saw Tom Cairney nab a late equaliser for Fulham.

The back-to-back draws have not affected Leeds’ campaign for Premier League promotion too much as they remain fourth in the standings, but now seventh-placed Fulham are six points adrift.

Vieira started the Whites’ home clash against QPR, but he was hauled off in the 78th minute and replaced with Eunan O’Kane.

Leeds dominated on the ball, but they struggled for firepower up front having failed to record a single shot on target across the 90 minutes on home soil.

Vieira is not worried, though, as he took to Instagram over the weekend to deliver a positive message for the fans.

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Rangers defender Clint Hill rescued a late point for his side away to Celtic on Sunday, ending the Hoops’ long winning streak in the top-flight that was set to break records. Given they’ve suffered three defeats to the Hoops already this season, it’s understandable that it was seen as a good result.However, the Gers need a fair amount of wins in the tail-end of the season if they’re to overhaul Aberdeen and finish second in the Scottish Premiership, one of their key aims of what’s left of their 2016/17 campaign.A point doesn’t do them much good in that regard, so why was the draw celebrated so much by the players and the supporters at the end of the match?The simple reason is because Celtic have been so dominant this season, especially at home. As this stat from Squawka shows, Rangers did something that no side has done at Celtic Park in over 12 hours of top-flight football.

Not only are they the first team to dent Celtic in the Scottish Premiership in that time, but the draw also represents progress which is all Gers fans are really looking for right now.

If they can keep making incremental steps towards the level Brendan Rodgers’ side set in Scottish football, they’ll celebrate every point they get.

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