Robert Huth is a name that will send chills down Premier League attackers’ spines. The robust German was certainly not a man to be messed with, but is currently without a club. 

This is where QPR could offer the former Leicester man a lifeline that would be immensely beneficial for both parties. The 6ft 3 centre back left Leicester at the end of last season after four successful seasons at the King Power Stadium, and is exactly what QPR manager Steve McClaren has been looking for.

QPR made a few defensive signings over the summer, but did not look assured in their opening games of the season. Some loan signings towards the end of August has seen The Rs grow in confidence, but there is certainly a place for the two-time Premier League winner.

Huth (valued at £2.25m on Transfermarkt.co.uk) brings experience and defensive solidity that will be valuable to McClaren this year, as the manager is still working out his defensive partnership for the season. It is still unclear whether new loan signing Geoff Cameron will be deployed as a centre back or defensive midfielder, meaning there is still a place for Huth in the defence.

Regardless of who is at the club already, and what position they play, Huth would walk into the QPR first team as the best defender. But at the age of 34, he will know that his playing days are limited, and he will want to play as much as possible before his body packs up.

EFL clubs still can sign players that are free agents, and Huth is sitting on the shelf waiting to be snapped up by a Championship club, and QPR must be the first to do so.

Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane earned a cameo appearance for the Republic of Ireland in Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Poland but did not manage to impress a large section of supporters.

The 27-year-old took his tally of international appearances to seven this week after featuring in the 4-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Wales prior to the friendly against Ireland, with the comments from some fans suggesting why he hasn’t clocked up more opportunities.

Introduced in the 73rd minute of the 1-1 draw, replacing the impressive Shaun Williams, while Ireland were pegged back by a last-gasp goal from Leeds United’s Matheusz Klich.

Opinions on why Hourihane struggled to perform for Ireland are varied, with some suggesting he is not being managed correctly while others believe the simple answer is that he is not good enough to be playing for his country.

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While he has produced a decent return of two assists in six Championship appearances this season, five of those have come from the substitutes’ bench to suggest that Steve Bruce has turned against the former Barnsley man seeing as he was a regular in the XI last term. We have gathered some of the best reactions below.

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Liverpool have had a great campaign so far, but Jurgen Klopp is facing perhaps his greatest task of the season so far this weekend. They still have a 100% record, having won every game, but that is going to come under serious threat against Tottenham on Saturday. The Lilywhites have also looked pretty good so far this season for the most part, and Mauricio Pochettino is a manager that is not to be messed with.

Liverpool, then, need to get it right this weekend. So far, they have done that, but as with every game in the Premier League, the next game is always the toughest.

Whilst Liverpool’s attack will undoubtedly impress, in cagey games like this it’s often the midfield that determines the result of the clash. If Liverpool are able to control Tottenham in the heart of the pitch, they’ll be able to dictate everything behind and in front of them, and so Jurgen Klopp needs to get it right in this area of the field.

He’s got a few big decisions to make, then, as he looks to pick the best possible eleven on the day, with more than a few midfielders likely vying for a starting berth. But who should he pick?

Tottenham’s attack is just as deadly as Liverpool’s, and so Jurgen Klopp must be careful not to underestimate it. He needs to ensure that his midfield is able to control that, then, and that’s why it might be time to give Fabinho a chance. The Brazilian has yet to feature in a single Premier League game since his move from Monaco, and Jurgen Klopp has obviously been slowly introducing him into the fold. Now, though, with the first part of the Premier League done and dusted, it’s the perfect time for him to get involved. He’ll be a fantastic asset for the Reds as they look to control the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

In the same midfield, but perhaps slight above Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp should look no further than Naby Keita. Like his teammate, Keita only joined Liverpool over the summer, but the Guinean has instead walked straight into the first team. He’s vindicated that decision as a good one in the time since, as he’s easily been one of Liverpool’s best players. Agile, combative, and quick-minded, Keita has impressed with every facet of his game, and he’s one of their most important players already.

In the third spot, Klopp has a lot of choice. Between Georiginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and James Milner, there is quality available to Klopp. However, based on current form, it’s tough to look past James Milner. Milner, though perhaps intended as more of a rotational option, has been one of the stars of the Liverpool midfield so far this season. Having picked up 1 goal and 2 assists, he’s been crucial to the Liverpool cause going forward, but his energy also makes him a strong choice defensively.

As mentioned, Klopp could also call on Wijnaldum or Milner, whilst even someone like Xherdan Shaqiri could come in and add a bit more quality to the midfield. But who should he pick?

Liverpool fans – thoughts?

Let us know below!

Arsenal’s Europa League campaign kicks off on Thursday with a clash against Ukrainian outfit Vorskla Poltava at the Emirates Stadium. The occasion marks Unai Emery’s first game in charge of the Gunners in European competition and the Spanish coach is likely to make some changes to his established line up.

The home side are going into this one as heavy favourites to secure victory and should be able to rotate a number of players without sacrificing their chances of coming out of it with a win.

Danny Welbeck ought to be at the top of the list of players who deserve to come in for this match. The England international will likely struggle for starts this time around in the Premier League with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of him in the pecking order.

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However, the 27-year-old is still a valuable member of Emery’s squad and can make a genuine contribution over the course of this campaign. Welbeck deserves to start against Vorskla and Emery would be wise to hand him that opportunity.

What do you think, Arsenal fans – should Welbeck start against Vorskla or should others, such as Eddie Nketiah, be given the chance to shine instead?

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Arsenal got their Europa League campaign off to a flying start with an emphatic 4-2 win over Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night. Whilst two late consolation goals meant that Unai Emery’s wait for a first clean sheet as Arsenal manager goes on, there were plenty of positives for the Gunners boss to take from the victory.

Amongst the standout performances for the home side was Alex Iwobi’s display. The Nigeria international was a constant menace to the Vorskla defence. 

The 22-year-old was a very powerful, aggressive and direct presence on the flank and was fearless in taking on his opponents. Over the course of the 69 minutes he was on the field, Iwobi completed three dribbles and made four key passes – more than any other player on the pitch.

He also registered a fine assist when he set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to break the deadlock.

Iwobi’s impressive performance on Thursday ought to earn him a return to the Premier League starting XI for this Sunday’s visit of Everton.

What do you think, Arsenal fans – has Iwobi done enough to warrant inclusion from the off this weekend?

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Yerry Mina is reportedly set to return to training in the near future, but should the towering Colombian immediately be first choice for Everton when he returns?

Everton have struggled in defence so far this season, as Mina’s lack of fitness has coincided with injuries and suspensions for Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka.

Mason Holgate got absolutely bullied by Marko Arnautovic during West Ham’s win at Goodison, and Kurt Zouma has not exactly been perfect.

That said, Keane’s return from injury looks really promising for Marco Silva’s side, as he and Zouma have the makings of a really good partnership.

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The pair looked fairly solid at the Emirates, and if not for a screamer from Alexandre Lacazette and an offside goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang they would have grabbed a clean sheet at a stadium that has been a burial ground for Everton in recent seasons.

Mina showed glimpses of being a truly great centre back at the World Cup this summer, but he is also prone to lapses of concentration and poor positioning.

Keane has been slowly improving since his torrid start under Ronald Koeman and he and Zouma need time to form a proper understanding, so introducing Mina for Keane now could be a huge mistake.

So, Everton fans, should Mina immediately start when fit? Or do Keane and Zouma deserve the chance to form a proper partnership? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

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Southampton manager Mark Hughes reportedly wanted to sign Filip Kostic as a replacement for Dusan Tadic during the summer transfer window, but after the former’s quiet start to the season he should be happy that he didn’t.

What’s the word, then?

Well, according to the printed version of The Mirror (page 49) on July 24, via HITC, the Welshman was keen to offset the loss of Tadic to Ajax earlier in the summer by bringing his Serbia international teammate Kostic to St Mary’s.

The 25-year-old seemed set to leave cash-strapped Hamburg on a permanent basis following their first-ever relegation from the Bundesliga, and it was fellow German club Eintracht Frankfurt that eventually won the race for his signature – albeit they only brought him in on a season-long loan deal.

It’s fair to say that the move hasn’t been an overly positive one for either the Europa League competitors or the attacker so far.

Why should Southampton be glad they didn’t sign him?

While Saints’ transfer dealings have been deservedly lauded in the last few years, in more recent times they have got their business wrong more often than not – as seen by the fact they only narrow avoided the drop last season having finished in sixth two years previously.

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The south coast outfit certainly can’t afford to sign any more duds, but the early signs from Kostic’s early-season form for Frankfurt suggests he would have been exactly that, and that he wouldn’t have improved a struggling Premier League side that have scored just six goals in their seven top-flight fixtures so far this term.

Up until his goal in the 4-1 win against Lazio in Europe on Thursday night, the 25-year-old had failed to find the net or register a single assist in his opening seven appearances for the Bundesliga club, and Southampton and their fans, 66% of whom voted on our poll said they would like a 43-year-old ex-Saint to replace Hughes, need better than that if they are to make progress again.

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Having surprised many with his 23-man England squad selection, Gareth Southgate made changes once again ahead of Friday night’s Nations League clash with Croatia by setting his team up with a four-man defence.

On the chalkboard

Clearly, the England boss wasn’t reading when we argued that he ought to persist with a back five. That set up, after all, is the one he has used for the majority of his tenure and he did not deviate from it as the Three Lions made their unexpected run to the World Cup semi-finals in the summer. 

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The positive aspect of playing with three centre-backs with wing-backs either side – a back five – was that it allowed Southgate to utilise the top quality ball-playing centre-backs and highly effective attacking full/wing-backs that he had at his disposal.

As was demonstrated to England’s cost in the World Cup semi-final – again, versus Croatia – though, is that the extra defender meant that England could be overrun in the midfield by high level opponents.

Moving to a back four, however, allows Southgate to add an extra body to the middle of the park in an attempt to offset this frailty.

Will it work?

Having an extra midfielder is all well and good, but the individual personnel still have to be capable of performing their required task to a high enough standard.

Previous combinations of Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere have all too often left England lacking mobility and creativity in the middle third. Southgate appears to be aware of this, hence the call ups for Ross Barkley, James Maddison, Mason Mount, Nathaniel Chalobah and Harry Winks.

Chelsea’s Barkley and Mount (currently on loan at Derby County) and Leicester City’s Maddison have been included to add a degree of invention and drive to the Three Lions’ midfield. Whilst Mount is in the nascent stages of his career, Barkley and Maddison ought to see Southgate’s tactical shift as a golden opportunity for them to stake their claim as England regulars.

Meanwhile, Watford’s Chalobah and Spurs’ Winks add mobility to the midfield. Winks could prove to be the key man here as, at his best, he provides both energy and creativity in great measure. If he can discover his best form then he may soon emerge as the man England have been missing for so long.

Southgate’s new style can work, if those he has chosen to exhibit it with can rise to the challenge.

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According to The Mirror, West Ham are considering a move for Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill in the January transfer window.

As per the aforementioned report, the veteran defender would be open to a winter switch in order to gain more regular first team football. Considering that Cahill’s current contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire at the end of this season anyway, the former England international could even be available at a bargain price in January.

Cahill would certainly add a great deal of leadership, experience and quality strength in depth to the defensive contingent at the London Stadium. However, the Hammers spent big on bringing Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop to East London in the summer and the pair have since forged a fine partnership in the heart of the Irons’ defence. 

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With the likes of Declan Rice, Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and Reece Oxford at Manuel Pellegrini’s disposal as back up options, Cahill would likely be an unnecessary acquisition. The Hammers would be better off sticking with and developing what they have.

What do you think, West Ham fans – would Cahill be a wise winter buy?

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Tottenham supporters have been pretty upbeat during the international break having seen their side win their final three Premier League games prior to the two-week interruption.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men went into their encounter with Cardiff City on October 6 having beaten Brighton and Huddersfield Town in their preceding two league games, albeit they were swept aside by Barcelona in the Champions League just prior to the visit of Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds. Nonetheless, the North Londoners made it three wins in a row in the league as an Eric Dier effort was enough to seal a 1-0 win over the South Wales outfit at Wembley, thus moving Spurs to within two points of top spot.

Thus, there have been many thrilled Tottenham fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have been taking to Twitter in recent times to respond to the rumours that Eddie Howe is the club’s number one choice to succeed Pochettino, with many supporters happy with that choice.

And those Spurs fans are so right to be happy with that choice, as Bournemouth boss Howe appears to be the ideal man to succeed Pochettino if and when the latter does indeed leave Tottenham.

Ultimately, the Argentine has done a terrific job at the North London club since his appointment as manager back in 2014, with the ex-Southampton chief rebuilding and making Spurs one of the best teams in the country.

And with three successive top four finishes in the Premier League, the 46-year-old is consistently producing the goods in charge of the North Londoners, even if he has yet to get his hands on a trophy in his four-year stint at the club.

Nonetheless, Pochettino has been touted by many to eventually take over at Real Madrid or indeed Manchester United, and while Spurs fans will obviously be hoping that that does not take place anytime soon, they must be prepared for such eventuality.

And reportedly identifying Bournemouth boss Howe as the man to replace Pochettino is a great choice, as the Englishman has worked wonders at the Vitality Stadium to thus earn a shot at a top job.

The 40-year-old returned to the South Coast for his second stint as manager back in 2012 after a relatively tough time at Burnley the year previous, but he has since reminded us all what an excellent young manager he is by leading the Cherries from the depths of League One to becoming an established Premier League club.

But it’s not just the fact that Howe has led Bournemouth to a fourth consecutive season in the top-flight this time round, and even took them to the top ten back in 2017, it’s the way in which he has gone about it in sticking to his guns and overseeing a team that play some excellent football – it’s is very akin to the way Pochettino has his Spurs team playing.

Many newly-promoted sides often seek to take a slightly more defensive approach against some of the better teams given the huge gulf in quality, but Howe has always wanted his Cherries team to play on the front foot and give the opposition problems going forward – they have never been the greatest team defensively, but they play some great stuff in the final third.

And that is why he would be absolutely perfect for Tottenham after Pochettino – he has a similar philosophy to the Argentine, and would no doubt seek to continue the fine work Pochettino has overseen in his time at Spurs.

Thus, given how highly-rated Howe has become in the last few years, alongside the way in which his Bournemouth team goes about their football, those Tottenham fans calling for the 40-year-old to succeed Pochettino are absolutely spot on.

Tottenham fans… what do you think? Let us know!