Chelsea already find themselves nine points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after a shock away defeat to rock-bottom Crystal Palace last weekend. That has led to many claiming the Blues aren’t quite up to successfully defending their top-flight crown this season for various reasons, mostly a lack of strength in depth.

Former Blues star Chris Sutton said as much in his recent column for MailOnline, as well as singling out new signing Alvaro Morato for criticism.

“Chelsea replaced a reliable centre forward in Diego Costa with a striker in Alvaro Morata who has ability but has not yet gone the distance in a league campaign.”

But does Sutton have a point?

We asked our best writers for their thoughts of Chelsea’s perceived issues and Sutton’s quite damning assessment…

Christy Malyan

It’s looking like it won’t be Chelsea’s season and that is unquestionably linked with their failure to bring in certain players during the summer.

It’s quite interesting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley and Fernando Llorente all turned the west Londoners down during the final few days of the transfer window, and Antonio Conte now appears to be paying the price. But it’s being quickly forgotten that some very ruthless decisions were made during the summer, with Nemanja Matic, Diego Costa and John Terry all moving on.

That’s taken away vast leadership and experience from Chelsea’s starting XI, so it’s almost inevitable that they’re struggling to match the consistency of last year. They’re still a good side and the replacements, Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger, have more than enough talent to replicate the levels of their predecessors, but it feels like this will mostly be a season of transition for Chelsea – probably glossed over with an FA Cup or League Cup.

There’s no shame in that if they’re back to their best next season.

Chris McMullan

Sutton’s comments seem unfair, but perhaps that’s to be expected from such a short article that was never given the chance to go into any real detail of his argument.

Essentially, he thinks that Chelsea’s summer business left the squad short. That might well be true, and clearly that was the worry this summer. But picking out Alvaro Morata for criticism is particularly strange given the Spanish international has scored seven goals in seven starts in all competitions this season.

His assertion is that Morata hasn’t proved that he can do it over the course of a whole season, and that may well turn out to be a problem. But, for now, he certainly can’t be blamed for the fact that Chelsea find themselves nine points behind the Premier League leaders.

Olly Huddlestone

It seems that way. Like Mourinho before him, Conte is finding it difficult to defend the title won so convincingly the previous season.

If you compare with rivals Man United and Man City’s strength and depth it is clear what Chelsea need to do in January – strengthen in every position.

If the season continues to go downhill for the Blues, you can expect a flurry of transfers in the new year.

Liverpool romped to a convincing 3-0 victory against Huddersfield on Saturday, blitzing them with three second half goals from Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum.

After a poor first half display, Jurgen Klopp inspired his side to come out with renewed focus and energy and once they got the first goal, there was no danger of a second successive defeat in the English Premier League.

Those three goalscorers will get the headlines but Liverpool fans were left impressed by a defender most of all, 20-year-old Joe Gomez. The youngster was in excellent form throughout, giving Reds fans hope that their defence isn’t quite the lost cause many think it is.

Gomez has emerged as a regular starter under Klopp this season, having seen his previous years at Liverpool blighted by injury. With 10 starts already this term, he’s well on his way to becoming a fan favourite.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

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Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that Jamaal Lascelles is in danger of missing the team’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, reports The Shields Gazette.

What’s wrong?

The club captain suffered an ankle injury during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

The problem forced Lascelles off the pitch in the 55th minute when the Magpies were on level terms with the Cherries at 0-0.

Even though Newcastle do not take on United at Old Trafford until November 18, Benitez is unsure whether his skipper will return to fitness in time.

The Shields Gazette quotes the manager as saying:

“It’s still a bit painful. He’s been working with the physios and getting a little bit better, but it’s slow. We have to wait a couple of days, and then without inflammation we’ll see how it is.”

Could this spell trouble for Newcastle?

There is no doubt that Lascelles has been one of the team’s best performers this season.

The 23-year-old has led from the back by marshalling the defence and helping the Magpies stay in touch of he top 10.

Losing the Englishman’s quality will only hurt Newcastle, particularly against a United team with world-class talent.

Not only is Lascelles a doubt, but Mikel Merino is on the sidelines, and there are reports that the Spaniard could miss out of action until December.

Newcastle need to be wary, because if injuries start to pile up, the club could find themselves lingering around the relegation zone.

With new West Ham United manager David Moyes having time to work with some of his players during the international break and plenty of positive comments on his training methods, Irons supporters may have been hopeful of a strong performance and fancied their chances of picking up at least a point against Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The Hornets came into the clash on the back of three successive Premier League defeats after an impressive start to the campaign, while the east London outfit had the individuals that can make a difference at this level – even if the likes of Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew and Javier Hernandez missed out at the weekend – despite their own poor form.

It was a new start under the Scot, but it was the same old story. It perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise as it is difficult to get an instant turnaround in fortunes and confidence in what has been a largely disastrous campaign for the Hammers.

In truth, Will Hughes’ strike for Marco Silva’s men in the 11th minute put the hosts on their way to a comfortable victory, and even though Moyes had set his team up to be strong at the back and narrow when defending, they simply didn’t do enough to prevent either of the goals they conceded on the day.

Some notable absentees from the 18-man squad meant that the youngsters like Declan Rice, Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina took their place on the substitutes’ bench, but none of them entered the field despite the fact that the former has made five Premier League appearances this season, while the latter two have been handed opportunities in the Carabao Cup.

Instead it was the same old story for West Ham, with experienced players like Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna, Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Andy Carroll producing performances that simply were not good enough on Sunday, and the travelling support certainly let them – and the unpopular board – know their feelings throughout the match and at the final whistle.

With those so-called experienced performers either drained of confidence or simply not good enough or up for the relegation fight that the east London outfit currently find themselves in, perhaps it is time for Moyes to not only include some of the promising youngsters the club has in the squad, but start to introduce some of them into the starting line-up.

Things certainly don’t look as though they can get much worse on the pitch right now, and the animosity of the supporters towards the former Sunderland and Manchester United boss and the David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady will certainly not help matters on the pitch.

Those frustrated and angry fans will certainly have more patience, support and affinity with the players that have come through the club’s youth system, and their inclusion in the team could help to improve the atmosphere around the London Stadium and provide a boost within the crowd.

Mixing the likes of the prolific Martinez – who can’t stop scoring for the U23s – and exciting young midfielders Quina – a reported target for Manchester United – and Martin Samuelsen with Hernandez, Lanzini and Kouyate could prove to be a tactic that is particularly effective.

They would certainly add some much-needed energy and determination to a West Ham first team that has often looked laboured and lethargic this term.

David Moyes certainly now knows what a big job he has on his hands to keep the Irons away from the relegation zone this term, but a blend of experience and youth could be the key to getting the fans on side and turning the club’s season around.

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has been declared fit for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at St James’s Park.

Lascelles, who is valued at £4.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has been on the sidelines for more than one month with an ankle problem, and the Magpies have not won in his absence.

On Friday, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez revealed that the centre-back was fit for the clash with Leicester in what is a major boost for the Championship winners.

Lascelles scored twice in 11 appearances for Newcastle before picking up the problem during the 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on November 4.

The Magpies have since lost to Manchester United, Watford and Chelsea, with their only point in their last six matches coming away to West Bromwich Albion towards the end of last month.

Benitez also confirmed that Christian Atsu would return for the Leicester match, with the winger back from the thigh injury that he suffered against Bournemouth.

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As reported by Turkish outlet Fotospor, Celtic are interested in signing Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic as the club prepares to do business in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Celtic’s defence has been a key weakness in Brendan Rodgers’ side for a while now, especially in European competition where they conceded more goals than any other side in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The Hoops are likely on the hunt for a centre-back next month and there’s a new name being linked with a move to Glasgow.

Fotosport report that Celtic are interested in Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic, with the Turkish side preparing to introduce Domagoj Vida into the heart of their defence.

The outlet reckons he could be available for a fee of around £2.6m.

Who is he?

A 32-year-old Serbian international with experience across the continent, having played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Red Star Belgrade and now Besiktas, Tosic certainly has a decent playing history behind him that demonstrates he likely has the ability to perform well in the Scottish Premiership.

With plenty of European experience too, including six appearances in this season’s UEFA Champions League, the defender could help out what is a pretty young defensive line at Celtic Park.

The Hoops badly need defensive reinforcements and although he is in the latter stages of his playing career, Tosic would appear to be a player ready to come in and do a vital job in the short-term.

England’s man on the ground at the World Cup in Russia has shared scenes live from the Spartak Stadium after England beat Colombia in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Despite England fans being vastly outnumbered at the game, the supporters were certainly making themselves heard as you can see from Thogden’s video.

On a tense night in Moscow, England went 1-0 up thanks to a Harry Kane penalty, but Colombia struck back in the final minute to take things to extra time.

Who do you think will win the World Cup. Tell us here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Penalties loomed and with England’s history from the spot, things weren’t looking great for Gareth Southgate’s men, but the Three Lions triumphed 4-3 to win their first ever World Cup shoot-out.

Check out the wild reaction of the England fans in Thogden’s video above and subscribe for more World Cup content.

West Brom fans in the Transfer Tavern are optimistic for next season after a late charge in their final Premier League season.

Despite their efforts in the run in, the Baggies were unable to avoid the drop. Their poor form under Alan Pardew ultimately cost them in the race for safety. Interim manager, Darren Moore, impressed enough as temporary boss to be given the reins on a permanent basis.

He is tasked with returning the club to the Premier League as soon as possible. He lost Ben Foster to Watford but replaced him with the impressive Sam Johnstone from Manchester United in a £5m deal. Jonny Evans left the club which is a huge blow, and he needs to be replaced.

The Baggies have lined up Swansea defender, Kyle Bartley, as his replacement which will prove to be an excellent piece of business. Valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old impressed during his time with Leeds United in the Championship and the Whites had been interested in bringing the Englishman back to the club. It appears the Baggies have overtaken them in the race for his services if reports are to be believed.

For just £3.5m, Bartley is one of the best defenders in the division and is the perfect replacement for Evans. He is a strong physical defender who will have no problems with the physicality of the Championship. The former Arsenal man can be the one to lead Albion back into the big time.

West Brom fans, thoughts?

West Ham fans were discussing a move for Chelsea’s Tiemoue Bakayoko last week, but if the Hammers want a powerful midfielder alongside Jack Wilshere then look no further than Steven N’Zonzi.

What’s the story?

According to GFFN, World Cup winner N’Zonzi has a £35m release clause in his Sevilla contract.

The tough tackling midfielder has been heavily linked with Arsenal, with Sky Sports even reporting recently that the Gunners were “in talks” with Sevilla to sign him.

Unai Emery may see the towering defensive midfielder as a replacement for Granit Xhaka in his new look Arsenal team; the Swiss midfielder tends to split opinion amongst fans.

However, the Gunners have already signed Lucas Torreira, and the presence of both Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey means N’Zonzi would risk regular playing time by moving to North London.

The Hammers have done some excellent summer business already, but swooping in and stealing N’Zonzi would be worth every penny of that release clause, and could just be the final piece of Manuel Pellegrini’s puzzle.

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What’s all the fuss about?

If Pellegrini’s plan is to play 4-2-3-1 this season, then he absolute must get a powerful and smart defensive midfielder to sit alongside Wilshere. Cheikhou Kouyate is probably the best equipped for this role out of the current squad, but N’Zonzi would be an upgrade on the Senegalese international in every department.

The Frenchman is incredibly calm on the ball, using his control along with sheer strength and power to weave his way out of difficult areas in midfield before picking a pass. Passing is one of his biggest strengths, boasting an 88 per cent pass success rate in La Liga this season.

Above all else though, the 6 ft 5 N’Zonzi just knows how to control a game with his intelligence and reading of the game. He averaged over one tackle and over one interception per game last season, and these numbers would be an awful lot higher if he didn’t play for a team that likes to dominate the ball.

N’Zonzi is strong, smart and composed, and he would bring an extra element of steel and toughness to the midfield as well as having the technical skill to link up with Wilshere and the more attack-minded players. £35m for a player in the form of his life who would make the entire team more composed and solid is an absolute no brainer.

So, West Ham fans what do you think? Would N’Zonzi be a snip at £35m? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

West Ham are one of two teams chasing a deal for Miguel Almiron, but the Hammers would be a lot safer opting for Premier League proven Adam Lallana, who could find himself forced out of Liverpool.

What’s the story?

According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, both Newcastle and West Ham are interest in Atlanta United’s Almiron, who has eight goals and 11 assists this season in the MLS.

The American side value the playmaker at £20m, which is an awful lot of money for a 24 year-old who has never played in a top league.

The Hammers have done some excellent business this summer, and the right player in the number ten role could bring the best out of Marko Arnautovic, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko.

Liverpool have also been very busy, which could be bad news for Lallana. While the England playmaker has struggled with injuries in the last year or so, he still has the industriousness, vision and technical quality to be the missing piece of the puzzle in Pellegrini’s attack.

With two years left on his contract and unlikely to see much playing time at Anfield this season, the Hammers would be much better served testing the Reds’ resolve for the 30 year-old than splashing out big bucks on an MLS player.

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The missing link?

Lallana’s injury problems and struggles to nail down a first team place at Anfield have taken the gloss of his Premier League career, but the Englishman still has all the traits to be a success for several more years.

His end product is perhaps his biggest weakness, but it’s far better than he gets credit for. Since earning promotion with Southampton, he averages nearly a goal or assist every 180 minutes. When you consider he’ll be playing alongside Anderson, Yarmolenko and Arnautovic, chipping in once every two games would be more than enough.

His Transfermarkt profile lists a remarkable seven positions that he can play, which shows the sheer freedom of options he would give Pellegrini if he came to East London. His best football has undoubtedly come as a number ten though, where his constant hassling of opposition defenders and quality on the ball makes everyone around him better.

The 5 ft 8 Liverpool ace is creative, hard working, two-footed, and will chip in with the odd goal or two. He also offers far more defensively than Almiron would, which would allow the new attacking signings to shine along with Arnautovic.

The Atlanta forward of course has more pace, but the Hammers have plenty of that on their wings now, and are in desperate need of a player with Lallana’s nous to link it all together.

So, West Ham fans, youth or experience? Which playmaker would you rather sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…