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We’re less than two hours away from a fine weekend of Scottish Premiership action kicking off as Rangers travel to Perth to take on St Johnstone in Friday night action.

It’s been a long international break without club football and tonight’s encounter is a mouth-watering affair, after a week of back and forth comments between the home side and the Light Blues.

With both teams also on equal points, it could be a very competitive ninety minutes that will thrill the neutral as much as anyone.

For Rangers supporters, they just want the three points, looking to continue from where they left off against Hamilton before the break.

Inconsistency has again been a problem for Pedro Caixinha’s team this season and fans are desperate for a few wins in succession to try and close the gap on Aberdeen and Celtic above them.

It’s vital he gets his team selection right and Rangers fans have been vocal about one man they don’t want to see in the team – central defender Fabio Cardoso.

The 23-year-old has looked pretty shaky in recent matches and with the emergence of youngster Ross McCrorie and the potential return of Bruno Alves, it seems that supporters would like to see him dropped for the visit to Saints.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Caixinha’s potential line-up…

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It’s often said the most important thing for Jack Wilshere is to play a full ninety minutes. But in truth, that ninety minutes and his fitness in general has little relevance if the England international is struggling to produce to the levels he’s capable of.

Good news for the midfielder then, that he was one of the driving forces behind Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League yesterday evening.

The 25-year-old linked up well as one of the dual No.10s behind Olivier Giroud, ranking first for dribbles and crosses and second for chances created throughout Arsenal’s squad.

He also had an instrumental impact on breaking the scoreline in the 85th minute; Wilshere jinked past two defenders before playing a one-two with Theo Walcott, who nodded the ball into the path of Giroud for an instinctive finish.

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“I’m pleased for him. He will get a chance in the Premier League don’t worry for that. Games of that intensity will help him a lot.

“It was a very difficult game – with high intensity. We kept going and tried to win the game, they did as well in fairness.”

With his Arsenal contract expiring and the World Cup in Russia taking place next summer, this season will be a defining one in Wilshere’s career – potentially at both club and international level.

But in more encouraging news for Gunners and Three Lions fans, last night’s performance prompted Arsene Wenger to insist post-match the 34-cap midfielder will be given a chance to impress in the Premier League this season.

After the determined display against Belgrade, he certainly deserves it.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that Gareth Southgate sees a three-man defence as a vital component of England’s World Cup bid next summer; since becoming permanent manager, four of his nine games in charge have involved a back three – including the last two.

Of course, back threes have become incredibly common at the top end of the Premier League since Antonio Conte introduced 3-4-2-1 at Chelsea during the opening months of last season. But potentially the most important player in successfully implementing that system in Russia next summer currently plies his trade lower down the table – Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.

The former Hull City man – who Transfermarkt value at £7.2million – has been phenomenal for the Foxes since arriving at the King Power Stadium in the summer, combining sheer size and power with quality in possession, and he’s carried that form to international level as well.

In fact, he provided arguably one of England’s best individual performances against Germany on Friday night, playing a key part in claiming a clean sheet against the reigning world champions while making an impact on the ball – highlighted by his three chances created, 75 touches and 94% passing accuracy.

Of course, ability in possession is not only an integral asset in international football but also for defenders operating in a back three, expected to step into midfield when opportunities allow and take more responsibility on the ball as the wing-backs push further up.

But what makes Maguire so crucial is that he’s emerging as the arguably best candidate for the most troubled spot in any back three – the left centre-back slot. None of England’s centre-halves are naturally left footed and although Gary Cahill occupies that role at Chelsea, it’s rarely his technique and passing that earns the plaudits. Maguire, though, looked more than comfortable at left centre-back on Friday night, especially when in possession.

If there’s one factor counting against him, it’s that Cahill will be playing the left-sided role practically every week for the remainder of the season, whereas Leicester usually line up in a more traditional back four.

But if the 24-year-old continues to take the chances Southgate offers him at left centre-back, the next of which could well com against Brazil tomorrow night, the Chelsea skipper may find himself sidelined to Maguire’s benefit by the time the World Cup in Russia comes around.

David Moyes’s career since leaving Everton in 2013 has not gone to plan for the Scotsman.

After failed spells at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland, the 54-year-old has a fresh challenge at West Ham United.

Moyes was appointed last week, just 24 hours after Slaven Bilic was sacked following a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at the London Stadium.

This Sunday will mark the new manager’s first game in charge, and it is one that Paul Merson feels will put Moyes under pressure instantly.

With the club currently one point from safety in the Premier League table, a win is much-needed, but taking on Watford at Vicarage Road will not be a walk in the park for the Hammers.

Sky Sports pundit Merson thinks that the fans will quickly point the finger at Moyes if the team do not get a desired result.

The ex-Arsenal midfielder, though, has predicted that the match will end in a 1-1 draw.

He told Sky Sports:

“David Moyes is in a catch 22 because the fans are going to be on his back from day one. I do not think he was a great appointment for the West Ham fans and to the end of the season does not give you much leeway, and where is the club going?

“He will have to go out and have a go at Watford, if they sit back and draw 0-0, the fans will not be happy at all. And I think it will be a hard game as Watford are one of those teams that are alright if they are not expected to win, but when they are expected to win I think they crumble under the pressure. And again, I am going for a draw.”

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Newcastle United were staring at their fifth defeat in a row in Tuesday night’s game against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies, who remain without a permanent manager, took a 2-0 lead after 56 minutes.

The Magpies, though, managed to launch a comeback, with Ciaran Clark scoring three minutes after their opponents nabbed a second.

An own goal from Jonny Evans meant that Newcastle took home a point, and the reaction from the fans changed throughout the game.

Most felt frustration and then later relief as the team left The Hawthorns with something rather than another loss.

Rafael Benitez’s decision not to start Jonjo Shelvey or Aleksandar Mitrovic in the first XI was a problem for numerous supporters, particularly as the pair impressed when they came on as substitutes.

After the final whistle on away soil, the fans took to Twitter to deliver their verdicts on the result and performance.

Arsenal picked up a late point as they drew 1-1 with Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday, and Gunners fans have urged their club to sign Saints defender Virgil van Dijk.

The north London outfit would have been looking to bounce back from the 3-1 defeat against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday – when they conceded two early goals – but they made a similarly poor start on the south coast when Charlie Austin scored in the third minute.

Nacho Monreal and the returning Per Mertesacker were at fault for the goal, while van Dijk – who was heavily linked with Liverpool during the summer – was his usual composed self at the other end, showing his quality on the ball and his strength in the air – although he may have been disappointed with Olivier Giroud’s equaliser.

Arsenal fans were quick to have their say on the Dutchman via social media, and while one said “Wenger should break the bank for van Dijk in January”, another is more confident they will get him and said “pretty sure Arsene will sign VVD in January”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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With Riyad Mahrez now secured, other than a defensive midfielder, Manchester City are unlikely to make any more new signings in this transfer window.

Pep Guardiola has arguably assembled the strongest squad – at least in terms of depth – in the Premier League era and ultimately, does not need much from the current transfer market.

That being said, one area in the team which is not exactly as strong as the others is at left-back. Benjamin Mendy was brought in for big money last summer, but missed the majority of his maiden season in England through injury.

In Mendy’s absence, Fabian Delph was brought into the side to replace the Frenchman and did a decent job playing in a very unfamiliar position.

However, as rare as it felt during the campaign, when Manchester City did actually have to defend, the midfielder, understandably, did look vulnerable at times.

Furthermore, the thought of signing another left-back may be in the back of Guardiola’s mind. And if so, the former Barcelona manager should target Tottenham’s Danny Rose.

Rose, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, has fallen out of favour at Tottenham after he questioned the club’s ambition in a stunning interview with The Sun last August.

The 28-year-old has since lost his starting spot to Ben Davies and could now decide to leave White Hart Lane if Mauricio Pochettino does not give him guarantees for the upcoming season.

In Mendy, City already have a quality left-back. But considering how much games the Citizens are likely to play during the approaching campaign and Guardiola’s tendency to rotate, there could be room for Rose in the squad.

At Tottenham, Kyle Walker and Rose were touted as the best full-back pairing in the Premier League, and the two rekindling their alliance again at the Etihad would make Manchester City an even more monstrous team.

If Rose does decide to part ways with Tottenham this summer, then Manchester City must put themselves at the front of the queue for his services.

Tottenham fans are not happy with the latest transfer news, as it appears they have missed out on potentially signing Adrien Rabiot thanks to Barcelona’s interest.

According to Sport, Spurs have decided to drop out of the race for Rabiot and instead focus on other midfield options. They were originally happy to offer €30m (£26.5m) for the midfielder.

Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy need to sign a replacement for Mousa Dembele, and Rabiot’s combination of tight control, game intelligence and brilliant passing could have made him the perfect fit in Pochettino’s midfield.

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However, it seems Barcelona will now sign the Frenchman, as the report from Sport claims Rabiot has made it clear he will either stay at PSG or sign for Spanish champions.

The 23 year-old has huge potential, and could have developed into an absolute superstar under Pochettino’s guidance, but it seems he’s eyeing up bigger and better things.

Fans are starting to worry about the lack of signings particularly in midfield, and they’re annoyed they’ve missed out on such a quality player.

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You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Leicester City are looking to tie down England World Cup star Harry Maguire to a more lucrative contract to boost his transfer value, according to the Daily Mail.

What’s the story, then?

The Mail report that Maguire currently earns £45,000 per week at the King Power Stadium but the Foxes want to make him one of their top earners on a weekly wage of around £75,000 to reflect his new global status.

The report says that the keenness to tie him down to a bumper deal despite there being four years left on his current one is to ward off interest from Manchester United.

They report that Jose Mourinho is a keen admirer and is lining up a £50m swoop, but Leicester value him more around the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk in January.

United must act fast

Maguire’s World Cup performances have already shunted his asking price up from the £16m Leicester paid last summer towards £50m in the space of just four weeks.

If Leicester do upgrade the former Hull man’s contract then it will really shove him into van Dijk territory and they have shown with the Riyad Mahrez situation that they are tough negotiators.

That all means that Mourinho must act quickly if he is to land Maguire for anything approaching a reasonable price, but maybe he could use Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo as bait in a swap deal or to raise the funds.

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Loads of Rangers fans have been reacting to the latest transfer news, as reports suggest they are eying a move for Bolton centre back Mark Beevers.

According to The Daily Express, Steven Gerrard is eyeing up Beevers as an alternative to Jake Cooper.

Millwall’s Cooper has been of heavy interest to the Gers all summer, as they reportedly had a £3m bid turned down last week.

Beevers is in the last year of his contract, so would obviously be a lot cheaper than the towering Millwall ace.

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The 28 year-old certainly has something to offer, racking up a wealth of experience across the Championship and League One.

Standing at 6 ft 4, Beevers made over 150 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, and has since featured for MK Dons, Millwall and Bolton.

The Gers’ defence wasn’t really tested in their Europa League tie against Shkupi, but Gerrard definitely needs a new centre back.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where it seems fans are split on Gerrard’s new plan…