Wilfried Zaha has quietly put his name forward as one of the best attackers in the Premier League this season. Oi, you at the back, stop laughing, we mean it!

While his Crystal Palace side have blown hot and cold this term – usually a trait associated with the former Manchester United wide-man – the two-cap England international has looked a threat in most games in which he’s featured, offering a genuine outlet on the wing.

Spurs were aligned with the 24-year-old over the summer, and it’s little surprise that their interest has, according to Squawka, been piqued again by the Ivory Coast-born ace. We’ve even weighed in on the debate, suggesting a few reasons why Zaha may be the perfect January addition for the Lilywhites, and here is yet more proof that he’s worth the fuss…

As the numbers show, Zaha has been an excellent orthodox wide attacker. His 67 take-ons is a division-high return, beating the likes of Eden Hazard, while his 21 chances created have translated to six assists – by far the largest tally within Palace’s ranks.

Interestingly, he’s been fouled 39 times, which shows that defenders are really struggling to cope with his direct style. This could be of benefit to a Spurs team in which Christian Eriksen is a real threat from dead balls and defenders like Toby Alderweireld can come forward into the box to provide aerial menace.

Overall, the north Londoners don’t possess a player like Zaha. People may scoff at the notion of him being a star worth signing, but he would provide a sometimes one-dimensional Tottenham team with another, more dynamic option, which could be of use given the number of games they’ve draw this term, six – the joint-highest quantity across the entire division.

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Arsenal legend Ray Parlour is no stranger to a game of blackjack, many of us know the rules and like to think we can take on the house. However, none of us have ever faced a game of 888casino’s Electric Blackjack.

The Romford Pele, who made 400 appearances for the Gunners during his time with the club, sat down alongside reality TV star Amy Childs, armed with 888casino’s Ultimate Blackjack Strategy Guide for a game with a shocking twist.

The pair, watched carefully by blackjack master John Scanlon of Aspers Casino, were dealt their cards knowing that any wrong move would be punished by a jarring electric shock from none other than the master himself.

Could Parlour, who had the composure to win three Premier League titles with the Gunners, hold his nerve and succeed at the table?

Take a look at the challenge, filmed before Childs’ recent announcement that she is expecting her fist baby, below…

It seems that having the composure to top the Premier League and represent your nation at the highest level don’t always transfer to the blackjack table.

Luck was certainly on the side of the TOWIE star that day, who escaped the challenge unscathed, with Parlour admitting that the shocks had taught him a lot about the game;

“I know from my playing days that it can be tempting to make quick and rash decisions whilst under pressure,” said the 43-year- old.

“But now I have a better understanding of the blackjack plays and know when to go for another hit. That electric shock hurt more than a Martin Keown tackle though.”

EA Sports have announced their eight-man shortlist for December’s Player of the Month, and one of the Premier League stars in contention is Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen.

The Danish international was in fantastic form ahead of the new year but the below data courtesy EA Sports shows how incredible he truly was.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder registered the most shots of any player in the division (30), ranked joint-second for goals scored (4), joint-second for created chances (21) and joint-fourth for assists (2).

In addition to completing a staggering 193 passes in the opposition half, Spurs fans might be most impressed by the fact three of Eriksen’s four goals were scored with his weaker foot.

Will those stunning statistics be enough for the 24-year-old to clinch the award? Well, he’s up against some serious competition, namely Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba, Diego Costa, Dele Alli, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill, but Eriksen surely stands as good a chance as any.

Data Courtesy of EA SPORTS, the Lead Partner of the Premier League. To vote in the EA SPORTS Player of the Month Award, head to www.premierleague.com.

Liverpool’s loss to Swansea last Saturday highlighted a weakness that has been plaguing them this whole season; they seem to lack of focus against lower level competition.

Over the course of the season Liverpool have lost three matches in which they were clear favourites – Burnley, Bournemouth and Swansea City. With the 3-2 loss to Swansea, Liverpool dropped to fourth in the table and ten points behind leaders Chelsea, dashing any realistic hopes of winning the league this year.

Many might point to the shaky performances of the backline in the second-half, which resulted in conceding three goals. The defence was certainly an issue, but Klopp does not seem worried about it just yet.

This was only Swansea’s second win in their last eight matches, so you can understand why the Reds’ defence has been questioned this season, though Klopp refuses to agree…

“We are not weak in defending. If you want to say this, do it – I don’t care. I know we aren’t.”

Klopp spoke of the lack of concentration on the third goal: “In this moment, we had enough players around the challenges but nearly nobody in the challenges. That makes no sense. I saw no challenge, actually. We were two or three times too passive and, in the end, a free player in our box, that’s a big mistake.”

This is Liverpool’s third loss against a club that is in the bottom half of the table this season.

Of the three other clubs above Liverpool in the table, Liverpool are the only one who have lost against a club in the bottom half of the the Premier League. And it isn’t just one loss, its three. This shows a team that isn’t capitalising on matches they should be winning or, worst case scenario, drawing.

Against the clubs outside of the top ten in the Premier League, Liverpool have won 23 points. By comparison, Chelsea have 34 points from teams in the bottom half of the division.

Of the three clubs above Liverpool – Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham – Liverpool are the only side that hasn’t lost a match against teams in the top ten. This shows that Liverpool can play well when they have their heads on straight.

As much as people want to point to the defence for their woes this season, they have given up the least amount of goals against top ten opponents compared to the rest of the current top four.

So Klopp is not wrong. The problem is not a weak defence, it’s actually a lack of focus against weaker clubs.

One loss against a weaker opponent could be seen as a slip up. Two losses against inferior teams could be a coincidence. Three losses is a pattern and a problem.

As reported in an exclusive by The Sun, Manchester United are interested in renewing Michael Carrick’s contract but only if he takes a huge pay cut to his weekly wage.

What’s the story?

With Manchester United resources being stretched in pursuit of bringing massive names to the club, they’re about to ask a massive sacrifice to be made by one of their top stars.

The Sun say that if Michael Carrick wants to stick around for another year then he needs to nearly half his currently weekly wage, thought to be around £130,000 per week, with a reduction to £70,000 thought to be on the cards.

Quoted by The Sun, a Man United source said:

Carrick could be asked to take a reduction to his salary to secure another deal. He wants to stay and by all accounts Jose has told the board similar. He is on big wages here and would have to take a cut. Carrick’s influence and experience in United’s engine room is undeniable, he’s a key player for the team.

It’s not a sacrifice that is unusual at United in recent years with the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs also having to cut their wage to extend their careers at the club.

Still worth it

Michael Carrick is an underrated member of the Man United team. He’s been a key component in allowing the likes of Paul Pogba to flourish in Mourinho’s midfield. Always classy on the ball, he definitely deserves to extend his stay at Old Trafford despite being 35 years old.

The nature of his game means that pace is unlikely to be a determining factor in his form so age is not a factor and he’s shown he still has the required fitness to last 90 minutes consistently this season.

With Mourinho likely to make significant changes to his squad in coming windows, a player like Carrick can serve a role as a steadying hand and a mentor to youngsters coming through.

To us, that certainly sounds worth the reported wages on offer.

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“We have been in talks with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and approached by Barcelona.

“We like Manchester United and Mourinho’s work, but we have a soft spot for Manchester City.”

If ever there was a come get me plea to Manchester United, this is it. The above words, spoken by Monaco ace Fabinho’s father (via the Daily Mail) confirm that there is indeed interest in the Brazilian from the Reds Devils, and seem to use their big local rivals as a potential tool to kick the Old Trafford giants into gear – a sort of, ‘well I like you, but your mate’s quite attractive, too’ ploy often used in nightclubs across the world.

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So, should Man United relent to this tactic? It’s not always a great idea to go strong-armed in the transfer market, but the 23-year-old looks the real deal, with his move from right-back to central midfield this season having bore copious fruits.

As the numbers show, the South American is pretty close to being the complete midfielder. With defensive contributions such as interceptions (40) and tackles won (58) showing he can ‘mix it’ in the engine room, he’s averaged 84% pass completion across 25 Ligue 1 matches, while making 17 key passes and scoring five goals, illustrating he can do the job going forward, too. He’s even won 26 aerial duels!

Chances are Mourinho will be looking for another midfield option later this year, and partnering Fabinho with Paul Pogba could be frightening for United’s opponents.

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Rangers’ promotion to the Scottish Premiership hasn’t exactly gone the way they’d have liked at the start of the season. Inconsistent results, derby losses and a departing manager have all turned it into a campaign of missed opportunity rather than realised dreams.

While the league title is beyond them, with Celtic a massive 30 points ahead, finishing in second is still a huge priority for whoever is in charge until the end of the season, whether that’s a new boss or current caretaker manager Graeme Murty.

To do that they must beat bitter rivals Aberdeen to the post and the Dons are currently six points ahead of the ‘Gers in the league table. That’s a tall order, especially when you consider Derek McInnes’ side appear to be great form.

If there is a path to second then what do Rangers need to do? Which games are the must win games that could provide the basis of a league comeback?

Here are FIVE fixtures the ‘Gers must win to finish second this season…

Inverness Caledonian Thistle (A) – 24/02/2017

The matter is so urgent for Rangers that their must-win games start immediately, on Friday night away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Not an easy task, trips north to face Inverness are notoriously difficult.

Rangers need to win here though or risk seeing their season go completely off the rails. They haven’t won a Scottish Premiership match in three games and a draw or defeat here would likely be capitalised on by Aberdeen who have a 3pm Saturday home kick-off to look forward to.

They need to get back to winning ways and show they still have a bit about them even after the departure of Mark Warburton. It’s tough for Graeme Murty no doubt, but his side badly need a result.

St Johnstone (H) – 01/03/2017

Rangers’ home form this season has generally been good but one team they haven’t been able to better is St Johnstone. The Ibrox side have played Tommy Wright’s men twice this season and both occasions have ended in a 1-1 draw. If they’re to have ambitions of finishing above Aberdeen then they need to prove they can get a win over one of the better sides in the division.

It would be an important win not just for those reasons but to ease fears that Rangers may slip further down the table, the Perth Saints are as close to Rangers as the ‘Gers are to Aberdeen.

A mid-week win against St Johnstone would be a real statement that they can still keep pace with the Dons.

Celtic (A) – 12/03/2017

Aberdeen haven’t managed to get anything on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic this season so a victory at Celtic Park would definitely be ground gained on the Dons in the battle for second.

Not to mention it would be a massive confidence boost too. Despite only winning on penalties, last season’s semi-final win over Celtic was a massive result for Rangers and their supporters so you can only imagine what a victory at the home of their arch-rivals would do. If the ‘Gers can be the time that finally ends their domestic unbeaten run then it’d be celebrated for years to come.

Winning at Celtic Park could be the springboard the Ibrox side need to have a very strong finish to the league campaign.

Aberdeen (A) – 09/04/2017

It goes without saying that if Rangers have any chance of clawing their way back ahead of Aberdeen in the table then this visit to Pittodrie is an absolutely massive one. Beaten there 2-1 earlier the in the season, Rangers repaid that kindness with a 2-1 win of their own at Ibrox.

The game at Pittodrie back in September was a competitive affair and only won by the home side right at the death thanks to a stunning James Maddison free-kick. He’s now returned to Norwich so the Dons don’t have his magic-making ability to call upon.

Does that open the door for Rangers? That’s a tall order when you consider the rest of the talent Derek McInnes has at his disposal.

What’s certain is that it’ll be a wonderful atmosphere and a wonderful occasion as two of Scotland’s most famous teams go head-to-head in the battle for second place.

Partick Thistle (H) – 15/04/2017

Should Rangers overcome all these obstacles and maintain form in their other fixtures then they’ll be in good shape heading into the post-split Premiership fixtures. That’s if they beat Partick Thistle anyway.

The last step before facing off against the five teams around them in the table, maintaining momentum going into those fixtures is absolutely vital.

The final five games are going to be Rangers’ toughest of the entire season most likely and going into that on the back of a loss or a poor home draw could be catastrophic.

They need to see off their neighbours and ensure they are in good shape.

Everton have made the slot between the top six and the rest of the table their own this season. Isolated for much of the campaign, Ronald Koeman’s first campaign as boss of the Toffees has been a satisfactory one, even though it will end without a trophy and no substantial gains made towards breaking into the top six.

There is a new air of ambition around Goodison Park after the word of investment from Farhad Moshiri. The appointment of Koeman has been regarded as a step forward for the club and performances like their 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City give hope that next season will be one to remember.

Seventh place will not be good enough for a demanding Evertonian fanbase next term, though. Progress either in the cups or in the league is needed if they are to prove themselves as anything more than an upper-midtable irritant to the big boys.

Here are FIVE reasons the Toffees could become something really special next season…

Man in the dugout

Koeman has made a great impression since arriving in the Premier League. He stabilised Southampton through a potentially challenging period and has shown tactical flexibility to bring the best out of his Everton side of late.

His travelled managerial career has guided him to Goodison Park and, after the topsy-turvy period under Roberto Martinez, he looks set to be the man to carry Everton onto the next level. No stranger to success as a player or a coach, Koeman is the ideal man for the Merseysiders right now.

Squad framework

While Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka will need to be gradually phased out, Everton have the framework of a squad that could really challenge next season. Ramiro Funes Mori’s recent improvement has aided the defensive effort, Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye are the basis of a very good midfield and the attacking talent in the squad is clear to see.

Ross Barkley is still searching for consistency, but in the form of Ademola Lookman and Tom Davies, Everton have a squad that is only going to improve.

Additions are necessary to make them genuine competitors for the top six, but there is the skeleton of a very able squad at Goodison.

New found riches

With the investment of Moshiri – who is worth over £1 billion – Everton have the financial clout to compete with Europe’s biggest clubs.

The addition of Schneiderlin in January was symbolic of the standard of player that Everton can attract and compete for in the market. The Frenchman is one of the Premier League’s best midfielders and, with spending like that set to continue, he could be joined by several players of a similar calibre this summer.

Big Rom

Everton have one of Europe’s best up front. Still raw and often frustrating, Romelu Lukaku is not likely to leave the club this summer considering the fee that Everton would demand, which means the Toffees may get at least one more season from their most valuable asset before one of Europe’s biggest clubs comes in with an offer that is just too good to turn down.

Only behind Alexis Sanchez in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts, Lukaku has had another very good season – he has scored 40% of Everton’s goals in the league, in fact.

While he can’t fire them into the top six on his own, further improvement for Lukaku next season will make Everton even more challenging to face. To have a real impact, though, he must improve his record against their rivals.

Consistency will come

The only thing keeping Everton away from the top six is consistency. Their poor run mid-season cost them dearly and has seen them slip to seven points off of sixth-placed Manchester United.

With the squad maturing and Koeman having had longer to build the team that he wants, the Toffees can be expected to perform on a more regular basis next season. Lukaku, Barkley and Kevin Mirallas should all be expected to perform at a more level standard throughout the season, too.

Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti has rejected reports that the club are considering a move for Everton right-back Seamus Coleman.

What’s the word?

Bizarrely, the rumour mill threw up a suggestion that Coleman could replace seven-time Bundesliga champion Philipp Lahm at the end of the season.

The German World Cup winner will retire when the campaign comes to a close, so speculation has begun on who could come into the fold to take the 33-year-old’s place.

Coleman, who has been at Everton for eight years, was touted as a potential target, but laughter broke out in the press room when Ancelotti was asked by a reporter if the Irishman was an option.

Ancelotti’s response was a simple, “No.”

Relief for Everton fans?

Well, perhaps it is not possible to feel hugely relieved when the rumour was very unlikely in the first place, but Everton fans will no doubt be happy with Ancelotti’s response.

The 28-year-old has been a long servant for the Toffees since his January 2009 switch from Sligo Rovers and is a reliable man to have in the field.

This season he has started 24 of Everton’s 27 Premier League games, helping the team recover from a bad spell and embarking on a nine-game unbeaten run, which was ended by Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Coleman has also scored four goals in the top flight and produced three assists.

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The big news coming out of the white half of north London at the moment is that Belgian centre-half Toby Alderweireld is to be offered a new White Hart Lane contract.

Nothing to see here, you may be thinking, as Spurs are making a bit of a habit of tying their best performers down to the new deals as soon as there’s even a slight hint that they may be attracting attention from elsewhere.

However, the twist with this one is that Alderweireld reportedly wants to be earning the same wage as fellow teammates Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris, who are currently Spurs’ best paid players at White Hart Lane.

The London Evening Standard claim Spurs are willing to meet his demands but Spurs fans will understandably be worried that Daniel Levy may not immediately bow down to the defender’s wage demands.

We all know how shrewd a negotiator Levy is so Alderweireld and his agent should not expect an easy ride when negotiating new terms, but there are a number of reasons why Spurs should get the cheque book out immediately, or else risk losing one of the Premier League’s best defenders.

Watch our video below to learn why it’s important Levy hands Alderweireld the contract he wants now…