Aberdeen show interest in Rangers midfielder
Aberdeen are showing interest in a loan move for former Dundee man, Lyall Cameron as Danny Rohl wants more first team minutes for the midfielder. Aberdeen have held talks with the Ibrox side about taking in Cameron on loan until the end of the season. Aberdeen were keen in the 23-year-old in the summer but the ex-Dundee man chose Ibrox over Pittodrie when departing Dundee. No deal has been agreed as it stands but talks of the loan having an option-to-buy has been discussed as talks are going well between the two sides. Lyall began his career in the Dundee United academy where he went on to join bitter rivals Dundee. The midfielder had multiple loan spells at both Peterhead and Montrose where he then impressed at Dundee making 94 appearances with 22 goals in the process before earning a move to Rangers in the summer. The Dundee born man has made ten appearances in royal blue, grabbing one goal along the way. The 23-year-old has only made two starts which came against Club Brugge and St Mirren with his only goal coming against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League qualifiers. Cameron has been hit with an injury lately as Aberdeen seem to be keen in giving the Rangers man minutes as well as bolstering their midfield options.
Scottish Cup biggest shocks in recent times
With the Scottish Cup Fourth round just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the biggest cup upsets in the competition. Darvel 1-0 Aberdeen, 2023. Aberdeen took the trip to West of Scotland junior side, Darvel and a tie which you’d fully expect the Dons to come away with. Going into the match, no junior outfit was able to get past Premiership opposition since 1967 but Darvel had other ideas. An outstanding evening in Ayrshire as Mick Kennedy defeated Jim Goodwin with a first half strike by Jordan Kirkpatrick sealing the biggest shock in Scottish Cups history. Rangers 0-1 Queens Park, 2025. Last season Scottish Cup campaign was very interesting to say the least. Rangers were by far favourites going into this derby at Ibrox as they were one of the favourites to win the competition. Rangers controlled the early stages but couldn’t get the ball to rattle the net. Into the second 45, Seb Drozd with a calm finish put the spiders in front. Rangers had a last second penalty but an amazing stop by Calum Ferrie to deny James Tavernier to send the Championship side into the next round. Brora Rangers 2-1 Hearts, 2021. At the time Championship big boys Hearts were stunned as Highland League side, Brora Rangers dumped the Edinburgh side out of the Scottish Cup. Brora man, Jordan MacRae had the hosts ahead but Christophe Berra had the Gorgie side back on level terms but it wasn’t over there. Martin MacLean ensured Hearts were left stunned as the Highland League side grab a famous win over a strong Hearts side. Clyde 2-1 Celtic, 2006. The Roy Keane Celtic debut didn’t go to plan with a shock defeat at Broadwood. Clyde were up by two goals to nil with Craig Bryson and Eddie Malone putting the Bully Wee ahead at the break. It was going so well for the Clyde side until Celtic struck late through Maciej Zurawski but luckily enough for Clyde, it was just a consolation goal as Graham Roberts and Clyde pulled off an all mighty cup upset. Auchinleck Talbot 1-0 Ayr United, 2019. In the Ayrshire derby, junior outfit Auchinleck Talbot met their Ayrshire rivals, Ayr United in the Scottish Cup. Former Ayr defender, Craig McCracken put the non-league side ahead in the second half scoring against his former side, Ayr United to serve a massive shock at Beechwood Park. Auchinleck have been a mastermind of pulling off shocks, doing it to Hamilton a while back but Ayr most certainly tops it. Kelty Hearts 1-0 St Johnstone, 2022. At the time League Two, Kelty Hearts welcomed Premiership St Johnstone to New Central Park. Kelty were on fire in the Scottish Fourth division going against the current holders at the time. The fixture was sent to extra-time as neither side could break the deadlock. Into the additional period, Kallum Higginbotham provided the scare as he sent the League Two side into the next round as Callum Davidson’s side Scottish Cup campaign was over.
Dundee sign experienced defender
Dundee have completed the signing of English right-back Bradley Halliday, who joins Steven Pressley’s side on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Bradford City and will wear the number 16.. The transfer is subject to international clearance. The 30-year-old joined Bradford City in 2022 and since joining has made 173 appearances, scoring 8 goals. During his time at The Bantams, the experienced defender was included in the EFL League Two Team of the Season for 2023/24, was also named Bradford City’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 campaign and as a reward for his performances last season, was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year. Halliday on signing for Dundee: “I’m delighted to finally be up here. My best mate in football (Joe Wright) was at Kilmarnock last year, he’s gave me his insight and experience on the Scottish Premiership, I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.”
Dundee sign Joel Cotterill
Dundee have completed the signing of Welsh midfielder Joel Cotterill, who joins on a loan deal from Swansea City until the end of the season and will wear the number 24. The transfer is subject to international clearance. Joel spent the first part of the season on loan at English League Two side Bristol Rovers, where he featured in 13 matches, 10 of those being from the start. Joel on signing for The Dark Blues: “It’s a good feeling, nice to be here. I had a Zoom call with the gaffer, was really interesting, said nothing but good things about the club, that really hooked me in. Obviously knowing Cam (Congreve), Yan (Dhanda) and Joe Westley helped, I had a few chats with Cam who spoke highly about his time up here so far and would be really good for me, ready for a new challenge.”
Chelsea vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Arsenal face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final. The last meeting between these side came in November, where it ended 1-1. Moises Caicedo was shown a red card before half-time, but Chelsea hit the front early in the second period through Trevoh Chalobah. Arsenal equalised before the hour mark through Mikel Merino but couldn’t find a winner against 10-man Chelsea. Arsenal’s recent record against Chelsea is impressive. Mikel Arteta’s men have not lost to Chelsea in their last 8 meetings, the last time Chelsea won a match in this fixture came back in August 2021. Chelsea come into this fixture off the back of a 5-1 win against English Championship outfit Charlton in Liam Rosenior’s first game in charge of Chelsea. However, Chelsea haven’t beaten Premier League opposition in their last 5 attempts, drawing 3 and losing 2. Arsenal come into this fixture off the back of a 4-1 win against Championship outfit Portsmouth. Since losing to Aston Villa in early December, The Gunners have gone on an unbeaten run, winning 6 and drawing 2, with one of those draws coming against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, where they won on penalties. The hosts kicked off their EFL Cup campaign with a 2-1 win in Lincoln. Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte got the goals. In the following round, Chelsea beat Wolves 4-3. Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estevao and Jamie Gittens all got on the scoresheet. In the quarter final, The Blues beat English League One outfit Cardiff City 3-1. Alejandro Garnacho scared a brace and Pedro Neto also scored. Mikel Arteta’s side kicked off their EFL Cup campaign with a 2-0 win against Port Vale. Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard got the goals. In the following round, Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 in North London. Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka got the goals. And in the quarter-final, Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo will miss the first leg of this semi-final through suspension. Chelsea may also be without Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old is reportedly likely to miss the first leg due to a chronic groin injury. Arsenal ITK Hand of Arsenal confirmed that both Leandro Trossard and William Saliba were both rested against Portsmouth and defender Cristhian Mosquera is closing in on a return. Liam Rosenior on Arsenal: “Arsenal are good at everything. They’re a good team. You have to manage your 1% to be as good a team as you can, to win in as many different ways as possible. “I respect them, and I think they’ll respect us because we’re a good team as well. They’re a team who are very good without the ball. “They have a really, really clear idea of the way they want to play with the ball. And on top of that, they’re very well-organised with good deliveries on set-plays. That’s what you want to be if you want to be successful.” Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s win against Portsmouth: “It’s always tough to go into these places, especially in the manner that we started the game, conceding the early goal, but we managed to turn things around, so I’m very happy. “[Making changes] is always tricky. You lack that cohesion; certain players as well haven’t played that many minutes, but a lot of positives to take from the game, apart from the win.”
Sixth-tier Macclesfield defeat the FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace in a massive cup upset
Macclesfield FC who were formed five years ago following administration host the holders, Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Third Round. A slow first 10 minutes with very limited chances in the attacking sense with the game seeming very even in the opening stages with a few stop-start moments. Good play between Uche and Pino and the Spanish winger finds his way through but only found the side netting in a chance he should really be doing better in. Edmondson had a free-kick whipped in but failed to find anyone as the cross was too far ahead and too low for anyone to latch on which was a very poor effort. Lacey had a big chance for the hosts, a nice struck ball on target but was ultimately a simple catch for Benitez but some good football by the non-league side by the hosts. Rodney had a wonderful ball in towards 16-year-old Drake-Thomas who just couldn’t get his head to the ball keeping the game all square. Uche launched an effort after 28 minutes from outside the box and was just marginally over the bar. Palace starting to show control but unable to fire ahead. Duffy for Macclesfield with a darting run who unleashed an early cross but just couldn’t find the target and was defended well by the holders. Captain Darcy put sixth-tier Macclesfield ahead against the current holders, Crystal Palace. Duffy with a sensational cross into the box then there was Darcy who smashed his header past Benitez to fire the non-league side ahead against the Premier League outfit. Going into the second half, the visitors unleashed their more experienced players with trio Mitchell, Johnson and Hughes all being introduced as Palace look to defend the FA Cup. Edmondson had a chance after 58 minutes, switched onto his left and struck a low-driven strike but was a simple stop. Macclesfield doubled their advantage sending the crowd in mayhem. Macclesfield keep fighting with hunger, they unleash a strike which was initially blocked in which landed at Buckley-Ricketts who tapped it home with the outside of his foot as Benitez was left unable to even try and stop it. Palace did have their chances but was really struggling to test Dearnley in goals as they just couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net. Wharton smacked an effort from distance but an amazing save by the Macclesfield goalkeeper to keep their lead at 2-0. Palace found one back late on, Pino from a free-kick on the edge of the box which calmly rattled into the back of the net to give to Premier League side a life-line. Uche was grounded late on as they claimed for a late spot-kick but the referee was showing zero interest and let play resume. The full-time whistle went and the National League North side Macclesfield booked themselves a spot in the next round defeating the FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace who sit 144 places above the non-league side in a historic day for Macclesfield in their five year history following their administration when they were known as Macclesfield Town FC. Macclesfield FC: Dearnley (7), Fensome (7), Menayese (7), Heathcote (8), Lacey (8), Dawson (9), Kay (8), Buckley-Ricketts (8), Edmondson (8), Duffy (9), Mellor (8). Subsitutes: Botherwick-Jackson (7), Matheson (7), Dos Santos (7), Whitehead (7). Crystal Palace: Benitez (6), Richards (4), Geuhi (5), Canvot (6), Devenny (5), Sosa (6), Wharton (6), Rodney (6), Drakes-Thomas (7), Pino (5), Uche (6). Substitutes: Mitchell (6), Johnson (6), Hughes (6), Casey (5).
Simo Valakari agrees contract extension
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari has signed a contract extension, which will see him remain at St Johnstone until the summer of 2029. The 52-year-old, who joined The Saints in October 2024, has guided them to 1st place in the Championship, with over half of the season gone, 5 points above Partick Thistle in 2nd place. The Perth outfit have scored 43 goals in 21 games, 10 more than any other side in the division and have also conceded the least, conceding 17. St Johnstone owner Adam Webb stated: “Since arriving in Perth, Simo has played a key role in driving standards on and off the pitch, embedding a clear footballing identity and demonstrating a strong commitment to our family club. “This new contract is not just a reward for recent progress, but a statement of trust and shared ambition. We believe in the direction we are heading, and stability is a crucial part of building long-term success. “His leadership, work ethic and connection with players, staff, supporters and the local community is exemplary, and we’re all looking forward to continuing this journey together.”
Dundee remain interested in Donovan
Dundee, who were close to signing 19-year-old Colby Donovan last window, are still keeping tabs on the right-back. Steven Pressley was keen on bringing the youngster to Dens and had a deal lined up in the summer, but an injury to Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston meant the deal did not happen. It’s understood that The Dark Blues will make an approach for the Scot, should Celtic show any sign of letting him out. Donovan has made 9 appearances for the Glasgow outfit so far in the Premiership, with 4 of those being starts. The Dees have been active in the January window, bringing in 21-year-old forward Joe Bevan, and Steven Pressley wants to add a left-back, a right-back, and could also look to bring in another midfielder on top of that.
Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Arsenal return to North London on Thursday night where they will welcome champions Liverpool to the Emirates. The previous meeting between these sides came at the end of August, where Dominik Szoboszlai’s fantastic free kick was the difference. In the two meetings between these sides last season, there was nothing to separates them, with both games ending in a 2-2 draw. In the first meeting, which took place in North London, Arsenal found themselves in front on two occasions, however, Arne Slot’s side responded twice to secure a point. In the other meeting, it was Arsenal who fought back. Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz both found net in the space of a minute, but second-half goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli secured Mikel Arteta’s side a point. Arsenal come into this fixture off the back of a narrow 3-2 win against Bournemouth away from home. Within 10 minutes, Evanilson pounced on an uncharacteristic Gabriel mistake to give the hosts the lead, but just over 5 minutes later, Gabriel scored an equaliser. Into the second period, Declan Rice scored a brace to put Arsenal in a commanding 3-1 lead, however, that deficit was reduced shortly after when Junior Kroupi found the net with a screamer from outside the area, but in the end it was only a consolation for Bournemouth, who have now failed to win in their last 11 attempts. With results going in their favour, Arsenal now sit 6 points ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa, going into Thursday night’s blockbuster clash. Liverpool come into the fixture off the back of a 2-2 draw away against Fulham. Liverpool found what they thought was the winner in the 94th minute, when Cody Gakpo got on the end of a Jeremie Frimpong cross to convert from close range, however, in the 7th minute of additional time, Harrison Reed scored an absolute screamer to give the hosts a point. Arsenal have made the Emirates a fortress this season. In their 13 matches at home, the Gunners have won 13, drawn 2, and in that run, scored 38 and only conceded 7. On the other hand, Liverpool don’t have a great record on the road so far this league campaign. The Merseyside outfit have won 4, drawn 2 and lost 4 on their travels. Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice: “Declan Rice is constantly adding things to his game. He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team. “I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. So, yeah, he’s such a pivotal player for us.” Arne Slot on Arsenal: “We look at that game [at Anfield in August] as well but that was the start, with new players for both teams, we did well defensively that game and you need to do well defensively to even have a chance to win it. Of course the fans help but our away fans will be a big help for us as well. We watch that August game but Arsenal have played a few others since then. Under Mikel, it is the same so much with some new things but we can expect a similar team and way of playing. Their fans will be up for it. They are top, incredible team and manager, so they look forward to this but so do we.”
Steven Pressley on Luke Graham interest
Dundee defender Luke Graham has been attracting interest from several clubs within Scotland and down south. Scottish sides Hearts and Aberdeen and English Championship sides Portsmouth, Sheffield United and QPR have all been linked with the 21-year-old. The Scottish centre-back, who has started 20 of Dundee’s 21 Premiership matches this season, has received significant praise from his gaffer, who stated: “Any interest wouldn’t surprise me because I think Luke’s been exceptional, Steven stated. Especially over the last two or three months, he’s really grown in stature. “Although I don’t deal with these things, I would imagine it would take a big offer for a club like us to part with him. I think that when I look around at centre-backs, young centre-backs, he’s one of the top ones out there. “He’s played games in men’s football, which is the biggest developer for a young player. His last two or three months suggest to me that he’s moved on to another level. It’s never easy to say, but when I look at the talent out there, he’s as good as anything.”
