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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

It might seem sacrilegious to suggest, but it’s an option that needs to be explored.

Lukas Jutkiewicz so far has started every game for the Blues this season and has played 90 minutes in all but three of them (via Transfermarkt).

However, with Jutkiewicz currently aged 30, is it time that the Blues consider giving him a bit of time off so that he can be available for them throughout the season rather than risk him being out for a long stretch or simply being ineffective as a result of burnout?

We may be seeing those effects come into play already, as he has failed to find the back of the net since the Stoke City game at the end of August.

Journalist Brian Dick recently said in a Q&A that the forward role has to be the priority for the Blues in January, so it looks as if help may be coming, but with the window still being over two months away, Pep Clotet is going to have to make do with what he’s got.

Birmingham have been relatively short of goals, not just from Jutkiewicz, but from all departments as they struggle for a natural goal scorer.

Although they are having goals chipped in from other areas of the pitch, like Jude Bellingham, Alvaro Gimenez and Fran Villalba, they haven’t been coming in the sort of numbers you’d hope would be able to tie a club over for a long period of time.

The fact that the main forward only has three as we approach the end of October should be a rather worrying sign.

If the rest of the team were to start bringing their fair share to the table, then they wouldn’t have to be relying on him so much to get goals and he’d essentially ‘earn’ a game or two to rest.

However, because that help isn’t particularly forthcoming, he might be at risk of burning out.

We have documented previously on FFC that they do have options in the academy to turn to if things do end up getting too desperate.

One word of warning though if they do decide to give him a game off, as Nottingham Forest recently proved when they rested Lewis Grabban for their game against Wigan Athletic, it didn’t end up going well for them, so they’ll have to pick the games carefully.

Some Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to pile the praise on Matty Longstaff, after the youngster scored the only goal of the game against Manchester United on what was his debut for the club.

The 19-year-old – starting alongside his brother Sean in midfield – ran the show against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men as the Magpies bounced back from their 5-0 loss to Leicester with a 1-0 win over United.

Longstaff – Matty, not Sean – had two shots, scoring with the one on target, while also recording one key pass against the Red Devils.

The teenager also recorded a tackle and two interceptions, while also hitting the bar with a fantastic swerving effort in the first-half from long range – it really was a dream debut for Longstaff.

Rightly so, the Newcastle fans on Twitter have been piling the praise on the Magpies academy graduate after the game.

Let’s take a look at some of the Twitter reaction…

They make some convincing points.

It’s no secret that Nottingham Forest are having to rely a lot on Lewis Grabban to get their goals this season but don’t have a convincing back-up option, thus necessitating the need for him to be well-rested between games.

Quite out of the blue though, one Nottingham Forest fan had a bit of a brainwave on how to solve the problem, and he put it to the fans to make up their own minds.

Britt Assombalonga certainly was a hit at the City Ground, even if they didn’t manage to have any success with him. Although with a record of 30 goals in 69 games, I don’t think you can really blame him for Forest’s troubles. However, despite that impressive goal return, something he has kept up whilst at his current club Middlesbrough with a record better than a goal every 3 games, it seems as though Forest fans weren’t too keen to take him back.

Whilst him coming back on a free seems highly unlikely, given that he’s valued at £9m and left for £15m, it does at least give an insight into what Forest fans think about the transfer as a whole, and why they may never accept him back whatever the circumstances. That’s that hypothetical argument settled then.

John Hartson has spoken exclusively to Football FanCast about what Celtic can hope to achieve in Europe this season.

What’s he said?

Having now failed to even make the group stages of the Champions League for two consecutive campaigns, Hartson has revealed his view of what a successful run in the Europa League will look like for Neil Lennon’s side.

“They’ve got a chance to get a little bit of revenge against Cluj. I think that success would be to get out of the qualifying round and get through to knockout stages.

“I think success would be to get out of the group – it’s not an easy group. And then obviously go one step further, get past the last 32 and into the last 16. I think that would be success for Neil Lennon.”

Revenge and progression

Domestic dominance. European disappointment. That has been Celtic’s story ever since that famous 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012, as they have struggled to replicate that magic on the continental stage.

They have won the domestic treble three years running without ever really breaking a sweat, yet have found themselves thumped on multiple occasions by the likes of PSG and Barcelona.

Hartson knows a thing or two about big European nights – the former Wales international scored in the 2-0 UEFA Cup quarter-final win at Anfield in 2002 – and it’s difficult to disagree with his verdict.

After so much heartbreak in Europe’s elite competition, a campaign in which Lennon’s men get revenge on CFR Cluj, make it out of the group and enjoy a memorable knock-out tie to reach the last 16 would surely put smiles on fans’ faces.

Understandably, three Manchester City players make the XI after their incredible win over Watford.

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However, the team is heavily based around West Ham and Leicester players too after their huge wins against Man Utd and Spurs.

Three of the back five come from those clubs, as Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell and Caglar Soyoncu get into the team, while further up the pitch James Maddison’s winning goal earns him a spot in the midfield.

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Leeds United have recalled goalkeeper Will Huffer from a loan spell at Barnet after an injury to Kamil Miazek, the Yorkshire Evening Post report.

Huffer played three times for the National League side during his spell, in draws with Solihull Moors, Sutton United and in an FA Cup stalemate with Brentford.

What’s the word?

Huffer only joined Barnet on January 25th but is already back at Elland Road.

The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Leeds earlier this season, playing 90 minutes and keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 Championship win over Bristol City.

Huffer is third in the club’s pecking order of goalkeepers, behind January signing Kiko Casilla and Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

However, an injury sustained by Miazek means that he is needed to play for the club’s Under-23 side.

As well as making his senior debut, Huffer has played for England at youth levels, winning nine caps for the Under-17s and one for the Under-18s.

Development accelerated

Huffer’s development is only going to be helped by training with the likes of Casilla.

He will play for the Under-23s regularly and is also on standby to move into the first-team for Marcelo Bielsa.

The youngster has already made his Championship bow and is clearly seen as a trustworthy deputy by his manager.

The signing of Casilla may well have pushed him down the queue but he has won three Champions League trophies, as well as La Liga and two UEFA Super Cups.

Huffer can only get better and merely working alongside the Spaniard could have a transformative effect on his growth.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

A trip to Anfield is never the most welcoming of prospects. Liverpool have turned their home ground into a fortress in recent years under the manic guidance of Jurgen Klopp. Their 100% win rate in the Premier League this season makes a clash against the Reds all the more daunting, and next opponents Newcastle will certainly have their work cut out.

But, the Magpies will be able to take courage from the last time they faced one of the league’s big six away from home. Steve Bruce’s side turned up in north London to face Tottenham, and did the proverbial ‘job’ on them to walk away with a priceless 1-0 victory earlier this season.

The match-winner that day? Joelinton. And if the Tyneside club plan on orchestrating another unlikely triumph on Saturday, then the striker’s battle with Ballon d’Or favourite Virgil van Dijk will be the key.

On the chalkboard

The two are imposing physical presences for their respective sides, and their match-up has all the hallmarks of a real throwback encounter. The Premier League has recently been dominated by the more nimble and mobile forwards like Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling, so Joelinton’s arrival in English football has certainly added a different dimension. The 6 foot 1 star has sought to make his mark on opposition defences already, but he will face a stern test in van Dijk.

In his four appearances for his new club so far, Joelinton has notched up just the one goal – the winner against Spurs. But beyond that, the former Hoffenheim man has bought into Newcastle’s style of play. Against Mauricio Pochettino’s side, the Magpies sat back and soaked up the pressure before attempting to counter. Their summer signing was pivotal in holding the ball up and buying time, and has already registered an impressive 3.3 aerial duels won per game.

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But, standing at 6 foot 4, not many will be able to beat van Dijk in the air, and it is no surprise to see him better Joelinton’s numbers by winning 5 aerials duels per game.

Just as key will be the number of passes the Dutchman is able to make on Saturday. Averaging 65.8 passes per game, the 28-year-old’s range of passing is extraordinary, and it will be up to Newcastle’s striker to close him down and ensure he doesn’t have the time to pick out those trademark cross-field balls.

If Joelinton can impose his physical game on van Dijk and release the pressure of Liverpool’s inevitable onslaughts, then the Magpies stand every chance of potentially nicking a result against the Champions League winners. If van Dijk manages to bully him out of the game however, it could be a very long afternoon for both the Magpies centre-forward and the team as a whole.

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Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic has relayed some exit news out of Tottenham Hotspur involving midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye sales…

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been making evaluations on his squad as he decides who to sell and who to sign this transfer window.

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A handful of Tottenham players have been linked with a move away from north London, including the likes of Dele Alli, Matt Doherty and Ndombele (Sky Sports).

So far, the Lilywhites have confirmed just one outgoing with promising youngster Dilan Markanday completing a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers.

Sharing some exit news for Spurs fans, The Athletic reporter Eccleshare has dropped a social media update involving Ndombele.

The Latest: The Athletic share news…

According to Eccleshare and Jack Pitt-Brooke, a deal to offload Spurs’ club record signing to Paris-Saint Germain is still a ‘long way off’ completion.

“THFC and PSG in talks over loan move for Tanguy Ndombele,” Eccleshare explained on Twitter.

“Still a long way off completion, understand from sources close to situation that expectation is still only around 50-50 that it’ll go through.”

The Verdict: Time to leave?

PSG apparently want to take Tottenham’s £200,000-per-week ace on loan for the rest of the season and we believe this could be a good move for all involved, if both clubs can find an agreement.

Ndombele himself is from the Parisian suburbs and the Ligue 1 side’s financial power indicates that, if they wished to, they could lodge a permanent move for the player after his temporary spell depending on his performances.

It will be difficult to find an outright buyer before January 31 so this could be Tottenham’s chance to get the ball rolling over a potential permanent exit in future.

In other news: Spurs allegedly ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15m defender, find out more here.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou must surely look to start Daizen Maeda against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

Maeda made his return to the Celtic team in that Old Firm clash in midweek, having been on international duty with Japan back in late January.

Having given him that opportunity to get back into the swing of things against the Gers, Postecoglou must surely look to unleash him from the off against Motherwell on Sunday afternoon.

The Japan international got his Hoops career off to the best possible start following his January arrival, netting on his debut against Hibernian in a 2-0 win.

It was the kind of goal-scoring display which has become rather typical of his form and development over the past 12 months or so.

Indeed, over his 36 appearances in the Japanese top-flight last year, the 5 foot 8 ace scored an impressive 23 goals, picked up five assists and created four big chances for his teammates – he also averaged 2.6 shots and 0.9 key passes per game.

It’s no surprise then that he has earned rave reviews for his performances, with his former manager at Yokohama, Kevin Muscat, waxing lyrical about his all-round ability and versatility.

He said: “He’s one of those dream players for a manager because he can play in any position up front across the pitch. Daizen is a fantastic player who has the flexibility and speed to play as a target man striker, off the main striker or on either wing.”

With his fellow new signing and Japanese compatriot Reo Hatate also taking Celtic Park by storm after a stunning long-range strike on his debut before a cracking double against Rangers in the Old Firm clash, Postecoglou could form a formidable partnership by bringing Maeda into the fold.

Maeda’s movement and finishing up front would cause havoc for Motherwell’s defence – a team who have conceded 33 goals already in the Premiership this season, the worst of any side in the top nine (in fact, only Ross County and Dundee in the bottom three have let in more).

Meanwhile, this Celtic ace is wanted by a Premier League club…

An exciting update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley striker Chris Wood…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has dropped an intriguing claim on the forward’s availability for a transfer this month, whilst confirming that the Magpies are pursuing the Clarets centre-forward.

He tweeted: “Oooooohhh hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause in his contract. Haven’t had it confirmed yet but that would explain why #nufc have pursued it when it didn’t immediately make much sense given Burnley would be selling to a relegation rival. More to follow? Perhaps.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news, as it seemingly puts the power in the club’s hands to complete a deal for Wood.

Burnley are one place above them in the Premier League table and could be reluctant to sell to Eddie Howe’s side, as it would weaken them and strengthen a direct rival. This means that a transfer on their terms would be extremely unlikely, and one not worth pursuing for the Magpies.

However, this claim from Edwards suggests that Burnley might have no say on the matter. If Newcastle trigger his release clause, they would simply need to convince Wood to make the switch, rather than needing to negotiate a fee with their rivals for his services.

This is why fans will be delighted with the update, and they will also be buzzing as the striker could be an excellent addition to their squad. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer, netting 50 times at that level, and Newcastle are desperately lacking players who can find the net regularly.

Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the only Magpies players who have scored more than once in the league this season, whilst Wood has scored 10 or more goals in four separate seasons for Burnley. He has also won 5.5 aerial battles per game this term, which shows that he could offer Howe a physical presence at the top end of the pitch from which team-mates could benefit.

Therefore, he could be a great signing, as he could come in and provide an additional goal threat in the second half of the campaign. If he can come in and reproduce the level of goalscoring he has shown at this level for Burnley, he could win some valuable points for the Magpies and be adored by the Toon Army if he is able to help keep the team in the Premier League.

AND in other news, “We understand”: Keith Downie drops big NUFC transfer claim that’ll leave fans gutted…