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The former Fulham striker netted a stunning hat-trick to move his new side to the top of the table heading into the international break

Matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are always special encounters. 'The Saudi Clasico' is the most historic game on the Pro League calendar, as the competition's two most successful clubs face off in front of bumper crowds. But if there were any worries that the influx of foreign stars would blunt the rivalry at all, then there need not have been.

Friday's 4-3 win for Al-Hilal proved to be the Pro League game of the season so far, as the visitors came from 3-1 down at half-time to end their hosts 100 percent start to the campaign and claim top spot for themselves heading into the international break.

That they were able to move to the summit was, in part, also down to Al-Ahli losing their own perfect record in some style, as the newly-promoted outfit were thrashed 5-1 at Al-Fath, while Cristiano Ronaldo and co. at Al-Nassr continue to close the gap after their poor start to the season, and are now just four points off the top following a third successive league victory.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the latest round of Saudi Pro League action…

• WINNER: Aleksandar Mitrovic

  Though the majority of fans at King Abdullah Sport City on Friday were there to see Al-Ittihad's star No.9, Karim Benzema, in action, is the was the striker on the opposition who stole the show, as Aleksandar Mitrovic truly announced himself in the Pro League with a superb hat-trick for Al-Hilal.

  Having netted a stunning first-half equaliser with a brilliant volley, Mitrovic netted twice more after the break to haul Al-Hilal back into the contest, taking his tally to four goals from his opening three games.

  If this is what the Serbia international is doing now, just imagine what he will be capable of once Neymar is fit and creating the opportunities for Mitrovic. The new league leaders have a genuine Golden Boot contender on their hands.

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• LOSER: Karim Benzema

  When Benzema limped off against Al-Wehda on matchday four, there were many who presumed the ex-Real Madrid man would miss Friday's Clasico, and so there was understandable relief when his named appeared on the teamsheet for Al-Ittihad's clash with Al-Hilal.

  And that relief turned to joy midway through the first half, as Benzema scored a superb backheel goal to give his side a 2-1 lead as they looked to make it five wins from five to start the campaign.

  From there, though, things went awry. While Mitrovic was scoring pretty much every chance that came his way at the other end, both Benzema and strike partner Abderrazak Hamdallah missed a number of opportunities that could have changed the course of the result.

• WINNER: Yassine Bounou

  While Mitrovic deservedly took the headlines after Al-Hilal's thrilling victory, the team were just as much indebted to their new goalkeeper, as Yassine Bounou wasted little time in staking a claim to be the best shot-stopper in the division.

  Having arrived from Sevilla, the Morocco international made a number of saves during the Clasico, though he saved his best for last in Jeddah, rushing off his line to save with his chest to preserve all three points.

  In a league where most of the big-name signings have been attackers, Al-Hilal may have pulled off a real coup by bringing in a top-quality 'keeper for just €21 million (£18m/$22.7m).

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  LOSER: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

  For all the Al-Hilal celebrations, concerns remain over the form of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who many expected to dominate the Pro League after the starring role he played for Lazio as they finished runners-up in last season's Serie A.

  Instead, the Serbia international has already been sent off once, and against Al-Ittihad he made what could have proved to be a costly error, with his poor pass leading to the home side's third goal that could have put the game out of sight if not for Mitrovic's heroics.

  Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves were meant to form the most formidable midfield in the Pro League after being paired together by Jorge Jesus, but right now the former is letting the side down.

After tasting defeat to Manchester United last time out in the Premier League, Aston Villa boss Dean Smith may look to freshen things up for tonight’s clash Everton.

Despite taking the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Bertrand Traore, Villa were once again on the wrong end of a penalty decision against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, with Douglas Luiz being penalised for a foul inside the box.

That led to a United fight-back in the second-half, with strikes from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani enough to see United home.

And it’s Luiz who Smith must consider dropping from the starting line-up when the Toffees come to town at Villa Park, with his mindless moment on Sunday, and his actual poor form in recent weeks, surely warranting him from being taken out of the firing line.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave the £50k-a-week earning ace a four, and said: “The Brazilian did well to sprint back to put Fernandes off which typified his work off the ball. Douglas’s passing was off a tad and he should have done better to feed El Ghazi in during an attack.

“The birthday boy, 23, was brave and wasn’t afraid to press United high, often leaving McGinn to mark Fernandes in case of a counter-attack. Douglas was stupid and foolish to allow United a way back into it as he bundled Paul Pogba over inside the box – as he did at Old Trafford as well. Struggling for form of late, is Douglas. Replaced by Jacob Ramsey with a little over half-hour to go.”

That sentiment was echoed by The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, who branded it a “really stupid” foul from Luiz when he conceded the penalty.

And when you look at his form, the Brazilian just hasn’t been at the races for Villa, much like the side as a whole in truth.

As per Whoscored, the midfielder has only registered a match rating of above seven in one out of his last ten Premier League games, and that’s a damning indictment for someone who has been a regular starter for Smith all season.

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With the likes of Jacob Ramsey waiting in the wings to be given more starts before the season is over, now seems like the perfect time for Smith to make the ruthless call and axe one of his favourites.

He’s just been shocking for far too long now.

Meanwhile, Villa are interested in this recently relegated Premier League star…

Plenty of Aston Villa supporters have praised Matt Targett on social media for his performance against Crystal Palace on Sunday lunchtime.

Dean Smith made four changes from the side which drew 0-0 with Everton on Thursday evening, with Ahmed Elmohamady, Kourtney Hause, Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins coming in for Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley and Keinan Davis respectively.

Targett kept up his record of starting in every league game this season, and his display at Selhurst Park impressed a number of Villa fans. The 25-year-old has missed just 15 minutes of top-flight action this season and was a part of a changed Villa defence alongside Elmohamady, Hause and Ezri Konsa.

The left-back was coming up against Palace winger Andros Townsend in the capital and completed a number of accurate long balls against Roy Hodgson’s side, posing a considerable threat with some neat deliveries.

Villa fans praise Targett

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say about Targett, with one fan describing one of his passes as ‘outrageous’.

“Targett is absolutely class man, could be player of the season for us tbh”

Credit: @GreaseSZNN

“Targett is quality right now. Definitely should be in the conversation in terms of getting a England call up.”

Credit: @will_avfc

“Another brilliant ball from Targett”

Credit: @VillaTil1Die

“Matt Targett what a player this season most improved player in the league by a country mile”

Credit: @__ryannpaul

“That is an outrageous pass from Matt Targett in to Watkins”

Credit: @JonahB90

“Wow Targett has come on leaps and bounds really send some great balls up to AEG”

Credit: @Noelmurray19

In other news: Villa keen on in-demand 22-year-old, could replace £32,000-a-week man, find out more here. 

Celtic are reportedly still interested in Al Ahly attacking midfielder Mohamed Magdy.

That’s according to the player’s agent Abdelrahman Ismail, as reported by the Daily Record, who claimed that ‘Celtic are competing to sign Mohamed Magdy’ – seven words which could make for an interesting summer transfer window.

Magdy was linked with a move to Parkhead in October, with his agent revealing the news back then as well, and it seems as if the Hoops haven’t given up on the 25-year-old, who is under contract with Al Ahly until 2024.

Magdy, who can also play out on the wing, has made 68 appearances for his current employers scoring 12 times and registering 18 assists.

Transfer Tavern take

You’d expect Celtic to be busy this summer in terms of outgoings and incomings, but we’re not so sure that a move for Magdy is required. The Hoops currently have David Turnbull as well as Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie as central attacking midfield options.

We feel as if Celtic need to target wide additions ,with Mohamed Elyounoussi returning to Southampton, as well as a striker should the in-demand Odsonne Edouard leave the club.

It seems as if a move for Magdy could be on the cards, though, so the transfer links may well rumble on over the coming months.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter drops Celtic confirmation that Dominic McKay may love, find out more here. 

Are we finally reaching some sort of verdict in Celtic’s hunt to replace Neil Lennon? Rather amazingly, that could be the case.

It has now been two months to the day since the Northern Irishman departed the scene, but the Bhoys still only have a temporary manager in charge.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been after two very different men so far – Roy Keane and Eddie Howe.

However, after some dramatic words from Hoops pundit Frank McAvennie, they may have to focus on the former, with Howe apparently not so keen on the job as it first appeared.

The 43-year-old was in advanced discussions but a number of issues have since plagued negotiations. As a result, it would be a surprise if he did end up in the Parkhead dugout next term.

Speaking to Football Insider, a man with well-placed contacts shared a vital opinion on the matter.

McAvennie commented: “I’m hoping he’s not given up because he’d be great. I know he’s not won trophies but he has a chance to do that and raise his profile up here.

“He did so well at Bournemouth, taking them from the fourth division right through to the Premier League. I don’t know what’s going on but in my opinion, he doesn’t want it any more. If he did then he’d be here.”

Desmond should be fuming

It has now been 24 days since news emerged that Celtic were in advanced talks with Howe and, since that moment, he has only crept further and further away from them.

There have been a number of setbacks in that time, with the likes of Brighton and Crystal Palace both monitoring his situation, while the manager’s agent hasn’t played a particularly good role in this from a Hoops perspective either.

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Howe’s representative revealed that the 43-year-old didn’t want to return to management until the summer before a claim came to light from the same source that they were trying to convince him he could still get a job in the Premier League.

There have also been issues relating to his backroom staff, namely Richard Hughes. Celtic are trying to tie down the landmark appointment of a director of football but, despite having a deal 90% completed for Fergal Harkin, it was suggested that Howe wanted Hughes instead.

There have also been other backroom requests from the former Bournemouth boss which sources suggest the Bhoys have refused as well.

With all that in mind, to hear that Howe now doesn’t want the job is news which should leave the club’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond enraged.

AND in other news, Forget Harkin: Celtic could find their new Van Dijk by appointing title-winning 39 y/o…

It appears that Sheffield Wednesday have their sights set on bringing a new striker to Hillsborough Stadium this summer…

What’s the word?

According to The72, the Owls are eyeing a move for Rochdale striker Stephen Humphrys ahead of the upcoming transfer window, though they face competition from a host of other EFL clubs.

Championship rivals Blackburn, Preston, Bristol City, Stoke and Nottingham Forest are all in the race and it is thought that all six are ‘very interest and likely to make a move’ in the summer.

It remains to be seen how much the 23-year-old forward would cost as he will still have a year to run on his contract at Spotland come to the end of the season.

Rhodes replacement

Regardless of the division the Owls find themselves in next season, it is likely to be ‘all change’ at Hillsborough under Moore as several players are out of contract, including their only senior striker, Jordan Rhodes.

The 31-year-old is on the verge of becoming the Championship’s all-time record goalscorer and has interest from elsewhere in the division, but recently remained tight-lipped on his future. He told YorkshireLive:

“That’s for the powers-to-be,” Rhodes said. “It’s out of my control.”

Humphrys is a physical threat at a little over 6-foot and would seem primed for the next step-up having impressed immensely at the League One strugglers. His proven record in the division also makes for great appeal should Wednesday go down this campaign.

The former Fulham graduate has provided nine goals and four assists in 25 league appearances, as per Transfermarkt. Even despite the Dale sitting precariously at the foot of the table.

As per WhoScored figures, Humphrys ranks second at Spotland for average rating for the season (7.09) and has fired off a whopping 3.6 shots per game, of which 1.8 come from inside the penalty area – very much like the goal-poaching Rhodes.

Earlier this year, journalist and Rochdale fansite owner Chris Fitzgerald lauded the 23-year-old as being “a different level.”

If the Owls are to finally move on from the long-serving Scotsman this summer, then they should look no further than Humphrys.

AND in other news, Forgotten Sheffield Wednesday man with “great ability” fires huge message to Moore…

Leicester City will be subjected to a severe test of their top four credentials this weekend as they face Manchester City.

The Foxes host Pep Guardiola’s table-toppers at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening, with a victory potentially going a long way to Leicester securing a place in the Champions League.

What changes could Brendan Rodgers make from the 3-1 FA Cup success over Manchester United before the international break?

All of the Foxes’ internationals came through the recent break unscathed so there won’t be any enforced changes at the weekend, but there could be a couple made for tactical reasons.

The defence should stay the same, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel closely guarded by a back three of Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu.

Meanwhile, there is likely to be one change at wing-back. Rodgers has revealed that £27m-rated Portuguese defender Ricardo Pereira is fit to return, so he could replace Marc Albrighton on the right. Timothy Castagne should remain on the left.

Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans have dovetailed expertly in recent weeks so it is difficult to see that pairing disrupted for this match.

Another alteration is likely to occur slightly further forwards, where James Maddison can also return to the fray having missed the last four Premier League games. The former Norwich City man could replace Ayoze Perez in the number 10 position.

Elsewhere, the forward line should remain the same despite both Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy being in completely contrasting form.

The Nigerian was recently named Premier League Player of the Month for March after five goals in just three matches, whilst Vardy has only scored once in the league since Christmas. He will surely be hoping to get back on the goal trail following his hat-trick in the victory at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.

AND in more news, take a look at which striker signing Leicester should prioritise in the summer…

In recent comments, John Hartson claimed that there should be no guard of honour given to Glasgow Rangers in this weekend’s Old Firm fixture.

Following Steven Gerrard’s side’s clinching of their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years earlier this month, much debate has ensued as to whether Celtic will greet Rangers with a guard of honour prior to kick-off in the upcoming Old Firm clash.

However, in recent comments made on the radio (via Ibrox News), former Celtic striker Hartson called for perspective on the guard on honour debate, claiming that Rangers have never done such a thing for the Hoops, as well as taking a swipe at the “embarrassing” actions of the Gers side in recent seasons.

He said: “Let’s have some perspective, in the last ten years Celtic have done the quadruple-treble [and there was] no word of a guard of honour. It’s never been mentioned, so why do it now? I know Rangers have come back from the dead, come back from absolutely nowhere… it’s a brilliant achievement.

“A couple of years ago when Neil Lennon took his team to Ibrox and Celtic had already won the league, Rangers beat us and celebrated like they’d won the European Cup. I thought to myself ‘that is embarrassing, what are you celebrating?’ I hope Celtic take this on board and don’t do the same thing if they win.”

Transfer Tavern Take

While there is not a great deal of humility in Hartson’s comments, perhaps his perspective will be understood by Rangers fans, as they would no doubt share a similar opinion if the shoe were on the other foot – something that was in evidence back in 2019, when Gerrard’s side did not give Celtic a guard of honour at Ibrox.

However, the fact that Rangers head to Parkhead 20 points clear of their rivals, as well as with an unbeaten record in the league, is something that is likely to cause Hartson’s former side a great deal of embarrassment, with or without giving Gers a guard of honour.

In other news: many Rangers fans have slammed this Union Bears statement – find out more here!

As the end of the season approaches, the inevitable rumours surrounding Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United could resurface.

The Frenchman has long been linked with a second departure from Old Trafford, and with his contract set to expire next summer, it looks more likely than ever that the Red Devils may have to cash in on the former Juventus man this year.

According to The Telegraph, “discussions” have taken place over his future but a concrete extension has not been offered by the club.

Ed Woodward must make it his priority to secure Pogba to a new deal at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman has been questioned for his consistency with the Red Devils but his talent has never been in doubt. In 193 appearances for the club, he has scored 37 goals and notched 36 assists.

Despite the criticism he has received, these statistics are very similar to the eye-catching numbers he accumulated in his time in Italy.

His season has been disrupted through injury but the midfielder keeps sending stark reminders over his pivotal role in the Red Devils setup, having scored winning goals against Burnley and Fulham in the Premier League.

He also came off the bench against AC Milan on Thursday, with his goal being enough to guide the team through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

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Even manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left enamoured, stating that Pogba can “do everything”. Such quotes would imply that he is the type of player United would fear to lose, especially on a free transfer.

Should the Old Trafford hierarchy not see a place in the squad for Pogba, and indeed if the Frenchman wishes to leave, they simply cannot let him run down his contract.

Rated at £54m by Transfermarkt, United would surely wish to recoup the majority of the reported £89m they spent to bring him back to Old Trafford.

That would simply not be possible should his contract expire, seeing United miss out on a huge fee for the 28-year-old.

Whether the Red Devils would prefer Pogba to stay at the club or not remains to be seen. The rumours surrounding his next employers also remain elementary but Woodward simply cannot let his contract continue to run down either way.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Pogba’s inspirational performance at the San Siro on Thursday night…

Everton could struggle to recoup much of their initial outlay on Gylfi Sigurdsson but looking at a younger replacement remains sensible, Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider.

It follows a report from the website that Everton will listen to offers for the Icelandic international this summer. The outlet claimed that the 31-year-old will be available for a ‘fraction’ of the £45m sum paid to recruit the attacking midfielder from Swansea City in 2016.

Sigurdsson’s strong 2020/21 campaign

Sigurdsson has been in decent form this season, scoring six goals and assisting a further nine in all competitions. He has well surpassed his meagre tally of six goal contributions from last season.

Carlo Ancelotti has utilised his versatility, deploying him as a deeper-lying central midfielder and even a centre-forward on occasion.

Sigurdsson has just over a year remaining on his £100,000-a-week contract and is valued by the CIES Football Observatory at somewhere between £6m and £8.5m.

Phillips issues Sigurdsson transfer verdict

Whilst such a sale would represent a huge loss for Everton, former Premier League Golden Boot winner Phillips says that now might be the ideal time to refresh the squad with a new number 10.

“They aren’t going to get anywhere near what they paid for him, that’s for sure,” he said.

“Maybe that’s a sign of Everton thinking ‘he’s a 31-year-old who’s had a good a season’ but will they get that again next season?

“His value is only going down. Maybe it’s time to cash in and bring someone in who’s younger, who they’ll get more years out of.”

Intriguingly, Phillips also suggested that Sigurdsson may dig in and look to see out his contract if Champions League football was on offer at Goodison Park next season. The Toffees are currently five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea but crucially have a game in hand.

“It’ll be interesting to see how that one plays out,” the 47-year-old said. “If Everton were to finish in the top four, would Sigurdsson really want to leave?”

Transfer Tavern verdict

Sigurdsson has demonstrated this season, after a disappointing 2019/20 campaign, that he can be a valuable member of the Everton squad.

If you’re only going to receive seven figures in a sale, then it probably makes sense to keep him around as a versatile rotation option for one more year.

Finishing in the European places would boost the Blues’ spending power regardless. They shouldn’t necessarily be in a sell-to-buy position.

In other news, could this midfielder become an Everton player in the next transfer window?