Hello Rank Squad! 

We're just over two months from the January Transfer Window opening, and whilst that seems like some time, it'll roll round fast - so the backroom staff across a number of teams are hard at work in working out what they're going to do when the curtain rises. Today, we're taking a look at the big questions facing a number of Premier League teams in the mid-season shuffle, from doubling down on squad depth to capitalise on a hot start, to replacing a key member of the squad who will be out for the entire season, to offloading some of the deadwood in the squad to make space for new blood. 

We touch on Liverpool's contract dilemmas, Manchester City's potential Rodri replacements and rotators, Newcastle United's stick-or-twist question on a new forward and the future of Alexander Isak, Tottenham's Richarlison quandary, and Chelsea's long-term interest in a goalkeeper and a Number 9. 

Before that, there's time for Things We Love, which this week consists of Dean's excitement for the genesis of San Diego FC and how a brilliant Decision Day and a beautifully poised MLS Cup Playoff setup has fuelled that; whilst Jack talks about his visit to Deportivo La Coruña last weekend to see a former giant of the Spanish game, and some of the exciting young players he caught a glimpse of whilst at Riazor. 

It's Ranks! 

And remember, if you’d like more from the Rank Squad, including extra podcasts every Monday and Friday (including our weekly Postbox taking a look at the whole weekend of football) and access to our brilliant Discord community, then why not join us here on Patreon?