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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 12/05/2017 12:01:31

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The Ugly Inside News for Southampton

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| Claude Puel ! The Case For ! The Case Against ! | If you read social media then you would believe that Claude Puel is the most hated Southampton manager since Ian … 12-05-2017 |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Video: Puel previews Boro

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Match Preview: Middlesbrough vs Saints

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THE MATCH

Middlesbrough vs Southampton

Saturday 13th May, 3pm BST

Riverside Stadium

Premier League

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Saints will look to get back to winning ways after the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday and climb back up the table.

Despite some positive attacking play in the first-half, a goal proved elusive for Claude Puel’s men before goals from Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.

With the hosts relegation confirmed after a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea, Boro will be looking to put on a display for their home support.

TEAM NEWS

Southampton: Claude Puel has hinted that Charlie Austin could be involved in the trip to Middlesbrough this weekend. The boss has no concerns after the midweek clash with Arsenal, but may choose to freshen up his side.

Middlesbrough: Victor Valdes is out with a rib injury, while Gastón Ramirez is also unlikely to be available.

Daniel Ayala has rejoined training for the hosts but it is highly doubtful he will make it.

FORM GUIDE

Southampton’s previous five:

Arsenal (h) L 2-0

Liverpool (a) D 0-0

Hull City (h) D 0-0

Chelsea (a) L 4-2

Manchester City (h) L 0-3

Middlesbrough previous five:

Chelsea (a) L 3-0

Manchester City (h) D 2-2

Sunderland (h) W 1-0

AFC Bournemouth (a) L 4-0

Arsenal (h) L 2-1

TOP PERFORMERS

Jack Stephens has helped Saints to two clean sheets in the last three games with displays beyond his years.

His partnership with Maya Yoshida continues to blossom and his form is timely ahead of the Under-21 European Championships this summer.

Top scorers: Charlie Austin (9), Nathan Redmond (7)

Most assists: Dušan Tadić (7), James Ward-Prowse (5), Ryan Bertrand (4)

Despite a disappointing overall season, Boro’s main attacking threat has come through on-loan forward Álvaro Negredo. The Spaniard has 10 goals in all competitions as well as contributing five assists.

Captain Ben Gibson has also impressed at the heart of defence for his hometown club and earned himself a first senior England call earlier this year.

Top scorers: Álvaro Negredo (10), Cristhian Stuani (5), Marten De Roon (5)

Most assists: Álvaro Negredo (5), Stewart Downing (3), Gastón Ramirez (3)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

All-time record:

Played: 56

Southampton: 24

Draws: 15

Middlesbrough: 17

Previous four meetings:

December 2016: Southampton 1-0 Middlesbrough (Boufal)

April 2012: Middlesbrough 2-1 Southampton (Sharp)

October 2011: Southampton 3-0 Middlesbrough (Do Prado 2, Connolly)

March 2005: Middlesbrough 1-3 Southampton (Jakobsson, Crouch 2)

DID YOU KNOW?

The Saints, 1-0 winners over Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture, are looking to do a top-flight double over their opponents for the first time since the 1996/97 campaign.

Four of Middlesbrough’s five Premier League wins this season have come at the Riverside Stadium.

NOT AT THE GAME?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Riverside Stadium. Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.

Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates.

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Middlesbrough vs Southampton: Team news

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Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats.

Here is all the information you need about Middlesbrough’s clash with Southampton.

Middlesbrough head coach Steve Agnew has no fresh injury problems as he prepares for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes (ribs), defender Daniel Ayala (ankle) and midfielder Gaston Ramirez (groin) remain doubts and are unlikely to feature for relegated Boro in their final home game of the campaign.

Skipper Grant Leadbitter returned from a three-game lay-off with a hamstring problem at Chelsea on Monday evening, while fellow midfielder Adlene Guedioura is close to following suit after recovering from a groin strain.

Southampton have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their Premier League trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Saints boss Claude Puel may make a number of changes due to a late-season fixture pile-up with the likes of Shane Long and Sofiane Boufal pushing for recalls.

There could be space in the squad for fit-again duo Charlie Austin and Matt Targett but Virgil van Dijk (ankle) and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (hamstring) are out.

Middlesbrough have won only one of their last five home Premier League fixtures against the Saints (D1 L3), though this is the first meeting since March 2005.

The Saints, 1-0 winners over Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture, are looking to do a top-flight double over their opponents for the first time since the 1996/97 campaign.

Boro haven’t kept a clean sheet against Southampton at the Riverside in any of their last seven league meetings since Mark Schwarzer recorded one in a 3-0 win in March 1999.

Four of Middlesbrough’s five Premier League wins this season have come at the Riverside Stadium.

However, only Palace (17) and Sunderland (14) have won fewer points on home soil than Boro (18, W4 D6 L8).

Southampton have won three of their last six Premier League away games, having won just two of their previous 12 on the road this season.

Of goalkeepers to play 100 or more Premier League games, only Boaz Myhill (1.73) and Wayne Hennessey (1.71) have conceded more goals per game than Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1.66, 253 in 152 games).

The last Premier League game at the Riverside Stadium saw four goals scored in a 2-2 draw between Middlesbrough and Manchester City – there hasn’t been at least four in back to back top-flight games there since May 2007 (four in a row).

Indeed, the last time this happened in all league games was November 2013 (three in a row) when Middlesbrough were in the Championship.

Middlesbrough have failed to score in 17 Premier League games this season, their joint-most in a single campaign (also 2008-09).

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Get the thoughts of #Boro boss Steve Agnew ahead of #SaintsFC’s visit to the Riverside Stadium: http://sfcne.ws/OppViewBoroA

Retweets: 1

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Video: Redmond previews Middlesbrough clash

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Middlesbrough v Southampton preview: Victor Valdes, Gaston Ramirez remain sidelined

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Middlesbrough will be forced to continue without Victor Valdes and Gaston Ramirez for their penultimate top-flight fixture.

Boro have not enjoyed a happy return to the Premier League, and their slim survival hopes were ended earlier this week after a 3-0 Monday Night Football defeat against Chelsea.

Speaking on Thursday, caretaker boss Steve Agnew revealed that relegation had been “difficult” to accept an immediate return to the Championship, though he admitted his side “haven’t done enough” to retain their Premier League berth.

“We have to move on very quickly. We know where we’re at, and we have two massive games to come. We have to finish the season strongly,” he added.

Southampton lost 2-0 to Arsenal earlier this week and are without a win since April 8, but they have passed the 40-point milestone and boss Claude Puel has called on his men to end their winless run at the Riverside.

Aside from Valdes (rib) and Ramirez (pelvis), Agnew has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saints’ visit. Defender Daniel Ayala is back in training after an ankle injury, but his appearance in Saturday’s matchday squad is doubtful.

Puel confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that he too has no further absentees occupying his mind. Long-term absentees Charlie Austin (shoulder) and Matt Targett (hamstring) are both back in training and with three games in eight days, the Saints boss could be tempted to utilise his returning squad members.

Middlesbrough have won only one of their last five home Premier League fixtures against the Saints (D1 L3), though this is the first meeting since March 2005.

The Saints, 1-0 winners over Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture, are looking to do a top-flight double over their opponents for the first time since the 1996/97 campaign.

Boro haven’t kept a clean sheet against Southampton at the Riverside in any of their last seven league meetings since Mark Schwarzer recorded one in a 3-0 win in March 1999.

Four of Middlesbrough’s five Premier League wins this season have come at the Riverside Stadium. However, only Palace (17) and Sunderland (14) have won fewer points on home soil than Boro (18, W4 D6 L8).

Southampton have won three of their last six Premier League away games, having won just two of their previous 12 on the road this season.

Of goalkeepers to play 100 or more Premier League games, only Boaz Myhill (1.73) and Wayne Hennessey (1.71) have conceded more goals per game than Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1.66, 253 in 152 games).

The last Premier League game at the Riverside Stadium saw four goals scored in a 2-2 draw between Middlesbrough and Manchester City - there hasn’t been at least four in back to back top-flight games there since May 2007 (four in a row).

Indeed, the last time this happened in all league games was November 2013 (three in a row) when Middlesbrough were in the Championship.

Middlesbrough have failed to score in 17 Premier League games this season, their joint-most in a single campaign (also 2008-09).

Middlesbrough needed a result to stay up at Chelsea and the gulf between them was unreal. It was men against boys stuff.

Southampton have hit a brick wall and Claude Puel needs to finish with a couple of results, but I’m going to go for Boro here, it’s their last game at home in the Premier League and there’s no reason for them not to go out on the attack and have a go.

Middlesbrough are Sky Bet’s 14/5 outsiders to grab victory, with Southampton marginally 19/20 odds-on favourites while the draw is priced at 5/2. Manolo Gabbiadini is seen are the favourite to bag the first goal at 4/1 despite his drought while Alvaro Negredo is considered the hosts’ main threat at 6/1 to net first. The Saints are 7/2 slip into the bottom half of the table come the end of the season, while Boro are 3/1 to bounce back from their relegation by winning promotion next season.

Middlesbrough v Southampton is included in this weekend’s Super 6 line-up, with £250,000 up for grabs again following jackpot wins in the last two rounds. Enter your predictions for free here.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 12/05/2017 13:01:32

| | Premier League preview: what will and won’t happen this weekendFOURFOURTWO |
| | Puel Looks To MiddlesbroughVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Pompey Chimes will be ringing out tonight in SouthamptonPORTSMOUTHTODAY |
| | Accusation Southampton or player are spreading false transfer rumours to increase valueSPORTWITNESS |
| | Puel considers recalling duoCLUBCALL |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Get the thoughts of #Boro boss Steve Agnew ahead of #SaintsFC’s visit to the Riverside Stadium: http://sfcne.ws/OppViewBoroA

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 1

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Puel wary of Boro reaction

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Saints travel to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow to take on Steve Agnew’s side, who had their demotion to the Championship confirmed last Monday, with defeat at Chelsea.

Boro have won just one of their past 11 Premier League matches, but Puel believes they could play with a new-found freedom.

"We know when a team, like for example Sunderland, knows they are relegated they can play with freshness, a good mentality and a good attitude without pressure,” he said.

“The last result of Sunderland shows we must be careful also against Middlesbrough. We’re playing a good team who are without pressure, who are fresh, and it will be important to be ready about this.”

A win for Saints could push them as high as eighth in the table, ahead of their final two games of the season next week, against Manchester United and Stoke.

"A good result against Middlesbrough puts us in a good position for the two last games at home,” said Puel. "It’s a very important game for us.

“We know it’s difficult to prepare with the tiredness for some players, and with all these games in a short time, but it’s an important game and we have to produce good work and a good result and then after think about the last two games and the possibility to finish very well.”

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Opposition View: Middlesbrough

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Boro had relegation from the Premier League confirmed after a 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, but Agnew says there is a determination to end the season on a high note.

“We have to move on very quickly. We know where we’re at, and we have two massive games to come. We have to finish the season strongly,” Agnew reflected.

“The initial disappointment was there, but the response the players have shown in training has been terrific.

Agnew added: “The supporters have been magnificent home and away. They didn’t stop singing the other night.

“That’s appreciated by every single player and member of staff.

“It was a surprise [that Antonio Conte applauded the Boro fans], he has a very big job on his hands, but he took the time to do it and it was very much appreciated from us as a club.

The last home game is something we should approach in a positive manner. More than anything, we want to put in a performance for the supporters.”

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Redmond: The fans have been amazing

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Saints head to the North East looking to do the double over their opponents for the first time since the 1996/97 campaign after Sofiane Boufal’s stunning strike at St Mary’s.

And Redmond is hoping to finish the season strongly to reward fans who have travelled far and wide to back them.

“There’s a real desire to finish strongly. We want to finish in the top half of the table and finish as high as we can,” Redmond said.

“We need maximum points out of the last three games to try and do so.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the fans. They way all the players applaud the fans, particularly at away games shows our appreciation.

“From the playing staff to the coaching staff, it doesn’t go unnoticed so on behalf of the squad I want to say thank you for the amazing support this season.

“We hope they enjoy the last away game and the last three games.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 12/05/2017 14:01:46

| | Merouane Zemmama was the daddy last time Boro beat SouthamptonGAZETTELIVECOUK |
| | Follow Friday’s Boro blog, including Southampton build-upGAZETTELIVECOUK |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:two::four: hours to go!

Check out our in-depth match preview ahead of #SaintsFC’s clash with #Boro: http://sfcne.ws/PreviewMFCa

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Saints to play in Checkatrade Trophy again next season

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SAINTS and other Premier League Under-21 teams are set to continue competing in the Checkatrade Trophy for the next two seasons.

Clubs in League One and League Two have voted in favour of retaining top-flight youth sides in the competition following this term’s trial format.

The League One and League Two clubs voted on whether to retain the current format, revert to a 48-team knockout competition or scrap the tournament altogether.

And two thirds of the English Football League (EFL) clubs canvassed voted in favour of extending the Premier League youth outfits’ continued participation.

“The history of the EFL Trophy is one of new ideas and innovation, but at its heart has always been the belief that this is an opportunity for League One and League Two clubs to taste cup success,” said EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey.

“I am therefore delighted to see the backing the Checkatrade Trophy has received from our clubs for the next two seasons, following a full and comprehensive review of this year’s pilot format.”

The EFL has also moved to make reassurances that the inclusion of Premier League youth teams is not the forerunner to the addition of top-flight B teams to league competition.

“The EFL have assured clubs that it isn’t the thin end of the wedge in terms of Premier League clubs being able to enter B teams into the league,” said Luton manager Nathan Jones.

“I know our supporter groups have been consulted all the way through by the club’s board when giving our views, and hopefully any fears they had on that front have been allayed.”

The EFL has increased the competition’s total prize fund to £3million, with the invited Under-21s teams continuing to be required to field six players in their starting XI under the age of 21.

Coventry lifted the 2016 trophy courtesy of a 2-1 win over Oxford at Wembley in April, with manager Mark Robins now backing the tournament’s continued format.

“The Checkatrade Trophy has been an invaluable experience for those players at an under-21 level to participate in senior football. It will certainly aid their development moving forward,” he said.

“We won the competition with what was primarily a young team, and if you can get to Wembley and experience a fixture in front of that many fans at the National Stadium, it can only be a positive.”

Saints progressed from their Checkatrade Group. After losing their first game on penalties at Charlton, they won 3-2 at Colchester before thrashing Crawley 4-0. Martin Hunter’s side were then knocked out at the first KO round by Reading.

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Manchester City and Liverpool eye move for Ryan Bertrand - sources

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Manchester City and Liverpool are considering a move for Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand as a solution to their left-back problems, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

Bertrand has excelled at Southampton since from Chelsea in 2015 after a successful loan spell and has emerged as a target for both Liverpool and City.

The 27-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for the club in three seasons and his form has seen him become a regular in the England squad.

Southampton would be reluctant to lose Betrand but would find it hard to reject a sizeable offer knowing they have capable cover in Sam McQueen and Matt Targett.

The left-back position has been problematic for City this season, and first-choice left-back Gael Clichy is out of contract in the summer and unlikely to be offered a new deal.

Aleksandar Kolarov has been switched from left-back to central defence, leaving City short of full-back options.

Liverpool are also searching for a proven left-back, with midfielder James Milner having been filling the role for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Betrand impressed against Liverpool this season as he helped Southampton keep four clean sheets against them, and they are monitoring his situation.

Peter O’Rourke is ESPN FC’s transfer news correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @SportsPeteO.

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Southampton to wear special shirts for Manchester United clash

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Southampton will wear special one-off shirts for their game against Manchester United on Wednesday to help highlight discrimination against disabled people at football grounds.

The Saints will swap out their usual sponsors, Virgin Media, for disability charity Scope in the game at St Mary’s on May 17.

A new YouGov survey has found that eight out of 10 disabled football fans have experienced discrimination at a football stadium, and almost two-thirds of disabled fans have stopped attending live matches as a result.

The move has been backed by Virgin, and spokesperson Brigitte Trafford said: 'All football should be enjoyed by all fans, plain and simple. Fans are the heart of football and that means disabled fans too.

‘It’s time for change. In football and society, disability discrimination can and should be a thing of the past.’

A separate poll, also run by YouGov, has found that 52 per cent of non-disabled fans think more should be done to prevent discrimination towards disabled people at football matches.

Scope chief executive Mark Atkinson said: 'This new research should serve as a wake-up call to all football clubs and fans.

'Football is our national game and has the ability to bring people together. We know that large numbers of fans want everyday equality and that means an inclusive game where discrimination of any kind isn’t tolerated. Disabled fans shouldn’t feel forced out of the stadium.

‘It’s great to see football teams like Southampton FC highlighting the issue, with the support of Virgin Media who’ve donated their shirt sponsorship to Scope for this match. The rest of the football industry now needs to work together and kick disability discrimination out of the game.’

As well as swapping sponsors, Southampton will host a penalty shoot-out at half-time in the game against United. Five fans will take spot kicks, with £5,000 going to Scope for every goal scored.

The game will be both sides’ penultimate match of the campaign, with the Saints hoping to end strongly as manager Claude Puel faces speculation he could leave the club at the end of the season.

United meanwhile may make several changes, with the club facing a packed fixture list ahead of the Europa League final the following week.

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@BenDinnery - Ben Dinnery

Charlie Austin could come into Claude Puel’s thinking for the travelling squad to Middlesbrough this weekend. #SaintsFC

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 12/05/2017 15:02:10

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