OptiNews - Friday 19 to Thursday 25 January 2018

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Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur

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Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is doubtful because of illness and will be assessed before kick-off.

Defender Toby Alderweireld is nearing a return to training and could be available next weekend, while Harry Winks and Danny Rose remain out.

However, the Saints could remain unchanged from the draw at Watford, with Charlie Austin still sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Steve Bower: "Mauricio Pochettino returns to his former club, five years to the week since he was appointed, knowing Tottenham’s remit is simple - keep on winning.

"The way his attacking players are performing must give him the belief that they can extend a run in which they’ve picked up 13 points from the last 15, scoring 15 goals in the process.

"Five of those goals came against Southampton at Wembley on Boxing Day, one of the lowest days of Mauricio Pellegrino’s reign so far.

"The Saints boss hasn’t had the impact his Argentinean counterpart had when he arrived at St Mary’s and hasn’t seen his side win in their last 10 league games - the club’s worst run in 13 years.

“The challenge ahead is a huge one, just as it is to try and stop Spurs currently.”

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino: "We are not happy with our position but in three or four weeks’ time everything can change. It’s part of our competition.

“I feel in our team the spirit is really good and everybody is conscious about what we need. I receive these messages from players every day, and we have to convert these feelings into stats.”

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on potential January transfers: "To be honest it will be difficult. At some point you always dream but not too much exciting [is happening].

“If it happens, it happens. If not, then it doesn’t happen. We are happy with the squad.”

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino badly needs a win soon because he might not get too much longer to turn things around - but I don’t see him getting it this weekend.

SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/01/2018 18:44:11

| | Southampton’s €20m bid for forward backs up second source’s ‘substantial offer’ claimSPORTWITNESS |
| | Report: New Peterborough United signing George Cooper was being trailed by Tottenham Hotspur and SouthamptonHEREISTHECITY |
|

| Mauricio Pochettino Can Put The Final Nail In The Managerial Coffin Of Mauricio PellegrinoTHESPORTSMAN |
| | The one other PL club that wanted to sign Walcott - and it wasn’t SouthamptonGIVEMESPORT |

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Southampton did everything they could to sign Theo Walcott, says Mauricio Pellegrino

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Southampton did everything they could to sign Theo Walcott, says Mauricio Pellegrino

Mauricio Pellegrino says Southampton did everything in their power to bring Theo Walcott back to the club.

Walcott, 28, sealed a £20m move to Everton on Wednesday despite Southampton’s attempts to lure him back to St Mary’s, where the forward began his career in 2005.

Pellegrino says the club must admit defeat on the matter and concentrate their efforts on bringing in alternative targets before the January window closes.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Tottenham, live on Sky Sports, he said: "That is part of the market. The market has got offers and demands.

"I think we did everything to try to bring this [player] here but we have to accept that. It’s part of our job.

"When you are in negotiations they are about two parts and we can do nothing.

"Obviously the money is part of the negotiations but I don’t know the reason. We have got in our club the concern to try and bring a couple of targets.

"We have got another option and we have to continue with our job.

“Sometimes we expect this and we have to be prepared for this because it’s part of the market.”

Sky Sports News understands Southampton remain in talks with Monaco for striker Guido Carrillo and are hopeful of concluding a deal.

Pellegrino suggested the 26-year-old is on Southampton’s radar but insists he does not want to discuss players who are contracted to other clubs.

“He’s a player I know and the club know,” he said.

"But I will not talk about someone else who is not here. The player is either yours 100% or nothing. One small detail can change the negotiation.

“If we bring people here it is because we feel they will improve the squad.”

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Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

Central control the goal for Hojbjerg and Dembele

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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Mousa Dembele are two gifted central midfielders who have not started as many Premier League matches as they would have hoped this season.

Back in favour with their respective managers, and injury-free, their head-to-head at St Mary’s Stadium could pivotal to the outcome of Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur, writes Adrian Clarke.

Hojbjerg had to wait until 26 November for his first start under Mauricio Pellegrino, but he has caught the eye ever since with a series of composed displays in the heart of the pitch.

He was especially outstanding against Everton, Arsenal and Manchester United, exhibiting outstanding qualities on and off the ball in all three matches.

Demanding his team-mates to play through him as often as possible, the former Bayern Munich man produced the most passes for Southampton in each encounter.

Against a trio of strong opponents he did not give possession away cheaply either.

Despite trying to play a forward pass through the lines as often as possible, Hojbjerg never dipped below a passing accuracy of 91%.

When creating turnovers he was just as effective.

The 22-year-old won possession back for his side more than anyone else in each of those three matches, seizing on second balls, making several interceptions and winning numerous tackles.

On his day he is capable of delivering top quality all-round central midfield performances.

Mauricio Pochettino has openly described Dembele as a “genius” but niggling issues with the Belgian’s foot, ankle and hip have meant his manager has been forced to handle his game-time with care this term.

Early on in 2017/18 Dembele failed to live up to his usual standards. Clearly hampered by physical problems the midfielder did not complete a full 90 minutes from late August to early December.

The 30-year-old returned to form with a starring role in the 5-1 defeat of Stoke City in early December.

He made 69 successful passes inside the opposition half that day, 26 more than his closest team-mate Christian Eriksen, and has looked much more like his old self ever since.

Alongside Eric Dier last weekend he was absolutely superb in the 4-0 home win over Everton.

The Belgian regained possession 16 times (double anyone else in his team) and passed with an incredible 97% accuracy as he asserted a firm control over proceedings.

While Dembele has the bigger reputation, this central contest could be a close-run affair.

Based on this season’s performances the stats tell us there is not a lot to choose between these efficient, but stylish midfielders.

Hojbjerg’s ability to break-up play and then pierce the lines with a positive burst or pass is very similar to the strengths Dembele displays for Spurs, and his game is developing all the time.

Neither man is likely to grab the headlines, but how they perform against one another is likely to have a major impact on what happens on Sunday afternoon.

The player who retrieves and retains possession most effectively will wrestle control of the contest in his side’s favour.

Part 1: Arnautovic central to West Ham’s progress

Part 2: Ibe can spur revival of AFC Bournemouth

Part 3: Bold Pardew can add style to West Brom substance

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Craig Fleming is keen to extend #SaintsFCU18s’ impressive #U18PL form, as his young side take on #FFC tomorrow: http://sfcne.ws/FlemingU18sFFC

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

25% off replica kit in Saints stores

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Supporters will benefit from 25 per cent off all home, away and goalkeeper kit, for a limited time only, beginning from Saturday 20th January.

The offer is available at both the Stadium and Westquay Stores, as well as online at store.saintsfc.co.uk

Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/01/2018 19:44:22

| | Southampton show interest in Promes?SPORTSMOLE |
|

| Saints must axe £7.2m-rated attacker and bring 11-cap ace back into starting XI - agree?FOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Lloris a doubt for Southampton game - Pochettino | Goal.comGOALDOTCOM |
| | Monaco yet to receive Southampton bid for strikerREADSOUTHAMPTON |

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Read Southampton

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| The Tottenham star who Southampton should be most wary about | Southampton face a stern test on Sunday as they host free-scoring Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Mauricio … 19-01-2018 |
| Southampton Predicted XI: Tottenham Hotspur (H) | Southampton will be keen to secure their first Premier League win in almost two months when they take on Tottenham … 19-01-2018 |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Fleming: Keep pushing

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Craig Fleming is keen for his young side to put the arduous Blackpool trip behind them, and focus on their productive Under-18s Premier League form.

An unbeaten streak stretching back to mid-October has earned the teenagers a chance to leap in to third place in the standings with victory this weekend - the perfect tonic to Tuesday night’s disappointment.

“They were a bit down, understandably,” Fleming conceded. “Going out of the Youth Cup is a big deal for them. They know they didn’t perform at the levels they’re capable of.

“We try and preach that every game is as important as the next, but of course there is an air of disappointment after Tuesday.

“We’re definitely looking forward to the second part of the season now. It will be tough physically tomorrow, playing 120 minutes is demanding for young players.

“But we’ll change it around a bit, put a few fresh legs in the side and see how they go. We’ve found a good bit of consistency in the league, that needs to be maintained. Keep pushing.”

Asked about the overarching aims for the remainder of the campaign, Fleming added: “We want results, of course, but our main focus remains on developing young talent - trying to get this group ready for Under-23s football and beyond.

“We’re constantly identifying areas we need to improve and working on it on a daily basis.

“I like the way Fulham do things, they have a good mix. We were poor at their place earlier in the season, but that being said, Fulham were excellent. Similar to ourselves in the way they setup so it’ll be tough.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Southampton v Tottenham preview: Hugo Lloris doubtful for Super Sunday clash

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Tottenham could be without goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for their Super Sunday trip to struggling Southampton.

A late decision will be made on the Frenchman, who is suffering from flu, with Michel Vorm standing by for what would be a first Premier League appearance since April last year.

Spurs will be looking to maintain momentum at St Mary’s, having won eight of their last 10 matches to move within three points of the top four.

But pressure lies firmly on the hosts, who have not won in 10 Premier League games and could find themselves in the bottom three by kick-off.

Insisting his Saints players have the “spirit” to transform their campaign, boss Mauricio Pellegrino said: "We are not happy with our position but in three or four weeks’ time everything can change.

“I feel in our team the spirit is really good and everybody is conscious about what we need. I receive these messages from players every day, and we have to convert these feelings into stats.”

Maya Yoshida is facing an uphill struggle to be fit in time. The Japan defender will undergo a late fitness test as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Charlie Austin remains sidelined with a long-term hamstring problem, but otherwise boss Pellegrino has no other concerns.

While Lloris will be assessed closer to kick-off, Toby Alderweireld (hamstring), Danny Rose (knee) and Harry Winks (ankle) are all still out for Tottenham

Alderweireld, however, has returned to training early following a hamstring injury and could play in the FA Cup next weekend.

Southampton are winless in five home Premier League matches against Spurs since re-entering the top flight in 2012 (D1 L4) - this after winning five in a row between 2000 and 2005.

Indeed, since 2012-13, Spurs have won 28 of a possible 33 points in the Premier League against Southampton (P11 W9 D1 L1).

Saints are currently on the longest winless run in the Premier League, failing to secure all three points in any of their last 10 games (D5 L5).

Meanwhile, after a run of five winless away games in the Premier League, Spurs have won their last two, keeping a clean sheet each time.

Spurs have won their last three away Premier League games on a Sunday by an aggregate score of 13-2 - this is their first such match since their opening weekend win against Newcastle.

Mauricio Pochettino is yet to lose a Premier League game at St. Mary’s since he left Southampton at the end of the 2013-14 season, drawing one and winning two.

James Ward-Prowse has scored each of Southampton’s last three goals in all competitions (one vs Fulham, two vs Watford) - he’d previously gone 25 games without a goal for them.

Dele Alli has had a hand in eight goals in just four Premier League games against Southampton (five goals, three assists) - only two players have ever been involved in more goals in their first four Premier League appearances against an opponent (Alan Shearer v Nottingham Forest and Wayne Rooney v Hull City, both nine).

Harry Kane has scored five goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Southampton, including a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at Wembley; he has also scored twice and assisted once in three matches at St. Mary’s.

Kane has had 130 shots in the Premier League this season, 42 more than any other player - indeed, those shots account for 32 per cent of Spurs’ total, also a league-high.

Southampton looked a lot better than Watford in large parts last weekend, but still managed to draw the game 2-2 when they should have won by four or five.

Make no mistake, Saints are in big, big trouble. They’ve won just one in 14, and that was against David Unsworth’s Everton.

I don’t see anything put a Tottenham win, Harry Kane can’t stop scoring, and their movement is brilliant. I can’t see Shane Long causing the back line of Tottenham many problems.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Video: Saints train ahead of Spurs

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Southampton did ‘everything’ to re-sign Theo Walcott: Pellegrino

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Southampton did everything they could to sign forward Theo Walcott from Arsenal this month but have the resources to bounce back after the failed transfer, manager Mauricio Pellegrino said on Friday.

England international Walcott progressed through Southampton’s youth system and made 22 appearances for the Saints before moving to Arsenal in 2006.

After 12 years at the north London outfit, Walcott struggled to seal a first-team slot under Arsene Wenger and was among Southampton’s top targets in the current window but the 28-year-old joined Everton earlier this week.

‘I think we did everything to try to bring this possibility here but we have to accept that. It’s part of our job,’ Pellegrino.

'When you are in negotiations they are about two parts and we can do nothing.

‘Obviously the money is part of the negotiations but I don’t know the reason. We have got in our club is the concern to try and bring a couple of targets… We have got another option and we have to continue with our job.’

Defender Maya Yoshida missed Southampton’s league draw with Watford last weekend due to a hamstring injury and is the only doubt for Pellegrino’s side ahead of Saturday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

‘I think Maya will be a part of Saturday’s training session, maybe - but that will be decided tomorrow,’ Pellegrino added.

Southampton are winless in 10 league games are a point and a place above the relegation zone while Tottenham are fifth.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/01/2018 20:44:37

| | TV ! Opposition View with We Are Tottenham TV - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | Southampton make €20m offer for Monaco strikerREADSOUTHAMPTON |
| | Report: Southampton among four clubs wanting to sign Leicester City’s Islam SlimaniHEREISTHECITY |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Mauricio Pellegrino opens up on Southampton’s failed move for Theo Walcott | Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has insisted that the club ‘did everything’ to try and sign Theo Walcott … 19-01-2018 |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

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#SaintsFC continue the build-up to the visit of #THFC:

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Sourced from Reuters.co.uk article

Tottenham’s Lloris doubtful for Southampton game with illness

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(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur could be without goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Southampton, with the French international suffering from illness, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday.

The club captain has started all but one of Tottenham’s 23 league games this season and only sat out of the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Wembley last November with a muscle injury.

“We need to wait and assess him (Lloris). I think it is flu or a virus. Everyone with this weather will struggle a bit,” Pochettino told reporters.

Third-choice goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga produced an inspired performance on his debut in the game against Palace but Lloris’ back-up Michel Vorm is also fit to step in at St Mary’s Stadium.

Defender Toby Alderweireld is close to a return to the first team fold as he recovers from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for nearly three months.

The reliable Belgian international injured himself in Tottenham’s memorable 3-1 victory over Spanish side Real Madrid in the Champions League in November.

“I‘m very pleased,” Pochettino said of the 28-year-old’s efforts to be fit for the latter half of the season.

“We are going to have a very busy period and we need all the squad available to play. If all is well he will do the warm-up (on Saturday) with the team and will be integrated gradually with the group. He will be ready as soon as possible.”

Tottenham, who have 44 points from 23 games after 13 wins, five draws and five defeats, are fifth in the table and three points behind both Chelsea and Liverpool.

Southampton are on a 10-game winless run in the league, leaving them a point and a place above the relegation zone.

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Sourced from The Telegraph article

Southampton vs Tottenham, Premier League preview: team news, injuries and suspensions

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Tottenham are sweating on the fitness of Hugo Lloris ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton.

Lloris is suffering from flu and will be assessed, with Michel Vorm ready to step in.

Toby Alderweireld (hamstring), Danny Rose (knee) and Harry Winks (ankle) are all still out.

“I think we did everything to try to bring this possibility here but we have to accept that. It’s part of our job,” Pellegrino told reporters when asked about Walcott’s move.

"When you are in negotiations they are about two parts and we can do nothing.

“Obviously the money is part of the negotiations but I don’t know the reason. We have got in our club is the concern to try and bring a couple of targets… We have got another option and we have to continue with our job.”

“I’m very pleased,” Pochettino said of Toby Alderweireld’s efforts to be fit for the latter half of the season.

“We are going to have a very busy period and we need all the squad available to play. If all is well he will do the warm-up (on Saturday) with the team and will be integrated gradually with the group. He will be ready as soon as possible.”

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Sourced from Reuters.co.uk article

Southampton tried their best to secure Walcott return - Pellegrino

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(Reuters) - Southampton did everything they could to sign forward Theo Walcott from Arsenal this month but have the resources to bounce back after the failed transfer, manager Mauricio Pellegrino said on Friday.

England international Walcott progressed through Southampton’s youth system and made 22 appearances for the Saints before moving to Arsenal in 2006.

After 12 years at the north London outfit, Walcott struggled to seal a first-team slot under Arsene Wenger and was among Southampton’s top targets in the current window but the 28-year-old joined Everton earlier this week.

“I think we did everything to try to bring this possibility here but we have to accept that. It’s part of our job,” Pellegrino told reporters when asked about Walcott’s move.

”When you are in negotiations they are about two parts and we can do nothing.

“Obviously the money is part of the negotiations but I don’t know the reason. We have got in our club is the concern to try and bring a couple of targets… We have got another option and we have to continue with our job.”

Defender Maya Yoshida missed Southampton’s league draw with Watford last weekend due to a hamstring injury and is the only doubt for Pellegrino’s side ahead of Saturday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

“I think Maya will be a part of Saturday’s training session, maybe - but that will be decided tomorrow,” Pellegrino added.

Southampton are winless in 10 league games are a point and a place above the relegation zone while Tottenham are fifth.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/01/2018 21:44:52

|

| Southampton expert reveals how Saints can clinch a good result vs TottenhamFOOTBALLFANCAST |
|

| Predicted XI: Pochettino should stick with 25-year-old for Southampton trip | TottenhamBlog.comTOTTENHAMBLOG |
| | Monaco respond to Southampton’s €20m offer for Guido CarrilloREADSOUTHAMPTON |
|

| £27m-rated Spurs star should make his first PL start since August vs Southampton - agreed?FOOTBALLFANCAST |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Southampton join other Premier League clubs in chase for Leicester striker | Southampton have joined Watford, Newcastle and Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas in chasing after Leicester City … 19-01-2018 |

Older content…

| Mauricio Pellegrino opens up on Southampton’s failed move for Theo Walcott21 hours ago |
| The Tottenham star who Southampton should be most wary about21 hours ago |
| Southampton Predicted XI: Tottenham Hotspur (H)21 hours ago |
| Monaco respond to Southampton’s €20m offer for Guido Carrillo21 hours ago |
| Southampton make €20m offer for Monaco striker21 hours ago |
| Monaco yet to receive Southampton bid for striker21 hours ago |
| Southampton eye move for Dutch international21 hours ago |
| Southampton remain keen to land Championship central defender2 days ago |
| Saints hold more talks to complete deal for eight-goal striker2 days ago |

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