OptiNews - Friday 22 to Thursday 28 December 2017

Sourced from Daily Echo article

Pellegrino calls for Saints to rally

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Mauricio Pellegrino has called on Saints to rally for the second half of the season.

The 1-1 draw with Huddersfield at St Mary’s marked the halfway point in the Premier League campaign, with Saints nervously looking over their shoulders just three points off of the bottom three.

With just four wins all season, and 11 matches already played at home, it looks like being a challenging second half of fixtures, but Pellegrino is trying to remain positive.

He said: “I think we are in the middle of the season and obviously we couldn’t show this consistency especially in results because we couldn’t win even those games we deserve to win and we create a lot of chances.

“Football is efficiency to score goals and to convert.

“Still we got 50 per cent of the tournament to bounce back and try to change this mood and it has to start on Tuesday.”

Pellegrino, whose side travel to Tottenham on Boxing Day, admitted he was disappointed with the result against Huddersfield, which was another decent chance for three points that slipped away.

“For sure because when we were really close to score the second one especially in the way we concede it was a pity,” he reflected.

“But for me it was a flat game, a lot of ball in the air and more than normal in the physical battle Huddersfield is a strong team.

“They press high, we press high and a lot of challenge.

“When we put the ball on the ground we made our most important moment, we create problems, but in crosses, set plays, this type of style in some moments we control well but in one they score.

“It’s part of football and in general it was a bit tight and we were close to score the second and you have to score the second earlier in this game.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Paul Merson’s predictions: Man Utd v Burnley, Newcastle v Man City, Liverpool v Swansea and more

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Paul Merson gives his Premier League Boxing Day predictions - how will he get on?

There are eight Premier League clashes on Boxing Day - including Tottenham v Southampton and Liverpool v Swansea City both live on Sky Sports - as well as a couple more on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Magic Man gives us his predictions for all the fixtures…

They absolutely ripped Burnley apart, considering what Burnley have been doing and considering they had not won away from home since September, it was a big result. Southampton have gone - no Charlie Austin, no Virgil van Dijk, so I cannot see anything other than a Tottenham win.

It is six games without a win now for Bournemouth, and Newcastle go to West Ham and win, and yet they had kept clean sheets against three top teams. They have played Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke, who scored three goals on Saturday, and kept clean sheets. And then they go and let in three goals against Newcastle, who cannot win for toffee, and that was a poor result for West Ham. So it is so hard to predict. This is a big game for Bournemouth. I think they are in major, major trouble because I did not think they would go down. I thought they would have too much.

Brighton did well on Saturday (in beating Watford 1-0), they just do not put their chances away. Chris Hughton must sit there on tenterhooks - he needs to watch a game where he can relax for once! I watched them against Burnley when they should have been two or three up, but missed a penalty, drew 0-0 and were hanging on at the end. On Saturday they had chance after chance to kill the game, while Chelsea were unlucky against Everton, let’s be honest, they should have won. Brighton have got bigger games over Christmas than this and you will find some teams will rest players for bigger games. With three games coming up really quickly, you are not going to put all your first-team players out in this game, get beat 3-0 and then they are all tired for the big games coming up.

West Brom were a bit unlucky against Stoke on Saturday, but it was a big result for them. I am pleased for Mark Hughes, he is a good manager. And when you are a chairman or an owner of a club, then you should not worry about your manager as when the chips were down and they needed a win, they turned up for their manager and that is a big statement for me. That is what all chairmen and owners should look at - if you go five or six games without a win and then the pressure is on and they turn in a performance and win… you can only get the sack if you lose the players and he has not done that, no way and what a result that was. But this is a tough game for Stoke as Huddersfield are alright at home, they are a handful and are hard to beat, they suffocate you and I just do not think Stoke have got much pace on the counter-attack. So I think they will squeeze Stoke and win 2-0.

It is alright saying we missed chance after chance, but Man Utd’s final pass was sometimes atrocious and if I was the manager, I would have been fuming. At the highest level, that was poor. To just let players drop off and get the ball against 10 men…. But I am going to go for Man Utd, they are going to beat someone soon, so I am going to go 4-0 as I think losing to Spurs will have affected Burnley on Saturday. They got well beaten and I just think Man Utd are waiting for the goals to start flowing, while James Tarkowski is a big miss for Burnley - you saw that on Saturday.

I watched Watford on Saturday (losing 1-0 at Brighton) and they are all over the place defensively and Brighton really should have won 3-0 or 4-0. They were a much better team and I just cannot believe what has happened to Watford. And I am going to go for Leicester to win this, Watford are all over the place and have hit a brick wall at the moment, while Riyad Mahrez looks like he has the bit between his teeth, Leicester look pacy, so I am going to go for them to win 2-1.

Sam Allardyce just does what it says on the tin and that is what they were hoping for at West Brom, was it not? It is alright West Brom saying they were unlucky, but I just do not see it. I think Everton will go there and frustrate them and win 2-1. It was easy when West Brom were 2-0 down at home to Man Utd the other week, as then they started playing. And that would be a shocking result for West Brom.

It was not the worst result in the world for Swansea on Saturday the way Palace have been playing (1-1), but I just think Liverpool are irresistible, are they not?

Man City played in second gear and still beat Bournemouth 4-0 on Saturday! They won 4-0 in second gear, so I am going to go for another 4-0 win. I think City will just rip them apart and Newcastle have had their result (beating West Ham). The problem is that Newcastle will sit 10 men behind the ball, but you are going to get broken down though before the end of the game. And City are just relentless, relentless, but it is no disrespect to Newcastle, who had a massive football result at West Ham on Saturday, but City will beat better teams than Newcastle by more than 4-0.

This will be a good game. You look at Arsenal against Liverpool and it was an entertaining game. But seriously, you are not going to win anything at all playing like that. I am going to go 3-2 to Arsenal though…

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 16:34:02

| | Southampton striker Austin charged with violent conduct following kickTHE42 |
| | Leeds caught up in £70m saga as top-flight side in hunt to sign Elland Road talisman - Transfer TalkTHISISFUTBOLCOM |
| | What is going to happen in the Premier League over Christmas?HERTFORDSHIREMERCURY |
| | Southampton target quizzed on future as Saints move talked upSPORTWITNESS |

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Enter our #THFC competition for the chance to win a signed #SaintsFC away shirt: http://sfcne.ws/PTSTHA1718

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Premier League half-term reports: Manchester City get straight As

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As 2017 draws to a close, the Premier League season reaches the half-way mark that has seen Manchester City destroy everything in it’s path.

Swansea City have been tipped for the drop while certain teams have been performing below what’s expected of them after 19 games.

Here, Sportsmail grades every Premier League team’s first-half performance on the season so far.

Still much room for improvement in this Arsenal side but they remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four place — that is all the highest they can hope for realistically with the Europa League to contend with. Also have a League Cup semi-final to look forward to.

Jurgen Klopp’s side finish the year in the top four and in the last 16 of the Champions League. Their star player is without doubt Mohamed Salah, who is currently the Premier League’s joint-leading goalscorer with 15.

Brighton are keeping their heads above water but have to start scoring if they are to stay that way. This can hopefully give them confidence.

The Marco Silva effect is wearing off and they have to get going again. Red card after red card has not helped.

It’s the defence which has done the job of course, with James Tarkowski and goalkeeper Nick Pope putting in outstanding displays. But they’ve bought shrewdly elsewhere.

Jack Cork has been the picture of steel and composure in front of defence, Steven Defour has heeded Sean Dyche’s demand for more effort and Johann Berg Gudmondsson has flickered with menace.

They’re performing acceptably relative to the wages they pay but not well enough to take the next domestic step, despite exhilarating football in Europe.

Harry Kane has been an electrifying presence this autumn yet the side haven’t won away since late September and are waiting for the Dele Alli they knew to re-materialise. Defeats at Arsenal, Leicester and Manchester City have seen the year out with a whimper, burdened by expectation.

They have had a half-season of two halves, woeful under Ronald Koeman and David Unsworth, rejuvenated since Sam Allardyce arrived. The defence has tightened considerably, now Big Sam will want to add firepower.

The champion have not flowed like last season though Antonio Conte will point out they are still comfortably in the top four despite losing Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic. Eden Hazard is looking more like his old self

The owners provided little slack for Craig Shakespeare but Claude Puel has provided a new outlook and improved form with Europe not out of the question again.

Most other seasons this total at the halfway stage would see a team right in the hunt for the title but City’s supremacy casts a shadow over United. Jose Mourinho has a lot more work to do if he is going to convert the Red Devils into champions again.

What other mark can you give a team that has racked up a record 18 Premier League wins and sauntered into the knockout stage of the Champions League playing such irresistible football under Pep Guardiola? City have star performers all over the pitch, but top of the class at the halfway stage has to be the imperious Kevin De Bruyne.

Eddie Howe’s side started the season with four defeats and it has been a bit of a struggle since then. They go into Christmas in the relegation zone and with plenty of room for improvement. There is reason for optimism, though, not least the impact of record signing Nathan Ake who cost a club record £20million from Chelsea but has been well worth the money.

It summed things up when former manager Claude Puel returned to St Mary’s with Leicester City and won 4-1 earlier this month. Under Mauricio Pellegrino Saints haven’t improved. One win in 10 now isn’t good enough for a club with expectations of the top half. Tottenham and Manchester United away over Christmas as well.

Put simply the Terriers have exceeded all expectations. Let’s not forget that even at the start of last season they were tipped for relegation from the Championship. David Wagner’s side were also written off at the start of this term. But they are going along nicely and Huddersfield fans have two home games to look forward to over Christmas. Could do better away from home, though.

Having finished ninth for three consecutive seasons, last term’s 13th place was viewed with disappointment in the Potteries. They would snatch your hand off for the same this time around. A poor first half has left Stoke in trouble and Mark Hughes will be hoping victory over West Brom sparks a huge improvement.

Hopes were high that the Baggies could put their poor end to last season behind them and after an impressive start it appeared as though they had done that.

But a miserable run saw off Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew is yet to provide the upturn in form they need. A big second half of the season is needed at The Hawthorns.

Bottom of the league and they deserve to be. No style in their play and easily the worst attack in the division. Need to get the managerial appointment right.

Incredibly poor start going zero points for seven games but Roy Hodgson has done a brilliant job. Eight games in a row without defeat has transformed the campaign.

Awful start to the campaign: Leaky at the back, ineffective up front and devoid of pace but signs of progress since David Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic and with ambitions to improve the squad next month.

The thrill of three quick wins soon drained away amid the distractions of a proposed takeover and the associated politicking of Rafa Benitez public wondering about the available budget to boost a limited squad.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 17:34:17

| | Southampton, Arsenal, Manchester City battle for Swedish midfielderREADSOUTHAMPTON |
|

| Transfer rumours + bad results = Liverpool fan van Dijk outpouringFANSIDEDRUSHTHEKOP |
| | Austin faces ban for kick at LosslEIRSPORT |
| | Danny Murphy calls on Liverpool to sign a new goalkeeper amid fresh Virgil van Dijk linksIBTIMES |
| | TOTHOTFC |
| | Tottenham news: Merson predicts Spurs v SouthamptonFOOTBALLINSIDER |
| | ‘Sign him and save £40m’ … Liverpool fans want 24-year-old star instead of Van DijkFOOTBALLFANCAST |

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Tottenham v Southampton preview: Harry Kane eyes Premier League goalscoring record

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Tottenham can move into the Champions League places with a victory in the Boxing Day lunchtime kick-off against Southampton, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men won their first away game in five matches on Saturday when easing past Burnley 3-0 at Turf Moor to move into fifth place, level on points with Arsenal and a point behind Liverpool.

After a shaky start at Wembley, Spurs are now unbeaten in their last eight home Premier League games, winning five of those.

For Southampton, they return to Wembley exactly 10 months since losing 3-2 to Manchester United in the League Cup Final on February 26.

Pochettino must decide whether to shuffle his pack for the visit of the Saints. With less than 72 hours between matches, the Spurs boss could be tempted to utilise his squad, although one player certain to start is Harry Kane as he chases the one goal he needs to set a new Premier League era scoring record for a single year.

Full-back Cedric Soares is an injury worry for Mauricio Pellegrino after not featuring in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Huddersfield having come off injured against Chelsea the previous weekend following a nasty collision with the advertising boards.

Ryan Bertrand also limped off at Stamford Bridge and failed to feature against the Terriers, but could still play at Wembley.

Tottenham have won 25 of a possible 30 Premier League points against Southampton since Saints returned to the top-flight in 2012 (W8 D1 L1) - only against Swansea (28) and Sunderland (26) have they won more in that time.

Saints have lost five of their last six away Premier League games against Spurs, with that only win coming in May 2016 (2-1).

Southampton’s last four visits to Wembley Stadium have seen 20 goals scored (F10 A10) - but Southampton have won just one of those (4-1 vs Carlisle, 2010 Football League Trophy final).

Spurs are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games played on Boxing Day (W8 D3), since a 2-0 loss at Portsmouth in 2003.

They absolutely ripped Burnley apart, considering what Burnley have been doing and considering they had not won away from home since September, it was a big result. Southampton have gone - no Charlie Austin, no Virgil van Dijk, so I cannot see anything other than a Tottenham win.

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

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This is the Premier League match between Spurs and Southampton - AKA, the Mauricio Pochettino derby.

It is on December 26 - AKA, Boxing Day.

The match kicks off bright and early at 12.30pm.

It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Should you not have access to either of those channels, you can follow all the latest action right here when this page turns into our live blog.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether to shuffle his pack for the trip.

With less than 72 hours between matches, the Spurs boss could be tempted to utilise his squad, although one player certain to start is Harry Kane as he chases the one goal he needs to set a new Premier League era scoring record for a single year.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 18:34:31

| | Pellegrino coy on van Dijk speculation after Huddersfield omissionREADSOUTHAMPTON |
|

| Video: Mauricio Pellegrino hints at January transfer for Liverpool and Man City target Virgil van DijkOFFTHEPOST |
| | Austin charged with violent conduct by FA - ArticleTSNCA |
| | Ex-Liverpool man makes huge claim over future of Van DijkTEAMTALK |

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Blogs – Fresh Saints

New content from (- Blogs – Fresh Saints)

| Two good, two bad: Southampton v Huddersfield | Another matchday, another feeling of underwhelming frustration at full-time. Saints failed to score more than one … 24-12-2017 |

Older content…

| Preview: Southampton v Huddersfield2 days ago |
| Charlie Austin – the simple genius of a traditional number nine4 days ago |
| Virgil Van Dijk: updates regarding Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City6 days ago |
| Two good, two bad: Chelsea v Southampton7 days ago |
| 2017-18 Premier League cups – Understanding the tough and easiest starts8 days ago |
| Two good, two bad: Southampton v Leicester10 days ago |
| What is Southampton FC’s average yearly salary? And how does it compare to Premier League rivals?11 days ago |
| Two good, two bad: Souhampton v Arsenal14 days ago |
| Behind enemy lines: Southampton v Arsenal15 days ago |

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Sourced from BBC article

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton

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Tottenham’s Eric Dier was substituted against Burnley with an apparent calf problem and will be assessed.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino could rotate his squad but Harry Kane looks certain to start as he seeks the goal he needs to set a new Premier League scoring record for a single year.

Southampton’s Charlie Austin is ruled out with a hamstring injury and has also been charged with violent conduct.

Steve Wilson: "It must be pretty galling for Southampton fans that the change of manager from Claude Puel to Mauricio Pellegrino seems to have done little to return them to the attacking and inventive team Mauricio Pochettino once built at St Mary’s.

"The fact that Puel has suddenly embraced Leicester’s attacking instincts must be all the more frustrating.

"Meanwhile, Pochettino’s Spurs have lost the consistent excellence which was the hallmark of their last two years.

“Perhaps that was inevitable without the edge that White Hart Lane gave them, but Spurs need an improved second half to the season if they are to finish in the top four.”

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on Harry Kane: "I think he still can improve. He’s 24, I think the player arrives at their best at 27, 28, 29, depending how professional you are.

“But Harry Kane, if he keeps that mentality, keeps working hard every day in the training sessions and never changes that mentality, he can play until he wants to.”

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino: "We are in the middle of the season and obviously we couldn’t show consistency, especially in results, because we couldn’t win even those games we deserve to win and we create a lot of chances.

“Football is efficiency to score goals and to convert. Still, we’ve got 50% of the tournament to bounce back and try to change this mood and it has to start on Tuesday.”

The vultures are circling a little bit around Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino, whose side have won only one of their past 10 Premier League games.

It is a tough ask for Saints to get back to winning ways in this game, although going to Wembley might help them - it definitely concentrates the mind because it is a special place and different to going to another ground.

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Tottenham vs Southampton | Teams, streams, predictions and odds

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Harry Kane is aiming to make history when Tottenham host Southampton on Boxing Day.

The striker scored a hat-trick against Burnley on Saturday and one single goal will see him break Alan Shearer’s record of Premier League goals in a calendar year, with 36 for Blackburn Rovers in 1995.

One strike will also tie Kane with Messi’s 2017 total for club and country, currently 54, a figure the Englishman will match in fewer games.

A win for Spurs will move them back into the top four before Liverpool host bottom-of-the-table Swansea City.

Tottenham host Southampton at Wembley Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm on Tuesday, December 26.

The match is available via Now TV, with a day pass on offer for £6.99.

The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting from 12pm. Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match online via SkyGo and the SkyGo app.

Alternatively, you can follow all the build-up and action from 11.30am with Standard Sport’s London Football live blog.

Can’t see the live blog? Click here for the desktop version.

Victor Wanyama has returned to first-team training but is not expected for a return to the field until the New Year.

Mauricio Pochettino’s options to rotate have been further limited by Harry Winks ankle injury, which ruled him out of Saturday’s win over Burnley. The club described the damage as “minor”.

Erik Lamela could come in, with Heung-min Son a frustrating figure in attack at Turf Moor.

Charlie Austin has been charged with violent conduct after colliding with Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, he is expected to be banned for three games so expect Manolo Gabbiadini to come in.

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Premier League Boxing Day predictions: Lawro v The Darkness singer Justin Hawkins

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West Brom manager Alan Pardew is still waiting for his first win after five games in charge - will he finally get to celebrate a victory when his struggling side host Everton on Boxing Day?

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson says: "You can see Pardew is trying to change the way the Baggies play and be a little bit more attacking.

“They lost 3-1 at Stoke on Saturday but in all honesty, when the score was 2-1, they had quite a few chances to equalise and I do think their luck in front of goal will change soon.”

Lawro is going for a 1-0 West Brom win - do you agree? You can make your own predictions now, take on Lawro and other fans, create your own league and try to make it to the top of the table by playing the new-look BBC Sport Predictor game.

Lawro scored 80 points in week 19, which meant he climbed to 3,072nd place out of more than 335,000 users.

He will be making a prediction for all 380 top-flight games this season, against a variety of guests.

This week, Lawro takes on Justin Hawkins, singer with rock band The Darkness.

Hawkins supports Manchester United and Norwich City “for boyhood glory dreams and geographical reasons” and used to play a lot of football himself.

He told BBC Sport: "I spent many happy years as a striker for New House FC in the Lowestoft Sunday League. They were great men, and I miss them all terribly.

"I stopped when I moved away to live with my wife and child in Switzerland, but I feel like I could have done a John Wark and gradually dropped into midfield, defence, goalkeeper and finally assistant to the manager.

"I used to spend Sunday mornings chasing down loose balls, feeding off scraps and rebounds from my strike partner James Hurren. I ran about a lot, often to no avail. But I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring a header on my debut in Beccles somewhere.

"I just nodded in a beautiful cross from Craig ‘Cheese’ Aldred that landed right on my face and made it impossible to miss. The lads said they’ve never seen someone look so happy, despite the treacherous pitch conditions. It was worth contracting trench foot.

“As you can tell, I’m fond of these memories.”

A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.

All kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless otherwise stated.

The vultures are circling a little bit around Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino, whose side have won only one of their past 10 Premier League games.

It is a tough ask for Saints to get back to winning ways in this game, although going to Wembley might help them - it definitely concentrates the mind because it is a special place and different to going to another ground.

Not many teams have gone there this season and not put on some kind of performance - apart from Liverpool and Stoke.

I still think Tottenham will win, though. Their win and performance against Burnley on Saturday kind of lifted the gloom that had just started to descend on their season.

In many ways the bigger story for Southampton on Boxing Day might be where will Virgil van Dijk be?

The Dutch defender was left on the bench against Chelsea in midweek and did not even make the squad for Saturday’s draw with Huddersfield.

If the decision is tactical, which is how Pellegrino has explained it, then fine. But I don’t get how leaving him out of the squad completely is tactical?

Everyone knows there is history here, with Van Dijk wanting to leave last summer.

If the speculation over his future is affecting him again, then Pellegrino might be better off just coming out and saying it, because the questions are going to keep coming for as long as he is left out - especially if they lose against Spurs.

Bournemouth have gone seven league games without a win and I do find it amazing that their boss Eddie Howe gets such an easy ride when his team are struggling.

Any other Premier League manager would be getting panned if their team was in the relegation zone now, including the promoted clubs.

I am not saying I think Howe should be getting criticism - just that I am surprised he is not, based on what we see happen with almost every other top-flight club.

He has done a really good job there, winning promotion, keeping them up in 2015-16 and then finishing ninth last season - but even he and his players are saying they are in a relegation battle now.

West Ham are only one place above them, after their defeat at home to Newcastle on Saturday in what was a very strange game.

I think it will only be a blip after the Hammers’ recent good run, but it is a little bit concerning when teams who have been down at the bottom lose games you expect them to win because it can be a case of ‘here we go again’.

It probably helps a bit that they are playing Bournemouth next, though. Neither side are great defensively, so I am going to go for a draw.

Brighton had gone seven games without a win until they beat Watford on Saturday.

Chris Hughton’s side do seem to have the knack of getting a result like that - when they are on a bad run and you look at a game and think ‘they need to win this one’, they tend to win it, which is good news.

The Seagulls will go to Stamford Bridge and sit in and try to make it difficult for Chelsea, but I don’t see it working this time.

Chelsea could not find a way past Everton on Saturday, and had to settle for a point. I am backing them to create a lot more chances against Brighton and, with Alvaro Morata back from suspension, they will have a cutting edge too.

Huddersfield have taken seven points from their past four games, which is a great return for them.

Like Brighton, Stoke got a much-needed win on Saturday and I like the way Potters chairman Peter Coates dealt with the speculation over Mark Hughes’ future while they were struggling.

As well as playing down talk of Hughes getting fired when he spoke to the media, Coates met Hughes for lunch and told him he had his support. That is what you want as a manager, and it meant Hughes could get on with doing his job.

A point would be a decent result for Stoke, and for Huddersfield too, because it would keep them ticking over.

I still have not tipped the Terriers to win a game this season, and I am not going to do it for the sake of it, but I do think they will get something from this game.

I felt that Burnley’s defeat by Tottenham was coming, because they had been on such a great run.

The three goals the Clarets conceded on Saturday was as many as the other nine Premier League teams to have played at Turf Moor this season had managed between them, which shows how good Sean Dyche’s side have been.

Burnley hung on for a draw when they went to Old Trafford last season, despite United having 37 shots at goal.

I think United will find a way through this time, although they will still be sore at the way they dropped points in Saturday’s draw with Leicester.

It was a debacle at the end of that game by United, and very unlike their manager Jose Mourinho that they did not do something about the fact Chris Smalling was struggling before Harry MaGuire scored the Foxes’ equaliser.

Justin’s prediction: I don’t think this will be very inspiring to watch. 3-1

Watford’s poor run continued with their defeat at Brighton on Saturday, and they have now taken only one point from their last six matches.

Leicester deserve some credit for the way they kept going to get a point against Manchester United, who should have been home and hosed against them.

I am going with the Foxes to win this one. Jamie Vardy has started scoring again, and he could make the difference here.

Justin’s prediction: I love Watford, but I have a feeling this one will go against them. 1-2

Sam Allardyce keeps on doing what we know he does, which is make his teams extremely difficult to beat.

You could tell from his big smile at the final whistle on Saturday that he took great delight from stopping Chelsea - and that draw means he has picked up 11 points from his first five league games as Everton manager.

That run won’t last forever, though, especially because Everton have not been carrying much of an attacking threat. The ball has been running for them quite a bit too.

Alan Pardew has not had the same impact since taking charge of the Baggies, but I am backing his side to upset the apple cart this time.

Swansea caretaker manager Leon Britton should still be in charge for this game - unless someone else gets an unexpected present on Christmas Day.

The Swans will be lifted by the way they fought back to pick up a point against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but I am not sure it will help them much at Anfield.

I don’t know how Liverpool will look back on their 3-3 draw against Arsenal on Friday. They might think they did well to get out with a point, which is a bit ridiculous when you consider they were 2-0 up.

This game should be very different, and it is all about whether Liverpool can break Swansea down - the Reds defence will not be tested in the same way it was at Emirates Stadium.

I think Liverpool will get some goals, but my only reservation would be if their manager Jurgen Klopp looks ahead to their next game, against Leicester on 30 December.

If he tries to rest players against Swansea so they can face the Foxes then they are asking for trouble.

Klopp needs to start with his strongest team on Boxing Day - that way, he can try to get the game won as early as possible and then start taking players off if he has to.

Newcastle put in a performance against West Ham that was very unlike their manager Rafa Benitez, and threw caution to the wind.

I am not sure if he only did that because of the players he had available, but it worked.

The Magpies got a really good result to end their run of nine games without a victory and, with leaders Manchester City up next, they really needed that win.

I think Benitez will revert to his usual approach for this game, though.

He is very good at negating the opposition in matches like this but, even so, I do not see Newcastle stopping City’s winning run.

Crystal Palace got another positive result with their point at Swansea on Saturday and it is clear Roy Hodgson’s methods are working.

Like Sam Allardyce, Hodgson is very good at setting his teams up to deny the opposition space and making them very difficult to beat.

The Eagles turned Arsenal over 3-0 in this fixture at the end of last season, when Allardyce was in charge.

Palace’s fans will make plenty of noise again because they always really get behind their team - the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is one of the best in the top flight.

Arsenal also remain extremely inconsistent, but a repeat of that result from March is asking a lot from Palace despite their recent form, and I am going to go for a draw.

In the last round of Premier League games, Lawro got five correct results, including one perfect score, from 10 matches, for a total of 80 points.

He beat singer-songwriter Craig David who got four correct results, with no perfect scores, giving him a total of 40 points.

*Foster and Cram both provided predictions on week one, but only Foster’s score contributes to the guest total.

**Anderson and Moeen both provided predictions on week nine, but only Anderson’s score contributes to the guest total.

_*_Witter and Johnson both provided predictions on week 17, but only Johnson’s score contributes to the guest total.

Lawro’s worst score: 40 points (week four v Umenyiora and Bell, and week five v Non Stanford)

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DEFAULTVideo: Classic match: Spurs 3-2 Southampton

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 19:34:43

| | ‘Exactly what we need’, ‘Don’t want him now’ - Liverpool fans are split on huge January moveFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Southampton striker Charlie Austin facing ban after goalkeeper incidentBELFASTTELE |
| | Huddersfield keeper Jonas Lossl expected to be fit after Charlie Austin clashBELFASTTELE |

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Tottenham vs Southampton: Team news, odds and stats

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Ahead of the Boxing Day 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 for Tottenham’s clash with Southampton at 12:30pm on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether to shuffle his pack for the trip to Southampton.

With less than 72 hours between matches, the Spurs boss could be tempted to utilise his squad, although one player certain to start is Harry Kane as he chases the one goal he needs to set a new Premier League era scoring record for a single year.

Southampton will be without forward Charlie Austin for their Premier League trip to face Tottenham at Wembley on Boxing Day.

The 28-year-old, who was also charged by the Football Association with violent conduct against Huddersfield, suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw.

Ryan Bertrand (hamstring) and Cedric Soares (ankle) are both doubts for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side.

Tottenham have won 25 of a possible 30 Premier League points against Southampton since Saints returned to the top-flight in 2012 (W8 D1 L1) – only against Swansea (28) and Sunderland (26) have they won more in that time.

Saints have lost five of their last six away Premier League games against Spurs, with that only win coming in May 2016 (2-1).

Southampton’s last four visits to Wembley Stadium have seen 20 goals scored (F10 A10) – but Southampton have won just one of those (4-1 vs Carlisle, 2010 Football League Trophy final).

Spurs are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games played on Boxing Day (W8 D3), since a 0-2 loss at Portsmouth in 2003.

Meanwhile, Southampton have won five of their last six league Boxing Day games (D1), most recently beating Arsenal 4-0 in 2015.

After failing to win any of their opening three Premier League games at Wembley this season (W0 D2 L1), Spurs have now won five of the last six there (W5 D1 L0).

Harry Kane has scored 36 Premier League goals in 2017 – no player has ever scored more in a calendar year in the competition (Alan Shearer 36 in 1995).

Kane also has 46 club goals in all competitions in 2017; only Edinson Cavani and Lionel Messi (50 each) have more among players within the big five European leagues.

Dele Alli has scored in all three of his Premier League meetings with Southampton, netting four goals in total while also providing an assist.

The injured Charlie Austin has scored a third (6) of Southampton’s 18 Premier League goals this season – no other player has scored more than three (Gabbiadini and Davis).

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Liverpool news: Van Dijk breakthrough, Klopp wants £20m Championship ace, transfer plea

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Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their attempt to land Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk was a top target for the Reds in the summer but no deal went through. But Irish newspaper the Sunday World report Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of the Dutch defender. It’s claimed the Kop WILL now sign the 26-year-old in January after a structured payments deal which meets Saints’ £70m valuation was thrashed out in the last week.

Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton and battling for Sheffield United ace David Brooks. The Mirror reckon the Premier League trio are all vying for the talented midfielder. It’s suggested the Blades fear losing the £20m-rated playmaker in January. However, Sheffield United chief Chris Wilder is reluctant to let him leave. The 20-year-old has recently penned a new four-year deal at Bramall Lane.

Liverpool have to sign a new goalkeeper when the transfer window opens next month, says former midfielder Danny Murphy. Current No.1 Simon Mignolet has been at the club for four years but there are doubts over his ability and Murphy is adamant that it’s time the Belgian stopper was replaced. “We know that Liverpool need a new goalkeeper,” he told Match of the Day. “As for Mignolet, we have said enough over the recent months. “Week in week out, although we see brilliant Liverpool, we see Liverpool who do not defend.”

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Heading to @wembleystadium on Boxing Day for #SaintsFC’s game with #THFC? Check out our away guide: http://sfcne.ws/OTRSpurs1718

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/12/2017 20:35:00

| | Premier League In Focus – Tottenham vs Southampton PreviewTHESTATSZONE |
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| Tottenham Hotspur vs. Southampton - Football Match Preview - December 26, 2017 - ESPNESPNCOUK |
| | Here’s what angered Steve Cotterill in Sunderland drawBIRMINGHAMMAIL |
| | Liverpool make major breakthrough in bid to bring 26-year-old star to AnfieldFOOTBALLFANCAST |

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| Southampton predicted XI: Tottenham (A) | Southampton travel to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Tuesday night as they look to end the year on a high. The … 24-12-2017 |

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| Manchester City to bid for Virgil van Dijk in January2 days ago |

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