OptiNews - Friday 24 February to Thursday 02 March 2017

Southampton Football Club
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Sourced from Sky Sports article

EFL Cup final: Manchester United & Southampton bottom for converting chances

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EFL Cup finalists Manchester United and Southampton rank bottom for converting chances in the Premier League - but how bad are they?

Both teams have kept impressive defensive records this season but struggled to convert clear-cut opportunities at the other end.

United have the worst ‘big chance’ conversion rate in the Premier League - defined by Opta as an opportunity where a player is ‘reasonably expected to score, usually in a one-on-one scenario or from very close range’.

Jose Mourinho’s men have scored only 16 of their 48 big chances, while Southampton rank second worst with 37.5 per cent, scoring just 12 from 32.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has netted 15 Premier League goals for United this season, but the Swede has also missed 13 clear opportunities and only converted 32 per cent of his big chances.

Team-mate Jesse Lingard has not converted any of his three chances and world-record signing Paul Pogba has only netted once from six gaping opportunities - missing three of those during United’s 1-1 draw with Stoke in October.

For Southampton, Jay Rodriguez has missed four of his six big chances - more than any other player at the south-coast club.

However, team-mates Shane Long and James Ward-Prowse convert fewer big chances on average, both only netting one of their four opportunities, with Long missing two during the Saints’ 2-1 defeat at Arsenal in September.

League leaders Chelsea have scored 52 goals, while runners-up Manchester City are only one shy on 51 - but United have only managed to find the back of the net on 38 occasions.

Ibrahimovic has scored 40 per cent of those goals, while Juan Mata and Paul Pogba have also chipped in with six and four strikes, respectively.

Southampton have also struggled with firepower this term with 28 goals - which is well below the Premier League average of 35.2.

Charlie Austin is the Saints top scorer with six goals, despite being sidelined with a shoulder injury since mid-December.

However, January signing Manolo Gabbiadini has hit the ground running under Claude Puel, scoring three in just two league games.

United have only conceded 21 goals this season, while Southampton have leaked 31 - so both clubs are typically resolute defensively and will need to convert opportunities at Wembley on Sunday.

Watch Manchester United v Southampton in the EFL Cup final live on Sky Sports 1 from 3.45pm on Sunday

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Sourced from Daily Star article

You won’t believe what Paul Ince has said ahead of Man United v Southampton

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Ince won the League Cup in 1992 but he’s holding no great affection for the tournament. The Manchester United legend told Paddy Power: “When you start the season, every player’s dream is to win medals and trophies. “They want to have a good cup run and, let’s be honest, they’re usually dreaming of the FA Cup not the League Cup. “Personally, I would do away with the League Cup and cut the game time down.

“When you think of the initial rounds of the competition, I don’t think the bigger clubs are that bothered. “They see it as an opportunity to play fringe players, and some of them will already have plenty of extra games to worry about if they’re still in Europe, challenging for the title and the FA Cup. “When I was over in Italy there was the Coppa Italia, and they had one cup as opposed to two. Even then, in the early stages, me and the other players weren’t really bothered.

“We wanted to play in league games. Then, as soon as soon as you get to the latter stages of the competition you suddenly wanted to be selected and you want to bring the trophy home. “Whoever is walking up those long Wembley steps as a loser will soon see why you must give it all you’ve got to win the trophy. It will mean something to them. “As soon as both teams are there, they’ll be desperate to win. For any player on those teams, or either manager, getting a trophy in the cabinet is a huge success.”

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

We never stop striving for success.

A will to win born out of meticulous preparation.

#MarchToWembley https://grabyo.com/g/v/rTkQSZR4To5

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 12

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/02/2017 14:01:59

| | Match preview: Manchester United v Southampton - Official Manchester United WebsiteOFFMANUTD |
| | Stephens Or Caceres That Is The Question - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | Manchester United vs Southampton: Match preview, likely line-ups and score predictionTHEBOOTROOM |
| | Southampton boss Claude Puel: Arsene Wenger was a factor in my Premier League switchSQUAWKA |
| | Whole country wants Saints to “chin” Man Utd in cup final, except Portsmouth – Matt Le TissierSQUAWKA |
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| ‘CELTIC PRESSURE WILL HELP ME SHUT OUT MAN UNITED,’ FORSTERCELTICQUICKNEWS |

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Matt Le Tissier has his say on Man United’s infamous half-time kit change

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Matt Le Tissier has opened up about Manchester United’s infamous half-time kit change in their 3-1 defeat to Southampton in 1996 - and it’s a brilliant story.

The Saints legend, who scored against the grey shirts of the Red Devils on the day, revealed he didn’t even notice they had changed strip until after the game.

And claimed the excuse that the colour of the shirts was to blame for the team being 3-0 down at half-time was “the worst I have ever heard.”

Le Tissier was talking on the Talking Kevin podcast, which you can watch above, when he was asked to recall his memories from the game.

"I never noticed, it wasn’t a subtle change either, was it? Blue and white stripes.

"I don’t know if any of the other players did [realise] but I didn’t realise until after the game.

“It was only when I was walking to my car in the car park that this one guy stopped me and said well done today Matt, just wondering what you thought about Man United changing their kit at half-time, and I went: ‘Did they?’”

Le Tissier claimed that he never heard any moaning from the Red Devils players during the first-half, and still isn’t convinced their excuse is a good one.

"Let me tell you, if they had won that game 3-0 you wouldn’t have heard a moan from anyone, it was the worst excuse I have ever heard for a defeat.

“Sir Alex Ferguson should be ashamed of himself.”

Southampton, who were battling for their Premier League status back in April 1996, faced tough opposition in the form of a rampant United side.

Ferguson’s men had won 11 of their previous 12 fixtures, but found themselves 3-0 before the break and in desperate need of a change.

Paul Scholes came on for Nicky Butt, but the Red Devils boss demanded his side go a step further by changing their strip, claiming the grey shirts made it hard for the players to see each other in the bright sunshine.

Ryan Giggs scored a consolation goal in the second half, but Southampton were good value for their 3-1 win at the Dell.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Watch LIVE as #SaintsFC boss Claude Puel previews Sunday’s #MarchToWembley… https://www.periscope.tv/w/a37poDMxOTB8MWt2S3BuTE9FcFpKRXElXi1b_mDug8AwfzsafZ0X9rw6pF84z7GPIVsGUtw3

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 2

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Claude Puel says he’ll make a decision tomorrow on whether Sofiane Boufal is fit for #SaintsFC’s #MarchToWembley.

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Retweets: 4

Favourites: 15

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel: “The most important thing for us is to concentrate on our play. #MUFC are strong, we know that.” #saintsfc https://www.periscope.tv/w/a37poDMxOTB8MWt2S3BuTE9FcFpKRXElXi1b_mDug8AwfzsafZ0X9rw6pF84z7GPIVsGUtw3

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 3

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel: “We started this competition with young players, against #CPFC and #SAFC, and they did very well for us.”… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/835136362449891328

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 6

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel: “It’s a great moment for the fans. I hope that we can give them pleasure in this game.” #saintsfc https://www.periscope.tv/w/a37poDMxOTB8MWt2S3BuTE9FcFpKRXElXi1b_mDug8AwfzsafZ0X9rw6pF84z7GPIVsGUtw3

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 7

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel: "The last major trophy for the club was in 1976. It’s a long time. It would be fantastic to take a good resul… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/835137407997599744

Retweets: 6

Favourites: 11

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel: "For me it’s the same always. We have to have focus on our play and the team. That’s the most important for m… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/835138044906848257

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 0

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

EFL Cup final: Key reading ahead of Manchester United v Southampton

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Manchester United and Southampton clash in the EFL Cup final on Sunday at Wembley - but who will come out on top?

Analysis, features, tactics… we’ve collated some of our best preview material for the showpiece to give you an insight into how the game could play out.

Hit the links below for in-depth reading - and look out for pundit previews across the Sky Sports digital platforms before turning into the game from 3.45pm on Sunday on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Watch how Manchester United and Southampton navigated through the EFL Cup draw and made it to Sunday’s showpiece final at Wembley. Click here for the videos.

Southampton are underdogs at Wembley - but how many of their players would make it into a combined XI with Manchester United? We used the Sky Sports Power Rankings to find out.

Jose Mourinho could win the League Cup for a fourth time. His remarkable record in cup finals throughout his career will have Southampton worried.

Mentored by Arsene Wenger, the discoverer of Eden Hazard and former coach of Thierry Henry… Southampton boss Claude Puel has a fascinating back story. Read about it here.

One of the most memorable encounters between Manchester Untied and Southampton was when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were forced into a half-time kit change at the Dell. We recount the bizarre incident here.

With the first silverware of 2017 up for grabs, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is eyeing more trophy success to add to his collection. We take a look at his remarkable haul.

Wayne Rooney has pledged his future to Manchester United. The stats suggest he still has a role to play as a creator. Could he make the difference on Sunday.

The role of the holding midfielder has drawn plenty of focus recently and in Ander Herrera and Oriol Romeu, Manchester United and Southampton have two of the best in the Premier League. But they go about their business in very different ways. We examine their contrasting styles.

Juan Mata has been a key forward for Manchester United this season, but with Maya Yoshida in defence, Southampton haven’t conceded a goal en route to the EFL Cup final. But who will come out on top on Sunday?

Whet your appetite for Sunday’s final by watching the best goals of this season’s EFL Cup. You can vote for your favourite too. Clear here to see those stunners.

New customers: Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Month Pass for £20pm for the first two months and catch a blockbuster period of live Sky Sports action. No contract.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

That’s all for now. We’ll have more from #SaintsFC’s Claude Puel ahead of our #MarchToWembley on… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/835138491415683072

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 6

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

‘If true, that’s DISGUSTING!’ – Matt Le Tisser on claims Leicester players forced out Claudio Ranieri

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Matt Le Tisser has told talkSPORT it’s ‘disgusting’ if claims that a player revolt against Claudio Ranieri’s leadership led to his sacking as Leicester manager are true.

Ranieri was given the boot as Foxes boss on Thursday, just nine months after leading to the club to a stunning Premier League title win and six weeks after being named FIFA coach of the year.

Leicester chiefs said in a club statement they felt action was required to lift the club out of their terrible slump, with the defending champions sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

But reports following Ranieri’s departure claimed it was the actions of a group of Foxes stars which led to the Italian’s axe.

It has been suggested that a number of senior players told the Foxes owners their relationship with the manager had broken down over the course of a miserable season, which has seen them win only five league games and so far fail to score a league goal in 2017.

Players reportedly met with the club hierarchy following their return from the Champions League trip to Sevilla and, if proven true, Premier League legend Le Tisser says the players should be ashamed.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the former Southampton man said: “If that is true, that’s disgusting.

“Those players last season - the manager has made them legends.

“He got them a Premier League medal none of them ever thought they would win, and yet they can go behind his back to the owner and start having a go at him.

“I don’t get that. It’s a side of modern football I actually hate.”

Listen to Matt Le Tisser’s reaction to Ranieri’s sacking, and preview of Sunday’s EFL Cup final between Southampton and Manchester United IN FULL above!

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel confirms he’ll also make a decision tomorrow on whether Martín Cáceres features. He’s been impressed with his… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/835135871368167424

Retweets: 16

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 24/02/2017 15:02:09

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| BOUFAL’S WONDERSTRIKE EN ROUTE TO WEMBLEY - Southampton FCDUGOUT |
| | Saints star flattered by Barca interestCLUBCALL |
| | Manchester United v Southampton League Cup final: Sad and tragic tale of Saints’ Cup hero Bobby StokesBELFASTTELE |
| | Europe on the agenda for Saints starCLUBCALL |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Could Martín Cáceres and Sofiane Boufal feature at Wembley?

Here’s #SaintsFC boss Claude Puel’s team news update: http://sfcne.ws/TeamNewsFinal

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 0

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Which refs are in charge of Premier League matches and EFL Cup final this weekend?

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WHICH referees have been appointed for this weekend’s matches?

Fans will get a chance to see Mark Clattenburg in action once more ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia.

But which game will the controversial official take charge of?

And who will take the whistle for your team’s match this weekend?

Click through the gallery above to find out.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Mark Lawrenson reveals what will decide Man United’s cup final clash against Southampton

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Mark Lawrenson says Man Utd’s stars will prove too much for Southampton in the EFL Cup final

The two Premier League sides go head-to-head at Wembley in the EFL Cup final as they strive to claim this season’s first piece of major silverware.

Lawrenson reckons Southampton will make it tough for United but believes the Red Devils’ extra quality will tell in the end.

He told the BBC: "Southampton cannot come out all guns blazing against Manchester United because they will just get picked off, so Saints will sit in.

"I think United will find a way through, though.

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