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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 04/05/2017 03:30:19
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Sholing end Team Solent’s Southampton Senior Cup domination
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SHOLING ended Team Solent’s two-year domination of the Southampton Senior Cup with a 3-1 triumph at St Mary’s in the final tonight.
The Boatmen claimed their second piece of silverware in a matter of three days as Dan Mason’s first half effort, a Lee Wort penalty and a 25-yard strike from Micky Hubbard downed the holders, who played with ten men for nearly 40 minutes after Jemal Wiseman’s dismissal for a second booking.
Tyrell Mitford gave Solent, whose manager James Taylor was absent because of suspension, a ray of hope with an equaliser on 29 minutes after a stunning Jesse Waller-Lassen run.
But the student outfit could not, with Solent University’s sports awards evening taking place in a suite at St Mary’s during the match, make it an all-round celebration on and off the field, as they possibly signed off some of their star players, including Waller-Lassen, Tobi Adekunle and Pip Nolan, in disappointing style.
Sholing make it now nine Southampton Senior Cups - the most of any club in the history of the competition.
It started out as a bit of a slow burner this one, with Sholing looking a little leggy after their Sydenhams League Cup final triumph over Baffins Milton Rovers on Monday.
It was therefore Solent who showed early endeavour, with captain fantastic Waller-Lassen, on his last hurrah for the club, with his studies at the university finishing this summer, leading the charge, heading over and having a shot blocked in the first few minutes.
The holders’ Jim Orvis was at the heart of the action too in central midfield, incepting a Sholing pass to send the livewire striker Mitford galloping through the Boatmen ranks.
Mitford had done the hard work, but couldn’t apply the finish from eight yards, skewing his right-footed effort past Sholing goalkeeper Ryan Gosney and a whisker wide of the left upright.
That narrow escape galvanised a so far dormant Sholing, with FA Vase 2014 final goal-hero Marvin McLean having visions of another glorious cup moment to go with his Wembley exploits.
This time, however, he could only curl high and wide after a scurrying run off the left flank.
Waller-Lassen, who is joined by Adekunle and Nolan as possible departures this summer with their degree courses finishing, was eager to avoid Solent losing any momentum, though, and on 12 minutes picked up the ball from 30 yards and drilled an effort on target, which drew a solid save from Gosney.
The Students then edged closer to a breakthrough as former Boatman Adekunle jinked off the right flank and cracked a stunning effort from 20 yard which climbed high but, as if under a spell, dipped at the last second, thumping the crossbar and away.
Sholing mopped their brows in relief at the sight of their former player’s effort bouncing to safety and turned to their trusty goalscorer Dan Mason to fire them into the lead.
The striker collected the ball just inside the box, span his man and fired into the bottom left of the goal. Advantage Sholing.
Dave Diaper’s outfit started to pile forward after that, but after picking up a yellow card for a foul, Waller-Lassen produced a moment very much befitting of the Premier League venue.
It was stunning. The Salisbury dual-signed man robbed Sholing of possession on half way and had one thing on his mind.
He stuck his right foot down and zoomed through the back-pedalling Boatmen defence, leaving Dan Miller in his wake to be presented with Gosney, who had rushed out to meet him.
The former Tottenham academy man, presented with this golden chance to score, wowed the stadium again by showing complete unselfishness and vision to square it to Mitford to slot into an empty net on 29 minutes.
If that got Solent dreaming of a hat-trick of Southampton Senior Cups, then the opening stages to the second half would have rudely awoken them with a bucket of cold water over the head.
It all unravelled rather quickly, with Sholing taking the lead and Wiseman sent-off in a painful three-minute period.
Sholing retook the lead on 49 minutes after Wiseman was adjudged to have handled in the box after his goalkeeper Bradley Banda was unable to punch clear a corner from the right.
Referee Sean Jenkins was in no doubt, pointing to the spot and handing Wiseman a booking for the pleasure.
Wort stepped up and only just dispatched the penalty, with Gibraltar Under-19 international Banda getting a firm hand to it – but couldn’t keep it out.
An off the ball incident then left Solent a man down with nearly 40 minutes still to play as Wiseman was given a second yellow for dissent.
The central midfielder, who “loves to moan” according to Solent’s squad notes in the programme, was clearly distraught about his evening ending in such circumstances, leaving the field and unceremoniously booting nearby objects as he headed for an early bath.
Waller-Lassen, Solent’s inspiration on so many occasions, tried to reignite their cup dreams as he twisted and turned on the left of the box and slammed a low shot straight at Gosney, who firmly parried away.
That renaissance was brief, however, as Sholing made it 3-1 and put the game beyond all doubt on 65 minutes.
Midfielder Hubbard had had a quiet game up until that point but from 25 yards he took aim and blasted a low effort, which wasn’t full of power and perhaps should have been saved, but Banda’s outstretched arm wasn’t enough as the former Winchester man’s effort nestled in the goal at the Northam End.
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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 04/05/2017 04:32:27
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...gigantically put together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!| Report: Chelsea to prevent Andreas Christensen from leaving amid interest from Liverpool and SouthamptonHEREISTHECITY |
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Southampton and Watford on alert to grab Hull boss Marco Silva this summer
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Marco Silva has become the most wanted manager in the Premier League.
Hull City boss Silva has done a remarkable job since taking charge in January, giving a club that looked doomed under predecessor Mike Phelan a genuine chance of survival with three games to go.
That has alerted Watford, who are watching developments closely with their under-pressure manager Walter Mazzarri increasingly likely to go this summer after one season in charge.
Southampton have also become admirers of the Portuguese, with their first-year gaffer Claude Puel’s future also uncertain.
But Hull are understandably keen to keep Silva, who accepted a short-term contract to move to the Premier League.
The former Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos boss was confident he could make an impression with the Yorkshire side that would put himself in the shop window for other jobs in the Premier League.
The gamble has seemingly paid off, even though the Tigers are still not clear of danger as they battle it out with Swansea and Middlesbrough for survival.
But Silva took on the club when they were in meltdown, adrift of that precious dotted line and looking certain to go straight back down after returning to the Premier League via last season’s playoffs under Steve Bruce — who quit days before the season, leaving No2 Phelan to step up.
The fact that the 39-year-old has guided them out of the relegation zone with strong home performances, good football and some astute signings has won him admirers.
Watford players think former Inter Milan boss Mazzarri is likely to go this summer and the Italian’s failure to learn English has not helped his cause.
Southampton have also struggled to push on after Europa League qualification in Ronald Koeman’s last season. Replacement Puel still divides opinion, even though they reached February’s League Cup final.
Hull could also be ripe for a takeover if they manage to stay up, and there was a belief that Silva was hired with that in mind.
Whatever the outcome, it looks almost certain he will be in the Premier League somewhere next season.
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In-demand Marco Silva may have choice of four Premier League clubs if Hull stay up
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Marco Silva could have his pick of four Premier League clubs if he completes his Hull City ‘miracle’ and keeps the club in the top flight this season.
Silva admitted he would need to perform a miracle to keep Hull in the Premier League after succeeding Mike Phelan in January, but he has managed to drag the club out of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
That has alerted a number of Premier League rivals, who are now watching to see if Silva completes the great escape ahead of potential summer approaches.
Hull are desperate to keep Silva, who will have plenty of options once his contract expires at the end of the season.
He has not ruled out staying at the KCOM Stadium, but Watford, Southampton and West Ham United all have Silva on their radar if they decide to make managerial changes.
As first revealed by Telegraph Sport, Watford manager Walter Mazzarri is fighting to save his job despite reaching the 40-point mark while Southampton will consider their options with Claude Puel under pressure.
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Star man tells team-mates he wants move: Chelsea and Liverpool keen
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Ryan Bertrand has told his Southampton team-mates he’s ready to leave in the summer
The 27-year-old has impressed at the Saints this season under Claude Puel and his performances have attracted interest.
The Daily Mirror say his old club Chelsea and Liverpool are tracking the England international.
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Southampton will target Marco Silva should they sack Claude Puel
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Marco Silva is emerging as a managerial target for Southampton should they decide to sack Claude Puel.
Despite leading the Saints to the Capital One Cup final in his first season, Puel’s job is under threat with club chiefs due to decide on his future later this month.
Silva, it is understood, is a name Southampton are considering as they explore potential replacements for the Frenchman. The Portuguese has massively enhanced his reputation since taking over at Hull City in January.
Southampton have started a process of due diligence ahead of a move for Silva and have received glowing reports about his hardline managerial style.
Puel is yet to convince a growing section of the club’s supporters that he is the right man to lead the Saints forward, with club officials fully aware of the discontent.
Silva, though, is unlikely to be short of offers this summer after impressing at Hull. Watford would find Silva an attractive proposition if they decide to call time on Walter Mazzarri’s reign at Vicarage Road, but the constant instability surrounding the managerial position at Watford, is likely to see the Hull boss set his sights elsewhere if he leaves the KCOM Stadium.
Similarly, West Ham United are interested as doubts linger over Slaven Bilic’s future, however Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is understood to be the front-runner for the Hammers post.
The fact Silva is out of contract at the end of the season makes him an even more attractive proposition.
Meanwhile, Southampton could face a fight to keep Ryan Bertrand this summer, with a host of Premier League clubs keen on the England star.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are keen on the left-back, who could find it hard to resist a move to one of the Premier League’s elite.
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Chelsea and Liverpool eyeing Ryan Bertrand, who is ready to quit Southampton
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Ryan Bertrand is set to join the long list of big names to have left Southampton.
Chelsea and Liverpool are both watching developments on England left-back Bertrand, who is ready to leave St Mary’s.
The 27-year-old has made it clear to team-mates that he thinks he will be on his way, with interest growing for a summer move.
Chelsea are interested in re-signing Bertrand, who started their 2012 Champions League final triumph but left Stamford Bridge in search of regular football.
Bertrand, who joined Saints on loan initially before a permanent transfer two years ago has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best left-backs.
The Londoner still lives in the area, and Chelsea want to strengthen their wing-back options.
Liverpool also want a left-back — boss Jurgen Klopp, who also has his eye on Fulham whizkid Ryan Sessegnon, has used midfielder James Milner as a makeshift solution at the position all season.
Trying to keep their top players has become an annual problem for Southampton.
They have made a habit of selling, after cashing in on the likes of Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Luke Shaw, Morgan Schneiderlin, Nathaniel Clyne, Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers in recent summers, while also seeing managers Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman quit.
Now Saints are facing a battle to keep Bertrand, while defensive colleagues Virgil van Dijk and Cedric Soares are also wanted by other clubs.
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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 04/05/2017 05:32:41
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| 2016/17 GWC.com End of Season Awards! | A different season for Saints than we have been used to of late, so close to a major trophy, yet a turbulent run of … 04-05-2017 |
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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 04/05/2017 06:33:31
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Who will be the next to join Saints’ greats?
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WHO will follow in the footsteps of Saints’ greatest players by winning the Daily Echo’s Southampton FC Player of the Season Award?
Today, the Daily Echo launches the 43rd edition of the accolade, which is chosen by you, the fans, to pick the club’s best performer of the season.
The voting has now opened online, at dailyecho.co.uk, and will close next week on Thursday, 11 May 2017.
The likes of Mick Channon, Matthew Le Tissier, Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Rickie Lambert have previously claimed the prize.
Last term, Shane Long was handed the award after one of the closest battles for the gong in years.
The striker’s impressive 13-goal return saw him beat off interest from Virgil van Dijk, who took the voting down to the wire after a superb debut season at Saints.
But following a frustrating campaign for the Long, the Irishman doesn’t even make the shortlist this time around.
Van Dijk, however, does make it onto our shortlist after an outstanding campaign before it was brought to a premature end with a foot ligament injury back in January, which is set to keep him out for the season.
Nonetheless, the Dutch centre-back made 30 appearances in all competitions and was even handed the captain’s armband after the departure of Jose Fonte to West Ham.
The 25-year-old scored four goals along the way and has developed into one of the finest central defenders on the planet, attracting interest from every big club going.
And he is joined by fellow defender Maya Yoshida as a contender for the Player of the Season.
The Japan international started the campaign as third-choice behind Van Dijk and Fonte, but has seen himself elevated to first pick in the second half of the campaign, with the former injured and the latter leaving.
Yoshida has performed admirably alongside rookie Jack Stephens and has turned his reputation of being mistake-prone around with several top displays.
The 28-year-old is joined by left-back Ryan Bertrand as a candidate for the award.
The England international has been superb again this season and has even added goals to his game, netting three in all competitions.
The former Chelsea man has seemingly grown further as a player too, with his attacking ability and defensive solidity a huge asset for Saints down the left.
Bertrand has company in another ex-Stamford Bridge man for the prize, with Oriol Romeu, arguably the favourite for this award, joining him on the shortlist.
The Spaniard had to be patient for his chance, but after the departure of Victor Wanyama last summer, the 25-year-old is now first choice in defensive midfield and is up there with the best in the Premier League in that role.
Romeu is strong and composed in the tackle, but also equally as adept at finding a passing or controlling the ball at his feet.
In a season of many ups and downs, the ex-Barcelona man has been a pillar of consistency and very much a shining light.
James Ward-Prowse has threatened to make a breakthrough at Saints for many seasons, but now it seems he is very much an established first team player.
The academy graduate has been posted out wide, just behind the striker, in the 4-2-3-1 formation and has produced some of his most mature performances there, which also led to an England debut back in March.
His versatility and deadball delivery has made him a great option in the attacking midfield areas, but he an also be stationed further back when called upon.
The 22-year-old, who is Saints’ longest-serving player, has scored four goals this term, his best tally of his career so far.
He’s also made four assists this season and makes the cut as a contender for this season’s award.
Ward-Prowse is joined by another Three Lions new boy, with Nathan Redmond getting the nod as a candidate for the Player of the Season.
He started the season with the pressure of comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, as Saints boss Claude Puel attempted to convert him into a winger-cum-striker.
It proved difficult for the £10m signing from Norwich and it was clear his best position was out wide, where he can work his magic with darting runs and link-up play.
That is where he’s been stationed for the second part of the season as Puel reinstated the successful 4-2-3-1 system.
Redmond is Saints’ joint top scorer in the Premier League with six goals to his name and also scored the vital winning goal in the EFL Cup final semi-final first leg, as Puel’s side defeated Liverpool 1-0 at St Mary’s.
He may not have played since early December, but Charlie Austin deserves recognition after scoring nine goals in 19 appearances before he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Europa League group stage game against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
The popular 27-year-old provided the jet fuel for Saints’ attack in the first few months of the season and still remains the club’s top-scorer overall and has the joint highest total in the league with Redmond (6).
For that reason Austin is granted a place on the shortlist for the award.
To cast your vote for the Player of the Season Award follow this link >>>
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Will Oriol Romeu get your vote for Player of the Season?
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ORIOL Romeu has sparkled for Saints this campaign.
The Spaniard is one of the finest screening midfielders in the Premier League right now and may well be favourite for the Daily Echo’s Southampton FC Player of the Season award, after an outstanding breakthrough season.
In his first campaign, following his £5m move from Chelsea, Romeu had to be patient with Victor Wanyama very much undisputed number one defensive midfielder under Ronald Koeman.
But with Wanyama heading for Tottenham last summer, it was time for the 25-year-old to step up.
The Kenyan left huge boots to fill, but Romeu has shown he’s more than up to the job of shielding Saints’ back four.
During an up and down season under Claude Puel, Romeu has been nothing short of brilliant and consistent, which cannot be said for many of the squad.
The former Barcelona man is strong in the tackle and is a commanding presence, but he’s also highly composed on the ball, has good vision and a range of passing to match.
He’s a class act on and off the field and seems to be very settled at Saints.
Both at Barcelona and Chelsea he found regular playing time hard to come by and, while at Stamford Bridge, was shipped out on loan to Valencia and Stuttgart to find regular football.
But, at St Mary’s, Romeu has found home.
“I’m feeling very happy here and I won’t give this away,” he said to the Daily Echo in March.
"The club has given me a massive welcome since the beginning, signing a new contract in January, and this support and confidence they have given me is something that no one has done before.
“I feel very pleased for that and I wouldn’t say I’ve just stopped here, I’m very pleased with what they’ve done for me and I just want to give this love back.”
There is no doubt this guy is a complete superstar and that the £5m outlay for him was a total bargain price.
During a season in which scarcely any Saints men have shone, Romeu has sparkled.
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Vote for your Southampton FC player of the season 2016/17
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IT’s been running for over 40 years - and, once again, we want you to tell us who this year’s Southampton player of the season is.
Since 1973/74, the Daily Echo has been running the annual Saints fans’ player of the season vote.
This year, Claude Puel’s side have had an up and down campaign, but are aiming to complete a top eight finish after a jam-pack term, which included the Europa League group stages and the EFL Cup final.
But who will join the stellar list of names, which includes three-time winner Matt Le Tissier, as well as the likes of Mick Channon, Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, Jimmy Case, Alan Shearer and Rickie Lambert.
To qualify for the shortlist, each player must have completed 15 or more appearances, which means, despite his notable impact, Manolo Gabbiadini does not make the cut this year.
Each day, the Daily Echo will be profiling one of the nominees on the ballot below - but you don’t have to wait.
Voting is already open - simply select your choice from the names below.
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Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool: Can you name the seven other Saints who moved to Anfield?
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Virgil Van Dijk (if he makes the move this summer)
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has reportedly agreed to leave Southampton for Liverpool - and he would be the eighth man to do so in the Premier League.
The classy Dutch centre-back looks set to make the move from St Mary’s to Anfield this summer, as long as Jurgen Klopp’s men reach the Champions League.
Five Saints have joined Liverpool since 2014 alone, and there were two others who caught the eye of the transfer bigwigs at Anfield earlier in the Premier League era.
CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY ABOVE TO SEE WHO THEY ARE.
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Moving St Mary’s tribute to Saints fan who died in Southampton bridge fall
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SAINTS supporters are planning a moving tribute to a fellow fan who fell to his death from a bridge over a Southampton dual carriageway.
Spectators watching Saints take on Arsenal at St Mary’s next Wednesday will stage a round of applause during the 60th minute of the game for Kevin Smith, who was 60.
The tribute to the popular great-grandad is being organised by family friends Ally Day and Ryan Thorn.
Writing on social media, 24-year-old Mr Day, of Bassett, said: “If you’re going to the game against Arsenal please stand and join a minute’s applause for absolute die-hard Saints fan Kev Smith.
“He lived and breathed Saints and followed them all over the country.
“He would have been there on [May] 10, roaring Saints on. A round of applause is the least this great man deserves.”
Mr Day told the Daily Echo that at least one member of Kevin’s family was planning to attend the game.
He added: “The applause will be a very moving experience for everyone who knew Kev. He was a tremendous Saints supporter and I imagine his funeral will be a red and white affair.”
Kevin died after falling from a bridge over Maybray King Way in Bitterne last Friday.
The retired painter and decorator, who lived nearby, fell about 30ft and suffered multiple injuries. He was treated at the scene but he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Southampton General Hospital.
As reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo, neighbours released a host of red and white balloons in his memory.
His widow Pauline, 60, said she had known her husband since she was 14, adding that the couple had recently celebrated their wedding anniversary.
“We loved each other very much and were always together,” she said. “We had our ups and downs but we hadn’t had an argument in 12 years.”
The tribute was organised by mum-of-three Laura Wynter, who lived next door to Kevin.
Hampshire police have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC
Tickets for #SaintsFC’s meeting with #SCFC on the final day of the #PL season are now on general sale: http://sfcne.ws/SCFCH210517
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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 04/05/2017 08:33:47
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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC
The votes are in ahead of #SFCAwards2017!
Find out tonight which #SaintsFC players will be picking up the prizes…
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Sourced from Sky Sports article
Premier League top six all live on five-star weekend
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The race for the title and top four takes centre stage on an action-packed weekend of Premier League action, live on Sky Sports.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are all on show across five mouth-watering games which will be beamed to your TVs from Friday to Monday.
Ahead of what’s set to be a captivating weekend as the run-in hots up, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has offered his take on the fixtures…
CHARLIE SAYS: I have done West Ham the last few weeks and they have been suffering with injuries. There is no doubt that, even as an Arsenal fan, Spurs are playing fantastically well, they have not given up, they are squeezing Chelsea all the way, which is making it very interesting.
I am expecting Spurs to be too strong for West Ham and close the gap to one point because they just don’t look like they are going to stop winning. Friday night will be sensational because Spurs are in form but they have to go for it and maybe take a risk or two.
Spurs are playing first but they need to get the job done. Middlesbrough on Monday you would still expect Chelsea to win. They are so convincing and thorough in the way they go about their business and have plenty of match-winners.
Put Spurs and Chelsea in your Sky Bet acca!
CHARLIE SAYS: Palace are much better team away from home, they like to counter-attack. Pep has issues at the back, we have known that all season and the full-backs have chopped and changed. It doesn’t look comfortable for him.
With four games to go it’s an easy focus, go and win four matches and make the top four. Is top four enough? Pep has said himself he is learning a great deal about himself and his team and the way it is in England - it’s so difficult to guarantee anything. It wouldn’t be a success on Pep’s CV but it would be a bonus for Man City and I expect them to take care of business.
CHARLIE SAYS: I do fancy Liverpool to finish in the top four. They have three games to go and have the points in the bag and are just about there. Southampton could be a difficult one.
I think they will stumble somewhere, but I think they will make the top four because Manchester United have too many games, and have to play Spurs and Arsenal away, and Arsenal don’t look good enough at the moment. I think seven points from nine for Liverpool would be enough.
CHARLIE SAYS: At this time of the season you have fatigue setting in, players under pressure, not playing with confidence, a crowd who are a bit frustrated, and the pressure of trying to catch other teams. That becomes intense.
Arsenal usually respond in the run-in but it doesn’t look like there is confidence. The weekend was another distasteful performance. You go to a back three to stabilise it and then you are 2-0 down and it’s game over. You don’t really threaten other than a few minutes.
Sanchez is by far their best player but he stays static on the left and looks in a mood that he isn’t playing up front anymore. Mourinho doesn’t lose to Wenger in the league so it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a draw. Man Utd might be happy with that but Arsenal need a win and will open up, which creates problems. I don’t think these two teams look healthy for the top four but Arsenal can still win the FA Cup and Man Utd will be going all out for the Europa League.
Draw 13/5: bet now on Arsenal v Manchester United with Sky Bet!
CHARLIE SAYS: Boro are not done yet and showed some fight against Manchester City when they were really unlucky. But they have to go after the game and Chelsea showed at Everton that they can be patient and then Pedro, Hazard or Fabregas will do something.
There is too much there and these players know how to win. I think Spurs will squeeze it on Friday but I think Chelsea will come flying out, get the job done and ease the tension.
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