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Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

Saints march into Scout’s selection

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Dusan Tadic (£7.2m) took to the international stage to bolster his Fantasy Premier League stock.

Two goals and four assists over two matches with Serbia ensured the Southampton playmaker a starting berth in this week’s Scout Selection.

With a pair of assists and a goal in his last four Premier League outings, Tadic is in fine fettle ahead of the St Mary’s meeting with Burnley.

The Clarets have played only two away matches so far this season, conceding six goals - a key factor behind us turning to Charlie Austin (£6.3m) in attack.

The former QPR marksman is set to lead the line for Claude Puel’s side, having claimed two goals and an assist in his last three outings.

Virgil van Dijk (£5.4m) completes a hat-trick of Southampton assets in the XI.

The Dutchman has marshaled the Saints’ defence to three successive Premier League clean sheets, with Puel’s men earning six consecutive shut-outs in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Burnley arrive on the south coast boasting only five goals and three big chances created - the fewest of any Premier League side.

The Saints’ centre-back lines up alongside Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin (£6.5m), who will go in search of a third consecutive clean sheet when Swansea City drop in at the Emirates.

The Cherries are seeking a third successive home shut-out when they host Hull City at the Vitality Stadium.

Smith has already returned a goal and an assist, while Mike Phelan’s side have mustered only 40 attempts on goal on their travels - only Sunderland have registered fewer.

With that in mind, we turn to Stoke City’s Lee Grant (£4.0m) as option between the sticks ahead of a home meeting with the Black Cats.

The loanee from Derby County was outstanding in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last time out, making eight saves.

Stoke City also add to our attacking options.

Marko Arnautovic (£7.2m) sits alongside Tadic in our midfield having fired a brace for Austria against Wales over the break.

Arnautovic returned 11 goals last season and tops the Potters’ ranks for both goal attempts (14) and penalty box attempts (nine) this term.

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez (£11.3m) and West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet (£9.4m) complete the four across the middle.

Sanchez is impossible to ignore given his pivotal role as the Gunners’ central striker. With three goals and an assist in his last three outings, the Chilean claims our armband.

Payet has created more chances than any other Premier League player over the last four Gameweeks and has also registered 17 goal attempts.

He visits a Crystal Palace side who are yet to claim a clean sheet and without the influence of the injured Scott Dann.

Despite overlooking him as our captain, Sergio Aguero (£13.1m) earns a recall to the selection.

A record of nine goals in his last two Gameweek 8 appearances is a reminder of the Manchester City striker’s explosive FPL qualities.

With a UEFA Champions League tie beckoning in midweek, Pep Guardiola may hook Aguero on the hour-mark against Everton, although that’s time enough for the Argentinian to inflict damage.

The Belgian struck a hat-trick against Gibraltar over the break, maintaining a run of form that has brought three goals in his last four Gameweeks.

Benteke collides with a West Ham defence that has shipped 17 goals, including nine in three away trips.

For all the latest Fantasy talking points, follow @OfficialFPL on Twitter. The deadline for Gameweek 8 is 11:30 BST on Saturday 15 October.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 14/10/2016 22:12:56

| | Premier League Week 8: Southampton vs Burnley preview and predictionREALSPORT101COM |
| | Claude Puel: Winning more important than clean-sheet recordBTSPORT |
| | The Best and Worst Southampton Number 7’s since Le Tissier retired in 2002 | ShootSHOOTCOUK |
| | Southampton manager Claude Puel confirms full-backs will miss Burnley clashHEREISTHECITY |
| | Romeu closing in on Spain call - PuelFOURFOURTWOAU |
| | The rough cut diamond that’s not for saleFRESHSAINTS |
| | Sofiane Boufal is not ready to make his Southampton debut – Claude PuelSQUAWKA |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Fancy winning a signed #SaintsFC shirt?

Predict the score of the clash with #BFC to be in with a chance to win: https://cards.twitter.com/cards/rh0us/2ctbx

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Sourced from A tweet by henrywinter tweet

@henrywinter - Henry Winter

Been to see Nathan Redmond to talk about his strong guiding influences including his mother, Gareth Southgate & Mark Cavendish. #saintsfc

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 14/10/2016 23:13:16

| | 8 things you [probably] didn’t know about Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier | Shoot SHOOTCOUK |

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Have Saints got the rawest deal after fixture changes for television coverage?

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Saints may have come off worst of all from the change of match dates for television coverage.

Claude Puel’s side will now play three games in just six days after the Premier League made alterations to the schedule for December and January.

The Boxing Day fixture against Tottenham has now been moved to December 28.

They then face West Bromwich Albion at St Mary’s on New Year’s Eve before travelling to Everton on January 2.

All of the games will be broadcast on Sky Sports.

It puts Saints under yet more pressure from punishing fixture pile ups.

Puel’s side are about to embark on a run of seven games in 22 days with matches in three different competitions.

Earlier today Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp voiced his frustration at changes to the fixture schedule which he believes have put unnecessary demands on his side.

The German may have been named September’s manager of the month but his mood changed quickly after learning of his side’s fixture changes over the Christmas period. The home match against Manchester City has been moved back to a 5.30pm kick-off on New Year’s Eve ahead of a trip to Sunderland at 3pm on January 2, leaving them less than 48 hours between the two.

“Now I have seen the fixtures and I am not too happy,” said Klopp.

"We have less than 48 hours between our game against Man City on December 31 and in Sunderland on the 2nd.

"Forty-eight hours is an interesting idea but less than 48 hours I cannot believe.

"I learn more and more about this league and maybe I have to ask someone if we can ask if there will be another time for us at Sunderland.

"Our job is to do everything we can to win games. I understand tradition - I would never say Boxing Day is not a good idea as I love it and I have absolutely no problem (playing then).

"But now having a match day with two days between, there should be another possibility.

“I don’t know why we play Monday. Is January 2 a special day in England?”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

U23 Report: Arsenal 0-0 Saints

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Saints, who were under the eye of coach Radhi Jaïdi, turned in a strong display at Meadow Park, but in the end had to accept a share of the points.

The result does, however, continue what has been an encouraging start to the campaign, extending the team’s current unbeaten run to four matches in Premier League 2.

Jaïdi oversaw a particularly young side for the game, although he was able to include centre-half Florin Gardos in the team.

The Romania international played 45 minutes, as he stepped up his return from injury, and denied Ainsley Maitland-Niles as early as the fifth minute with an excellent block on the edge of the six-yard box.

Chances were few and far between in the opening half an hour, with Siph Mdlalose having an effort deflected wide for Saints, while Jake Hesketh had to track back well to make a fine tackle that stopped Eddie Nketiah getting away a shot following a quick Arsenal break.

The Gunners went close on 31 minutes, as Stephy Mavididi flashed a shot from 20 yards just wide of the far post.

But Saints went even closer a minute later, as Thomas O’Connor’s sumptuous free-kick from 20 yards just brushed past the upright.

The post was well and truly struck in added time at the end of the first half, as a thunderous effort from Arsenal’s Gedion Zelalem thudded against the woodwork.

Still, there was to be no breakthrough, and the sides went in level.

That was where the evening ended for Gardos, as he was replaced by Ollie Cook at the back.

Harry Reed tested Arsenal keeper Matt Macey shortly after the interval with a low strike from 20 yards, after shifting a free-kick to O’Connor, but the Gunners stopper got down to gather it.

At the other end, Alex McCarthy was forced into a few stops, diving low to his left to stop Ismael Bennacer’s free-kick, before then keeping out Nketiah’s shot on the turn.

With 18 minutes left on the clock, Josh Sims threatened down the inside-right, but could only plant his shot into the side netting.

Saints’ second change came in the 77th minute, as Hesketh picked up a knock and was replaced by Callum Slattery.

The visitors had a glorious opportunity with four minutes left on the clock, as Mdlalose’s clever flick sent Tyreke Johnson clear, but his lob over Macey dropped just the wrong side of the post.

Johnson had another chance deep into added time, when Yan Valery’s long pass picked out his run, but his first-time shot from just inside the box was well saved by Macey.

Moments later, Johnson again threatened to sprint clear, but he was forced to shoot early under pressure and fired wide, as the points were shared.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Claude Puel: This is all I care about as Southampton boss

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Saints will equal their 94-year club record of seven clean sheets in a row if they force Burnley to draw a blank at St Mary’s tomorrow.

But boss Puel insists he will take the victory however it comes – and take the south coast outfit to six games without defeat.

The Frenchman said: “I would prefer to lose the record and win the game.

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Sourced from ESPN FC article

Claude Puel: Winning more important than Southampton’s clean sheets

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Southampton manager Claude Puel would trade missing out on a 94-year club record for clean sheets if it means securing victory against Burnley on Sunday.

Saints are bidding to register their seventh consecutive shut-out at St Mary’s, with their defence unbeaten since a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sept. 10.

Their powers of resilience mean Puel’s men are now just two clean sheets short of matching a club record that stretches back to 1922, when Southampton managed eight in a row.

Two goalless draws, however, against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Europa League and defending Premier League champions Leicester, have left Puel more concerned about sealing a win this weekend.

“I prefer to lose this record and win the game, it’s not important for me,” Puel said.

"Of course it’s interesting because you show you are strong and with a good solidarity but most important is to win the game.

“If you can score two or three goals it would be fantastic, even if you concede one or two goals. It is not a problem for me.”

Burnley have failed to score in any of their three away matches this term while Southampton currently boast the third best defensive record in the top flight.

“It’s not just the defence, for me it’s important to consider it as the work of all the team - midfield and offensive players also,” Puel said.

"It’s also our style of play, we often have the ball and it’s easier to defend with good control of the game. I prefer my team to play good football.

“When they have the ball there is not a possibility for the opponent to have chances.”

Sunday’s game kicks off a hectic period for Southampton, who will play seven games in three competitions over 22 days.

After Burnley, they face Inter Milan in a mouth-watering clash at the San Siro, before tough tests against Manchester City and Chelsea, either side of an EFL Cup fourth-round tie against Sunderland. They then take on Inter Milan in the reverse fixture and Hull before the international break.

Puel admits he is ready to rotate his squad, saying: "The first and most important thing now is Burnley.

"After we can speak about Inter Milan. Inter Milan is another competition, it is not just one game, it is a mini-championship to qualify from the group.

“It’s important to keep this in mind and accept all the time to change the team and keep the good level.”

Full-backs Ryan Bertrand and Cedric are both unavailable to face Burnley as they recover from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.

Shane Long is close to a return, also from a hamstring problem, while summer signing Sofiane Boufal has resumed full training after injuring his knee in May but is still regaining match sharpness.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Predict The Score: Saints vs Burnley

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Predict the result of Southampton’s clash with Burnley for a chance to win a signed home shirt.

To be in with a chance, please click here and submit your score and first goalscorer predictions.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Jaïdi pleased with young U23 display

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Southampton’s Under-23 assistant coach Radhi Jaïdi praised the young players in his team for stepping up to take a point at Arsenal.

Saints held their counterparts from north London to a goalless draw at Borehamwood’s Meadow Park on Friday night, with an especially youthful team.

They went close to winning it late on too, but the draw extends their unbeaten Premier League 2 record to four matches.

“I think overall, it was a positive point to come here,” said Jaïdi. “We spoke about the environment with the players, and what was difficult which was the pitch which was sticky and dry so I think the boys dealt pretty well with that.

“Defensively we did really well,” he added. “First half and second half we spoke about Arsenal’s strengths in the central midfield and we had details on the short passes which I think we dealt really well with, especially the overloads as well.

“It was a good performance from our young boys. We had five younger boys and scholars and I think their performance was positive.”

Saints ended the game strongly and had some late opportunities to win it, with makeshift striker Tyreke Johnson going closest to registering a goal.

“We had three clear chances second half and we could have put one away but Tyreke is not used to that position and he needs to work on how to make the most of those opportunities,” said Jaïdi.

“With those chances Tyreke could have had a hat-trick tonight, but we didn’t expect it from the scholars and younger boys tonight. Our performance was really good and that sends a good message to everyone.

“Overall, we dealt really well with their strength up front and quality of their skilful players. We defended really well and kept putting in the blocks and the distances right from the first minute.

“First half we couldn’t pass the ball as we wanted to but that’s something we can probably work on to pass the ball quicker and switch the play to penetrate them from the other side. That’s where we could have done better, but overall defensively was great and we stopped them from penetrating us and scoring goals.

“The defenders and Harry with Thomas O’Connor in front of them did well in that aspect.”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Mdlalose: We showed resilience

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A Saints team featuring a number of particularly young players put in an impressive performance at Meadow Park, and had chances to win the game late on.

In the end, they had to settle for a point, which Mdlalose – a regular with the Under-18s team – felt they were more than good value for, as they extended their unbeaten run to four matches in Premier League 2 and remained second in the table.

“It’s a decent start, we need to just keep going,” he said. "It was a difficult game today and I think we coped with it well defensively and we had a few chances. I think we coped well with Arsenal.

“We probably could have nicked it, but it is what it is.

“The clean sheet shows the resilience in the team and shows how hard we worked as a team.”

Mdlalose also revealed afterwards that he shrugged off a bit of an injury during the match, following a clash towards the end of the first half.

He said: “I’m feeling fine, just a bit of a broken nose! I’ll get through it, then back in Monday and go again for the next game.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/10/2016 04:15:52

| | Sadio Mane says Jurgen Klopp tried to sign him at Borussia DortmundHEREISTHECITY |
| | U-23s: Arsenal 0-0 Southampton - ReportARSENAL |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Press conference (part two): Puel on Burnley

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McCarthy and Gardos brought composure, says Jaïdi

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Radhi Jaïdi was happy with the performances of goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and the returning Florin Gardos in Southampton Under-23s’ goalless draw at Arsenal.

Both senior players were drafted in for the Premier League 2 match against the Gunners on Friday night, and helped the team record a valuable clean sheet.

Gardos completed 45 minutes on his first return from injury, and Jaïdi was pleased to help him take the first step back towards first team action.

“He’s been out of the pitches and the games for a long period and today he played. I think for an international player this is a good opportunity to start with,” he said.

“It was a positive performance and his attitude was great and an example for the boys. Hopefully he will get back soon to the Premier League.”

Goalkeeper McCarthy completed the full game, and it was his presence as much as his performance which impressed the U23s assistant coach.

“I told Alex and Florin from the start they were going to be the leaders because the younger boys needed their voice from behind,” Jaïdi explained.

“Alex McCarthy was calm and composed at the back and his distribution was great. Florin was similarly calm and composed and helped us especially when we pressed them well and they went direct, so Florin won the balls and kept things calm.

“When I spoke to Ollie Cook (who replaced Gardos) I told him to be ready and when he came on I thought he was competitive, good defensively, and hopefully we keep that understanding.”

In what was a physical contest at times which left Siph Mdlalose with a broken nose, the early exit of Jake Hesketh to a minor injury also gave cause for concern, and Jaïdi says the midfielder will be checked over before returning to action.

“Hopefully he is all right, but we’ll see,” he said. “We’ll assess him tonight and tomorrow to see what the result is but hopefully it’s not something long-term.”

In what was a physical contest at times which left Siph Mdlalose with a broken nose, the early exit of Jake Hesketh to a minor injury also gave cause for concern, and Jaïdi says the midfielder will be checked over before returning to action.

“Hopefully he is all right, but we’ll see,” said Jaïdi. “We’ll assess him tonight and tomorrow to see what the result is but hopefully it’s not something long-term.”

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U23 Gallery: Arsenal 0-0 Saints

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Academy Focus: Connor Langan

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Find out what @RadhijaidiOff thought of @floringardos5 and @Alex_Macca23 in #SaintsFCU23s’ #PL2 draw with #Arsenal: https://cards.twitter.com/cards/rh0us/2cwyk

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U18 Preview: Brighton vs Southampton

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That result meant a rare loss this season for Craig Fleming’s side, who have started the Under-18 Premier League campaign strongly.

Following two entertaining games with the Seagulls last term – a 3-3 draw and a 3-2 defeat – the Under-18s coach is expecting another good contest.

"I think we were pretty well-matched last year,” said Fleming. “Pretty dangerous going forward, although not the greatest defensively, but I think we’ve come on a lot since then. We’re a lot harder to play against now.

“It will still be a tough game. The games they’ve played, they’ve always been in them and giving everybody a pretty decent run.”

Fleming added: "The hard work we put in about defending and being hard to beat is definitely paying dividends.

“Last time out we didn’t score, but we looked dangerous going forward, so all in all, looking back at the first little segment everybody’s really pleased with the progress the boys have made.”

A number of Fleming’s players have already progressed upwards this season and been utilised by the Under-23s, with this week likely to be no different, meaning a number of first-year scholars should see significant game time.

"It goes back to that age old problem that every under-18s coach has, if you do well and the players play well then you bid farewell to them,” said Fleming.

“From a competitive point of view, obviously that can be a disadvantage, but that’s what we’re about. We’re about developing players, getting them up the ladder and into Martin and Radhi’s squad, and that’s happened quite a lot this year already and will do this weekend.”

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Match Preview: Southampton vs Burnley

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What’s at stake?

Southampton are looking to extend their unbeaten run at home this season, as well as making it four Premier League games without a loss.

Additionally, Saints are also closing in on a new record for consecutive clean sheets, having kept six in a row now.

They have not gone seven matches on the bounce without conceding since the 1921/22 season. Overall, that run reached eight games, with a clean sheet on the opening day of the following season as well.

For Burnley, this game will be another chance to secure a first away win of the season. So far, the Clarets’ two Premier League victories have both been secured at Turf Moor, with both of their away games – at Chelsea and Leicester – ending in 3-0 defeats.

Team news

Southampton will be without full-backs Ryan Bertrand and Cédric, while Shane Long is also an injury doubt. There is good news on Jay Rodriguez, who is available, while record signing Sofiane Boufal could be part of the squad for the first time.

Burnley goalkeeper and captain Tom Heaton is expected to be fit following a minor calf strain that resulted in him withdrawing from the England squad last week. Striker Andre Gray remains out, as he serves the third match of a four-game ban.

Form guide

Southampton’s last five:

Leicester (a) D 0-0

Hapoel Be’er Sheva (a) D 0-0 (Europa League)

West Ham (a) W 3-0

Crystal Palace (h) W 2-0 (EFL Cup)

Swansea (h) W 1-0

Burnley’s last five:

Arsenal (h) L 0-1

Watford (h) W 2-0

Leicester (a) L 0-3

Hull (h) D 1-1

Chelsea (a) L 0-3

Top performers

After a pair of 0-0 draws in their last two outings, things remain the same for Saints in the scoring and assist charts.

This weekend will provide a decent opportunity for them to change, though, with Burnley having conceded six goals in their two away Premier League matches so far this season.

Top scorer: Charlie Austin (5)

Most assists: Charlie Austin, Ryan Bertrand, Shane Long, Cuco Martina, James Ward-Prowse (1)

There is no doubt who Burnley’s real danger man has been so far this season. Steven Defour joined the club in the summer from Belgian club Anderlecht and has made a superb start to his Clarets career.

The midfielder has scored once and provided three assists, meaning he has had a direct hand in four of Burnley’s five Premier League goals this season.

Top scorer: Steven Defour, Andre Gray, Jeff Hendrick, Michael Keane, Sam Vokes (1)

Most assists: Steven Defour (3)

Previous meetings

All-time record:

Played: 52

Southampton: 19

Draws: 14

Burnley: 19

Last four meetings:

March 2015: Southampton 2-0 Burnley (Long, Shackell og)

December 2014: Burnley 1-0 Southampton

January 2014 (FA Cup): Southampton 4-3 Burnley (Clyne, Lambert, Rodriguez, Lallana)

February 2012 (Championship): Southampton 2-0 Burnley (Lallana, Sharp)

Did you know?

Southampton are currently eight games unbeaten in the Premier League at St Mary’s.

Saints have also scored in each of their last 13 top-flight home games, which is the leading run in the competition right now.

On home soil, Saints have lost just one of their last 14 games against Burnley.

Burnley’s average possession figure of 36.8 per cent is the lowest in the Premier League this season.

Not at the game?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to St Mary’s on Sunday. Our all-new Matchday Live Centre on southamptonfc.com is the most immersive way yet of following our games.

Additionally, if you register on southamptonfc.com, you’ll be able to listen to FREE live audio commentary from the match.

On top of all that, you can also keep up-to-date across all our social channels.

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