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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Man City v Southampton preview: Defensive headache for Pep Guardiola

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Pep Guardiola faces a defensive headache as Manchester City welcome Southampton in the Premier League on Nissan Super Sunday.

Pablo Zabaleta has been ruled out of the match, live on Sky Sports 1, and with fellow right-back Bacary Sanga also suffering with a hamstring injury, the manager will be facing a tough decision about who to play in the position.

City will be looking to bounce back from their 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday, having lost one and drawn one of their last two league fixtures.

Southampton also suffered a European defeat in midweek - losing 1-0 to Inter Milan in the Europa League - but are unbeaten in their last four Premier League outings.

Sergio Aguero is expected to return to the starting XI after starting on the bench at the Nou Camp in a tactical move by Guardiola, with Vincent Kompany not fit enough to make the bench on Wednesday.

Southampton striker Shane Long will not be available after suffering a hamstring injury during Thursday’s defeat at Inter Milan and although Saints have yet to discover the extent of the damage, he will not be available against City.

Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares will be assessed after missing the trip to Italy while Nathan Redmond returns to the squad after being rested.

City had won four in a row in the Premier League against Southampton before their 4-2 loss to the Saints in May.

Southampton have lost their last five league visits to the Etihad, last beating City on their own patch in April 2004. Paul Sturrock’s side won 3-1 thanks to James Beattie and two from Kevin Phillips.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice in City’s 4-2 loss to Southampton in May, his most recent brace for the club.

Shane Long has scored four Premier League goals against Manchester City, only against Aston Villa does he have more (6).

Saints have kept two just clean sheets in their last 10 Premier League away games, however those shutouts have come on their last two away trips; they last kept three consecutive away clean sheets in the top-flight back in February.

Guardiola hasn’t gone three games without a league win since the end of the 2014/15 season (three losses with Bayern after they had won the league).

Dusan Tadic has created 28 chances in the Premier League this season, more than any other player, yet hasn’t provided an assist for a teammate yet.

David Silva has provided more Premier League assists than any other player in the competition since his debut (59).

Southampton have collected 51 points in 2016, two more than Manchester City have in the calendar year (49).

Aguero hasn’t gone three Premier League games without a goal since December 2015.

This is a difficult game for City. They had their confidence shot at the Nou Camp, but I think they’ll just get a result here.

I agree that City are short of the players Pep Guardiola wants. They’ve got to change their style of play slightly, you can’t keep rolling out from the back, because teams will just close you down.

Also, you put a bit of a pressure on the goalkeeper. I want a goalkeeper who is going to make a save, not spray it around the pitch all day.

Southampton will be a threat, and will give them a really good game, but I’m going with City.

City can be backed as the odds-on favourites at 1/2 with Sky Bet to beat Southampton in Super Sunday’s opening match in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Saints are 5/1 outsiders to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches with victory at the Etihad Stadium and the draw is priced up at 100/30.

Aguero dropped to the bench for City’s Champions League defeat at Barcelona in midweek but the Argentina international heads Sky Bet’s first goalscorer prices at 3/1. The top Saints contender is the in-form Charlie Austin at 8/1.

You can watch Premier League football, plus England’s tour of Bangladesh and the US Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price!

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Southampton boss Claude Puel will be pitting his wits against Pep Guardiola for a second time at Man City on Sunday

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Eight seasons after his Lyon side played Barcelona in the Champions League, Saints boss Claude Puel is looking forward to pitting his wits against Pep Guardiola again.

Puel was midway through the first of his three seasons as manager of Lyon and Guardiola at the beginning of his stellar managerial career at the Nou Camp when their teams drew each other in the last 16 of the 2008/09 Champions League.

After taking a break from preparations for Sunday’s Premier League game against Guardiola’s Manchester City, Puel cast his mind back to that two-legged tie in February 2009.

Barcelona won it 6-3 on aggregate and went on to beat Manchester United 2-0 in the final.

A second-half Thierry Henry equaliser secured a 1-1 draw in Lyon.

Henry netted another two and Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o also scored in a 5-2 win at the Nou Camp.

“It was the start of his career but it was a fantastic performance with a good combination," he said.

"It was not possible for us to play Barcelona.

“The technical skills of the players and their recovery of the ball was fantastic.

"These possibilities can be the difference because they can play high up the pitch.

“The following seasons Barcelona were even better. He changed the philosophy of their play.”

Puel believes Guardiola can be as successful with City as he was with Barcelona.

“For the moment Manchester are not at the same level as Barcelona because all this work takes time,” he said.

“But he hasn’t changed his philosophy and it’s a pleasure to see his team. For me they can win the championship because they have the best collective and best quality in the Premier League.”

City are without a win in four games and Guardiola is in the middle of his first difficult spell since his arrival at the Etihad, following his controversial dropping of Sergio Aguero and the 4-0 defeat against Barcelona on his return to the Nou Camp on Wednesday night.

It would seem to be a good time to be playing City, but Puel is reluctant to say so, citing the reports of the turmoil at Inter Milan before Saints’ Europa League defeat in the San Siro.

“It was the same before our game against Inter,” he said. “They also had problems.”

Puel was an interested observer of City’s defeat at the Nou Camp.

“I think Manchester play a good game, a good style against Barcelona,” he continued.

“For me there was no big difference between the two teams - just one player. Messi made the difference.

“I saw a very good team, a good style of play with quality, a good collective and good players.”

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Former Saints boss to make appearance at a Literary Festival

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FORMER Saints boss Paul Sturrock is to appear at the Plymouth Literature Festival at the end of this month.

The most successful Plymouth Argyle manager in the club’s history has taken up an invite to appear in his new role as an acclaimed author on Saturday, October 29.

Sturrock, whose autobiography ‘Luggy’, covered his extremely successful playing career with Dundee United and World Cup campaigns with Scotland, as well as shining a light on his remarkable two stints in charge of Argyle.

Sturrock was appointed Saints boss in March 2004, following the resignation of Gordon Strachan. But he only lasted 13 league games before leaving by mutual consent two games into the 2004/05 campaign.

Sturrock, who turned 60 earlier this month, said: "I enjoyed the experience of putting my thoughts and remembrances together in my book and fans of all the clubs I’ve been associated with, have told me they have enjoyed reading it.

“However, as I see it, the common theme coming from all the supporters whether at Dundee United, Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton and especially at Argyle is that they want more of my memories.”

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Straight back to work! #saintsfc

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Sourced from Daily Star article

How much profit would you have made if you bet £10 on your team each week this season?

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WOULD you have made a profit or a loss if you stuck a tenner on your team to win every week so far in the Premier League?

NetBet have worked out exactly how much you could have won or lost on each side in the English top flight.

And they found that it’s one of the least fancied sides which is currently leading the way when it comes to bringing in profit.

You’d be much worse off if you’d kept the faith in Sunderland, however - the Black Cats are yet to win a game.

Click through the gallery above to find out which side would have won you the most profit.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 21/10/2016 19:08:08

| | Ask the Opposition 42: Southampton – City WatchCITYWATCH |
| | Shane Long set to miss Saints trip to Manchester CityBTSPORT |
| | Bravo mistakes will be on the front page - GuardiolaFOURFOURTWO |
| | Manchester City v Southampton preview: Team news, match facts, quotes, odds, manager quotesEUROSPORTUK |
| | No Long for Saints in leaders clashCLUBCALL |
| | ‘I don’t know the timescale’ - Southampton and Ireland anxiously await news on Shane Long’s hamstringIRISHINDEP |
| | Manchester City vs. Southampton: Pep Guardiola’s Key Pre-Match PresserBLEACHERREPORT |
| | PL team news: Full-strength Reds, United worry over skipper - TEAMtalk | Latest Football News & Transfer RumoursTEAMTALK |
| | Long sidelined by hamstring injuryRTE |
| | Shane Long set to miss Manchester City trip for SaintsBELFASTTELE |

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Manchester City vs Southampton: Team news

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Ahead of the 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 as Manchester City host Southampton.

City will be without both of their senior right-backs for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Southampton.

Pablo Zabaleta is out following the blow to the foot that forced him off at Barcelona in midweek while Bacary Sagna is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Captain Vincent Kompany, who briefly returned from a groin injury against Everton last week, could again be doubtful after being unable to feature at the Nou Camp. The fitness of midfielder Fabian Delph remains unclear after a muscle problem.

Manager Pep Guardiola will keep faith in goalkeeper Claudio Bravo despite his sending off in the Champions League defeat by Barca.

Saints striker Shane Long is out of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday night’s Europa League defeat at Inter Milan and although Saints have yet to discover the extent of the damage, he will not be available against City.

Full-backs Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares will be assessed after missing the trip to Milan. Nathan Redmond returns to the squad after being rested.

Manchester City had won four in a row in the Premier League against Southampton before their 4-2 loss to the Saints in May.

Southampton have lost their last five league visits to the Etihad, last beating City on their own patch in April 2004. Paul Sturrock’s side won 3-1 thanks to James Beattie and two from Kevin Phillips.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice in City’s 4-2 loss to Southampton in May, his most recent brace for the club.

Shane Long has scored four Premier League goals against Manchester City, only against Aston Villa does he have more (6).

Saints have kept two just clean sheets in their last 10 Premier League away games, however those shutouts have come on their last two away trips; they last kept three consecutive away clean sheets in the top-flight back in February.

Pep Guardiola hasn’t gone three games without a league win since the end of the 2014/15 season (three losses with Bayern after they had won the league).

Dusan Tadic has created 28 chances in the Premier League this season, more than any other player, yet hasn’t provided an assist for a teammate yet.

David Silva has provided more Premier League assists than any other player in the competition since his debut (59).

Southampton have collected 51 points in 2016, two more than Manchester City have in the calendar year (49).

Sergio Aguero hasn’t gone three Premier League games without a goal since December 2015.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Puel: We expect a strong game

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City are without a win in four games after their 4-0 defeat to FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

But Puel is wary of a reaction from Pep Guardiola’s men after seeing a side littered with quality.

He said: “It was the same before the game against Inter, as they had problems before our game.

“I think Manchester City played a good game against Barcelona and for me, there was no big difference between the two team but Lionel Messi made the difference.

“I saw a very good team with quality, a good collective and good players.”

Saints are looking to make it five unbeaten in the Premier League after victory against Burnley last time out at St Mary’s.

And Puel is hoping to continue that good work, after seeing his side fall to defeat in the UEFA Europa League despite their dominance.

Puel added: “I expect a good game from my players with quality to continue this work, but with a different result.

“We can see from the last result against Internazionale when you can play a good game without a good result and I hope for Manchester City, against a very good team, for a strong game.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 21/10/2016 20:08:14

| | Liverpool news: Coutinho and Firmino international call-up reactionFOOTBALLINSIDER |

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Manchester City vs Southampton team news, possible line-ups and more

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Manchester City will be without both of their senior right-backs this weekend.

Pablo Zabaleta is out following the blow to the foot that forced him off at Barcelona in midweek while Bacary Sagna is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Captain Vincent Kompany, who briefly returned from a groin injury against Everton last week, could again be doubtful after being unable to feature at the Nou Camp. The fitness of midfielder Fabian Delph remains unclear after a muscle problem.

Manager Pep Guardiola will keep faith in goalkeeper Claudio Bravo despite his sending off in the Champions League defeat by Barca.

Southampton striker Shane Long is out, meanwhile.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday night’s Europa League defeat at Inter Milan and although Saints have yet to discover the extent of the damage, he will not be available against City.

Full-backs Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares will be assessed after missing the trip to Milan. Nathan Redmond returns to the squad after being rested.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Gallery: Straight back to work for Saints

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Our cameras were at Staplewood earlier today, as #SaintsFC got straight back to work ahead of facing #MCFC: https://grabyo.com/g/v/3WzndQRe2O5

Retweets: 2

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

So it’s #MCFC up next for #SaintsFC…

What an afternoon this was! https://grabyo.com/g/v/olvZgMDOV7D

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Press Conference: Puel previews City

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Liverpool pair Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino could miss crunch clash

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Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino could miss the clash with Southampton after being called up by Brazil.

The Reds take on Southampton on November 20, in what is set to be a big game in their quest to finish in the top four.

The pair have both been named in Brazil’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Coutinho and Firmino will fly to Brazil ahead of the crunch showdown with Argentina in Belo Horizonte on November 10.

They will then head to Peru for another qualifier in Lima on November 15.

Liverpool have been making special travel arrangements to ensure that Coutinho and Firmino get back to Merseyside as quickly as possible following international duty.

However, following a 6,000-mile flight both will face a race against time to be ready for Liverpool’s Premier League clash away to Southampton on Saturday, November 19.

They won’t report back to Melwood until the Thursday of that week – just 24 hours before Jurgen Klopp’s men make the journey south.

Coutinho started both matches as Brazil beat Bolivia and Venezuela earlier this month but Firmino was limited to just 15 minutes of action.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 21/10/2016 21:08:36

| | Southampton fans react to James Ward-Prowse’s performance against Inter Milan on TwitterHEREISTHECITY |
| | Southampton gets better each year in the EPLNJ |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Video: Puel looks ahead to City clash

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Sourced from Reuters.co.uk article

Southampton braced for tough test at wounded City - Puel

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City started strongly with 10 wins in all competitions this season under new manager Pep Guardiola but have lost two of their last four matches, including a 4-0 Champions League defeat at Barcelona on Wednesday.

“It’s difficult to defend against them, because they like to have good possession. I think City are playing a good game and had good style against Barcelona. For me, (there was) no big difference between the two teams,” Puel told reporters on Friday.

Puel tipped in-form striker Charlie Austin, who has scored seven goals in his last seven games, to earn a call-up to the England national team.

“I hope for him, he is an interesting player, he’s a real striker and it’s important to have a good striker on the team,” Puel added.

Shane Long is likely to miss the City match after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday.

Puel called on Southampton, who are eighth in the table, to play their own brand of football.

“It’s difficult with just two days between games. It’s important for us to recover and prepare well. City have had more time for recovery, but we must be ready,” he said.

"For us it is important to play our football, and I think we can have a good game at City.

The French manager will make a late call on the fitness of full backs Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett.

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Soutampton can get a result against Manchester City, says Matt Le Tissier

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Soutampton can get a result against Manchester City, says Matt Le Tissier

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier is confident his former side can produce a result at Manchester City on Nissan Super Sunday, insisting it is the perfect time to visit the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has seen a perfect start to the season rapidly unravel, with a 3-3 draw at Celtic followed by a defeat to Tottenham and a draw with Everton at home, before suffering a 4-0 loss to his former club Barcelona on Wednesday night.

Southampton also lost in Europe this week but were largely dominant in a 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan, and have collected 10 points from the last 12 available in the Premier League.

Le Tiss suspects City are there for the taking when they meet at 1.30pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, despite Sergio Aguero’s expected return to the starting line-up.

“I think Southampton actually do have a bit of a squeak in this game. I think they’re catching City at the right time, on the end of some bad results,” the Soccer Saturday pundit told Sky Sports.

"They’ve just battered Inter Milan at the San Siro. If the Saints were 3-0 up at half-time it wouldn’t have been an unfair reflection on the performance.

"Jay Rodriguez missed a couple of chances and I think if Charlie Austin had been on the pitch it would’ve been a different story.

“It was a shame that Shane Long (who was replaced by Austin after 48 minutes) picked up an injury because he would have been excellent at pressing the City backline and offering an outlet.”

Le Tiss expects Aguero to be back in the starting line-up after Guardiola revealed the Argentina star was restricted to 10 minutes of action at the Nou Camp due to “tactical reasons”, having also being benched against Everton after picking up a calf problem on international duty.

He does not, however, see a potential return to action for captain Vincent Kompany, with the centre-back’s contribution limited to an EFL Cup start and an 89th-minute cameo up front against Everton.

“I think we’ll certainly see Aguero back, which is obviously a shame as he’s not a bad little player!” Le Tiss added.

“However, I wouldn’t mind seeing Kompany in the line-up as he’s going to be a little bit hesitant about how his body will cope.”

There’s something for everyone on Sky Sports Mix this weekend. Live F1 on Friday, Bournemouth v Spurs on Saturday, while on Sunday you can watch Feyenoord v Ajax, Red Bull 3x3 Basketball and NFL RedZone!

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Sourced from ESPN FC article

Jay Rodriguez prepared to replace Shane Long in Southampton lineup

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Southampton are waiting to learn the extent of the hamstring injury suffered by striker Shane Long against Inter Milan on Thursday.

The Republic of Ireland international pulled up three minutes into the second half of Saints’ 1-0 defeat at the San Siro and had to be replaced by Charlie Austin.

Manager Claude Puel has yet to discover how serious the problem is, but he confirmed Long will not be available for Sunday’s trip to face Manchester City in the Premier League.

“Shane Long will be out with his hamstring injury,” said the Frenchman. “I don’t know for how long at the moment, I will have a look but I don’t know the timescale of the injury.”

A prolonged absence for Long could lead to a run of games for Jay Rodriguez. The former Burnley forward insisted his fitness was not a concern after passing up the chance to give Southampton the lead in Milan.

The 27-year-old was put through on goal after nine minutes, with the score at 0-0, but hesitated before losing possession when well placed to score. He demonstrated a similar lack of confidence later on, and was substituted as Saints fell behind.

Rodriguez is back making regular appearances having suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in 2014.

“I feel fine, I feel great,” Rodriguez said. "I just want more and more of it. That’s what I need and I’m sure the goals will come. I just need to keep my fitness and keep on the field.

"I need regular games. That’s the main thing. I need a run of games to find my form and the goals will come.

"It’s one of those things, it just happens, but I’m working hard to keep extra fit and I’m sure I will be.

"I cut inside and I should have squared it or taken the shot early. It was just one of those things. I should have decided earlier what I was going to do.

“I’m not happy. I’m always like this after a game if I haven’t scored. We came here to win and we had the chances to and, although we’re disappointed, we can’t keep our heads down.”

The result meant that Southampton slipped to third in Group K.

It also gave Inter their first points of the competition and left the pool wide open when the Italian side – who visit St Mary’s in a fortnight – had been at risk of elimination.

Asked about the competitive nature of the group, Rodriguez said: "We know that but we’ve got home games now and that’ll be a strong point for us. We have to focus on the next game.

“It’s a proud moment [to play at the San Siro] but it doesn’t really mean anything when you lose. We have to now focus on Sunday.”

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