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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Stat Pack: Hull City vs Saints

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Hull City have lost all four of their previous Premier League meetings with Southampton - the only side they’ve lost 100% of their Premier League games against that they’ve played more than once.

Indeed, Saints have won their last six league games against Hull City.

Only twice have Southampton had longer winning streaks in league competition than they currently do against Hull City - eight vs Newport County (1922-1955) and seven vs Crystal Palace (2009-2015).

Dusan Tadic has created 28 goalscoring chances this season - only Dimitri Payet has created more (33). However, Saints are yet to score a goal from a chance created from the Serbian this season.

Hull City are currently on a run of six successive defeats in the Premier League - they haven’t lost seven league games in a row since October 1980 in the third tier.

Hull have scored three goals in their last six Premier League games, one fewer than Charlie Austin in his last six Premier League appearances (4).

-Southampton have conceded just four goals in their last six Premier League matches, while opponents Hull City have conceded 20 in the same period.

Hull City have picked up just two points from their last nine Premier League games played on a Sunday (W0 D2 L7).

Southampton have won six and lost just one of their last nine Premier League games played on a Sunday (W6 D2 L1).

Hull City have made a league-low 114 touches in the opposition box this season.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Opposition View: Hull City

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Hull City lost away at Watford last time out in the Premier League and are hoping to avoid losing seven league games in a row for the first time since October 1980.

But Phelan feels, with that unwanted record looming, it could prove to be a source of motivation for his players, who performed well at Vicarage Road.

“It could be a club record one way, but when we look back not too long ago, we set a club record starting in the Premier League as well," he said.

“We’ve proved we can win games at this level and the players are aware that when they’re competitive we can give everyone a game.

“We’re under no illusions of the task and what’s demanded at this level. It’s important we’re at home and we have the opportunity to show our worth and get a result.

“It’s a case of building on what has happened previously. We’ve been up and down in the past few weeks but I thought we showed real determination at Watford.”

The Tigers boss was an interested observer as Saints defeated Internazionale on a famous night at St Mary’s, on Thursday.

He added: “They have a squad comparable to any top team in the Premier League. They made five changes against Inter and I’m sure it wasn’t in preparation to play us on Sunday, but it gave them the opportunity to do that because of the size, the numbers and the quality they’ve got.

“I watched the game, it was interesting, and they’re a club that’s on the up and a team that is playing very well.

“We will have to be at our best to be competitive.”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

On The Road: Hull City

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Club Details

Address: The KCOM Stadium, West Park, Hull, HU3 6HU

Telephone: 01482 327200

Capacity: 25,586

Website: www.hullcitytigers.com

Nickname: The Tigers

Colours: Amber and Black

Away Supporters

Saints fans will be housed in the North East corner of the stadium. Tickets are now off sale at the ticket office but will be available from the away supporters bar at the North end of the stadium from 12pm on matchday.

Getting There By Car

Take the M1 up to Junction 21A then take the A46 exit and keep right at the fork in the road. Follow the signs for A46 Newwark and merge onto A46, follow it to just past Lincoln.

Once over the Humber Bridge, follow the signs for Hull City centre. The road follows round to the left and you will join the A63 Clive Sullivan Way which will take you under the Humber Bridge.

Continue until the slip road just before the fly-over signposted ‘Local traffic/Infirmary’ and for KCOM Stadium.

Car Parking

Areas around the stadium are resident-only zones, but supporters can park on the Walton Street car park for a charge of £5. This is located just after the Airco Arena.

Getting There By Train

Hull Paragon station is the closest to the stadium and is around a 20-minute walk away.

Coach Travel

Coaches will depart St Mary’s at 6.15am, Eastleigh at 6.30am, Winchester at 6.45am and Chieveley at 7.15am.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Get the view from the #HCAFC camp ahead of #SaintsFC’s trip to the KCOM Stadium on Sunday: https://cards.twitter.com/cards/rh0us/2ijud

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Sourced from ITV article

Southampton’s van Dijk ‘one of the best in the world’

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Southampton manager Claude Puel is in no doubt Virgil van Dijk can develop into “one of the best defenders in the world”.

The Dutchman produced a dynamic display at the heart of the Saints backline against Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night, scoring a fine goal during the second half as Puel’s side came from behind to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.

The 25-year-old former Celtic man has been called up again for the Netherlands over the international break.

Puel is in no doubt what Van Dijk can go on to achieve.

“I think Virgil, since the beginning of the season has made progress,” the Southampton manager said at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Hull.

"Virgil has improved both technically and tactically as well, in the duel he is fantastic.

“For me, he has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world, there is no problem for this, Virgil has the answer - he must continue his work to continue his progress.”

Puel added: "It has been a new thing for him this season to defend with 50 or 60 metres behind him, and it is difficult to leave that space.

“For me, it is important to defend at a high level, especially when we play against a great team with strikers who are very fast, it is important to be able to anticipate all of the possibilities of the opponent.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 05/11/2016 16:41:49

| | Southampton manager Claude Puel has big hopes for Virgil van DijkBELFASTTELE |
| | Hull City v Southampton Correct Score Betting Tips 06-11-2016KICKOFFCOUK |
| | Saints At Hull City The Preview - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |

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Sourced from ESPN FC article

Virgil van Dijk can be ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ - Claude Puel

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Southampton manager Claude Puel is in no doubt Virgil van Dijk can develop into "one of the best defenders in the world.’’

The Dutchman produced a dynamic display at the heart of the Saints backline against Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night, scoring a fine goal during the second half as Puel’s side came from behind to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.

The 25-year-old former Celtic man has been called up again for Netherlands over the international break and Puel is in no doubt what Van Dijk can go on to achieve.

"I think Virgil, since the beginning of the season, has made progress,’’ the Southampton manager said at a news conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Hull. "Virgil has improved both technically and tactically as well, in the duel he is fantastic.

"For me, he has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world, there is no problem for this, Virgil has the answer – he must continue his work to continue his progress.’’

Puel added: "It has been a new thing for him this season to defend with 50 or 60 metres behind him, and it is difficult to leave that space.

"For me, it is important to defend at a high level, especially when we play against a great team with strikers who are very fast, it is important to be able to anticipate all of the possibilities of the opponent.’’

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

U18 Report: Swansea 1-1 Saints

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Siph Mdlalose’s strike in the opening minute gave Saints the lead up until midway through the second-half when Causso Darame curled in to earn the hosts a share of the points.

It didn’t take long for Saints to break the deadlock at Landore Training Ground. Within the first minute Archie Thomas sent Harlem Hale running into the penalty area and once the winger’s strike rebounded off the post, Mdlalose was on the hand to tuck home the rebound.

Despite conceding the early goal, the hosts responded immediately. Captain Liam Cullen worked space on the edge of the Saints area and watched on as his curled effort bounced clear off the top of Neal Osborne’s crossbar.

Buoyed by that chance, Swansea continued to pile on the pressure in the closing minutes of the opening half, but Saints stood firm to take their lead into the break.

Craig Fleming then used the interval to make his first change of the afternoon, as Michael Obafemi was introduced up top in place of Jonathan Afolabi.

Soon after, Saints had a chance to double their advantage. Will Smallbone curled a teasing free-kick towards the Swansea back post and Cristoph Klarer tapped into the empty net, only to be denied by the offside flag.

The hosts were next to have the ball in the net, as they soon fought back to equalise. A sharp passing move in the middle of the park resulted in Causso Darame finding space in the penalty area and curling into Osborne’s far post to pull Swansea level after 66 minutes.

Saints continued to press into the closing stages of the game, and there were late chances to take all three points.

Most notably, having sprung a counter attack, Obafemi broke free on the halfway line with two men in support, but Rhydian Wales’ perfectly-timed sliding tackle killed the attack and secured Swansea a share of the spoils.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s impressive run against #HCAFC, Dušan Tadić and defensive records feature in our pre-match stat pack: http://sfcne.ws/StatsHCAFCA

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 05/11/2016 17:41:57

| | Van Dijk can get even better - PuelCLUBCALL |
| | Puel expects Saints defender to become one of world’s best - TEAMtalk | Latest Football News & Transfer RumoursTEAMTALK |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Last time out - Hull vs Southampton | Southampton will be hoping to bounce back in the Premier League this Sunday as they take on Hull at the KCOM … 05-11-2016 |

Older content…

| Redmond shines as comeback made Southampton look like Saints17 hours ago |
| Austin confident ahead of Hull clash17 hours ago |
| Puel states that van Dijk could be one of the best2 days ago |
| Southampton team news: Hull (A)2 days ago |
| Van Dijk proud of Inter scalp2 days ago |
| Tadic dedicates win to the fans2 days ago |
| McQueen enjoyed special night at St.Mary’s2 days ago |
| Barcelona scouts left disappointed after Cedric omission2 days ago |
| Puel bemoans Candreva decision and Inter’s opening goal2 days ago |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Heading to #SaintsFC’s clash with #HCAFC tomorrow? Here’s our guide to the KCOM Stadium: https://cards.twitter.com/cards/rh0us/2ijue

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

in a row?

#SaintsFC have enjoyed themselves against #HCAFC in recent years… https://grabyo.com/g/v/RmKAfSV5wwB

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Southampton boss Puel has high hopes for Virgil van Dijk

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Southampton manager Claude Puel is in no doubt Virgil van Dijk can develop into ‘one of the best defenders in the world’.

The Dutchman produced a dynamic display at the heart of the Saints backline against Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night, scoring a fine goal during the second half as Puel’s side came from behind to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.

The 25-year-old former Celtic man has been called up again for the Netherlands over the international break.

Puel is in no doubt what Van Dijk can go on to achieve.

‘I think Virgil, since the beginning of the season has made progress,’ the Southampton manager said at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Hull.

'Virgil has improved both technically and tactically as well, in the duel he is fantastic.

‘For me, he has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world, there is no problem for this, Virgil has the answer - he must continue his work to continue his progress.’

Puel added: 'It has been a new thing for him this season to defend with 50 or 60 metres behind him, and it is difficult to leave that space.

‘For me, it is important to defend at a high level, especially when we play against a great team with strikers who are very fast, it is important to be able to anticipate all of the possibilities of the opponent.’

Saints head to the KCOM Stadium looking to recover from last weekend’s home defeat by Chelsea and remain in the top half of the Premier League table before the international break.

Puel again rotated his squad for their midweek European tie, but is in no doubt of what will be needed when the players kick off against a Hull side scrapping for points after a six-match losing run.

‘Now we have to forget the game against Inter Milan, because this match is another important one for us at Hull,’ the Southampton manager said on the club’s official website.

'We have to make good concentration in this game, because in the Premier League we need the points.

'It is always difficult to play a league game just three days after a European match, and for this club and these players, it is all new.

‘We have to have the right reaction and attitude.’

Puel continued: 'Hull are a good team and try to play good football, they did not have all the time the results, but on the pitch they are a good team.

'It is always difficult to play against these teams who need the points, but for us it is the same thing.

‘It is important after our loss against Chelsea to come back in the Premier League, and just before the international break, we must give a good answer.’

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Sourced from A tweet by DomGape tweet

@DomGape - Dominic Gape

What a win today away at fratton park our fans were unbelievable through to the next round

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Virgil van Dijk can be ‘one of the best defenders in the world’, says Southampton boss

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Virgil van Dijk can be ‘one of the best defenders in the world’, says Southampton boss

Virgil van Dijk can develop into “one of the best defenders in the world”, according to Southampton boss Claude Puel.

The Dutchman produced a dynamic display at the heart of the Saints backline against Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night, scoring a fine goal during the second half as Puel’s side came from behind to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.

The 25-year-old former Celtic defender has been called up again for the Netherlands over the international break, and his club boss, Puel, is in no doubt what Van Dijk can go on to achieve in his career.

“I think Virgil, since the beginning of the season has made progress,” Puel said. "Virgil has improved both technically and tactically as well, in the duel he is fantastic.

“For me, he has all of the qualities to become one of the best defenders in the world, there is no problem for this, Virgil has the answer - he must continue his work to continue his progress.”

Puel added: "It has been a new thing for him this season to defend with 50 or 60 metres behind him, and it is difficult to leave that space.

“For me, it is important to defend at a high level, especially when we play against a great team with strikers who are very fast, it is important to be able to anticipate all of the possibilities of the opponent.”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Fleming: It was a great response

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Siph Mdlalose’s first-minute strike immediately helped Saints bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Fulham and secure a point on the road in Wales.

“It was a great response from last week,” explained Fleming.

“We started very well and went 1-0 up very early on. We were controlling the game and created a couple of half-chances.

“Unfortunately we didn’t take them and then we just slipped away a bit, but all in all it was a much more positive performance.”

Saints could well have taken all three points in Landore, had Christoph Klarer not been flagged offside as he tapped in Will Smallbone’s second-half free-kick at the back post.

But despite the goal being ruled out, Fleming was pleased to see his young players taking their learning from the training pitch into a match situation.

“We’ve worked on that quite a bit,” he continued.

“It’s happened twice in games now – Christoph has scored both, but unfortunately he has been offside both times!

“But it’s pleasing to see a set-piece like that and it’s something we’ll keep working at, especially with the threat of [Aaron] O’Driscoll and [Christoph] Klarer and the height we have in the team.”

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Premier League squads ranked by transfer market values… how much is your side’s worth?

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WHICH Premier League squad is the most valuable on the transfer market? Data from transfermarkt.co.uk.

The January transfer window is fast approaching and managers will be looking forward to injecting some fresh talent into their squads.

But which team in the Premier League is currently worth the most?

And how valuable is your side’s squad?

Click through the gallery above to see each Premier League squad ranked by transfer market value.

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Saints among favourites to win the Europa League with bookies

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SAINTS are seventh favourites to win the Europa League after their historic group success against Inter Milan.

Bookies Boylesports make Claude Puel’s men a 20-1 shot to lift the silverware, and with it a place in next season’s Champions League.

Despite losing 2-1 to Fenerbahce on Thursday in Group A, Manchester United remain the favourites to win the competition - but Jose Mourinho’s side, now third in their group, have been eased to 7/1 from 5/1.

Their nearest rivals in the betting are Roma at 11/1 whilst it’s 16/1 about Zenit St. Petersburg, Shakhtar Donetsk, Schalke and Fiorentina.

Dundalk’s chances of reaching the next round still remain on track despite losing 2-1 away to Zenit St. Petersburg.

The Irish outsiders currently lie in second place in Group D and are 6/4 to make it to the next round.

Stephen Kenny’s side are 500/1 to do a Leicester City on it and go all the way and win the Europa League.

Liam Glynn, BoyleSports’ spokesperson, said: “Despite suffering an unlucky defeat to Zenit on Thursday, the Europa league dream for Dundalk is still well and truly alive with the Lilywhites now 6/4 to reach the next round.”

He added “Manchester United are 11/10 to win Group A despite suffering defeat to Fenerbahce.

"The Red Devils remain the favourites to lift the trophy next May but have seen their price eased to 7/1 from 5/1.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 05/11/2016 20:42:19

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| Vecchi: "Determination is key"INTERNAZIONALECALCIO |

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