Watford’s dire second half of last season could have easily had alarm bells ringing. Looking all too much like a team that had relaxed in the knowledge they had achieved their base season goal of avoiding relegation, the Hornets were potentially sliding towards a challenging second season.
Instead, under the stewardship of Walter Mazzarri, Watford have started the season well. Three defeats in six matches may not suggest quite that, but two of the season’s best team performances imply Mazzarri’s side have plenty more to come. A poor performance away at Burnley halted any early momentum that was accumulating, although it doesn’t chip away any of the glow that surrounded the matches against both West Ham and Manchester United.
Every single outlet seems to be looking for who can replicate, or come close to, Leicester’s performance of last season. Not that it really makes any sense, of course. Rather, we should be looking at the clubs that can overachieve and perhaps shock us with their displays rather than results.
Watford, for these reasons, are one of those…
Managerial factor
Watford hiring a manager whose previous two clubs are Napoli and Internazionale says a lot about the current strength of the Premier League and relative weakness of Italian football. It wasn’t exactly all rosy for Mazzarri at his previous two clubs, but he has a wealth of experience as a manager.
Having two jobs of that stature speaks volumes for Mazzarri’s abilities and the work he did in Naples should not be downplayed by anyone. Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik shot to prominence under the stewardship of Mazzarri, as his team challenged their opponents with an offensive game that featured unmarkable fluidity from their forwards.
The late slumber at Inter should not shadow over Mazzarri’s ability. It was considered a coup when he arrived at Watford and it is the calibre of appointment that reflects a football club with genuine intent.
Formation wildcard
Amidst the overwhelming levels of 4-2-3-1s and occasional 4-3-3s, Watford are a refreshing change with their 3-5-2 system. Teams need to prepare differently, set up their side to cover different areas defensively and face the challenging prospect of two centre forwards, which has become somewhat alien to the Premier League in recent years.
But providing something different is irrelevant if you cannot execute the plans well. Watford, despite some early teething difficulties, look like they can execute the 3-5-2 to perfection. A lot of it comes down to how well the three central midfielders balance, to offer runs beyond the forwards as well as protection.
A formation alone will not win Watford games, but it certainly makes them a challenging prospect for many Premier League sides all too used to dealing with 4-2-3-1.
Goals win prizes
Odion Ighalo is yet to return to the majestic form that saw him devastate so many Premier League defences last season, although the forward has shown glimmers of becoming a real danger to the opposition once again. Confidence is the key for any forward and there are signs Ighalo is growing in self belief again.
In Troy Deeney, the Hornets have one of the league’s most consistent performers. This has been the preferred pairing for Mazzarri so far, despite Isaac Success looking a threat in his appearances.
If any side is to spring a surprise on the opposition, they need to have several sources of goals. Watford certainly have that.
There’s a real wealth of Premier League striking talent this season for fans to enjoy.
At Manchester City you have Sergio Aguero, at Manchester United you now have Zlatan Ibrahimovic whilst the likes of Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool, Romelu Lukaku at Everton and Diego Costa at Chelsea are all top class strikers. This in mind you know you’re guaranteed goals whatever game you watch but after last season you couldn’t say that more about anyone else than with Tottenham and of course, Harry Kane.
The Spurs and England forward won the Golden Boot last year as Spurs came close to winning the Premier League and, at a FIFA 17 event, he’s said that he’s got his eyes on it again for this season.
The striker was speaking on behalf of EA SPORTS FIFA 17 and spoke about his challengers for the award for being the Premier League’s top scorer as well as what he thinks of one of the Summer’s biggest signings, Zlatan Ibrahimovic…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come into the Premier League this year and Sergio Aguero has started the season well. Who do you think will be your main rivals for the Golden Boot this season?
“They’re two very good players, and I think those two will definitely be up there for the Golden Boot race. Of course you have players like Lukaku who always seems to be up there.
“It will be an interesting one, you always seem to get one or two who come as a bit of a surprise but for me, I try not to focus too much on other players but rather do what I can do and score as many goals that I can.”
Is Ibrahimovic a player that you have watched a lot of and what have you learnt, if anything, from his game that you bring to your own?
“He’s obviously a fantastic player who has played throughout all of the top leagues around the world, and he’s been successful in them all, so he’s a player that I can definitely learn from.
“He looks like a great professional both on and off the pitch, he obviously works hard and keeps himself in good shape – he’s at an age now where not many players are able to continue and he’s doing as well as he was 10 years ago.
“He’s a player that I can definitely learn from and it’s great to have him in the Premier League.”
Harry Kane was speaking ahead of the launch of FIFA 17. For more information on the release of FIFA 17 on 29th September, head to https://www.easports.com/uk
Pressure from the media is a given in any high profile position wherever you are on the planet. Well, perhaps not in North Korea.The British media, particularly the tabloids, is renowned for being among the most ferocious in the world. Wrestling down any figure they take a dislike to with any manner of underhand tactics and typically pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in pursuit of finding what it is they really want: the dirt.National teams should accept that unattainable expectations are just part of the gig, but with the British press, it’s often more than that. The immediacy with which they leap to ’embarrassment’ or ‘cowardice’ continually makes negative columns a far more personal issue. The suggestion we hear from the media so regularly is that the players do not care. And perhaps some don’t: some might not be fussed about any of the ‘Three Lions’ nonsense, but we can be pretty damn sure that the majority were hurt by the defeat to Iceland just as much as anyone – probably more.For the players it is an issue of having their professionalism questioned. To suggest they don’t care or don’t try is quite a monumental accusation. Some of this is because the players aren’t as good as the media themselves want to believe, while some is because of deeper-running issues throughout the game. It is evident an overhaul is needed from grassroots through to the top flight, but that sort of bigger picture is harder to slap into a headline.
When it comes to England managers, it gets even more personal. From Graham Taylor’s humiliation across the papers in the 1990s to the attacks on Steve McClaren and Roy Hodgson more recently, few jobs in the world face the same level of mockery. Even someÂdeceitful UK politicians don’t garner the same ugly attention as the manager of the national team.
There are, of course, gargantuan questions to be asked of the England team, but it is not sound analysis that leads the way in the most-read publications. On the whole it is blighted by focus on the peripheral, the politics of the team and finding obscure reasons to harm a manager.
The downfall of Sam Allardyce was down to exceptional journalism, but the press’ reaction to Gareth Southgate has shown the true colours beneath the surface. Determined to assassinate his character and delve for any tool which can be usedÂto humiliate him, there is a particular hunger for a story that makes managing the national team as pressurised a job as there is in the entire country.
The media are not there to support the national team without question. Far from it – they are there to ask questions and hold power to account. Their approach, however, does make it significantly more challenging to manage the team. Some of the stories printed about Gareth Southgate just make you ask, ‘who cares?!’ rather than raising any genuine points of debate.
If the England football team is to become a realistic force in international football, it’s not just the press that needs to change. Clearly there are other, arguably bigger, issues. But the pressure placed on the manager, and the insatiable need to paint the national team in a bad light doesn’t help. It does muchÂmore harm than it does good.
Another weekend, another fine dose of Premier League action.It kicked off with Manchester City’s difficult trip to Turf Moor, in which they eventually beat Burnley 2-1 through a Sergio Aguero brace, continued with a spate of bitter-fought 3pms, not least including Swansea and Crystal Palace’s nine-goal thriller at the Liberty Stadium, and ended with Chelsea completing an impressive two-goal comeback against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur – and that was only Saturday!Indeed, Sunday didn’t disappoint either, as Stoke claimed an away win over Watford, Southampton took some retribution on Ronald Koeman and his Everton side, Arsenal convincingly swatted away Bournemouth and West Ham held Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford.The footballing world has gone statistics mad over the last few years and FootballFanCast are no different – in fact, there’s nothing we enjoy more than unearthing a few anomalous gems from a marathon of number crunching.With that in mind, here’s a rundown of the most shocking statistics from all the weekend’s action, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham featuring prominently.
United’s home hoodoo
Old Trafford was once the Premier League’s greatest fortress but the Red Devils are currently 10th in the away table following a 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday. And whilst they’ve not been too shabby at the back, they’re struggling to produce at the other end of the pitch, netting just thrice in front of the United faithful since the start of October. Unfortunately for Jose Mourinho, this isn’t the only United home stat to feature in this week’s edition.
What do Milner & Heskey have in common?
A trivia question that’s sure to pop up in at least one pub quiz (especially if you frequent Merseyside taverns) in your life-time; what do Emile Heskey and James Milner have in common? Aside from representing Liverpool, Aston Villa and England, the former striker and the midfielder-come-left-back have both netted against Sunderland for five different clubs. Extra points for naming all ten of them!
Dazzling Zaha
He may ply his trade with the Premier League’s whipping boys of 2016, who endured yet another defeat on Saturday, but Wilfried Zaha’s performances on the wing have been borderline electric. Indeed, the Crystal Palace star is not only the best dribbler in the Premier League this season but also the rest of Europe’s top five leagues. He’s also bagged one goal and four assists in his last five league outings – including one strike and one set-up (albeit, for an own goal) in the nine-goal thriller with Swansea on Saturday.
Badboy Mourinho
Jose Mourinho’s endured a frustrating start to his Manchester United career and no statistic epitomises that better than the one above. Indeed, Mourinho has seen more sendings off than victories at Old Trafford this season, including his dismissal on Sunday. The Portuguese protested a Paul Pogba booking for diving by kicking a water bottle down the touchline – something referee John Moss didn’t look upon too kindly.
Diego’s different side
We’re all aware of Diego Costa’s pedigree in front of goal. In fact, he’s the Premier Leagues joint-leading goalscorer this season alongside Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (more on him later). But the Spaniard’s ability to bring others in the game perhaps goes unnoticed; he set up Chelsea’s winner against Spurs on Saturday with a low cross to Victor Moses, making him the Premier League’s third-top supplier throughout 2016 after Dimitri Payet and Christian Eriksen – two midfielders who are expected to create.
Metronomic Hendo
Jordan Henderson’s been like a man reborn since taking the anchoring role in Liverpool’s midfield. Whilst his energy and aggression have proved ruthlessly efficient in winning the ball back, what the Reds skipper’s done with it afterwards has been equally impressive. No Premier League player has completed more passes this season and the England international now ranks second and first for number of passes completed in a single appearance, after another afternoon of dictating play against Sunderland on Saturday.
Amazing Aguero
As previously mentioned, Sergio Aguero is the Premier League’s joint-top scorer with ten goals, increasing his tally against Burnley on Saturday with a brace at Turf Moor. Accordingly, the Argentine magician has now scored against 29 of the 30 teams he’s played in the top flight. Name the only club he hasn’t scored against to win a coconut!
Red Devils record
We told you Manchester United’s home record would be analysed once again and these statistics really put it into perspective. Jose Mourinho is now the unfortunate owner of an unwelcome Premier League record – and is the first Red Devils gaffer to draw four consecutive home fixtures since David Sexton. He was forced to watch from the stands as West Ham claimed a 1-1 draw on Sunday, with goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovich and Diafra Sakho.
He scores, he wins
It’s that lad Jimmy Milner once again, following another strike from the penalty spot to help secure Liverpool a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday. Incredibly, the ad hoc left-back has never lost a Premier League fixture in which he’s scored, a record now spanning a whopping 45 games. So if Milner scoring equals Âa win, or at the very least a draw, should Jurgen Klopp stick the former England man up front from now on?
Spurs streak
Tottenham’s dreadful form at Stamford Bridge continued on Saturday as Chelsea completed a comeback to secure an invaluable 2-1 victory, maintaining their place at the top of the Premier League table. Spurs’ woeful record in west London is notorious – to the extent that only six members of their youthful squad were alive the last time the Lilywhites took all three points from the Bridge. Meanwhile, Saturday’s win saw Spurs become the team Chelsea have beaten the most throughout Premier League history.
Slaven’s secret club
Slaven Bilic’s been thrown plenty of criticism this season, with his Hammers side currently just one point above the relegation zone. But you can’t fault the Serbian’s record against Manchester United; following two draws during his debut campaign as Hammers boss, Bilic extended his unbeaten run versus the Red Devils to three on Sunday. Only eleven managers throughout the Premier League have managed the same feat – putting the Irons boss in a very exclusive club.
Arsenal super-sub
Whilst some still doubt Arsenal’s title credentials, there’s no doubt Arsene Wenger’s late summer spending spree has added fantastic depth to his squad. Nobody’s proving that more than Olivier Giroud, who continued to produce the goods from the bench on Sunday with an assist for Alexis Sanchez’s second strike against Bournemouth, drilling the ball in front of goal to allow the Chilean a simple tap in. He may be miffed about the lack of game time, but the Frenchman is emerging as an incredibly effective impact sub for the north Londoners.
Unwelcome feat
Whilst Olivier Giourd is producing at the other end, the north Londoners still have work to do defensively. Nacho Monreal conceded a penalty against Bournemouth to mark the first time Arsenal have done so in consecutive home fixtures throughout the history of the Premier League. Incredibly, the Spaniard nearly gave away a second against the Cherries with a suspicious hand ball, but referee Mike Jones refrained from issuing a spot kick.
Manchester United play hosts to West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday looking to build on their big win in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Red Devils beat Feyenoord 4-0 to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the competition, but attention now turns back to the Premier League, where their form has been less impressive.
Jose Mourinho’s men are nine points behind his former club Chelsea at the summit and have drawn their last three home league matches – something they will look to change when the Hammers travel north this weekend.
Slaven Bilic’s side have endured a difficult start to the campaign themselves and the Irons were just one point before this weekend, following one point above the relegation zone after a dramatic 3-2 defeat against London rivals Tottenham last Saturday.
In what is sure to be an intriguing encounter, here is FootballFanCast’s United XI to beat West Ham on Sunday…
GK: David De Gea
Despite starting three of United’s first four Europa League matches this season, the Spaniard was replaced by Sergio Romero for the Thursday night clash with Feyenoord.
However, even though he kept a clean sheet, De Gea will be back between the sticks when West Ham visit Old Trafford with the club needing a home win.
Jose Mourinho must play his best players in the league and that includes De Gea, who has proven time and time again that he is one world football’s leading glovesmen.
LB: Luke Shaw
Football Soccer Britain – Manchester United v Manchester City – EFL Cup Fourth Round – Old Trafford – 26/10/16Manchester United’s Luke Shaw in action with Manchester City’s Jesus NavasReuters / Darren StaplesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account r
The England international seemingly fell out of favour with United boss Mourinho after he refused to play through the pain barrier in the win against Swansea, but Shaw was back in the starting XI against Feyenoord.
After playing his part in a comfortable 4-0 success against the Dutch outfit, the ability he has to make a significant impact going forward could be key to United turning those home league draws into wins – especially against a West Ham side expected to take a defensive mentality to Old Trafford.
CB: Marcos Rojo
Football Soccer – Feyenoord v Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – De Kuip Stadium, Rotterdam, Netherlands – 15/9/16Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo in actionAction Images via Reuters / Matthew ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Following the injuries to Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, Rojo has been given an extended opportunity in the United starting XI under Mourinho, and the Argentina international has formed a strong partnership with Phil Jones in recent weeks.
Despite the fact that Blind was preferred to the 26-year-old on Thursday night, the South American should be back in the centre of defence on Sunday, with the likes of Andre Ayew, Diafra Sakho and Simone Zaza to defend against.
CB: Phil Jones
As mentioned previously, the injuries to Bailly and Smalling have given the returning Jones a chance in the starting XI at centre-back, and he has now started United’s last three matches in all competitions after spending the majority of 2016 on the sidelines.
A clean sheet on Thursday would have particularly pleased Mourinh as the Portuguese manager looks to finally find a settled side. The no-nonsense defender should get the nod against the Hammers at Old Trafford.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Britain Football Soccer – Manchester United v Arsenal – Premier League – Old Trafford – 19/11/16Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia goes down in the area after a challenge by Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal however a penalty is not awardedAction Images via Reuters / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or si
As with Shaw on the left-hand side, Valencia gives United another attacking outlet from full-back on the right, which this current United team seems to need if they are to become more prolific in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have netted just two goals in their last three home league matches and the Ecuadorian’s crossing ability can be particularly dangerous to the opposition, especially when he finds Zlatan Ibrahimovich, while the 31-year-old also has the pace and defensive nous to deal with the likes of Dimitri Payet and Andre Ayew.
CM: Michael Carrick
Britain Football Soccer – Swansea City v Manchester United – Premier League – Liberty Stadium – 6/11/16Manchester United’s Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their first goal with Michael Carrick Reuters / Rebecca NadenLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your ac
Carrick hasn’t had much playing time for United under Mourinho this season, but the 35-year-old has becomea more regular fixture in the starting XI in recent weeks and the Red Devils’ form seems to have been better as a result.
The midfielder’s presence in defensive midfield position allows players like Paul Pogba to roam forward and it has also given more protection for the defence – United have conceded just two goals in their previous three matches in all competitions.
CM: Paul Pogba
Britain Football Soccer – Manchester United v Fenerbahce SK – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – 20/10/16Manchester United’s Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot with Anthony Martial Action Images via Reuters / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
When you spend £89m on a player you want to see him in the starting line-up every week and Pogba should once again be in the team for the visit of the Hammers.
As we mentioned before, the cover Carrick provides in midfield means that the Frenchman has been able to get forward more, where he has the ability to influence a match and result with his energy and athleticism. We expect him to cause a few problems for a delicate West Ham defence.
LAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Britain Football Soccer – Manchester United v Feyenoord – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – 24/11/16 Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan in action with Feyenoord’s Dirk Kuyt Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
It might not have been the greatest of starts to his Manchester United career, but Mkhitaryan was named as the Man of the Match in the 4-0 win against Feyenoord in the Europa League and the Armenia international could be given his first opportunity to shine in the Premier League since the home defeat to Manchester City in September.
Mkhitaryan had six shots against the Dutch outfit on Thursday night but he also showed he can carry out his defensive duties too by winning the ball back on eight occasions.
CAM: Wayne Rooney
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The England captain is another that was recalled to the starting line-up for the match against Feyenoord following the controversy while he was on international duty, and the forward impressed by scoring the opening goal in the 4-0 victory.
It meant that Rooney moved to within one goal of matching Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 249 for the club and the 31-year-old will want to start against the Irons in order to equal, or even beat, that target.
RAM: Juan Mata
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Despite all of the rumours of Mourinho and Mata not getting on, the Spaniard is playing so well at the moment that he simply can’t be left out of the starting XI right now.
The 28-year-old scored his side’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend while he also netted against Feyenoord on Thursday, where he was unlucky not to score another with a brilliant chip that was tipped over the crossbar by former Liverpool stopper Brad Jones.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Football Soccer – Fenerbahce SK v Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – SK Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey – 3/11/16Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic Action Images via Reuters / Andrew BoyersLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
The striker missed last weekend’s draw with Arsenal because he was serving a one-match suspension, but after an impressive performance against Feyenoord, where he set up Wayne Rooney for the opening goal before his cross was deflected into the net by the Dutch outfit’s goalkeeper Brad Jones, he’s certain to spearhead the attack this Sunday.
The Swede is Mourinho’s main man up top and should lead the line against the Hammers, while he will be further boosted by the news that Winston Reid will be missing for the visitors following his red card against Tottenham last week.
As reported by The Daily Mirror, Pep Guardiola is hoping to land Bayern defender Holger Badstuber on a short-term loan deal this January.
What’s the word?
With Manchester City’s defence not exactly looking watertight this season, Pep Guardiola would be sensible to seek defensive reinforcements in January.
The Mirror reckon that one option for the Spaniard is a 6 month loan deal move for German international Holger Badstuber.
The paper say Guardiola is seeking other targets after Southampton insisted they will not be selling Virgil van Dijk anytime soon.
Football Soccer – Bayern Munich Training – Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany – 11/7/16 – Bayern Munich’s Holger Badstuber and Juan Bernat attend team training. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle Picture Supplied by Action Images
Why Badstuber?
Holger Badstuber must be one of the most talented defenders in Europe not getting a game for his club right now. The German has made only 3 appearances for Bayern this season. Further to that, he’s completed a 90 minutes only once, away to FC Rostov in the UEFA Champions League.
However, Guardiola of course knows the defender well, working with him when he was Bayern boss for three seasons.
The 6ft 3in defender was once a regular for the German giants but has struggled in recent years to make the centre-back position his own.
He’d provide adequate cover for City’s defence and could provide a competition to the likes of John Stones that could raise the standard of the Citizens’ backline.
The reported 6 month loan deal means this would be relatively risk free and it could be the kind of signing that proves to be a vital difference maker when positions are finalised in May.
It has been a sensational turnaround of fortunes for Jose Mourinho and his Manchester United side of late.
After a brilliant start to the season that saw the Red Devils win their first three league games, Mourinho’s men then went on a run of six draws and three defeats in their next eleven league matches – a sequence that raised suggestions that the Portuguese boss may have finally lost his magic touch.
But since then there’s been a brilliant response from Paul Pogba and co, with six wins on the bounce leaving just ten points between them in 5th and league leaders Chelsea. The title may be a little too far away now, but the race for a top-four berth and Champions League return is far from over with just under half the campaign still to be played.
So, why have things suddenly become so rosy at Man United? Well, here are THREE reasons…
Captain Carrick
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Having been overlooked for most of the opening games of the season and tagged as one of the forgotten men in the Man United set up, the 35-year-old has been key to the Red Devils’ change in form in recent games.
Benefitting from gaining experience from former bosses, the ex-Tottenham star has grown in leadership, composure, security and stability and is giving the Red Devils what Chelsea and Liverpool are getting from N’Golo Kante and Jordan Henderson respectively. It is also a plus to know that Man United have not lost any game that the Englishman has been involved in so far this term.
With Mourinho’s men back in the contenders’ positions, Carrick will play a vital role between now and the end fo the season.
Pogba’s progression
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Paul Pogba’s transfer has been one of the interesting stories of the season – the £89m paid was a world record, after all. That came with a lot of expectation, so it was not a surprise to see the Frenchman being criticised by the press for not showing enough in crucial games against Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea.
But the France midfielder has responded in emphatic fashion, scoring a wonder-goal in the 3-1 win away to Swansea, which was followed by his best display in a Man United shirt in the 1-1 draw against rivals Arsenal.
He is looking more confident now and his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his other team-mates is getting stronger and stronger. Mourinho will surely be happy with what he is seeing now from his star man.
The backline
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With the six straight wins Man United have enjoyed in recent games, it looks like Mourinho has found the right mix all over the pitch, with each player finally knowing what is expected of him.
But, we all know the big characteristic of a good Mourinho team – the defence. In Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, the ex-Chelsea boss seem to have found the partnership he cherishes, and the Red Devils currently have the third best defence in the league behind Chelsea and Tottenham.
It remains to be seen if the ex-Porto boss will stick with the full-back options of Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian for the long-term, but, presently, all is looking well again at the Theatre of Dreams.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Jose Mourinho has made the midfield area a massive transfer priority and has an interest in Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez.
What’s the word?
Everton confirmed the signing of Man United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin on Thursday night and that’s left a lack of depth at United, especially in the long-term, given Carrick’s age and the fact he is out of contract at the end of the season.
A potential solution for Jose Mourinho is Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to the Manchester Evening News.
They say Mourinho holds an interest in the Spanish star, alongside long-term target Antoine Griezmann.
Football Soccer – Atletico Madrid v Las Palmas – Spanish Liga Santander – Vicente Calderon stadium, Madrid, Spain, 17/12/16 Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez celebrates first goal. REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Is he the answer?
Saul Niguez exploded onto the Atletico Madrid scene in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since, making over 100 appearances in all competitions in the heart of their midfield.
At 22, the Spanish cap is one of the hottest prospects in La Liga and looks destined to move from Atletico to an even bigger club in the future.
He’s been in fantastic form of late, scoring two goals in his last four games despite being utilised in a mostly defensive capacity. It’s that defensive nature that makes him an ideal replacement for Schneiderlin as he makes his move to Everton.
At 6ft, he has the physical presence required to dominate a midfield and accompanies that with excellent tackling ability and a strength in the air.
He’d be an exceptional partner to the likes of Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba in the middle of the park and with Carrick’s future uncertain, United badly need a classy player in that position.
Leicester City welcome Manchester United to the King Power Stadium on Sunday, with both sides looking to bounce back from a string of poor results with a win.
The hosts are without a victory in four, having lost their most recent fixture to fellow Premier League strugglers Burnley, thanks to Sam Vokes’ dramatic 87th winner. Before that, Claudio Ranieri’s side had previously drawn to Championship side Derby after consecutive 3-0 defeats at the hands of both Southampton and Chelsea.
The visitors are not on the best run of form themselves. Jose Mourinho’s side have only won one of their previous five fixtures in all competitions, that being a 4-0 thrashing of former FA winners Wigan Athletic. Three draws on the bounce in the Premier League against Liverpool, Stoke and most recently Hull leave United stranded in sixth place, 14 points behind league leaders Chelsea.
Both sides will be hoping a victory at the weekend can put behind what has been a relatively poor start to 2017 and kick-start the rest of the season.
While Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are favourites, we think Leicester could just cause and upset and here are THREE reasons why …
The Great Escape
Britain Football Soccer – Leicester City v Club Brugge – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group G – King Power Stadium, Leicester, England – 22/11/16 Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
The story of Leicester City’s escape from relegation in the 2014/15 season, where they won their last seven league games straight to beat the drop, was quite remarkable. Clearly, not as remarkable as them going in to be crowned Premier League champions the very next season, but nevertheless, a fine achievement.
The Foxes have it in their locker to do it, and they may just have to do it again this year considering their poor form up until now had them only two points clear of the bottom three going into this weekend. With sides around them improving such as Swansea and Crystal Palace, the realisation that relegation really is a threat for the champions will have set in.
For Claudio Ranieri and his men, the great escape starts this weekend. You know what they say, when the going gets tough…
Lack of Firepower
Football Soccer – Fenerbahce SK v Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – SK Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey – 3/11/16Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks dejected after the game Reuters / Murad SezerLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Leicester haven’t exactly been in fine goalscoring form themselves, but I am actually referring to Manchester United. The Red Devils have scored only twice in their past three Premier League fixtures and they seem to have forgotten just where the net is. Even their top scorer and main man Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lost his golden touch, having scored only twice himself since the turn of the year.
Add into the mix that Leicester signed Malian defender Molla Wague from Granada during the January transfer window who will be keen to impress on what will surely be his Foxes debut, and we could find that United may struggle to break down their opposition once again as they have done in recent weeks.
Upcoming Internationals
Britain Football Soccer – England v Spain – International Friendly – Wembley Stadium – 15/11/16England’s Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring their second goalReuters / Darren StaplesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
England resume their Word Cup Qualifying campaign next month as they take on Lithuania, however the Three Lions also have a friendly fixture against Germany earlier in the month, too. The English boys from the King Power Stadium will be aware of this, and putting in a big performance at the weekend and of course in subsequent weeks is absolutely vital if they are to be in contention for being named in the squad.
Jamie Vardy, whose form has been poor so far this season, has generally impressed on the international stage and will be keen not to lose his place in the England squad having done so well to earn it last season. Meanwhile, Danny Drinkwater is in danger of becoming the forgotten man for Gareth Southgate’s side.
According to talkSPORT’s Micky Quinn, Liverpool are set for a significant squad overhaul during the summer transfer window.
Indeed, the lifelong Reds fan and former Newcastle striker told The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast yesterday…
“What I know is that Sturridge could be on his way, Mignolet could be on his way and in could come Joe Hart. The owners are also promising a lot of money to go and buy five to six high-profile players – read into that what you want.
“I think it’s going to be a very, very positive summer for Liverpool. Klopp knows what he needs. That squad this season is not strong enough to win the league, but hopefully it’s enough to be in the top four.”
No doubt, some improvements are needed if Liverpool intend to challenge for the Premier League title next term, especially at both ends of the starting XI; Loris Karius has hardly alleviated concerns between the sticks, whilst Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi are all yet to hit double figures this season.
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But we’ve been here before with Liverpool – in fact, it’s hard to remember a summer window in which they didn’t make a whole host of signings, many of which struggle for impact at Anfield, and move a similar number of players on.
More often than not, the approach hasn’t worked. And although Liverpool have endured a poor start to 2017, surely Klopp’s strategy in the transfer market should be one of evolution rather than revolution.
But there are two sides to every argument and with that in mind, we’re opening the floor to our Liverpool readers. Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…