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Southampton fans could have been forgiven for thinking about the worst outcome at the end of the season, but thanks to Ralph Hasenhuttl their 9-0 defeat and terrible form is now a thing of the past.

The Austrian still has to fix the home form but there are a number of signs which suggest he will be able to do so, and such an achievement will continue to lift the Saints away from the relegation zone.

Part of the reason behind an improvement in results has been the performances of Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond, who are enjoying themselves playing in a 4-4-2 style that Hasenhuttl introduced a few weeks ago.

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They now have 13 and three goals respectively and Southampton have balance in the team as well as a front two who work hard. Michael Obafemi and Che Adams showed an industriousness nature, adding to the willing work usually put in by Ings.

Jack Stephens in defence is another who has improved while Stuart Armstrong’s recall to the starting line-up has coincided with two wins in two games, and it is Hasenhuttl who is responsible for each of them getting better.

That bold decision to start Adams and Obafemi many have filled many with dread and doubt as neither had scored a league goal this season, yet the south coast outfit showed brilliant spirit and managed to defeat Chelsea.

Whose Line Is It Anyway: Roy Keane, Graeme Souness or Adrian Durham?

Hasenhuttl has demonstrated great temperament to pull through a difficult stage in his career, suffering a heavy defeat and a winless run of eight league games at one point.

He has got the team back playing with confidence and they now have the ability to score against most teams in the division.

As a result, he is deserving of greater backing in the transfer market. Of his two big summer signings, Adams so far hasn’t lived up to expectations with no goals scored while Moussa Djenepo has proved an inspired purchase for just £15m. Since arriving, he’s been a discussion point among supporters while also scoring two goals and claiming an assist from a variety of roles.

In other areas the former RB Leipzig has been unable to make new additions, most notably in central defence and midfield, and that hindered him at the beginning of the campaign.

However, now he has proven himself he must be supported by owner Gao Jisheng who must give him money to spend in January and beyond. It’s something that could allow him to take the club to the next level and put relegation fears firmly behind them.

Mario Lemina will likely come back to the club once his loan spell finishes, and he could be a welcome return as he is playing well in his spell at Galatasaray.

Charlton Athletic are among a trio of Championship clubs set to battle it out for Sheffield United striker Leon Clarke, as reported by Football Insider.

What’s the story?

Alongside Huddersfield Town and Stoke City, the Addicks are hoping to acquire the services of the 34-year-old, who Chris Wilder is willing to let leave for a nominal fee.

The Blades manager’s stance comes with Clarke having managed just 46 minutes across two substitute appearances, one of which came in the Premier League and the other made in the Carabao Cup.

It is suggested that there is little chance of the veteran striker breaking into the team at Bramall Lane in the second half of the season, which has led to the interest in his signature.

Championship pedigree

He may have been unable to make much of an impact at Sheffield United this season, but Clarke has pedigree at Championship level, which justifies interest in him from the second tier – especially from teams who are in the bottom half of the table.

In this league, Clarke has played a total 285 games, scoring 60 goals and assisting a further 21 throughout his career. This record comes from spells at the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday.

Calling all Premier League experts: Who do these unique statistics belong to? Find out below….

During his last campaign at this level, he managed three goals and two assists for Wigan Athletic in half a season to help them stay in the Championship.

Clarke has plenty of experience and pedigree in the second tier, which means Charlton are right to be looking at the 34-year-old, even if there is the risk of some rust having formed due to a period with minimal game time.

While he poses a different threat, bringing in another forward could help to ease the burden felt by Lee Bowyer’s side, after it was confirmed that Jonathan Leko will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.

In other news, Charlton fans swooned over striker’s performance in their Bristol City win.

Those at Leeds won’t like hearing it but former Player of the Year Pablo Hernandez won’t be there forever.

You wouldn’t think it when you watch him on the pitch, but the Spaniard is now 34 years old, and that means that he might not have long left when it comes to playing at the top-level.

Therefore, Leeds will need to look into replacing him sooner rather than later, and they may already have his successor in their sights.

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Last weekend, we heard from Alan Nixon that Leeds United are interested in Luke Freeman, and a look at the Sheffield United man’s numbers show that he’s not too dissimilar to the 34-year-old prior to Marcelo Bielsa’s appointment at Elland Road.

We’ve compared Hernandez’s last season without Bielsa to Freeman’s stats from that year, and as you can see, the former QPR man was actually better than the Spaniard during that time period.

Of course, El Loco’s appointment at Elland Road has boosted Hernandez’s stats over the past two seasons as Leeds’ chance creation numbers since the Argentine took the job have been mightily impressive.

If Freeman’s numbers can be boosted by working under Bielsa at a similar rate to Hernandez’s he could be a promising investment for the Yorkshire club.

Last term, Leeds’ number 19 completed three key passes on average each outing while also amassing 2.7 shots per match. A similar rise from a potential new signing, therefore, would only be beneficial.

Of course, the argument would be that the pair play in different roles, but with Helder Costa holding down the fort on the right this term, Hernandez has often had to play centrally, and Freeman would be an option in that role if he were to join the Whites.

Failing that, he’s also played on the wing for the Royals in the past.

The 27-year-old could be the long-term Hernandez replacement that Leeds are desperate for, and they should take the punt on signing him.

In other news, fans of a Premier League club have urged their team to sign one Leeds man.

Miguel Almiron struggled for long periods in the early part of his Newcastle career but it seems that all he needed was that first goal to restore his confidence and show exactly why he cost £20m.

He took his first goal for the club against Crystal Palace very well a few weeks ago, and with Allan Saint-Maximin being unavailable through injury he has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks.

A fine goal against Wolves on Saturday, which he took first time on his weaker foot, shows the technical ability he has as well as the awareness to take up clever positions in and around the opposition penalty area.

The goal at Molineux was his second in as many games after scoring against Rochdale previously and that means he is playing a vital role for Steve Bruce, with Newcastle’s strikers still falling short in front of goal.

He didn’t just provide a goal threat against Wolves, however, and in fact, his all-round play was perhaps even more important to securing a point, with his tremendous energy allowing him to play a decisive role in defence and attack.

As per WhoScored, he was heavily involved throughout the match, and may finally be living up to the expectations that came with his hefty price tag.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

Along with his goal, the Paraguay international had two more shots – neither of which came close to scoring – but his involvement should be treated as a positive, as Newcastle have lacked attempts on goal, averaging 10 per league game this term – the second-lowest in the division.

The 25-year-old showed his quality in two other areas primarily, one of which was very unexpected – making five tackles.

He also contributed two interceptions which was vital to reducing the influence of the hosts, and in making five dribbles he also helped to put his side on the foot front.

Not many Newcastle players have such an influence in both departments and if he can maintain this form it may persuade Bruce that he doesn’t need to sign Ademola Lookman. The young winger has been linked with a loan move to St. James’ Park having featured in the Champions League for RB Leipzig this campaign.

With his newly discovered confidence, Almiron is showing how effective he can be and since he is on a good goalscoring run he is likely to maintain that belief. With Saint-Maximin returning to training the Magpies could soon be very dangerous on both flanks.

With Almiron finally finding form, surely they have no reason to bring in Lookman. Newcastle must focus their efforts elsewhere this month.

In other news, a former England player has raised doubts over one Newcastle man and Bruce should head his warning.

Having earned a hard-fought draw against Crystal Palace after going down to 10-men in the clash, Arsenal will hope for more home comforts when they entertain Sheffield United at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners have beaten both Leeds and Manchester United in their last two games at their home ground, but face a Blades side who are sixth in the Premier League table, and four points clear of them.

Having already lost to Chris Wilder’s men in the reverse fixture, the north Londoners have the perfect chance for retribution, but must do so without their talisman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gunners’ appeal to get his three match ban reduced, ended in failure, and that will no doubt be the main conundrum for Mikel Arteta to address on Saturday.

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So with that in mind, below is a look at how the Gunners could look to do just that.

In goal, Bernd Leno will retain his place as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, but in front of him, things have been far less certain and consistent. The north London side’s injury problems continue to mount, with Sead Kolasinac appearing to be the latest one to struggle with a problem. That could see teenager Bukayo Saka once again fill in at left-back, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sokratis and David Luiz completing another make-shift back-four.

Having gone off at half-time against Palace last week, there were initial fears Lucas Torreira had suffered a muscle injury. But speaking ahead of the clash against Sheffield United, Arteta confirmed that he hoped he would have the Uruguay international available. That could thus see him keep his place alongside Granit Xhaka as part of the deeper-lying midfield two.

Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Arsenal Quiz? Test your knowledge below…

And in attack, Arteta has a major decision on his hands as to how he goes about replacing Aubameyang. Gabriel Martinelli came on in the second-half at Selhurst Park and will surely fancy his chances of being the man to take over from the former Borussia Dortmund star. If that is the case, the Gunners boss may look to stick with Mesut Ozil, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette alongside him so as to minimise any more disruption.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss Mikel Arteta’s decision on this starlet.

There have been plenty of transfer rumours regarding Liverpool over the past few weeks – as you would expect given we are in the midst of the January window.

Timo Werner and Boubakary Soumare are amongst those to have been linked with a move to Anfield, as has Isco. The Real Madrid man is said to be valued at €70m (£59m) by his club, and Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a fan of the 27-year-old.

The interest in the Spain international has been reported by El Desmarque. Whilst Isco is a talented player – he has an impressive career average of 1.5 key passes and two dribbles per game – it is the alternative target added in the report that would be a far better purchase for Liverpool: Fabian Ruiz.

The big fat Liverpool quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Anfield?

The Reds have already played against the 23-year-old twice so far this season in the Champions League – he registered a WhoScored rating of over seven on both occasions. Overall, though, he has been in fantastic form for Napoli, enjoying an average match rating of 7.22 – indeed, he is one of the few players to be performing well this term despite the Italian side lying in 11th in the Serie A table.

This season, he has been an all-round force for his side in the Italian top-flight – from the middle of the park, he has averaged 2.5 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per match, as well as 1.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions. In every single one of those aspects, he is out-performing Isco.

And judging by the fact that he has previously admitted to being inspired by Barcelona and Spain great Xavi, Liverpool would be getting someone who is intent on playing football in the most eye-catching way.

“I fell in love with football thanks to him. He was a pillar for Barcelona and Spain for so many years and I dream of following in his footsteps.”

Ruiz is not without his suitors however. Real Madrid are said to be interested, as are Manchester United. Speaking on Rai’s La Domenica Sportiva programme (via CalcioNapoli24), Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has suggested there will be a summer auction for the midfielder, who has a valuation of €80m-€90m (£67.4m-£75.9m).

That would be a considerable amount of money, but here you are talking about a player with considerable pedigree – he earned a place in the U21 European Championship’s Team of the Tournament last summer. Isco may be the bigger name, but Ruiz is the man who can take Liverpool to the next level.

His creativity, coupled with his defensive tenacity, makes him someone who Klopp can really get the best out of in central midfield. With the pace and intensity of English football, Ruiz’s aforementioned stats shows he can make the step-up and carry Liverpool forward.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans react to the links with this Premier League youngster.

Liverpool are an immovable force at the top of the Premier League at the moment.

They were given a few scares by Wolves on Thursday – Adama Traore, in particular, was in fantastic form, completing four dribbles and amassing a SofaScore rating of 8.1 – but the Reds ended up coming out on top once again thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino.

The 2-1 triumph means that their lead at the top of the table goes back to 16 points, and they still have a game in hand as well.

The big fat Liverpool quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Anfield?

According to The Daily Mirror journalist David Maddock, Joe Gomez was the best player on the pitch. Here is what he had to say about the 23-year-old’s display.

It seems that some fans agreed with him.

Whilst the Reds conceded their first goal in eight matches in all competitions, Gomez was still fantastic at the back. He managed five clearances, three interceptions and two tackles, even outshining Virgil van Dijk – the 22-year-old had better numbers in all of these areas.

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A couple of fans of the Merseyside club took note of Maddock’s comments about his England aspirations.

With Harry Maguire, Fikayo Tomori, John Stones and Tyrone Mings likely to be the names he will have to compete with to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI this summer, there is every chance he could be an important member of the side.

For now, though, he has a Premier League run-in to concentrate on.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp wants to add this four-time Champions League winner to his Liverpool squad.

The transfer window may have just slammed shut for January, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from circulating in the Premier League, and according to fresh reports, Manchester United have their eyes on a major splash this summer.

As per the Mirror, the Red Devils have made Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly their top priority ahead of next season as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees him as the ideal partner to his new skipper Harry Maguire.

They claim that the 28-year-old will cost £90m and could become the highest-paid player at the club, but they will have to beat off interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Fans have been reacting to the news on Twitter, here’s what they have been saying…

Some were against the signing, calling the Senegalese international “too old” and “useless” while one supporter went as far as saying he should be there instead of Phil Jones 2.0, aka Maguire.

Others were sure it was a brief to the press from Ed Woodward, and unsurprisingly he came in for criticism.

United’s priorities were also questioned as some felt other positions such as central midfield and right-wing were desperate needs – even a Director of Football was a shout from one supporter.

Solskjaer wasn’t immune from flak either as further members of the Old Trafford faithful claimed the club should focus on bringing in a new manager first as the Norweigen is a “fraud” and a “P.E. teacher.”

And finally, some wanted Koulibaly to come in and replace their captain Maguire with such a decision being labelled as “fantastic business.”

Look away now, United fans: The Big Quiz on Man Utd under Solskjaer…

While in other news, Man Utd fans drool over this Wolves ace’s masterclass against them…

Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success on the pitch this season and although Jurgen Klopp has made good use of all the players available to him, he may make some ruthless decisions in the summer.

The German has already shown consideration for the future by the amount of game-time he has given to youngsters this season, with the under-23s lining up to beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Tuesday. For some more senior players, their time at Anfield could be coming to an end, with recent reports from the Daily Telegraph suggesting that Adam Lallana is one such player who could depart in the summer.

The 31-year-old midfielder’s current contract expires at the end of the season and so far there have not been any discussions to extend his deal, while interest has also emerged from Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester.

Supporters have been reacting to the news and it is little surprise that many are a bit disappointed, what with Lallana having been at the club since 2014. Some fans feel he still has a role to play while others believe he has been a good servant, and therefore think it will be a sad day when he does leave.

So Liverpool fans! Do you think Lallana should be given a new deal and will you also be sad to see him leave if he does indeed move on? Tell us your thoughts below…

Marvelous Nakamba is still yet to prove that he can be Aston Villa’s holding midfielder for years to come.

On the chalkboard

The Zimbabwe international signed from Club Brugge in the summer, something that can be seen as a risk considering that they are in a lesser league.

Villa signed various players in this bracket, including Wesley and Trezeguet, but the jury is still out on whether this decision has been vindicated as they look to maintain their Premier League status.

Nakamba is one of those that will be continually judged, as he is still yet to completely show that he is capable of being a solid Premier League midfielder.

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Still to prove himself

So far this campaign, the 26-year-old has made 16 starts in the league, adding two substitute appearances to that number.

He has been heavily involved when on the pitch, with his biggest influence naturally being in the defensive side of the game.

During his time at Villa, Nakamba has averaged 2.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 0.5 blocks, which indicates how often he makes interventions that benefit Dean Smith’s side.

However, he has also committed 1.1 fouls and been dribbled past 1.9 times on average. The fact these combine to be a more significant total than his tackles hints that he may still be struggling to keep up to speed with the English top tier.

Did he really play for us?! No Villa fan has managed to name all of these obscure Villans….

There have also been incidents that epitomise this, one of the biggest examples being when he put a chance on a plate for Southampton striker Danny Ings to convert as Villa lost against the Saints.

He has a respectable pass success rate of 84%, while he hasn’t recorded any goals or assists for the Villans, which indicates that he is keeping things simple.

It can be argued that his game is fairly limited in this regard, supported by the lack of goal contributions, but he has ensured this is not too costly by retaining the ball.

But what all this adds up to is a player who has shown some ability in a Villa shirt, yet also some clear shortcomings.

All in all, it’s still not clear whether Villa’s gamble on the midfielder was indeed a wise one.

Meanwhile, one Villa loanee “chucked in at the deep end” is struggling this season.