OptiNews - Friday 02 to Thursday 08 February 2018

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Pellegrino: ‘Carrillo needs time to adapt’

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MAURICIO Pellegrino admits club-record signing Guido Carrillo will take time to adapt to Saints’ style of play.

The St Mary’s chief reckons the Argentine striker, who moved to Saints from Monaco for £19.2m last month, will need to have a bedding in period before he starts to get to his “best level”.

“Yes, for sure and the player has to adapt to his team-mates,” Pellegrino said, ahead of tomorrow’s game against West Bromwich Albion.

“Obviously the dynamics of the team, the movement, the profile of his team-mates too.

“It’s not the same for him if Tadic plays on the right or Prowsey, Davo, or Sofiane. It depends how the full-backs are too. He has to know.

“The connection of the players is unlimited and it’s something, when you bring someone in, everything changes.”

Pellegrino, who will monitor the fitness of Manolo Gabbiadini after the Italian picked up a slight hip injury in the Brighton draw on Wednesday night, does, however, see potential in going two up top and playing another striker alongside Carrillo.

He said: “Yes, why not? They play yesterday 30 minutes and afterwards with Manolo; Manolo play with Charlie (Austin), Shane play with Charlie.

“Sometimes we did well, sometimes not too much but it’s one possibility.”

He added: “You never know the evolution of the team, again Brighton in some moments we play with Shane (Long) with Manolo (Gabbiadini). I think if they do the right movements, I think they can play together.

“I think we have a team that we are comfortable when we move the ball on the ground but to try to do this, you have to be in the right situations, in the right positions, don’t be at the same line all the time, when someone comes, the other has to run, has to be a good understanding but, yes, it’s one possibility.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 02/02/2018 10:59:47

| | Vital Preview - Premier League - 3rd-5th February 2018VITALFOOTBALL |
| | More Reliable Than An Octopus 2017/18? (2/2/18)VITALFOOTBALL |
| | Reed’s eager for City home comfortTHEPINKUN |
| | The Saints Injury List Cleared NicelyVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Saints fail to add more in January because of financial constraints, says PellegrinoNBCSPORTS |

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC fans are being encouraged to join #WBA supporters in a tribute to Cyrille Regis at tomorrow’s match. Read… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/959380626179682304

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 02/02/2018 11:59:59

| | These two players should follow Quincy Promes to Southampton in the summer if he joins | | Where football transfer …THETRANSFERTAVERN |

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Inside Track: West Brom

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How would you assess West Brom’s survival prospects on current form?

There’s quite an odd feeling about the place at the moment – with Alan Pardew finally, in recent weeks, appearing to have an effect on the side, it’s coincided with the club slipping to the bottom of the league. The win at Liverpool in the FA Cup was as well as the Baggies have played in a long time. They’re starting to score goals and have had a positive transfer window.

How has the team’s approach changed under Alan Pardew, and have performances improved?

From the first match, performances have improved. The football was becoming unwatchable under Tony Pulis, whose marriage with the club had run its course. Though results didn’t pick up immediately, the FA Cup win at Exeter seemed to remind the players how to win a game of football. They’ve won two and drawn one of the four matches since.

What was the general reaction to the signing of Daniel Sturridge on loan from Liverpool?

Sheer delight – with a touch of caution. Bringing in a striker of Sturridge’s calibre has given Pardew, the fanbase and most likely the dressing room a welcome lift. His experience and scoring record speak for themselves, so Albion need to get him up and running as quickly as possible. His injury record is well documented of course, so Sturridge will need to be handled carefully.

Who have been Albion’s standout players of late?

Jonny Evans is a class act, and his transfer suitors are well known – yet Ahmed Hegazi has been imperious in recent weeks. The towering Egyptian has found his feet in the Premier League and now looks like he’s been playing in the division for a number of years. Elsewhere, Salomon Rondon has been playing well without scoring, and the midfield trio of Grzegorz Krychowiak, Chris Brunt and Gareth Barry have excelled. Then there’s Jay Rodriguez, which brings us onto the next question…

How has Jay Rodriguez performed in his debut season at The Hawthorns?

Having started really brightly, when he scored a couple of goals in league and cup, Rodriguez faded under Pulis in the months of October and November. Since, though, he’s rediscovered form, which has coincided with Albion’s upturn as a collective. J-Rod has five in his last six games, and I wouldn’t put another one past him on Saturday!

What do you expect from the game on Saturday?

It’ll be an emotional occasion – it’s the first game at The Hawthorns since the death of Cyrille Regis and the club has a whole host of tributes planned pre-match, some of which Saints fans are invited to join in. As regards to the game, the importance of it – on either side of the fence – can’t be underestimated. It took a bit of a wonder goal to separate the sides in the reverse fixture, and I can see a similarly tight affair, with plenty of nerves. Perhaps a goal either way? A draw really is no good to either side.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 02/02/2018 13:00:11

| | West Brom v Southampton: Struggling Saints’ form is none too handsomeEVESTAR |

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:speaking_head: “It’s a massive game for us. We have to go into it with the feeling we are playing a final.” #saintsfc

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Pellegrino: It’s a massive game for us

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Saints were frustrated during a 1-1 home draw with Brighton on Wednesday, meaning they remain in the bottom three, with this weekend’s opponents.

“It’s a massive game for us. We have to go with the feeling that we’re playing a final,” Pellegrino asserted.

“We have to be focused in every single action from the beginning until the end. We are really well prepared and it’s an amazing opportunity.

“Obviously to try to play quick enough to create the space. We have to move the ball quicker than them. The most difficult thing in modern football is to create chances and be efficient in this moment.”

“West Brom have got a couple of good results. In set-plays they are strong, with big players and they are playing well so it will be really tough.

“We have to be grateful with our supporters. They are always behind us in a difficult situation. We want to give them a good performance, with energy on the pitch. Together we can be stronger.”

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Saints fans encouraged to join Cyrille Regis tributes

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Southampton fans are being encouraged to arrive early at The Hawthorns tomorrow to join West Bromwich Albion supporters in a celebration of the life of Cyrille Regis.

The Albion legend, who passed away last month, will be remembered during the hour prior to kick-off through a special series of tributes and dedications, as well as a minute’s applause.

Former Saints forward Rod Wallace is among the ex-players due to be present to celebrate the impact of Regis.

Supporters are being asked to bring scarves to raise during the special video tribute that will be played inside the stadium a few minutes before kick-off, with Albion welcoming Saints fans to get involved should they wish to be a part of it.

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Butterfield: A winning mentality

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A comeback win over Leicester City last weekend secured their sixth victory on the bounce, and while Butterfield is delighted with the positive run of results, he is aware that Spurs present one of the toughest tests in the fixture calendar.

The young Saints are currently third in the table, within a whisker of Arsenal, who sit second, but Butterfield has reiterated the importance placed on development - and is delighted with the progress made in recent weeks.

“We hope to keep the good fortune going, the lads proved at Leicester last week that they’re capable of combatting teams who play a different style,” the ex-Saints defender began.

“We defended in an organised manner, as a team, but Spurs are a good side. Their league position doesn’t reflect their quality. We imagine Spurs will set up strongly, in preparation for their FA Youth Cup tie, but we’re in good form and looking forward to it.”

He added: "The lads are still growing in confidence. There are big clubs with big reputations in our league, and we’re very competitive. We’re believing that we can begin to get close to Chelsea at the top of the table.

"They’re developing a winning mentality, and we’ve crept up the league in to a competitive position. Next season Radhi will be inheriting a group of winners.

“There are individuals capable of competing at Under-23s level, and hopefully the first-team - Michael [Obafemi] has proven that. We’re feeling buoyant at the moment and you can see the positive outcomes.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 02/02/2018 14:00:23

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| Daniel Sturridge In Line For First West Brom Start Against SouthamptonTHESPORTSMAN |

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The Ugly Inside News for Southampton

New content from (- The Ugly Inside News for Southampton)

| Saints Fans Can Honour Cyrille Regis | Saints fans have a fine tradition of joining in tributes to players and managers of opposition club’s and the trip … 02-02-2018 |

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| Saints V Brighton The Preview2 days ago |
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| The Ugly Inside TV ! Saints V Brighton Preview3 days ago |
| Carrillo Needs to Find His Feet Quickly at Southampton3 days ago |

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@jackstephens_18 GOAL: #SaintsFC 1-1 #BHAFC (@jackstephens_18 64)

Stephens with the slightest of flicks on… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/958809124241887232

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West Brom vs Southampton: Team news, odds and stats

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Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League 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 for West Brom’s home clash with Southampton.

Jonny Evans could return for West Brom’s key battle with relegation rivals Southampton.

The defender, the subject of a rejected bid from Arsenal on deadline day, missed Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City with a hamstring injury.

Liverpool loanee Daniel Sturridge may make his home debut after coming on as a substitute at the Etihad Stadium and fellow new arrival Ali Gabr could feature, but Nacer Chadli (hip) and James Morrison (achilles) remain sidelined.

Southampton have doubts over striker Manolo Gabbiadini ahead of their Premier League game at West Brom.

The Italy international missed training on Thursday due to a hip problem and will be assessed ahead of the trip to the Hawthorns.

Recent signing Guido Carrillo could be given his first start after making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Brighton in midweek, but fellow forward Charlie Austin remains out with a hamstring injury.

West Bromwich Albion have failed to score in seven of their last nine Premier League meetings with Southampton, but won both matches in which they did find the net (W2 D2 L5).

There have been just seven goals scored in the last nine top-flight league meetings between these sides at the Hawthorns.

West Brom have lost just one of their last six Premier League home games, but four of these have ended in a draw (W1 D4 L1).

Southampton are now 12 games without a win in the Premier League – the worst current run in the division (W0 D7 L5).

This is Southampton’s longest run without a win in the top-flight since March 1995 – they have never gone 13 without victory in the Premier League.

Southampton have won each of their last four Premier League games against opposition that started that day bottom of the league – this includes wins over West Ham United (August) and Crystal Palace (September) this season.

Alan Pardew – who managed 64 games for Southampton in all competitions between August 2009 and August 2010 – has never lost a home league match against the Saints (P5 W3 D2 L0).

West Bromwich Albion have picked up just eight points in 11 Premier League games since Alan Pardew first took charge of the club – only three teams have won fewer points since then, one of which is Southampton (7).

Daniel Sturridge has scored on his first Premier League start for three different clubs – Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City, only failing to do so for Chelsea in the competition.

Charlie Austin has scored twice as many Premier League goals as any other player for Southampton this season (6), this despite playing only 599 of the 2250 minutes possible (27 per cent).

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Premier League team news, odds and stats from every match this weekend

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Ahead of this weekend’s matches in the Premier League, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news, odds and stats on every top flight fixture as it breaks.

Simply click on your team in the fixture list below to find out who is ruled out and who is making a return as well as all the key statistics surrounding your club’s fixture.

In or out? Keep up-to-date with all the latest team news and stats ahead of the weekend

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West Brom v Southampton preview: Jonny Evans to return for Baggies

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Jonny Evans and Daniel Sturridge could both start for West Brom when they host relegation rivals Southampton on Saturday.

Evans, who was the subject of a rejected bid from Arsenal on Deadline Day, missed Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a hamstring injury.

However, he is expected to be available along with Sturridge, who joined the Baggies in January and came on as a substitute against City.

Although West Brom are bottom of the table, they have lost just two of their last eight matches.

“What we’ve done, even though we’re bottom of the league, is drawn all the middle table into us,” said manager Alan Pardew. “The bottom teams have picked up points and we’ve gained on those teams in the middle area and made everybody nervous. That’s important and we’ve got to keep doing that.”

Southampton are on the longest winless run in the division, having not tasted victory since November 26.

They start the weekend in 18th place in the table, three points above West Brom, who will wear special shirts in honour of former striker Cyrille Regis after he passed away on January 14.

New West Brom signing Ali Gabr could feature, but Nacer Chadli (hip) and James Morrison (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Southampton have doubts over striker Manolo Gabbiadini after he missed training on Thursday due to a hip problem. He will be assessed ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns.

Recent signing Guido Carrillo could be given his first start after making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Brighton in midweek, but fellow forward Charlie Austin remains out with a hamstring injury.

There have been just seven goals scored in the last nine top-flight league meetings between these sides at the Hawthorns.

West Brom have lost just one of their last six Premier League home games, but four of these have ended in a draw (W1 D4 L1).

Southampton are now 12 games without a win in the Premier League - the worst current run in the division (W0 D7 L5).

Alan Pardew - who managed 64 games for Southampton in all competitions between August 2009 and August 2010 - has never lost a home league match against the Saints (P5 W3 D2 L0).

Daniel Sturridge has scored on his first Premier League start for three different clubs - Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City, only failing to do so for Chelsea in the competition.

Charlie Austin has scored twice as many Premier League goals as any other player for Southampton this season (6), this despite playing only 599 of the 2250 minutes possible (27 per cent).

West Brom will be looking at it and thinking how many teams have still got to play Man City? There was nothing expected of them on Wednesday and they’ve now got their two games against City out of the way. I think they’ve done well since Alan Pardew came in and Daniel Sturridge is a brilliant signing for them. It was a big boost that he picked them over Newcastle and it speaks volumes for the manager that he can bring in a big player like that. For me, he will be the difference for them in terms of staying up, starting on Saturday.

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The 10 fastest goals in Premier League history, including Ledley King and Christian Eriksen

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As Tottenham Hotspur dominated Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night, Christian Eriksen fired home the fastest goal of the Premier League season.

The Danish midfielder made the most of Harry Kane’s header and Dele Alli’s flick to fire the ball beyond David De Gea and into the back of the net.

It was clocked at 11 seconds, and set up Spurs for a fine 2-0 victory, but where does the goal rank compared to the quickest since 1992?

Click ther right arrow above to find out the top 10 fastest goals in Premier League history…

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Opposition View: Pardew on Saints clash

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Former Saints boss Pardew will lead bottom-placed Albion into the clash with his old side, who begin the weekend three points and two places above them.

While Pardew is confident Southampton will ultimately escape trouble, he is aware of the emphasis being placed by both teams on the match.

“I’m an ex-Southampton manager, so I certainly don’t want to see them get relegated, and I don’t think they will be – I think they’re good enough to get out of it, so I’m not suggesting they’re direct rivals to us, but they’re probably thinking of us as the same,” he said.

“What we’ve done, even though we’re bottom of the league, is drawn all of the middle table into us. The bottom teams have picked up points, Swansea more so than us, but we’ve gained on those teams in the middle areas and we’ve made everybody nervous, which is important – we’ve got to keep doing that.

“So, rather than focus on how important it is for Southampton, what’s more important for us is to keep closing the gap to those teams who probably thought they were getting comfortable, and they’re certainly not comfortable now, so that’s what we’ve got to keep up – pressure from the bottom to the middle.

“It’s very, very tight. We’re four points away from 14th, so it just goes to show you how important this game is for the clubs down at the bottom. They’ll all be looking at our result, and hopefully we win.”

Pardew brought in Sturridge on loan from Liverpool this week, giving the striker a late run-out in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, but he was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked if the forward could make his full debut this weekend.

“I’m not sure, if I’m honest,” he said. “I haven’t seen enough of him on the training ground. He had 20 minutes on Wednesday and one training session on Thursday.

“I’m not really sure where he is. All I do know is I’ve seen little flashes that have not only lifted me, but lifted everyone at the training ground, because he can do things with the ball that are special.”

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Match Preview: West Brom vs Saints

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THE MATCH

West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton

Saturday 3rd February, 3pm GMT

The Hawthorns

Premier League

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

After a frustrating draw against Brighton on Wednesday, this game takes on huge significance for both sides as they look to try and pull away from danger.

Jack Stephens goal cancelling out Glenn Murray’s effort at St Mary’s meant that Saints moved up one place in the table, but they remain in the bottom three.

That result means Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are without a league win in 12 matches and come up against a West Brom side in a similarly precarious position. Their last home game saw them win 2-0 against Brighton.

TEAM NEWS

Southampton: A late call will be made on the availability of Manolo Gabbiadini, who is suffering with a hip injury following the 1-1 draw with Brighton.

West Brom: James Morrison and Nacer Chadli remain long-term absentees, while Grzegorz Krychowiak was withdrawn with an injury against Manchester City. Jonny Evans could return after missing the trip to the Etihad.

FORM GUIDE

Southampton’s previous five:

Brighton (h) D 1-1

Watford (h) W 1-0 (FA Cup)

Tottenham (h) D 1-1

Watford (a) D 2-2

Fulham (a) W 1-0 (FA Cup)

West Brom’s previous five:

Manchester City (a) L 3-0

Liverpool (a) W 3-2 (FA Cup)

Everton (a) D 1-1

Brighton (h) W 2-0

Exeter (a) W 2-0 (FA Cup)

TOP PERFORMERS

Jack Stephens has now scored two goals in his last two games, as well as making a significant contribution defensively, while James Ward-Prowse added a first assist of the season after recently chipping in with vital goals.

Top scorers: Charlie Austin (6), Steven Davis (3), Manolo Gabbiadini (3), Dušan Tadić (3), James Ward-Prowse (3)

Most assists: Ryan Bertrand (3), Nathan Redmond (3), Dušan Tadić (3)

Jay Rodriguez has netted five goals in his last six games, which has coincided with the Baggies slight upturn in form. Elsewhere, Jonny Evans and Ahmed Hegazi are forming a solid defensive partnership in the heart of defence.

Top scorers: Jay Rodriguez (10), Salomón Rondon (5)

Most assists: Chris Brunt (4), Matt Phillips (3), Kieran Gibbs (3)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

All-time record:

Played: 77

Southampton: 29

Draws: 24

West Brom: 24

Previous four meetings:

October 2017: Southampton 1-0 West Brom (Boufal)

April 2017: West Brom 0-1 Southampton (Clasie)

December 2016: Southampton 1-2 West Brom (Long)

January 2016: Southampton 3-0 West Brom (Ward-Prowse 2, Tadić)

DID YOU KNOW?

The previous two Premier League meetings have been won by a single Saints goal; Jordy Clasie scored the winner at the Hawthorns last time out in April 2017 before Sofiane Boufal’s superb individual goal separated the teams at St Mary’s in October.

West Bromwich Albion have failed to score in seven of their last nine Premier League meetings with Southampton, but won both matches in which they did find the net (W2 D2 L5).

NOT AT THE GAME?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Hawthorns! We’ll be with you every step of the way on our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, where we will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.

Be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates from the big game:

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Snapchat

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Get set for #SaintsFC’s trip to face #WBA this weekend, with our in-depth match preview: http://sfcne.ws/WBAaPreview

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