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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Saints provide van Dijk update

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The centre-back was injured in the 3-0 home win over Leicester City, in January, and has been sidelined since then.

Claude Puel explained at his press conference today: “It’s a long injury and we will see if he comes back before the end of the season. It’s a long injury for him."

Van Dijk damaged a ligament in the sole of his foot during the victory over the Foxes and required surgery as a result. Although the procedure was relatively routine, the placement of the injury means that it takes some time to heal.

The club hoped he would recover in time to feature before the end of the season, but, while his treatment and recovery is progressing well, the Dutch international will not be risked unnecessarily.

Elsewhere, Puel confirmed some positive news on the injury front this afternoon, revealing that Charlie Austin could return to action from a long-term shoulder injury in about three weeks.

"Charlie has made progress,” he said. "He needs to see his doctor [in the United States] from the surgery, but all the process is good for him.

"At the moment he trains alone, but he is doing good work and I hope he can come back in three weeks.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Arsenal to beat Man City, says Premier Predictor

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Arsenal are tipped to end their dire run against Manchester City and Liverpool will win the Merseyside derby, according to the Sky Sports Premier Predictor…

The Gunners have lost four of their last five Premier League games but will claim a 1-0 victory over top-four rivals Manchester City live on Sky Sports this Sunday, according to the Sky Sports Premier Predictor.

The Merseyside derby kicks off the weekend live on Sky Sports from 11.30am this Saturday and Liverpool are predicted to claim their second league win of the season over Everton with a 2-1 win at Anfield.

The Sky Sports Premier Predictor uses an algorithm to rank results, previous performances and the difficulty of upcoming fixtures.

Elsewhere, the Premier Predictor is suggesting Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester, Manchester United, Southampton, Swansea and Watford could also be successful this weekend.

Check out the tables below to see this weekend’s predictions and the the predicted final league table…

Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!

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@MirrorFootball - Mirror Football

  1. Chelsea believe they’ve beaten Man City in £50m race to sign Southampton star #CFC #MCFC #saintsfchttps://twitter.com/i/web/status/847562858170793984

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New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Chelsea confident of Van Dijk signing | Premier League leaders Chelsea are confident of signing Southampton central defender Virgil Van Dijk in the summer. … 31-03-2017 |

Older content…

| Puel admits Boufal is struggling with a lack of confidencea day ago |
| Puel reveals he has dealt with Tadic 'internally’a day ago |
| How well do you know Saints’ history with Bournemouth?a day ago |
| Southampton team news: Bournemouth (H)a day ago |
| Southampton keen on summer move for Jean Seri2 days ago |
| Saints release season tickets details for 2017/182 days ago |
| Saints keen on Arsenal youngster Chris Willock3 days ago |
| Southampton to go back in for Sakho if Van Dijk is sold4 days ago |
| Romeu well settled at Southampton4 days ago |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Gallery: Saints prepare for Bournemouth clash

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Press conference (part two): Puel on Bournemouth

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

UPDATE: Van Dijk ‘unlikely’ to play again this season

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Saints have stated that Virgil van Dijk is unlikely to play again this season.

The Saints captain damaged a ligament in the sole of his foot during the 3-0 win over Leicester in January.

He then had routine surgery and is now well on the path to recovery.

However, the club do not want to rush the central defender back, although he is said to be progressing well.

“It’s a long injury. We will see if he comes back before the end of the season,” Claude Puel said.

“The injury does not change anything,” he added. “He is an important player for us, our captain, and it is important he takes this role with good quality, good attitude and good spirit.

“For me he is among the best defenders in the Premier League but he can play with us and we can give him good maturity for the future.”

Saints then released a further report on the Dutchman’s status on Thursday evening.

It said: “Virgil van Dijk is unlikely to play again this season, as he continues his recovery from a damaged ligament in his foot, the club has confirmed.”

“Van Dijk damaged a ligament in the sole of his foot during the victory over the Foxes and required surgery as a result,” it added.

"Although the procedure was relatively routine, the placement of the injury means that it takes some time to heal.

“The club hoped he would recover in time to feature before the end of the season, but, while his treatment and recovery is progressing well, the Dutch international will not be risked unnecessarily.”

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Chelsea believe they’ve beaten Man City in £50m race to sign Southampton star

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Chelsea believe they have beaten Manchester City in the £50million race to sign Virgil van Dijk.

Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders have made the Southampton and Holland defender their No1 priority this summer and are ready to break the bank to get him.

The West London Blues are supremely confident they will get him ahead of City, Everton and Liverpool, who have all been in for the former Celtic centre-half.

The interest from the Etihad became such an open secret that Van Dijk’s Saints team-mates bought him a Man City shirt as a joke in a Secret Santa wind-up last December.

Pep Guardiola’s Mancunian Blues are desperate to strengthen their defence and Van Dijk has become the hottest property in the Premier League.

Southampton, who sold then-skipper and his fellow centre-back Jose Fonte to West Ham in January, have publicly insisted they will not sell the 25-year-old this summer - but, realistically, they face a losing battle.

They know they are in for yet another struggle to keep one of their prize assets, having seen the big-money departures of players including Fonte, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Luke Shaw, Morgan Schneiderlin, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Victor Wanyama and Calum Chambers in recent windows.

Chelsea will have to pay big money but Antonio Conte has been promised major funds as he prepares for their return to the Champions League, and central defence is one of the areas he is targeting.

Their current back three of Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta has been outstanding, but 36-year-old club captain and centre-half John Terry is likely to leave at the end of the season.

The Stamford Bridge club also want to strengthen in attack.

They have been linked with Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and want a traditional centre-forward too, with Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid and Everton’s Chelsea old boy Romelu Lukaku high on their list.

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Sourced from BBC article

Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk ‘unlikely’ to return this season

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Southampton centre back Virgil van Dijk is unlikely to play again this season as he recovers from a damaged ligament in his foot.

The 25-year-old has not played since sustaining the injury in a 3-0 victory over Leicester in January.

The Dutch international subsequently underwent surgery and was expected to be out for up to three months.

However, the club have now said Van Dijk will not be “risked unnecessarily” despite his recovery progressing well.

Striker Charlie Austin could return from a long-term shoulder injury in three weeks, according to boss Claude Puel.

Saints are currently 10th in the Premier League, with 11 games remaining this season.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 31/03/2017 05:40:59

| | Win tickets to watch Southampton vs Crystal Palace courtesy of EA SportsGOALDOTCOM |
|

| Selection Headache For Howe: Predicting The 4-4-2 Bournemouth Line-Up That Could Face SouthamptonSOCCERSOULS |
| | Southampton v Bournemouth: EPL preview, line-ups & predictions101GREATGOALS |

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Sourced from BBC article

PFA Player of the Year: BBC pundits pick the Premier League’s best player

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Voting closes on Friday for the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.

So who should be on the six-man shortlist when it is announced next week? And who will follow Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez by taking the top prize?

Fifteen BBC football pundits - Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Phil Neville, Pat Nevin, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Mark Schwarzer, Jason Roberts, Dion Dublin, Chris Sutton, Ruud Gullit, Mark Lawrenson, John Hartson, Chris Waddle, Danny Mills and Trevor Sinclair - have chosen their six outstanding performers of 2016-17.

Eighteen different players feature in their shortlist selections - scroll down to see who they have picked as their best player, and vote for your choice.

Shearer: "Only one person is going to win the PFA award, and I would expect him to win the Football Writers’ award as well.

"N’Golo Kante had an amazing season for Leicester to help them win the title in 2015-16, and he has had the same impact this time around for Chelsea. It is no coincidence it looks like they are going to win the title too.

"Kante’s energy is incredible - I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone cover as much ground as him on a football pitch.

“The protection he gives Chelsea’s back three is a big reason why they are looking so tight at the minute. He did the same for Leicester last season, and look how they have struggled without him.”

Murphy: "The two Chelsea players I’ve picked are a long way ahead of everyone else.

"Kante’s inclusion does not need any explanation, really. He has got a bigger contract and is playing for a bigger team, but it has not affected his mentality. Without the ball he is just as hungry to cover his team-mates. His positional sense is brilliant and he rarely makes the wrong decision.

"People talk about his game improving from last season at Leicester, but it is not about that for me, it is about how he has adjusted to play with better players.

"And the more I watch him with the ball, because Chelsea are dominating games, you can see he is actually really comfortable in possession too.

"He is never going to open you up with his passing like, say, Michael Carrick can, but it does not matter because Chelsea have got other players who can do that.

"The only reason I would put Eden Hazard above him is because there are times when you need that something extra, for example in Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Manchester United.

"United matched Chelsea up everywhere but the reason they lost is because Phil Jones could not cope with Hazard.

"Hazard is the game-changer, the one who turns the draw into a win or finds the opposition’s weakness, and he has raised the bar again with his performances this season.

"If I was sitting in the dressing room about to play Chelsea and Hazard’s name wasn’t on the teamsheet, then unless I was playing in midfield, I would be much happier than if Kante’s name wasn’t there.

“That is why he has the edge, and I think 90% of players would agree.”

Neville: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic is world class. He has carried United at times and the ability to play every game at his age is phenomenal.”

Analysis: Why Man Utd must keep Ibrahimovic - Shearer

Nevin: "Kante is going to win it but, as a forward-thinking player myself, Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen has been my favourite player to watch this season.

"Most people look at Dele Alli and Harry Kane for Spurs but I always watch Eriksen, who has been brilliant for them.

"The only defenders who could have sneaked into my six are Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld, but you can see the kind of players I go for.

"Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson might not be at the most fashionable club but he deserves to be on the list.

"Sigurdsson is 27, and if he were a few years younger then every club on the planet would be chasing him.

“Look at the number of assists Sigurdsson has got - his all-round creativity and his delivery is just phenomenal. If Swansea stay up, it is going to have a lot to do with him.”

Brown-Finnis: "I went for players that have impressed me, not necessarily ones from the top teams.

"Several of Chelsea’s players have been excellent but I see their strength as a team unit, and in their shape and tactics, rather than relying on outstanding individuals.

"Liverpool’s Sadio Mane is exciting to watch, as is Everton’s Tom Davies, who does not make my six but should make the shortlist for young player of the year.

"Tottenham full-back Danny Rose has had an outstanding season and I am pleased he is now being recognised as one of the best there is in his position, because he has had to win a few people over.

"But I am going for Rose’s team-mate at Spurs, Dele Alli, to win it. I don’t think of him as a young player any more because he is already a leader, someone who can conduct play.

“Alli has been exceptional for Tottenham and when I watch him for England I just think ‘yes!’ - we have found the replacement for Steven Gerrard that we have been waiting for.”

Schwarzer: "Kante has had the same effect as last season but has been at a different level altogether.

"Being at Chelsea was a huge step up from Leicester for him and people have also had time to analyse him so they knew how he played - but he is still someone who you just cannot contain.

"I have seen quite a lot of Chelsea this season and the one game that stands out for me where they did not play well was their defeat at Tottenham in January, which was one of the very few games where Kante actually had a bad game.

"When he plays well, Chelsea play well too - and pretty much always get a positive result.

"The same reasoning is why Tottenham striker Harry Kane is in my six. This is the third season in a row he has scored about 20 goals - teams have had a chance to work out his weaknesses and how to stop him from scoring - but they can’t.

“He has been hampered by a couple of injuries but is still the second-top scorer in the Premier League. Without those injuries, I think he would be leading the pack.”

Roberts: "There is so much to come from Dele Alli but what we know about this young man now is he has huge talent, intelligence and a winning mentality.

"Jermain Defoe’s season can be summed up by the fact he has scored 14 Premier League goals for a team that has managed 24 in total.

"Hazard’s match-winning contributions are now pushing him into the world-class bracket, while David Luiz came back to England with a point to prove and has become a focal point of the top-flight’s toughest defence.

“But my vote goes to Kante. He has been the most effective midfielder in England over the past two seasons.”

Dublin: "Burnley’s Michael Keane is a big, strong reliable centre-half who defends first and accepts responsibility as a leader. He has a great passing range and puts his body on the line.

"Lukaku is growing into his talent and taking Everton to the next level. On his day, he is unplayable. Kane is consistently scoring goals and Ibrahimovic is 35, with the drive, determination and work-rate of an 18-year-old.

"But Defoe is a goal machine. He has scored vital goals at vital times and is single-handedly keeping Sunderland afloat.

“My heart says Defoe to be Player of the Year, but my head says whoever wins the Golden Boot as leading scorer will get it.”

Sutton: "N’Golo Kante looks set to become the first player to win the English league title in successive seasons with two different teams since Eric Cantona did it with Leeds and Manchester United in 1992 and 1993.

"It is an achievement which shows how good he is, and he has been a major influence on Chelsea’s success - I do not remember a game where they have been dominated in the middle of the park.

"If you look at how Liverpool struggled when Sadio Mane was away at the African Cup of Nations in January, then you can see the impact he has had. He has been sensational this season and is absolutely unstoppable with his pace and trickery - he can go past people so easily.

"I think Dele Alli will walk away with the young player award, but he deserves to be on this list too. He is such a clever player and seems to be getting better and better.

“And Diego Costa has to be there as well. I was one of those who were critical of him last season, when it looked like he would be leaving Chelsea, but he has responded incredibly well.”

Lawro: "Kante, Hazard and Costa have made the difference for Chelsea this season. That’s why they are so far clear at the top of the league.

"As everyone now knows, signing Kante is like signing two players. He does not seem to get injured and is hardly ever suspended - the one league game he has missed this season - against Bournemouth on Boxing Day - was through a ban for picking up five bookings.

"He has been phenomenal and would just about edge out Hazard for me.

"Costa does not seem to get as much credit for Chelsea’s success this season, but he remains a beast of a striker.

“Along with Hazard he has been able to come up with a moment of quality when it is needed to settle a tight game.”

Gullit: "Hazard would get my vote, because he has been extremely important for lots of Chelsea’s victories.

"Kante has played a big part as well, of course, but if I was manager and had to choose one of them to be in my team, I would take Hazard.

"They are both unbelievably good at the jobs they do but I like the style of Hazard, he is an exciting player.

“After a very difficult season with Chelsea, when he was accused of being one of the instigators of Jose Mourinho’s departure as manager, he has bounced back very well.”

Hartson: "I am a huge fan of Alexis Sanchez, who is a scorer of great goals and never wants to come off the pitch.

"Like Kane, Lukaku has had a few seasons now where he has scored more than 20 goals and you need that consistency to go down as one of the greats.

"Everton cannot afford to lose Lukaku, basically. If they want to keep progressing under Ronald Koeman, then he has to stay - but there will be lots of offers for him.

“As for the winner, well it is down to Hazard or Kante, but I will go for Kante - he is the best there is in that Claude Makelele position.”

Waddle: "Kante is brilliant at spotting danger but he is not a player I would pay to watch. The hardest part of the game is to create and score, and to entertain, and Hazard has done it all unbelievably well.

"Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has got the best out of him because the shape they play has not got him tracking back, it gets him in the opposition half and he has a licence to wander inside if he is not getting the ball wide on the left.

"Hazard takes people on, is two-footed and has got pace. His balance is phenomenal and he has been extremely consistent too. He has been the best player in the Premier League.

"I have gone for David Luiz as the third Chelsea player in my six. At times he was a liability in his first spell at the club but he has learned when not to overplay at the wrong time.

“I was at Stoke when Chelsea won there before the international break and Luiz was just quality. He read everything at the back and his distribution was brilliant.”

Mills: "I am not surprised that Kante has been so good again, and he is in a better team which helps.

"Ibrahimovic is the surprise package - he was always going to score goals but he has surpassed a lot of people’s expectations.

“It is vital Manchester United keep him for next season, even if he does not play so much - as well as his goals, he is great for their young players to learn from.”

"His development since his days at Aston Villa and Bolton has been incredible and he has filled the unfillable by stepping into John Terry’s boots.

"But Kante is the perfect team player - selfless, intelligent and industrious.

“He is fearless at mixing with anyone, and the best at playing to his strengths - and his strength is winning.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 31/03/2017 06:41:12

| | Manchester City set to lose out to Chelsea in race for £50m target – report – City WatchCITYWATCH |
| | Paper Round: Man Utd to trigger Griezmann release clause, Chelsea lead Van Dijk chaseEUROSPORTUK |

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Chelsea prioritise £50m summer deal: Star was spotted in Man City shirt this season

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And the Daily Mirror claim the Blues believe they’ve successfully fought off Manchester City and Liverpool in the battle for his signature. Van Dijk has cemented his place as one of the Premier League’s most impressive centre-backs since joining Southampton in 2015. And his performances at St Mary’s have drawn admiring glances from a cluster of the south coast club’s top flight rivals.

“Chelsea believe they’re on course to sign Southampton star Virgil Van Dijk this summer.” Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton were all linked with megabucks moves for Van Dijk in the January transfer window. And his team-mates joked that an Etihad switch was on the cards by posting a picture of him in a Sky Blues shirt online in December. The Daily Mirror say Antonio Conte is prepared to pay £50m to land the Holland international and shore up his defence though.

And it now appears the Italian is confident Van Dijk will be lining up in a back three at Stamford Bridge next season. The 25-year-old may be one of several big-money buys Chelsea make as they prepare to return to Champions League action. Conte is said to be after Everton hitman Romelu Lukaku, Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata and Monaco ace Tiemoue Bakayoko too.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 31/03/2017 07:41:26

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| Southampton will finish above Cherries in Premier League, says BenaliTHISISBOURNEMOUTH |
| | Saints boss Puel to speak to Boufal over confidence issuesTHISISBOURNEMOUTH |

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s trip to #CFC is now on sale to all Season Ticket holders, with prices just £20 thanks to @virginmedia: http://sfcne.ws/CFCA250417

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Puel doesn’t plan to return to his rotating ways

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CLAUDE Puel plans to avoid rotating his team during Saints’ busy week – despite several fringe players hungry for game time.

The St Mary’s chief has previously altered his team heavily during hectic runs of games, but to keep “stability” Puel doesn’t want to chop and change this time around.

Saints face three games in a week, starting against neighbours AFC Bournemouth tomorrow. That is followed by a midweek home game against Crystal Palace and a trip to West Bromwich Albion next Saturday.

Although the French boss wouldn’t rule out bringing in former Juventus and Barcelona man Martin Caceres, who joined as a free agent last month, in for his debut at centre-back, in general he wants to keep some kind of continuity.

“We cannot see a lot of rotation,” he said. “It’s important to keep a structure on the team.

“Two or three players can change in the game but it’s good to keep good stability.”

The likes of Jordy Clasie, Jay Rodriguez, Sofiane Boufal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have all been hungry for game time, with Puel admitting prior to the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham that he had several “angry” players desperate for game time.

But the boss is keen not to disrupt things too much, even if it keeps many on the fringes of his team.

“We now have many players available for the team with good spirit,” he said. “When I can’t take an international in the team like Jordy Clasie, it’s difficult for me for him to stay at home.

“It’s an opportunity for other players to win game time and it’s important for them and us.”

He added: “For some players we know it’s difficult when we’ve played one game every two weeks.

“It’s always difficult to make a choice, but it’s important for all the team to have the respect of the staff and all the players.

“They must keep a good attitude because we have many games.

“We sometimes have to play every three days with two games also postponed against Manchester United and Arsenal.

“These games come on the schedule and we need all the players ready for this.”

Puel has been keeping a close eye on Caceres over the international break, with the 29-year-old ready for his debut after rebuilding his fitness after a year out of competitive football.

The Uruguayan has come through two under-23s games, but is yet to make his first team bow.

The St Mary’s chief may well decide to rest Maya Yoshida at centre-back against the Cherries after the Japanese defender travelled 14,000 miles around the world while on national duty.

“Martin has been working very well in the training session, he’s available now to participate and to play,” he said. “After it’s normal competition between the players.

“I need to make a point with the international players. For example this afternoon (Thursday), Yoshida and Stephens have just come back [from international duty].

“I hope they have good fitness, but it’s important to speak with them.

“For example Maya travelled and played with Japan and it’s always difficult to travel.”

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Puel considers options after Gabbiadini injury

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CLAUDE Puel has backed Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez to step up against AFC Bournemouth after free-scoring Manolo Gabbiadini was ruled out with injury.

The in-form Italian has netted six goals in five games for Saints since arriving in a £14m deal from Napoli in January.

But, after picking up a groin injury in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last time out, he is now sidelined for the Cherries game tomorrow.

That will mean Puel will have to turn to either Rodriguez or Long to take on striker duties.

“We know the importance of Gabbiadini, but it’s an opportunity to see different players like Long and Rodriguez,” the St Mary’s chief said.

“We have possibilities and we have good players. It’s an opportunity for them to show their qualities.

“It’s a good thing for the team when different players can have game time. It’s important for the spirit of the squad and to show the team is not just 11 players.”

Gabbiadini will now be monitored but Puel is hopeful he will be available to play against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Rodriguez has history of scoring against the Cherries this term, having netted twice in the 3-1 comeback win in December at the Vitality Stadium.

“It was a good game for him,” Puel said. “I don’t know the team for the moment [if he will start].

“He did do good participation in that game.”

Both Long and Rodriguez had alternated up front prior to Gabbiadini’s arrival, scoring six and five goals in all competitions respectively.

However, the Italian international hit the ground running, which meant that both were kept on the fringes of the team.

But now against Bournemouth they will come back into the limelight.

Another player Puel may look to ahead of a busy period is Sofiane Boufal.

The club’s £16m record signing has had an up and down season, during which he has struggled for consistency amid a number of injuries.

“It’s been a little difficult for Sofiane,” Puel said. "We know he is talented, he is a fantastic player. He can make the difference in many situations.

"For the moment he lacks some confidence in the play and I need to discuss with him to find a good solution.

"It’s important to see him on his level and happy to play with his team.

"For the moment there’s a lot of pressure.

"It’s difficult for him to just have a few minutes to play.

“It’s a player who likes to play and he needs confidence.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Which fans have suffered the most relegation heartache, league stagnation & cup final losses?

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Which fans have suffered the most relegation heartache, league stagnation & cup final losses?

Which fans have suffered the most relegation heartache, cup final losses and league stagnation over the last 50 years?

Coventry City face League One rivals Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley, live on Sky Sports this Sunday, but Sky Blues fans have had a rough ride since the millennium.

Incredibly, Coventry have not finished in the top six of any league for 47 years and suffered relegation twice since 2000/01 after 34 seasons in the top flight.

But have Coventry fans suffered the most? Sky Sports looked at every club’s season-ending league positions over the last 50 years to find out…

Blackpool fans may well have suffered the most, having experienced relegation nine times over the last half a century - more than any other club.

The Seasiders slipped from the old Division One in 1966/67, plummeting to the foot of Division Four in the early '80s, rising to the Premier League in 2010/11 and falling to their current fifth-place standing in League Two.

However, Southend fans have experienced a roller-coaster period of promotion elation and relegation heartache, hopping leagues on 17 occasions during the period - that’s pain or glory every three years on average.

In terms of being rooted in the bottom league, Rochdale fans have endured 40 years in England’s fourth tier since 1966 - although the Dale have now spent three successive seasons in League One and are challenging for promotion to the Championship this term.

Outside of the top flight, the longest runs of current consecutive seasons in a league are held by Oldham in League One and Ipswich in the Championship, currently being in their 20th and 15th consecutive seasons in the respective leagues.

But when it comes to all-time cup final agony, Everton have suffered more than any other club. Since 1872, the Toffees have lost eight FA Cup finals and two League Cup finals.

So Coventry fans are not alone with their suffering but the Sky Blues will be looking to claim their second major cup in the club’s history when they face Oxford on Sunday, having won the FA Cup in 1987.

Meanwhile, Oxford will also be challenging for their second trophy after winning the League Cup in 1986 and will want to make amends for losing 3-2 to Barnsley in the Football League trophy final last term.

Watch Coventry v Oxford in the Checkatrade Trophy final live on Sky Sports 3 from 2pm on Sunday

Grab a Sky Sports Month Pass for half price, and let us knock your sporting socks off with a blockbuster month of sport on NOW TV. All for just £16.99.

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