OptiNews - Friday 19 to Thursday 25 May 2017

Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Southampton man Gabbiadini feeling at home | Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini is refusing to let his penalty miss against Manchester United phase him, and … 19-05-2017 |
| Southampton forward to miss Stoke clash and international dates | Southampton striker Shane Long is set to miss the one last remaining fixture of the season against Stoke after scans … 19-05-2017 |

Older content…

| Southampton interested in Championship top scorera day ago |
| Claude Puel in line to be sacked by Southampton after bust-ups with playersa day ago |
| Five Things Learned: Manchester United (H)a day ago |
| Who was your man of the match? - Manchester United (H)a day ago |
| Napoli to make £8m bid for Portuguese winger, with Southampton and Leicester keena day ago |
| Southampton ahead of Everton in chase for Sporting defendera day ago |
| Five Who Impressed - Manchester United (H)a day ago |
| Southampton’s managerial target to snub Watford’s offersa day ago |

...excellently fitted together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:movie_camera::clock130:

We’ll be LIVE from Staplewood this afternoon, as Claude Puel previews #SaintsFC’s final game of the season, aga… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/865509092739174400

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 0

...evidently sired by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Echo article

Revealed: Who has been crowned the Saints player of the season?

Show/hide article…

ORIOL Romeu has capped off an excellent season by winning the Daily Echo’s Southampton FC Player of the Season award.

Romeu has been the standout man of an up and down campaign for Saints in defensive midfield.

And now his stellar performances have seen him crowned the 44th Echo Player of the Season after a runaway victory in the poll.

The 25-year-old, who was signed for a bargain £5m from Chelsea in 2015, was the top pick for 65 per cent of the thousands of voters who submitted their selection for the famous gong, which lists legends Matthew Le Tissier, Mick Channon, Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, Alan Shearer and Rickie Lambert among its previous winners.

Romeu was by far and away the most popular choice.

His nearest rivals were Maya Yoshida and Virgil van Dijk, who claimed joint-second place in the running with 11 per cent of the vote apiece.

Yoshida has stepped up at Saints this season, having become a mainstay at centre-back after Jose Fonte’s exit and Van Dijk’s long-term injury.

The vital Dutchman was ruled out in January with a foot ligament problem.

Van Dijk has since had an operation on the problem and is set to return next season.

His performances up until his injury were sublime and he would have given Romeu a run for his money had his campaign not ended prematurely.

Following this pair, James Ward-Prowse and Ryan Bertrand both claim third place.

They both received four per cent of the vote, while Nathan Redmond, Steven Davis and Charlie Austin notched one per cent each.

It was Romeu, though, who comes out deserved winner.

The former Barcelona man, who also claimed the club’s prize, has missed just three Premier League matches - and that was only through suspension.

He has made the fourth most tackles per game (3.4) in the top-flight of any player.

It has truly been an exceptional term, which has been made more praiseworthy because of the boots he had to fill.

When Romeu arrived from Chelsea in August 2015, he was very much second choice to the brutish Victor Wanyama.

It stayed that way until, inevitably, the wantaway Wanyama was sold to Tottenham.

Romeu got his chance at the beginning of this season and has not looked back.

He is more than just a defensive midfielder, boasting a great range of passing too.

Go to the original article…

...opposedly coined by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

PL Midweek Round-up

Show/hide article…

Watch a round-up of all of the midweek Premier League games including Leicester against Tottenham and Manchester City vs West Brom.

Go to the original article…

...showingly originated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC Official Member? 🙋

You can get priority access to 2017/18 Season Ticket seats from 9.30am BST tomorrow: http://sfcne.ws/ST190517

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 3

...refinedly invented by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/05/2017 11:14:33

| | Saints Guaranteed Record Breaking Season - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |

...similarly invented by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/05/2017 12:14:41

| | Manchester United Display Pleases PuelVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Southampton v Stoke TEAM NEWS: Key forward major doubtSTOKESENTINEL |
| | Targett Thrilled With United ReturnVITALFOOTBALL |

...particularly brought into being by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Sims up for PL2 award

Show/hide article…

The winger has been a star performer for the Under-23s side this term, earning recognition from coaches around the country.

Sims netted six goals in 14 games during the campaign, while also breaking into the first-team and making some notable contributions at that level.

The 11-man shortlist has been based on nominations from opposing PL2 managers.

The full list is:

• Mason Mount (Chelsea)

• Liam Walsh (Everton)

• Axel Tuanzebe (Manchester United)

• Todd Cantwell (Norwich City)

• Josh Sims (Southampton)

• Joel Asoro (Sunderland)

• Oliver McBurnie (Swansea City)

• Domingos Quina (West Ham United)

• Marcus Browne (West Ham United)

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

• Ben Woodburn (Liverpool)

The winner is set to be announced next week.

Go to the original article…

...uncannily cast by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from The Telegraph article

Proof the Premier League 2016-17 has been utterly predictable

Show/hide article…

There have been widespread complaints that this season has been boring.

We have known for months that Chelsea were going to win the title; the relegation battle ended in the expected manner weeks before the season’s end and despite Arsenal’s best efforts to make something of the race for the top four, they are almost certainly going to fall short.

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have sucked the life out of the beautiful game, every mid-ranking team with a mid-ranking budget has ended up in mid-table and watching Middlesbrough was like watching paint dry.

In essence, those complaints are justified.

Chelsea have been top of the table since week 11 of the season and, as of May 18, have spent a total of 181 days in first place.

Go to the original article…

...maddeningly assembled by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Wembley lit up in Saints colours

Show/hide article…

It is a decade since the stadium reopened, following a major rebuild of the iconic old ground.

Since then, 166 domestic, European and international men’s and women’s teams have played there, across a variety of competitions and friendlies.

Saints, of course, were one of those, winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, 4-1 against Carlisle United, in March 2010.

The club also appeared there this season, losing a dramatic EFL Cup final 3-2 against Manchester United.

To mark those appearances, Wembley’s arch was lit up in red and white, while the club’s crest and name was displayed on the outside of the stadium.

Go to the original article…

...tonelessly moulded by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Watch LIVE as #SaintsFC boss Claude Puel previews the visit of #SCFC in his pre-match press conference… https://www.pscp.tv/w/a-2MbDMxOTB8MWxEeExqUVFnWk1HbW8ydVtedV0M9VszeB4x2961eLcjnbnsoxR2N5XP1kWE

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 2

...sporadically introduced by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Puel: “After a long season, our players have a good focus about this last game. We can finish strong.” #saintsfc

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 1

...frothily generated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Mail article

Premier League team news, odds and stats for final day of the season

Show/hide article…

Ahead of the final day in the Premier League season, 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 Sunday’s finale

Go to the original article…

...sorely dreamed up by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Premier League questions - Can Chelsea break a winning record? Who will make the top four?

Show/hide article…

Premier League questions - Can Chelsea break a winning record? Who will make the top four?

Can Chelsea break the record for the most wins? Who will make the top four? We look at the final set of Premier League questions this season.

While much of the big business at both ends has already been decided, the race for the Champions League is still very much alive as we head into the final day where each game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.

Sky Sports will be at the heart of the action with Liverpool v Middlesbrough and Watford v Man City both shown live as they look to secure their spots ahead of Arsenal.

Ahead of the weekend, we have picked a question for each final day Premier League fixture…

Liverpool have a finish in the top four firmly in their hands, currently sitting in the final spot but just a point ahead of Arsenal as they head into the final round of fixtures.

The Reds will no doubt be targeting an all-out victory against Sky Bet Championship-bound Middlesbrough to ensure they will be playing in the Champions League next season for the first time since 2014/15 campaign.

A defeat or a draw could see them slip into fifth place should Arsenal beat Everton, although they have not lost a Premier League game to Boro since February 2009.

Man City need just a point from their match with Watford this weekend to finish in the Premier League’s top four, and the signs look good as they are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with the Hornets.

Watford also announced that manager Walter Mazzarri will be leaving the club after the match following a horrendous run of form in recent months which could have an impact on the home side.

But for City, their aim will be to make it into the Champions League next season and they are in a strong position to do so with a victory also likely to secure them third place.

January to April 2017 will be a period that Arsene Wenger will want to forget, but his Arsenal side have come roaring back into the top four race having won five of their last six Premier League games.

But they will need to rely on Middlesbrough to beat Liverpool or hold them to a draw and then win themselves against Everton to squeeze into fourth place.

Arsenal’s run of good results could be just a little bit too late in an ultimately disappointing Premier League campaign but they will look to take the form into their FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 27.

With the transfer window re-opening in a few weeks time, Burnley’s Michael Keane has been subject to plenty of speculation with Man Utd reportedly interested in re-signing the England international.

Of course, the Clarets will be wanting to hang onto their prized defender who has played in 35 of the 37 Premier League games for Burnley so far this season and impressed with his performances.

But they could face some strong interest from around the Premier League with big money bids and Sunday may be the final game Keane plays in the claret of Burnley.

The title has already been wrapped up by Chelsea, who will lift the Premier League trophy following Sunday’s match, but they can also make some history to round off their victorious campaign.

If they beat Sunderland, they will be the first side in Premier League history to win 30 games in a season, having already matched the 29 victories recorded by the title-winning Chelsea sides of the 2004/05 and 2005/06 campaigns.

Antonio Conte’s champions are arguably in a prime position to break the record, coming up against an already relegated Sunderland side who will finish the season at the bottom of the Premier League table.

It has been another fine campaign for Harry Kane, becoming only the fourth Premier League player to net 20+ goals in consecutive seasons. He now has 26 on the board after the 6-1 win over Leicester on Thursday.

This puts him top in the current list of top scorers for the 2016/17 season, two ahead of Romelu Lukaku, who has not scored in his last four league outings - his longest dry spell this term.

Third-place Alexis Sanchez (23 goals) has four goals in his last three Premier League games, but it looks as though the gong is Kane’s as the England striker looks to seal another individual award.

If there was ever a definition of a rollercoaster year, Leicester would be up there after the highs of winning the Premier League title last May and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the lows of Claudio Ranieri’s exit and finding themselves almost dragged into a relegation battle.

Things in the middle of the table are quite congested and, of the teams to lift the Premier League trophy, Leicester could become the first to finish lower than 10th in the season following their triumph, after Chelsea finished slap bang in the middle of the pack last term.

But they could also finish as high as ninth, something Craig Shakespeare will be desperate to add to his CV if he wishes to take on the job after the summer.

With Man Utd’s final position of sixth in the Premier League table secured, Jose Mourinho is now turning his thoughts to the Europa League final which he has already claimed is more important than a top four finish.

A victory against Ajax on Wednesday will secure a spot in the Champions League group stages next season, and Mourinho has already been tinkering with his league side with Sergio Romero starting against Southampton in midweek.

There could be further changes and experimentation as United prepare for their Sweden showdown when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday, who themselves have secured their Premier League status for next term.

Rumours have been swirling over the future of Southampton manager Claude Puel in recent weeks despite the Saints remaining on course for a top eight finish and reaching the final of the EFL Cup in February.

The Frenchman has already said he will not be discussing his future until the end of the season on Sunday, but it could potentially be the final game for Puel in front of the St Mary’s crowd.

Indeed, Southampton have not won any of their last four at home and have failed to score in each fixture, while Stoke have also been winless on the road in their last seven outings.

Swansea have seen a dramatic turnaround in form over the last few weeks. After going six games without a win, they are now unbeaten in four and have taken advantage of slip-ups by those around them to seal their Premier League status for another season.

With a victory against an out-of-sorts Baggies side on Sunday, they can go on their best winning run of the season - currently matched at two Premier League wins in a row - and end the season as high as 15th.

But West Brom will also be looking to improve their form before heading off for their summer break, having failed to win any of their last eight league games.

Go to the original article…

...self-assuredly brought into existence by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Claude Puel says there is a chance @chazaustin10 could start against #SCFC in the final game at St Mary’s. #saintsfc

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 12

...short-sightedly generated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s Claude Puel says he is in support of retrospective bans for simulation in the #PL: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1lDxLjQQgZMGm

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 9

...bookishly manufactured by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:face_with_head_bandage:

#SaintsFC’s @ShaneLong7, @OficialCedric and @ryanbertrand3 feature in Claude Puel’s pre-#SCFC injury report: http://sfcne.ws/InjuriesSCFCH

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 1

...gracelessly given rise to by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/05/2017 13:14:49

| | 40 points and on the beach? The facts about Premier League teams "on holiday"FOURFOURTWO |
| | West Ham and Southampton among clubs chasing £20m Leeds United starFOOTBALLLEAGUEWORLD |
| | Officials - Southampton v Stoke (21/5/17)VITALFOOTBALL |
| | Stoke City fan heading to Southampton in just his SPEEDOSSTOKESENTINEL |
| | Ward-Prowse & Redmond Talk UnitedVITALFOOTBALL |

...inconsequentially brought to pass by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Revised Ticket Office hours next week

Show/hide article…

The St Mary’s Ticket Office will be operating revised opening hours in the early part of next week due to staff training.

The opening hours on the affected dates will be as follows:

• Monday 22nd May: 11am-5pm

• Tuesday 23rd May: 1pm-5pm

Sales via phone and in person will only take place during these times.

Online sales via tickets.saintsfc.co.uk will still be available at all times.

Go to the original article…

...austerely instituted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by BBCSport tweet

@BBCSport - BBC Sport

This still stands.

60 mins in, still Southampton 0-0 Man Utd http://bbc.in/2rs1So3 #SAINTSFC #MUFC #SOUMUN

Retweets: 29

Favourites: 56

...unsurprisingly shaped by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!