According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are one of a number of clubs lining up a summer swoop for Dani Garcia.
What’s the story?
Rafa Benitez has been on the lookout for a central midfielder to partner with Jonjo Shelvey next season and AS reports Dani Garcia is a target for the Magpies.
Garcia, who has made 248 league appearances for his current club Eibar, is out of contract this summer. Newcastle could have competition from within the Premier League, as the report claims Southampton are also interested in the defensive midfielder.
Real Betis, Levante and Athletic Bilbao are all hoping to convince the 27 year-old to stay in Spain.
Would he be a good signing?
The fact that Benitez is on the lookout for reinforcements is a good sign in itself for Newcastle fans, and Garcia would be a great starting point.
The 27 year-old is not the technically gifted maestro one might expect when signing a midfielder from Spain, but he would bring a great balance to the Newcastle midfield alongside Jonjo Shelvey. Garcia is a classic Spanish defensive midfielder, using his intelligence and reading of the game to sniff out attacks and stop them before they begin.
Valued at £4.41million by Transfermarkt, the midfielder averages 2.7 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in Eibar’s midfield, and isn’t afraid to spray the ball around either, averaging 6.2 successful long balls per game (Shelvey averages 4.5).
If Benitez’s plan is to build a strong central midfield that can drop long balls in behind to wingers like Kenedy and Christian Atsu, then Garcia and Shelvey could be the perfect partnership on Tyneside. Add to that the fact that it would be a free signing with his contract running down, and Garcia could be exactly what Benitez is looking for.
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Newcastle fans, do you think Garcia would be a good fit? Let us know in the comments below…
Despite investing in both Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli as ‘quick fixes’ to the loss of Luis Suarez, Liverpool are already considering a move to bring a strike hero back to Anfield. No, it’s not ‘El Pistolero’, but instead another summer signing, Divock Origi.
The Belgian forward truly announced himself as one of Europe’s top emerging talents at the World Cup over the summer with a neat goal against Russia, and was promptly snapped up by the Merseysiders in a deal worth around £10m. A part of the arrangement with Lille saw the 19-year-old head straight from Melwood back to France for a season-long loan, but reports are now suggesting that Liverpool are working on a deal with the Ligue 1 side to cut the spell short.
So, could it be a good idea to get Origi back? We at FFC Towers thinK so, and here are FIVE reasons to back it up…
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CLICK ON ORIGI TO REVEAL THE FIVE
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Goals, goals, goals
While Mario Balotelli, Daniel Sturridge, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert have notched just two goals between them this term, Origi already has five in all competitions for his club.
The teenage forward has been in great form for Lille so far this season demonstrating his skills and composure in both domestic and European action to further build on his burgeoning reputation. Here’s his most recent effort for Belgium…
And here are all of his Lille goals prior to 2014/15…
//www.youtube.com/embed/mM55i3Ye60M
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Lambert’s struggles
Football – West Ham United v Liverpool – Barclays Premier League – Upton Park – 20/9/14Liverpool’s Rickie Lambert looks dejected at full timeMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for furthe
As mentioned on the previous slide, Lambert has really struggled since making his dream summer move back to Liverpool – who released him as a teenager. The 32-year-old was snapped up after fighting through the Football League with Southampton, with many fans and experts at the time predicting that he would prove to be an astute signing.
However, the experienced hit-man’s lack of speed and mobility have been ruthlessly exposed so far in the red shirt, with his bulky frame appearing out of place alongside the Merseysiders’ wealth of tricky individuals in attacking positions.
As the stats show, he’s appeared laboured and out of sync during his 137 minutes of action so far, contributing very little aside from a bundled consolation effort against Manchester City. This is a far cry from the Lambert we saw on the South Coast:
Added Depth
Football – Liverpool Training – St.Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland – 30/9/14Liverpool’s Fabio Borini (R) and Mario Balotelli during trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Daniel Sturridge’s much-publicised England injury really exposed the lack of quality options at Brendan Rodgers’ disposal. Without his second top scorer from last term, the Northern Irishman was forced to rely on an adjusting Balotelli, and seemingly past it Lambert and Borini – whom he openly wanted to sell over the summer.
With Sturridge’s tendency to pick up knocks, it’s likely that the same situation may occur again over the course of the season, so having Origi in reserve could be useful. The youngster will, likely, be content with a back-up position and could use his hunger to impress when handed opportunities.
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Versatility
While Origi is most comfortable as a striker, his pace and work rate have seen him used on the flanks at Lille through his fledgling career. This term he has spearheaded the attack on the bulk of occasions, yet he has been shifted to the right wing.
Last season the teen sensation also occupied a slot on the left flank, and such versatility is sure to appeal to Rodgers, who is known to favour a fluid attacking line in which his players drift into new positions.
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Allows for Borini to be sold
Even though Borini and his agent are publically stating that the Italian is going nowhere in January, a move away from Anfield looks to be on the cards. The 23-year-old was Rodgers’ first Liverpool signing back in 2012 as he arrived from Roma in a £10.5m deal, yet the switch hasn’t been a success.
Injury problems cut his first season short before a lack of European football on Merseyside saw him shunted out to Sunderland on loan ahead of a move away from the club during the last window being mooted. Liverpool accepted offers from the Black Cats and QPR and are likely to be presented with loan bids from clubs from Serie A in the new year, which will be tempting if Origi is back on the scene.
Newcastle are still seeking their first away win of the season and came desperately close last time out. Alan Pardew was looking forward to at least gaining a point at Old Trafford on Boxing Day before receiving a “galling” blow as Javier Hernandez struck the back of the net.
Pardew’s side may take heart from that performance but things are not going to get any easier for their trip to the Emirates. Before they postponement of their Boxing day fixture against West Ham Arsenal had been on a great run of form, winning their last three in the Premier League.
Wenger’s men will be well rested and hoping that they can capitalise against a wounded Newcastle and they could again climb to as high as third with a win on Saturday.
The defeat for the Magpies on Wednesday saw them slip close to the drop zone in 15th place and will be concerned that they have lost 7 of their last 9 Premier League outings. They will hope to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three.
It is brave to expect that though with Arsenal hoping to leapfrog their North London rivals Tottenham should things all go according to plan.
The Magpies having won just one of their last 10 Premier League games against the Gunners. They have seen a player sent off in three of their last four matches with the club.
Arsenal will be heavily bolstered by the returns of Olivier Giroud and Tomas Rosicky who have both recovered from illness. Defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) may return to training next week but you can’t guarantee this will be the case.
Alan Pardew on the other hand has an injury headache as he suffers fresh concerns. Cheick Tiote will unavailable due to a one match ban and Vurnon Anita is out with an ankle injury suffered in the 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford.
Mike Williamson misses out too after collecting his fifth booking in the same game. Jonas Gutierrez (knee) is amongst several midfielders out with Yohan Cabaye (groin) and Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring) as local defender Steven Taylor (also hamstring) on the sidelines, while full-back Ryan Taylor and midfielders Dan Gosling and Haris Vuckic (all knee) are still out for the season it appears.
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Newcastle are 10 points worse off than they were at this point last season. They will be all too aware they need another three points soon but won’t hold their breath here.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle
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According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are interested in signing Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina at the end of the season.
What’s the story?
Liverpool are not exactly strangers to signing players from Southampton. Indeed, it has been an extremely common occurrence in recent years.
Virgil van Dijk was the latest player to switch between the clubs, with the Netherlands international moving to Liverpool for £75m during the January transfer window.
According to L’Equipe, Liverpool want to raid the Saints once again; this time for central midfielder Lemina, who has impressed during his first season in England.
Southampton are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of the player that they only signed from Juventus last summer, but Liverpool have consistently shown that they know it takes to raid St Mary’s, and the situation appears to have cropped up once again.
How good is Lemina?
There is no doubt that the midfielder has made a positive impression in the Premier League since making the move from Juventus.
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It is rarely easy for a foreign player to settle in England, but the 24-year-old has shown that he more than has what it takes to operate at this level of football.
Indeed, the Gabon international has already made 22 appearances for Southampton – 20 of which have been in the Premier League, where he has managed one goal.
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Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have not exactly been flying this term, but Lemina has consistently put in strong performances alongside another big talent Oriol Romeu in the middle of midfield.
Liverpool appear to be losing Emre Can at the end of the season, and Lemina, who is valued at £13.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, would bring energy and quality to a key area of the field.
It is worth remembering that Naby Keita will also make the move to Anfield this summer, but the Reds are short of numbers, and would surely not have to break the bank to sign Southampton’s highly-rated midfielder ahead of the new campaign.
The January transfer window has never been the ideal time to buy players, but it does give Premier League clubs an important opportunity to offload some deadwood before the campaign’s final run in.
That’s something Arsene Wenger should bear in mind – his Arsenal squad, although clearly blessed with talent throughout, is tremendously imbalanced and the fat can certainly be trimmed off a select few departments.
Thus, here’s a list of FIVE players the Gunners could look to move on when the transfer window reopens. Some aren’t getting enough game time, others would add some serious cash to Arsenal’s transfer kitty and a few are simply surplus to requirements.
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FRANCIS COQUELIN
Once tipped for greatness as a youngster in Arsenal’s academy, Francis Coquelin is now 23 years of age and arguably further away from the Gunners first team than ever before.
Indeed, the Frenchman has only ever made 21 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, whilst loan spells with Lorient in 2010/11 and Freiburg in 2013/14 were hardly inspiring. For the latter, he managed just 16 league outings.
So far this season, the defensive midfielder has made just one appearance – drafted in as an emergency left-back during Arsenal’s Capital One Cup tie with Southampton, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. Here’s the highlights:
//www.youtube.com/embed/f7qDnwseHZg?rel=0
Injuries have certainly taken their toll on Coquelin throughout the years, but at this point, it’s abundantly clear that Wenger simply doesn’t fancy him.
Despite being one of a rare few genuine holding midfielders on the Emirates roster, he’s not even being considered as an alternative to Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini, whilst youngster Hector Bellerin appears to have overtaken him in the pecking order at No.2.
It’s time for the Gunners to cash in on Coquelin or at least send him out on loan. QPR were reportedly eying a temporary deal on deadline day:
And Harry Redknapp could reignite his interest in January if Rangers’ midfield injury crisis, that’s already seen Joey Barton, Sandro and Jordan Mutch sidelined for extended periods this season, continues.
JOEL CAMPBELL (on loan)
Joel Campbell received rave reviews during the World Cup, as the brightest spark in a Costa Rica side that surpassed expectations by reaching the quarter-finals. Here’s a look at the South American highlights:
//www.youtube.com/embed/w8ACcND8cOU?rel=0
And that followed an impressive loan spell with Olympiacos last season, where the young forward netted this stunner against Manchester United in the Champions League.
//www.youtube.com/embed/ATcwmXJYbDU?rel=0
So as Arsenal resisted the advances of a number of top European clubs during the off-season…
…many assumed the 22 year-old would be given a significant role in the first team squad this year.
But he’s thus far made just two appearances for his parent club – a Capital One Cup outing and a substitute stint in the league, consisting of just 16 minutes.
Campbell looks like a real prospect that clubs in the Premier League and yonder would love to get their hands on. Wenger needs to secure a loan move for the forward in January, before his development begins to stifle.
LUKAS PODOLSKI
If there’s one player almost certain to leave the Emirates in January, it’s unquestionably Lukas Podolski, with the German international recently revealing he’s been left frustrated by a lack of playing time:
Podolski has proved a decent acquisition for Arsenal, netting 19 times in 56 Premier League appearances since moving to north London in summer 2012. Here’s a look at some of his goals:
//www.youtube.com/embed/xfB7id7N_g0?rel=0
His experience is important too, having claimed 118 caps for Germany, featured in the World Cup-winning side during the summer and previously plied his trade with Bayern Munich.
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But the winger-forward is now 29 years of age and has managed just 37 minutes in the Premier League this term from three substitute outings.
Arsene Wenger clearly doesn’t favour him as a candidate for the lone front-man role and starting opportunities out wide will be equally hard to come by, following the Gunners’ summer swoop for Alexis Sanchez.
A few clubs have been linked with the German in recent weeks but common consensus views a move to Inter Milan as the likeliest scenario:
NACHO MONREAL
Admittedly, the last thing Arsenal need right now is further reductions to their defensive depth – clearly Arsene Wenger is light on bodies at the back and should be recruiting for that department, not making cuts, when the transfer window reopens.
But second-choice left-back Nacho Monreal has hardly hit the heights expected since the Gunners paid Malaga around £8.5million for his services back in January 2013 – in fact, he’s often the north London side’s biggest liability in defence.
Never comfortable with the power and pace of the Premier League, it’s probably time Arsenal cut Monreal loose, having never truly replicated the attacking performance of his impressive debut against Stoke City eighteen months ago:
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//www.youtube.com/embed/SqalemDf0Hw?rel=0
The Emirates fanbase don’t seem too fond of him either.
But squad depth and potential suitors are both major issues. Resultantly, it’s more than likely that Monreal will remain with the Gunners until at least next summer.
SANTI CAZORLA
Arsenal’s midfield is overloaded with offensive players – in truth, probably a couple too many.
And although Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have their Arsenal careers firmly cemented for the foreseeable future, Santi Cazorla may not be so lucky.
That’s certainly not a dig at the Spain international’s quality. Cazorla’s technical assets verge upon world class and his ambidextrous feet make him capable of taking up virtually any role across the middle of the park.
But now 29 years of age and having never truly replicated the form in his debut season, that saw him amass twelve goals and twelve assists in the Premier League and claim Arsenal’s Player of the Year award, he’s quickly becoming expendable at the Emirates. Here’s his highlights from 2012/13:
//www.youtube.com/embed/SqalemDf0Hw?rel=0
Cazrola rejected speculation regarding a move back to La Liga during the summer as he was linked to Atletico Madrid:
But could change his mind in January considering he’s no longer a guaranteed starter for the Gunners.
Another week, another defeat for Sheffield Wednesday and even from South Africa I can hear the sharpening of steel as Wednesdayites prepare to drop the guillotine on Dave Jones.
We have to look at our situation.
We’ve lost five games on the trot, conceded 12 goals in those five alone, and only managed to find the back of the net twice, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth doesn’t it?
I hate losing. I hate other fans being able to take the piss out of my team because of our poor form and I hate having to laugh it off and tell them “We’re getting there.” So yes, I understand why people would want Jones to leave, I get their qualms with our current situation.
However, looking at the bigger picture, what comes next?
If DJ gets the boot, who’s going to come in, kiss our wounds better and tell us everything is going to be alright. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t think of a more proven manager who could come in and do a job.
Naturally Jones himself has dismissed all talk of him being fired, he was always going to do that. He told the media that he hadn’t become a bad manager overnight and mused about having to hit rock bottom in order to find out what the good times are.
The fact is though, we’ve thought that we’ve hit rock bottom before. In my short lifetime my team have gone from League Cup winners, FA Cup semi-finalists and Premier League regulars to League One strugglers, now we’re somewhere in between. Yet somehow it’s difficult to overlook a 4-1 defeat AT HOME at the hands of Watford. They aren’t half the club that we are, they don’t deserve to score four at Hillsborough.
Anyway, I’m procrastinating. Who can do the job? What needs to be done in order to turn things around at S6?
I’ll tell you one thing, DJ’s spell in charge of Wednesday won’t be forgotten by any respecting Wednesdayites. This season may have been tough, but Jones took us from a distinctly mid-table League One side and turned us into promotion candidates. That’s not easily done, and I for one thank him for it.
Regardless of what happens in the next few days, and I do have a bad feeling that we’ll be in the hunt for a new manager, Jones played a role in giving Wednesdayites some of their best memories in years. Hell, for youngsters their best Wednesday memories ever.
Something has to be done, that’s not up for debate. Whether the players need a kick up the arse, whether Jones needs to rethink his plan or whether Milan needs to pull the trigger I don’t know, but I want to smile again.
Despite the shite that’s happening on the field, the club needs us. I know it sucks watching Wednesday lose, but it’d suck a whole lot more not watching them at all. We need to rally behind the boys, and Jones, and hope that things improve. Make some noise and let them know that we’re there.
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Next month I’m heading home for the first time since I moved to Cape Town last year. I don’t care if we’re propping up The Championship when I get back, I’ll be at Hillsborough when we face Charlton and I’ll be singing my lungs out. Hopefully, you’ll be there with me.
Harry Kane’s talent has been clear to see at Tottenham Hotspur over the last few years, but now the striker is proving his quality on the international stage.
The 24-year-old is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Russia.
Kane has scored five goals for England so far in the tournament, including a hat-trick in the nation’s shock 6-1 victory over Panama – the country’s highest ever World Cup triumph.
Last season for Spurs, Kane missed out on the Premier League Golden Boot by a whisker, but he still finished the campaign with 30 goals.
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In all competitions, the hitman struck the back of the net 41 times and claimed five assists.
At the World Cup, Manchester United and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku is not behind on four strikes, while Cristiano Ronaldo has also found the back of the net four times for Portugal.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had the chance to draw level with Kane during Monday night’s Group B clash with Iran, but he had a penalty saved in the 53rd minute of the 1-1 draw.
Instantly, Tottenham fans took to Twitter to brag about Kane’s goalscoring antics, with some even suggesting that the England star is better than the five-time Champions League winner.
According to reports in The Mirror, Southampton are ready to sack manager Mauricio Pellegrino whether they stay in the Premier League or are relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.
What’s the word, then?
Soccer Football – Premier League – Southampton vs Stoke City – St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, Britain – March 3, 2018 Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino looks on REUTERS/Ian Walton EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further de
Well, The Mirror says that Saints have already started drawing up a shortlist of replacements for the Argentine, who has won just five of his 29 top flight matches in charge this term.
The Mirror says that Pellegrino has fallen way short of the target he was set after replacing Claude Puel last summer, with the south coast outfit in real danger of being relegated rather than challenging for a European spot via the league.
The report adds that Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund chief Graham Potter are two potential replacements for the 46-year-old.
How badly has Pellegrino done this season?
He hasn’t done well at all and Southampton fans have wanted him to be sacked for a number of months now, and especially after the goalless draw against Stoke City on Saturday.
The former Liverpool defender has taken a club that finished eighth last term to one that faces a real battle to survive this, with the south coast outfit failing to beat relegation rivals Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United at St Mary’s this season.
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Saints are also without a home win since they beat Everton 4-1 back in November, and they only have three matches left on their own patch throughout the rest of the campaign – two of those are against Chelsea and Manchester City.
Should he go in the summer?
To be honest, it is a surprise that he is still at St Mary’s now, although The Mirror reports that Les Reed doesn’t want to get rid of him and make a panic appointment.
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That could be a decision he lives to regret though, with Saints showing little signs that they have the quality to beat the drop.
Whatever happens, it is clear for many to see that Pellegrino is out of his depth, and the two parties must go their separate ways at the end of the campaign.
Southampton fans will have mixed emotions about the latest report however, and while the majority will be happy that he is set to go in the summer, they could be in the Championship by then.
After a transfer deadline day which could be best described as underwhelming, Leeds could well benefit from a few new faces to improve the mood at Elland Road.
Even with the transfer window closed there are options available, with the free agent list heavily populated for now. A host of experienced players and stars who have endured difficult spells are looking for new homes, with the Whites potentially in a position to benefit.
Here are six freebies for Leeds to consider…
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CLICK ON CHRIS EAGLES TO REVEAL THE SIX
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Joseph Yobo
Released by Fenerbahce at the end of last season after a brief spell with Norwich, Yobo was a shock decent performer at the World Cup. The big Nigerian is physically imposing and has bags of experience, making him a potentially top class Championship player.
His wages may be an issue, but Leeds could gamble on him.
Tomasz Kuszczak
The former Manchester United stopper has been starring for Brighton in recent seasons, but his spell on the South Coast came to an end over the summer. Marco Silvestri is a new arrival, but the Pole could be used to keep the Italian on his toes given his vast experience in England.
Chris Eagles
After falling out with Dougie Freedman the ex-Manchester United youth star found himself released a few months ago and in search of a new club. With pace and trickery in his armoury, the winger could be a wise addition for Leeds, who with big club status could tempt him to Elland Road.
Jermaine Pennant
Pennant has been searching for a new club for much of 2014 after being released by Stoke, and he may well be a good signing for Leeds. The 31-year-old has had a troubled past, yet his talent has been shown in the Premier League and in Spain.
He may prove to be a unsalvageable now, but Leeds could attempt to get something from him with a short-term deal.
Jack Collison
Injuries curtailed the once promising Welshman’s progress and he has never really recovered from them to regain full fitness. West Ham lost patience with him over the summer, and a switch to the Championship could be a good option.
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He spent some time at Wigan recently, where he showed glimpses of his talent.
Matt Etherington
Once a Stoke and West Ham hero, at 33 Etherington no longer has the pace that made him a handful for defenders in the top tier, but his technical abilities are still evident.
One last push for another stint in the Premier League may tempt the veteran to Leeds, who could benefit from his know-how.
Chris Hughton has confirmed that Russell Martin is still not fit enough for first team action with Norwich.
The defender is still suffering from an injury to his back that he sustained in Norwich’s draw with Aston Villa, so Steven Whittaker will continue deputising for him.
The Canaries face Manchester United this weekend.
Though Hughton admits Martin is still out, he is not experiencing many injury issues.
He said: “Russell Martin, who missed the last couple of games, is still not available, but apart from that we’re OK. We thought Russ was going to be okay for the last game, but it’s one that has dragged on a little bit. We’re expecting him to train on Monday and Tuesday and continue to progress.”
He has also confirmed that as well as Steven Whittaker, who took part in Scotland’s international fixtures against Luxembourg, Wes Hoolahan and John Ruddy have also come back from duty for their national teams unscathed. He said: “The three lads that were away on international duty – John Ruddy, Steven Whittaker, and Wes Hoolahan are all fine.”
Chris Hughton has made it clear that he wants his team to stay away from the bottom three of the Premier League table.
He said: “It gives us a little bit of comfort that we’re not in the bottom three. But although we’re picking up points and playing well, we have some very tough games coming up where – unless you’re on top of your game – it can be difficult. But we’re delighted that we’ve kept away from that bottom three and it’s our responsibility to continue to do that.”
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Norwich will be hoping for a different result from that of the same fixture last season, where Manchester United beat them 1-2 with Ryan Giggs scoring the winner in injury time.