Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to discuss their side’s upcoming run of fixtures, amid what is looking like a potentially crucial period of their Premier League season.
The Saints have endured an abysmal start to their campaign after 11 games – winning just twice – which has left them sitting 18th with eight points in total.
Additionally, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have conceded the most goals in the top-flight with 27, and have also scored the third-least amount with ten goals in 11 games.
The south coast side have already faced Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and third-placed Leicester, who handed them an embarrassing 9-0 defeat in their own back yard.
In the next six games however, Southampton have a slightly easier-looking run consisting of matches against Everton, Arsenal, Watford, Norwich, Newcastle, West Ham – they simply have to pick up points from these games to avoid an early relegation battle.
Let’s take a look at what the Southampton fans on Twitter have been saying about their crucial upcoming schedule…
Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react after Jose Mourinho defended the Merseysiders from Vincent Kompany’s pre-match remark on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday.
The former Manchester City captain suggested that the Reds might not be able to cope with the pressure of playing such a massive fixture, a game that would’ve – and now has – sent them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Following Kompany’s comments, Mourinho, 56, stepped in to point out that, while City are champions of England, Jurgen Klopp’s men are the reigning champions of Europe, implying they shouldn’t be underestimated.
Following the former Manchester United manager’s defence of the Reds, some Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react.
One fan said that it feels “scummy” to see Mourinho defend them, whereas another supporter said that this is the “only time” that they will like the straight-talking Portuguese manager.
Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…
Reliable journalist John Percy has dropped a big update regarding the future of Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil, following his side’s 5-3 defeat away to Brentford over the weekend.
O'Neil struggling as Wolves manager
Wanderers went into Saturday’s trip to Brentford looking for their first Premier League win of the season, but yet again, the travelling supporters didn’t get what they hoped for.
A hugely entertaining game saw the Bees run out 5-3 winners in west London, with Wolves twice coming from behind in the first half, but eventually succumbing to yet another defeat in the top flight.
It means that Wanderers remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, having only got one point from their opening seven matches, so there is understandable pressure on the shoulders of O’Neil currently.
The 41-year-old made an impressive start to life at Molineux, standing out as arguably one of the most exciting young British managers in the game, but things have turned this season, and he desperately needs to turn his team’s fortunes around. Now, a fresh update has dropped on O’Neil’s future.
Update on Gary O'Neil's Wolves future
Writing on X on Sunday morning, Percy claimed that O’Neil still has the backing of those high up at Wolves, despite such a poor beginning to the season:
While many supporters could understandably be frustrated with Wolves’ struggles under O’Neil, it is refreshing to see the club’s board standing by him and still looking at him as the right man for the job.
There is a level of impatience that exists in the modern game that means managers get sacked far quicker than they used to, but if Wanderers believe their current boss is the correct individual to take them into the future, there shouldn’t be too big an overreaction to their start to the campaign.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Wolves can stick with O’Neil forever, and at some point, a change may be needed if defeats continue to arrive after the international break, so the run of fixtures after the international break feels crucial as Percy alludes to.
A home clash with champions Manchester City is a horrible way to return to action later in the month, and it would be unfair to react after that game, regardless of the result.
O'Neil must ditch Wolves gem who took fewer touches than Johnstone
The Old Gold are in serious trouble now…
2 ByRoss Kilvington Oct 6, 2024
A trip to Brighton is also tricky, but the back-to-back home clashes with Crystal Palace and Southampton at the start of November feel massive. If Wolves are still without a victory in the league after those four games, you have to wonder whether the managerial situation will have changed, with the club possibly feeling they have given O’Neil long enough by that point.
Chelsea has been home to numerous elite-level talents over the years, helping the club cement their place as one of the big six sides in the Premier League.
Since 2000, the club have won five top-flight titles along with two Champions League triumphs, mainly thanks to the investment of former owner Roman Abramovich.
However, since he sold the club in 2022 to Todd Boehly, the Blues have failed to win a single trophy, with an emphasis on the American needing to return the club to its glory days.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly
Striker Didier Drogba played a huge part in the club’s previous success, making 344 appearances and scoring 147 times – including in the Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich back in 2012.
The Ivorian starred alongside one talent who captured the hearts of many during his own time at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard’s time at Chelsea
Midfielder Frank Lampard will forever be an integral part of the Chelsea side that created new history for the club during the early 2000s, often taking the armband in the absence of John Terry.
Premier League legend Frank Lampard
He joined the Blues in an £11m deal way back in 2001 from fellow Premier League side West Ham United, making an immediate impact on the first-team squad despite his tender age of just 22 when he made the move across London.
Lampard produced numerous heroic displays during his time at Stamford Bridge, including in the Champions League semi-final back in 2008, scoring a vital penalty just days after the tragic passing of his mother.
The midfielder eventually departed the Bridge back in 2014 after 13 successful years at the club, amassing a total of 481 appearances – whilst making himself the club’s record goalscorer in the process.
He embodied everything about being a Chelsea player with his work rate, and desire to help the club succeed, whilst also having the quality to turn the game on its head in an instant – subsequently helping the club achieve their respective titles during his time at the club.
Frank Lampard
211
Bobby Tambling
177
Didier Drogba
164
Peter Osgood
139
Jimmy Greaves
131
The club have struggled to find a replacement for the Englishman, unsurprisingly, given his impact at the club, but at one point they thought one player could fill the boots of the fan favourite.
The man who was once the next Lampard
After joining the club back in 2013, midfielder Marco van Ginkel arrived from Dutch side Vitesse with high hopes of being the next big talent at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea.
He only made four appearances during his debut campaign in England, before various different loan spells away from the club at the likes of AC Milan and Stoke City.
Rangers target Marco van Ginkel.
However, Van Ginkel, who was previously hailed as ‘the next Lampard’ when arriving, subsequently spent three separate loan spells at PSV Eindhoven, before permanently joining the Dutch side during the summer of 2021.
He made 76 appearances for Eindhoven across his three temporary stints at the club before his permanent transfer, but he would only last two seasons before yet another move.
Van Ginkel moved to Vitesse, the club he started his career at, scoring nine goals in 45 appearances last season, before leaving at the end of the season, with the midfielder now a free agent at the age of just 31.
It’s a real shame to see a player with such high expectations fail to deliver during his career, with the Dutchman another player in a long line that has never matched the promise demonstrated in his early days.
His time at Chelsea was a huge disappointment, only making four appearances over an eight-year spell, with the midfielder in desperate need of a move to reignite his once promising career.
First Impressions
What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.
Wolverhampton Wanderers succumbed to yet another defeat on Wednesday night, this time in the EFL Cup, as they lost 3-2 to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Gary O’Neil made a few changes to his starting XI for the cup clash, but the team failed to deliver on the pitch, as the loss means the Old Gold have now lost all but two of their six matches of the 2024/25 campaign.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
One player who did impress was Goncalo Guedes, as the Portuguese forward took his opportunity to shine.
Goncalo Guedes’ game in numbers vs Brighton
The previously outcast forward spent last season out on loan, but it now looks like he could slot into O’Neil’s plans, especially after a decent start to the term.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has scored three goals in just four appearances, and it was his display against the Seagulls which could see him claim another start against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
Goncalo Guedes
Guedes played 82 minutes on Wednesday evening. Not only did he get on the scoresheet again, but the winger took four shots in total, made two key passes and created one big chance during his time on the field, showcasing his hunger to get involved as often as possible.
The former Benfica gem also won three of his five ground duels and led the line admirably, despite the end result.
This performance surely deserves another chance in the starting XI against Unai Emery’s men. O’Neil could also unleash one of Wolves’ finest players from last term who can form a solid partnership with Guedes – Mattheus Cunha.
Matheus Cunha’s season in numbers
The £60k-per-week star ranked in the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the previous 12 months, showcasing how effective he has been going forward for Wolves.
Add in the fact he scored 14 times while registering eight assists in all competitions last term, and it is clear that the Brazilian is key to the Old Gold.
Goals
1
Assists
0
Key passes per game
1.3
Big chances created
2
Successful dribbles per game
1.8
Total duels won per game
5
Once hailed as “one of the most exciting players in the Bundesliga” by journalist Ninad Barbadikar during his spell at RB Leipzig, he certainly deserves to be unleashed tomorrow afternoon.
While Guedes would operate as the lone centre-forward against Villa, Cunha could drop slightly deeper by playing as a number ten, a position in which he registered seven goal contributions last season.
This partnership could potentially see the Molineux outfit claim their first victory in the Premier League season, but the entire team will have to be at their very best in order to secure a positive result.
Matheus Cunha
There is no doubt that O’Neil has a wonderful squad, but the onus is for him to get them firing sooner rather than later.
If not, they could get sucked into a relegation battle, which would be a travesty considering how well they shone in spells last season.
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Wolves thought they struck the jackpot with next Hazard
Liverpool want to sign another midfielder this summer, despite having already brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, according to Sky Sports' Melissa Reddy.
What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?
Having just endured one of their worst league campaigns under Jurgen Klopp since his arrival, Liverpool are in dire need of a transformation this summer.
The lack of investment in midfield over recent years – Thiago Alcantara being the last traditional central midfielder the club signed permanently before this summer – resulted in a significant drop-off in performance levels last term, with the Reds ending up fifth and without a major trophy.
The Reds have gone some way to remedying that this summer, bringing in Mac Allister and Szoboszlai for a combined £95m, while James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left on free transfers.
Their spending spree may not be over just yet though, with journalist Reddy claiming that Liverpool are still in the market for another central midfielder this summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Reddy stated: "Liverpool have managed to get Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister over the line for under £100m. All nice and early, and yet their midfield rebuild may not yet be done.
"Now, ahead of the summer we were expecting Liverpool to sign at least two new options in the centre of the park. They've already gone and done that, but they're still exploring potential deals for Romeo Lavia and Khephren Thuram.
"Now remember, even though Bayern Munich don't want to sell him, Ryan Gravenberch has been enthused by a move to Anfield and working with Jurgen Klopp. So, all things considered, we can expect a minimum of one more addition there in the centre of the park."
Given the Reds have lost three central midfielders, and Thiago could be on his way out of the club if reports are to be believed, it is not a surprise that Klopp wants to replace the numbers he has lost in the centre of the pitch.
Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are both enormous upgrades on the Reds' three midfield departures this summer, while Lavia, Thuram and Gravenberch would also add tremendous strength and depth to Liverpool's midfield options.
Which midfielders could Liverpool sign?
As Reddy mentioned, Lavia is a big target for Liverpool. Fabrizio Romano recently reported that those at Anfield have been in contact with the Belgian's representatives for a fortnight, with Southampton reportedly wanting £50m for their 19-year-old star.
Lavia appears to be a priority target for Liverpool, not only due to his excellent performances but because he helps the Reds fill their homegrown quota. The midfielder would be classed as a homegrown player by the time he turns 21 due to his time at Manchester City and Southampton, and would solve a future problem for Liverpool.
Thuram has also been strongly linked with Merseyside and now that he has exited the U21 European Championship with France, a potential transfer could come closer into view.
Gravenberch looks far less likely to join the Reds despite Reddy's claims that he is interested in a move.
In a recent interview, the Dutchman said: "I assume I will still play here [at Bayern] next season. That is really how I feel. I’m at a top three club in the world. I find that beautiful and special. I won’t give that up just like that. My goal is still to succeed at Bayern."
Tottenham Hotspur could sign centre-backs Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven this summer, according to Alasdair Gold.
What's the latest on Tottenham's transfers?
Having recently made two new additions to their squad this summer in the form of Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison, attention has shifted to bolstering the centre of Spurs' defence.
Ange Postecoglou will be keen to improve a backline that conceded 63 Premier League goals last season and will have to explore the transfer market to make that happen.
Tottenham have been strongly linked with a number of defenders, but the most concrete of those surround Bundesliga pair Tapsoba and Van de Ven of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg respectively.
According to Alasdair Gold, both centre-backs are appreciated by Spurs' hierarchy, and the journalist believes that there is a possibility of both of them arriving in north London.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Gold stated: "Obviously defence has to be dealt with now. The feeling that I get is that Edmond Tapsoba is the main target, as the top target at centre-back."
"But, you know, there's two ways of looking at this. There is one aspect of, a little bit like David Raya and Vicario himself, that if they can't get the price down on Tapsoba, then Micky van de Ven is a very, very good young centre-back on the market, the Wolfsburg defender. So, you could say if they can't get him [Tapsoba], they turn to him [Van de Ven]."
He added: "Depending on the departures at Spurs, there's no reason really, if they were able to make sure to get players out the door, of going for both."
Gold went on to reiterate that Tapsoba is indeed Spurs' "top target" but a deal may hinge on the potential transfer fee of the 24-year-old. He suggests that he has heard the Burkina Faso international valued at £25m, but also at a much larger figure, creating an element of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Van de Ven has been valued closer to the £26m mark, making him a much cheaper alternative should Tapsoba's fee rise closer to £50m.
Spurs would need to move on several defenders to make all of this possible, with Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez already linked with moves away.
Would they improve Spurs?
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Tapsoba would significantly improve Spurs but Van de Ven remains a slightly more unknown quantity.
While the Dutchman was just dumped out of the U21 Euros at the group stage, the 22-year-old still put in a respectable performance at the tournament. He has also been repeatedly praised for his Bundesliga performances this term.
One of the key attributes Van de Ven possesses is his ability on the ball. Compared to centre-backs in Europe's top-five leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League last season, the Wolfsburg man showcased his quality in possession.
He has a solid average of 87.7% pass accuracy, putting him in the top 27% of centre-backs, while he was also in the top 10% for progressive carries, carries into the final third and successful take-ons, highlighting his ability to step out of defence when required.
The former Volendam man also boasts tremendous pace, as has been shown in a widely-circulated clip on social media.
Aston Villa are being strongly linked with Juventus winger Federico Chiesa as the Italian looks to be nearing the exit door in Turin.
Is Chiesa joining Aston Villa?
After enduring an injury-hit couple of seasons at Juventus, Federico Chiesa could be ready to call time on his career with I Bianconeri. There is a feeling that the attacker's fitness issues have made it impossible for him to fulfil the potential he arrived with from Fiorentina in 2020.
According to some sources, Chiesa has fallen out with Juventus boss Max Allegri and is now looking for a possible escape from the Allianz Stadium in the transfer window, with a host of top clubs seeking his signature.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa are "ones to watch" in the race for the 25-year-old's services, suggesting that the club have even made contact with Juventus for the player.
Initially speaking about Newcastle United's links with Chiesa, Jacobs told Steve Wraith: "I think that it's probably more likely at this stage that Aston Villa are the ones to watch because they are pushing a little bit more aggressively than Newcastle at this point."
He later added: "I think Villa have already either made a verbal offer, or at least intimated the direction they want to travel and basically had that deal turned away at this point."
Jacobs suggests that Villa were quickly turned away initially, but only because they did not meet Juventus' valuation of the player.
It is believed that Juventus would expect approximately £52m to part ways with the 41-cap international, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain all considered to have an interest in the forward. Aston Villa may have to move quickly to put themselves at the front of that prestigious queue.
Is Chiesa good enough for the Premier League?
When Chiesa first arrived in Turin from Florence, initially on a two-year loan deal, there was a huge expectation that he would quickly become a superstar. This expectation was undoubtedly made bigger by the fact that the winger is son of Serie A stalwart Enrico Chiesa.
The Italian – who has been hailed a "wizard" – had racked up 59 combined goals and assists after breaking into Fiorentina's team at 19-years-old but his move to Juventus was derailed by injury. The winger missed almost an entire year with a cruciate ligament problem that massively hindered his natural progression.
However, when compared to attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League over the past year, it is obvious why Chiesa is still highly sought after.
Mainly appearing on the left-wing, Chiesa ranks in the top 4% for assists per 90 (0.42), the top 15% for progressive carries per 90 (4.52) and the top 12% for crosses into the penalty area per 90 (0.57). Chiesa is a direct runner and a very creative individual who loves taking shots, even if his goal tally and shot accuracy are not tremendous.
He also puts in a lot of tackles per 90, mostly in the attacking third, showing his willingness to press – something that is crucial in the Premier League.
If he can stay fit, there is no doubt that Chiesa is an incredible talent who could make a host of top English clubs better.
Scottish champions Celtic are reportedly plotting an audacious move for Leicester City star, Wilfried Ndidi, with Brendan Rodgers seemingly keen on a reunion with the Nigerian midfielder at Parkhead.
What's the latest on Ndidi to Celtic?
According to the Daily Mail, the Old Firm giants are said to be 'interested' in a possible summer deal for the 26-year-old, with the Lagos native potentially facing something of an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium following the Foxes' recent relegation.
The Glasgow outfit are seemingly not alone in their interest in the former Genk man, however, with journalist Ahmed Ragab having reported earlier this week that Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab have held talks with Ndidi regarding a potential summer swoop.
The 52-cap machine – who made the move to England on a £15m deal back in January 2017 – currently has just a year left to run on his existing deal with the Midlands side, hence the possibility that he could be sold on ahead of next season.
Would Ndidi be a good signing for Celtic?
It would certainly represent a major coup if Rodgers could tempt his former asset to make the move north of the border, with it not too long ago that the Northern Irishman suggested that the midfielder would be worth "much more" than £50m, amid interest from the likes of Aston Villa.
That sizeable figure is a marker of just what a talent Ndidi truly is, having also been hailed as a "shining light" for Leicester in the past by pundit Luke Chadwick, after racking up 237 appearances in all competitions over the past six years or so, scoring 11 times and contributing 12 assists in that time.
While evidently not a player who is likely to make an impact in the final third – as that goal return can illustrate – the experienced ace "does that defensive midfield job really well", according to Chadwick, as he "covers a lot of ground" and "uses the ball really effectively" from his deep-lying role.
As Rodgers himself also stated, it is "incredible" just how the Lagos native is able to win the ball so impressively, with that destructive brilliance showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for interceptions made as well as in the top 5% for tackles made.
Even as part of a side that slipped to relegation last season, Ndidi still caught the eye after averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game from his defensive midfield berth in the Premier League, with that a better record than what Hoops star Callum McGregor achieved, for instance, in the Scottish Premiership – 1.2 tackles and one interception per game.
Celtic's Reo Hatate
The addition of the £75k-per-week titan could then help to free up Celtic's other midfield talent – such is his defensive prowess – with Reo Hatate, in particular, among those who could benefit, with the Japanese international able to place greater emphasis on making the difference in the final third.
While currently a player who is "everywhere" on the pitch – according to pundit Alan Hutton – the presence of Ndidi could allow Hatate the licence to remain higher up the park, thus helping to bolster his already impressive creative record.
Lauded as a "joy to watch" by journalist Sacha Pisani, the 25-year-old notably created ten big chances and recorded eight assists in the Premiership in 2022/23, although the hope would be that the former Kawasaki Frontale man could kick on again next term.
As such, if Ndidi is to be signed this summer, Rodgers could partner the towering menace alongside the dominative maestro to form what could be a truly stunning, all-action duo.
Aston Villa are interested in signing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire this summer, according to reports.
What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?
It looks set to be a busy summer at Villa Park ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season in charge, with NSWE set to back the Spaniard with a “huge” transfer budget.
The first deal has already been agreed with Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, and another could be on the way with Villa in pole position to sign Arthur Melo, who spent last season on loan at Liverpool.
A new attacker could also be on the wishlist with links to Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, while defensive reinforcements another area where Villa could add to under Monchi, Villa’s new president of football operations.
According to reports, Aston Villa are interested in signing Maguire this summer. Alongside Villa, both Newcastle and Tottenham are also thought to be keen, although the 30-year-old is currently happy at Old Trafford.
However, should Manchester united sign a new centre-back this summer, it is believed that Maguire could fall further down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag, with left-back Luke Shaw even preferred at centre-back over Maguire at points in recent months.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
How much does Harry Maguire earn at Man United?
Maguire has a good record against Aston Villa, winning six of his eight games against the Villans, and would bring plenty of experience at the highest level to the Midlands.
He is currently on a £200,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, the highest salary of his career after previously being on £6,200-a-week at Hull City back in 2015.
The England international has made 219 appearances in the Premier League and has 56 caps for his country, with his form for Leicester City earning him a big-money move to Old Trafford back in 2019.
He has struggled at points in Manchester, however, Ten Hag did praise the defender back in March, labelling him as a “dominant” and showing “leadership”.
"I'm really happy with the progress that Harry is making in this moment.
"He's more dominant and dictating, he's taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictating of the game."
Therefore, a move away from Manchester to the Midlands could be what Maguire needs at this point in his career, and with Villa playing Europa Conference League football next season, a move could well appeal to the player, providing game time is guaranteed, making this one to watch.