ZLATAN ZLAINS SOUTHAMPTON AS POGBA SHINES - MATCH REPORT AS MAN UTD DESTROYS SOUTHAMPTON

ZLATAN ZLAINS SOUTHAMPTON AS POGBA SHINES - MATCH REPORT

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice on his home debut as Manchester United claimed a comfortable Premier League win over Southampton at Old Trafford.

The Swedish striker headed home Wayne Rooney's cross from the right.
He scored from the penalty spot after Jordy Clasie tripped Luke Shaw, his third goal in two league games since joining on a free transfer this summer.
Paul Pogba, United's £89m world-record signing from Juventus, made an energetic full league debut.
The victory was United's second in succession in the league this season after their opening-day win at Bournemouth.

Zlatan makes his presence felt

 

Ibrahimovic's force of personality could be every bit as much of an asset as his ability to United this season.
The 34-year-old, signed on a free transfer after leaving Paris St-Germain at the end of last season, marked his home debut with a confident display that brought warm appreciation from the home supporters.
Having scored in the Community Shield win over Leicester City and United's Premier League weekend victory at Bournemouth, Ibrahimovic went into the match in fine form.
The Swede's movement was significant in a United attack that looks far livelier than it did under the management of Louis van Gaal last season.
Intriguingly, Ibrahimovic appears to have bumped captain Wayne Rooney from penalty duties. He was quick to take on the responsibility when United were awarded a spot-kick; his finish was his 25th successful conversion from his last 28 attempts.

Pogba's return to Old Trafford, four years after he left for Juventus without having made a Premier League start, has been eagerly awaited by United fans this summer.
His second debut for the club was delayed because of a suspension held over from his time in Italy but, with that served, manager Jose Mourinho tried to warn supporters against expecting too much too soon.
The midfielder is still getting back to full speed, having been given a break after helping France reach the Euro 2016 final - and that showed in his performance.

However, there was plenty of evidence to suggest that Mourinho was right to spend so much money to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford. His display was a positive one, with more touches and more passes in the opposing half than any team-mate.
One surging run towards the end of the first half left four Southampton players in his wake, and demonstrated his power, while a second-half header from a Juan Mata corner flew just over the bar.
He did fade as the match reached its later stages - undoubtedly a result of the fact that he has not had a proper pre-season - but the Frenchman summoned up enough energy to blast a shot wide at the end of a late counter-attack.
A goal would have rounded off Pogba's night perfectly, but he was happy enough. For him, victory was the perfect way to celebrate the 26th birthday of his brother, Partick Thistle striker Mathias Pogba.

The stats you need to know

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has struck 13 goals in his last eight league games against teams managed by Claude Puel - having been prolific for previous club Paris St-Germain against Puel's Nice.
• Three of Ibrahimovic's last six league goals have been with his head - this after none of his previous 19 had come through headers.
• Manchester United have not lost a league home game after leading at half-time since May 1984 (1-2 vs Ipswich).
• Paul Pogba made his first Premier League appearance for Manchester United since 18 March 2012, 1,616 days ago.
• Wayne Rooney made his 600th club appearance in this match (523 for Man Utd, 77 for Everton).
• Manchester United have not lost a home league game on a Friday since April 1950, when they lost 2-0 to Birmingham, winning 14 and drawing six games since.

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Watford vs Chelsea Match Preview and Expert Prediction

Watford	vs	Chelsea
	Kick off: 15:00 Date: Sat, 20-Aug-16

TEAM NEWS

Watford are on the brink of signing Younes Kaboul and Roberto Pereyra but it remains to be seen whether they will be available to face Chelsea.

Brice Dja Djedje and Isaac Success remain sidelined, while Ben Watson is suspended after being sent off 12 minutes after coming on at Southampton.
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns and could be unchanged from the side that beat West Ham on Monday.
Mikel John Obi remains on international duty with Nigeria at the Olympic Games.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Watford's only win in the last 15 league and cup meetings came at home in the first Premier League fixture between the sides 17 years ago (W1, D5, L9).

Watford

• The Hornets have only earned four wins and 17 points from 21 matches since Boxing Day.
• Their only home win in the last seven attempts was by 3-2 against relegated Aston Villa in April when Troy Deeney scored two late goals.
• Deeney has been involved in six of Watford's last seven Premier League goals, scoring four and setting up two.

Chelsea

• The Blues have earned an unrivalled 20 points from away matches in 2016, two more than next-best Leicester and Tottenham (W6, D2, L2).
• Antonio Conte has lost just one of his last 31 league games as a club manager (W28, D2, L1).
• Eden Hazard has scored five goals in his last six league appearances - having previously gone 29 league games without scoring.
•  

  Missing Players

  Player	Reason	Status
  Ben Watson		Out
  Brice Dja Djédjé		Doubtful
  Isaac Success		Doubtful

  Player	Reason	Status
  Kurt Zouma		Out
  Marco van Ginkel		Out

  Team News

  Watford

  • Walter Mazzarri will be without Ben Watson for the welcome of Chelsea after the midfielder picked up the Premier League's first red card of the new season. He could stick with the same XI that drew 1-1 with Southampton last time out. Mazzarri will make a late decision on the fitness of Isaac Success.

  Chelsea

  • Antonio Conte is without injured pair Kurt Zouma and Marco van Ginkel for Saturday's away trip to Watford.
  • Cesc Fabregas could only make the bench in the 2-1 win over West Ham and that has fuelled suggestions he will leave the club before the transfer window shuts. All eyes will be on whether he starts on Saturday or not.

  Match Facts

  Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 matches against Watford in all competitions.
  Chelsea are undefeated in their last 10 matches against Watford in all competitions.

  Prediction

  • Antonio Conte's reign at Chelsea got off to a winning start following Diego Costa's late winner against West Ham on Monday. They were fortunate not to have Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante sent off in that encounter.
  • Watford earned a hard earned point against Southampton despite going down to 10 men with less than 15 minutes remaining. They haven't beaten Chelsea in any competitive match since 1999, although they did draw both fixtures last season. 
  • CHELSEA WIN OR DRAW - FINAL VERDICT:

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Burnley vs Liverpool Match Preview and Expert Prediction

Burnley	vs	Liverpool
	Kick off: 15:00 Date: Sat, 20-Aug-16

TEAM NEWS

Burnley's club-record signing Steven Defour may make his debut in place of departed midfielder David Jones, who has joined Sheffield Wednesday.

Jon Flanagan is on loan from Liverpool, and therefore ineligible, while Ashley Barnes is out with a hamstring injury.
Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge and James Milner are in contention after returning from respective hip and ankle problems.
Sadio Mane is doubtful after suffering a shoulder injury in training.
Philippe Coutinho is fit to play, having been substituted at Arsenal because of cramp rather than injury, while Joel Matip and Lucas Leiva are available after recovering from hamstring problems.

 MANAGERS OPINION

Burnley manager Sean Dyche on the signing of Steven Defour: "In the Premier League world, the numbers that get bandied around seems really small. But for us, they are actually big for a club like Burnley.
"For us, it's a big thing to spend millions of pounds. For others, it's just like, 'park that, let's move on and get another one in'. That's the vast difference in the market.
"He [Defour] knows it will be a challenge for us. He's not coming in thinking we will be rolling around the top three all season.
"He knows it will be a challenge and he wants to be part of that."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on criticism of Alberto Moreno's display at Arsenal: "Alberto could have done better but I don't really understand what we are talking about.
"Maybe I should read more newspapers but I have no idea what we are talking about. The world is not satisfied with our left-back?
"Football is a game you cannot play without making mistakes. Ask goalkeepers and central defenders; when they make a mistake it often leads to a goal, but they have to carry on and we do too in the work we do."

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Liverpool have won all four of their previous Premier League games against Burnley, scoring 11 goals without reply.
• The Clarets' last league win over Liverpool was a 1-0 victory at Anfield in September 1974.

Burnley

• Burnley have failed to score in eight of their last 10 matches in the top flight, and are goalless in their last five Premier League home games.
• Defeat to Swansea last weekend was the Clarets' first league loss in 2016 - ending a 23-match unbeaten streak.
• The last time they lost back-to-back league games was during their most recent spell in the top flight, when they suffered four consecutive defeats between April and May 2015.

Liverpool

• The Reds have only kept two clean sheets in their last 12 league games, conceding 17 goals in total.
• The last time the Reds failed to score in a Premier League game was in a 2-0 defeat by Leicester on 2 February.
• Liverpool have scored four goals or more in five Premier League games this year, more than any side.
• Simon Mignolet could make his 200th Premier League appearance in this match, becoming the third Belgian to reach this milestone after Marouane Fellaini and Vincent Kompany.
• Sadio Mane has scored nine goals in his last nine appearances in the Premier League.
•  

  Missing Players

  Player	Reason	Status
  Ashley Barnes		Out
  Jon Flanagan		Out
  Stephen Ward		Doubtful

  Player	Reason	Status
  Loris Karius		Out
  Sheyi Ojo		Out
  Joel Matip		Doubtful
  Mamadou Sakho		Doubtful
  Joseph Gomez		Doubtful
  Marko Grujic		Doubtful
  Lucas Leiva		Doubtful
  Sadio Mané		Doubtful

  Team News

  Burnley

  • Sean Dyche could hand club record signing Steven Defour his debut on Saturday, particularly after David Jones, who started last weekend, was sold.
  • Jon Flanagan is ruled out due to the terms in his loan agreement from Liverpool.

  Liverpool

  • Daniel Sturridge and James Milner are back in contention after overcoming their own fitness concerns and could slot straight into the starting XI. Sadio Mane is expected to miss out on Saturday after hurting his shoulder in training during the week, while Alberto Moreno should be dropped after a poor performance against Arsenal last time out.
  • Jurgen Klopp will still be without Lucas, Loris Karius and Shey Ojo, while Joe Gomez, Marko Grujic, Mamadou Sakho and Joel Matip remain doubts.

  Match Facts

  There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Burnley's last 14 games (Premier League).
  Burnley have failed to score in 8 of their last 10 matches (Premier League).
  Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches against Burnley in all competitions.
  Liverpool have won their last 4 matches against Burnley in all competitions.
  There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Liverpool's last 7 away games (Premier League).
  Liverpool are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches (Premier League).
  Burnley have failed to win their last 5 home matches (Premier League).

  Prediction

  • Burnley's return to the Premier League ended in a 1-0 defeat to Swansea. They will now welcome Liverpool, against whom they have a torrid record. They haven't scored in any of their last four meetings and have conceded 11 goals in the process.
  • Liverpool smashed four past Arsenal to open their account last Sunday and will be in confident mood ahead of their trip to Burnley. Jurgen Klopp's men should be targetting another emphatic win

  LIVERPOOL WIN -FINAL VERDICT

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Manchester United vs Southampton Match preview and expert predictions

Manchester United	vs	Southampton
	Kick off: 20:00 Date: Fri, 19-Aug-16

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United have £89m signing Paul Pogba available after he served a suspension carried over from his time at previous club Juventus.

Defender Chris Smalling is also back following a ban, while Jesse Lingard has recovered from a foot injury.
Southampton captain Jose Fonte, who has been linked with United, could feature despite missing their opener because of a late start to pre-season.
Ryan Bertrand remains injured so Matt Targett will continue at left-back.

   MANAGERS  OPINIONS 

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "Paul [Pogba] has been training for around 10, 11 days, adaptation is really easy because he is a boy from here, he knows the club, he knows everybody. There's no need for time to adapt.

"He needs time to build his condition and his understanding in the way the team tries to play. Yes, he's ready to play.
"Ninety minutes? I don't believe. Super performance? I don't believe. But in condition to accelerate his process of integration in the team, that's for sure."
Southampton manager Claude Puel on speculation linking Jose Fonte with United: "There is no problem with Jose, it is just strange that this rumour comes just before the game at United.
"But he is a very good professional and he has played well in training... Jose has good experience, so he cannot be disturbed by this rumour but I am just surprised to hear this before the game, two days before the match."

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Southampton have recorded 1-0 wins on each of their last two visits to Old Trafford.
• Prior to that, Saints had gone 27 years - spanning 19 league games - since their last league win away to United.
• The only team to beat Manchester United three times in a row at Old Trafford in the Premier League are Manchester City (2011-2014).

Manchester United

• The Red Devils are unbeaten at home since losing to Southampton in January, a run of 11 matches in league and cup (W8, D3).
• United conceded just nine home league goals last season - the best record in the top flight.
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored on his league debut in four different countries.
• United have not lost any of their previous Premier League matches on a Friday (W5, D3).

Southampton

• Saints conceded 19 league goals away from home last term - the second best record in the top flight behind Leicester, who let in 18.
• However, Southampton have conceded in 13 consecutive Premier League games, their longest run without a clean sheet since November 2012 (a run of 21).
• They scored a joint league-high 15 headed goals in the 2015-16 season (level with West Ham).
• Their two top scorers last season - Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane - both left this summer.
• They are unbeaten in their last seven league games (W5, D2)   
•  
•  
  England»Premier League - 2016/2017»

  Manchester United	vs	Southampton
  	Kick off: 20:00 Date: Fri, 19-Aug-16

  Missing Players

  Player	Reason	Status	Rating
  Bastian Schweinsteiger		Out	N/A
  Jesse Lingard		Doubtful	N/A
  Cameron Borthwick-Jackson		Doubtful	N/A

  Player	Reason	Status	Rating
  Florin Gardos		Out	N/A
  Ryan Bertrand		Out	N/A
  José Fonte		Doubtful	N/A

  Team News

  Manchester United

  • Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba are available for selection after missing the first league game of the season through suspension. Neither are likely to start against Southampton as their pre-season has been heavily disrupted. Pogba is likely to make his comeback from the bench.
  • Juan Mata was a surprise starter against Bournemouth. He scored but isn't expected to start many games under Jose Mourinho. Henrikh Mkhitaryan should get his first start as a United player at his expense. Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini impressed against Bournemouth and could retain their place.
  • Jesse Lingard and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson missed out through injury and remains a doubt. Bastian Schweinsteiger is still training with the reserves.

  Southampton

  • Ryan Bertrand missed their first game of the season with a knee injury and it has been confirmed that he will miss out once more on Friday.
  • Claude Puel has revealed there is a 'good chance' Jose Fonte will make his season bow despite being linked with a move to Friday's opponents.

  Match Facts

  Man Utd have won 7 of their last 8 home matches (Premier League).	Man Utd win 1.53
  There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man Utd's last 3 games (Premier League).	Over 2.5 goals 1.95
  Man Utd have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 home matches against Southampton in all competitions.	Under 2.5 goals 1.85
  Southampton are undefeated in their last 7 matches (Premier League).	Southampton win or draw 2.60
  Man Utd have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).	Over 1.5 goals 1.30
  * Odds from

  Prediction

  • Manchester United turned in a thoroughly professional performance on Jose Mourinho's Premier League bow as United manager to beat Bournemouth 3-1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney both got on the scoresheet, which was an added bonus, although there is still work to be done.
  • Southampton's new regime under Claude Puel started with a 1-1 draw against Watford. They also have a lot of work to do if they are to match the expectations of the manager. Southampton have beaten United in both of their last two visits to Old Trafford, which should give the away side some confidence ahead of the first Friday night fixture of the season.
  • Those two wins are the only times they have actually beaten United in their last 14 encounters in all competitions, however. It would take some doing for Southampton to make it three wins in a row at Old Trafford, particuarly with Mourinho keen to secure a first win at the Theatre of Dreams. The last time United lost at Old Trafford in a competitive fixture was coincidentally against Southampton back in January. They are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions since then. 
  • MANCHESTER UNITED WIN-FINAL VERDICT

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TODAY LATEST TRANSFER GOSSIP 18/08/2016

Gossip column: Hart, Fabregas, Balotelli, Evans, Fonte, Klopp, Mahrez

Goalkeeper Joe Hart, 29, has told his Manchester City team-mates he will leave the club before the transfer window closes. (Daily Mirror)
Rangers midfielder Joey Barton says City's treatment of Hart is "disgusting".(Talksport)
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli, 26, could move to Wolves or Port Vale following advice from Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. (Sun)
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 29, will ignore interest from Juventus to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge this season. (Evening Standard)
Hertha Berlin are considering a bid for 21-year-old Arsenal and Germany midfielder Serge Gnabry. (Bild - in German)
West Brom are hopeful of signing 23-year-old winger Jeff Schlupp from Leicester City, despite being told he will not be leaving this summer. (Leicester Mercury)

The Baggies are set to reject Arsenal's £16m bid for defender Jonny Evans, 28. (Sun)
Southampton manager Claude Puel says captain Jose Fonte, 32, has not been affected by being linked with a move to Manchester United. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea are set to make a big bid for Napoli's £40m-rated defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 25. (Daily Mirror)
Leeds United are set to sign 25-year-old Torino centre-back Pontus Jansson. (Yorkshire Evening Post)
Derby County and Fulham are both hoping to sign 20-year-old Manchester United striker James Wilson. (Daily Telegraph)
Benfica, Sevilla and Valencia are keen to sign Liverpool's 23-year-old midfielder Luis Alberto. (Cadena Sur, via Daily Star)
Turkish club Trabzonspor are interested in 23-year-old Tottenham defender DeAndre Yedlin. (NBC Sports)
Valencia striker Paco Alcacer, 22, and keeper Diego Alves, 31, will cost Barcelona 36m euros (£31.15m). (Marca)
Manager Jurgen Klopp has imposed his style of play on Liverpool far too soon, says new Inter Milan coach Frank de Boer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

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Boost for Liverpool as the Spaniard Returns to Training Following Quad Injury

 

 

Pedro Chirivella has stepped up his recovery from a quad injury that kept the young Liverpool midfielder out for much of pre-season.
The Spaniard only featured in one of the Reds’ summer warmup games, playing the second half of July’s 1-0 win away to Tranmere Rovers, before he was sidelined.
This left Chirivella out of the remaining eight pre-season fixtures, while he was absent from Jurgen Klopp‘s squad for the tour of the US, despite the injured Joe Gomez, Mamadou Sakho and Lucas Leiva all being included.
Speculation had mounted over Chirivella’s future, particularly with no confirmation of his injury, but the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce has now detailed his recovery.
Chirivella suffered a quad injury in the early stages of pre-season, but has now been “given the green light” to take part in light training.
This is likely to be alongside the first team at Melwood, though he should feature heavily for Michael Beale‘s U23s side in 2016/17.

The 19-year-old has a bright future on Merseyside, but faces strong competition in Klopp’s midfield ranks, particularly following the addition of Georginio Wijnaldum in a £25 million deal with Newcastle United.
Adam Lallana also looks set to be utilised as a central midfielder this season, while Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, Marko Grujic and Kevin Stewart will all be regular options along with Lucas.
Chirivella’s fellow academy prospect Cameron Brannagan has been linked with a loan move to Wigan Athletic, and the youngster could even follow him out on a temporary deal.
Brannagan’s move is yet to be confirmed, however, with the playmaker joining Klopp’s squad for training on Tuesday.
Seventeen-year-old Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara was also present at Melwood, as well as peripheral figures Christian Benteke, Lazar Markovic and Andre Wisdom.
Loris Karius joined Klopp’s stoppers for fitness work, but is still recovering from a broken hand, while James Milner and Daniel Sturridge have made their return after ankle and hip problems respectively.
However, Sheyi Ojo has joined Karius, Lucas, Sakho, Gomez and Ovie Ejaria as the latest Liverpool player to be sidelined.

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