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West Ham welcome Sunderland today in the early kickoff, as two former Hammers return to Upton Park for the last time.

Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce left East London at the end of last season in acrimonious circumstances, after failing to wholly convince in charge of the club.

While many fans met his departure with a sense of joy, ‘Big Sam’ is actually the subject of somewhat of a Twitter love in.

To be fair, the former Blackburn and Bolton manager did take the club back into the Premier League, as well as establish them back in the top flight.

Though, constructive criticism is always welcome, of course.

Allardyce is not the only man returning to his former charges today. Sunderland marksman Jermain Defoe returns to his former stomping ground, where he played between 1999 and 2004.

The former England international’s return appears to have resigned sections of the online Hammers faithful to fear.

Waxing poetic about Defoe’s ability in front of goal is all well and good, though perhaps Hammers fans are being somewhat paranoid.

No need for paranoia when you have Payet after all.

The Frenchman has been an utter revelation since arriving in the summer, taking the Premier League by storm.

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Leicester star Wes Morgan believes that the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal will not dent their confidence in the race for the title, according to reports from the Express.

The Foxes were seconds away from holding on to a brilliant point at the Emirates on Sunday after defending for 40 minutes with just 10 men, but Danny Welbeck rose highest to a Mesut Ozil free kick and scored a last gasp header to give the Gunners all three points.

However, despite the loss, Claudio Ranieri’s men still sit on top of the league table two points above Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and club captain Morgan is adamant that the loss will not affect their confidence.

Morgan said: “That defeat will not affect our confidence. We have to take heart from that game.

“We’ve shown our endeavour, our togetherness and how well we can stick in there when things go against us.

“Everyone loves an underdog and that’s us at the moment. We’re delighted to have that backing.

“You have to relish and enjoy it. There’s not many people who get to be top and fighting for the title. We’re the type of team where the pressure won’t get to us. We just want to prove how good we can be.

“Our aim at the start of the season was to go off the back of the previous campaign, when everyone saw how we avoided relegation. It was to do more of the same.”

Teammate goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had a similar attitude, backing the team to bounce back and continue the campaign with the same self-belief that brought them so much success thus far.

He said: “We have only lost three games this season so we will not get bogged down by this, in the same way we do not get too ahead of ourselves if we win. It is a loss and we will get on with it.

“People were maybe getting a little bit ahead of themselves outside of the club – not within.

“But we will keep going. Why shouldn’t we bounce back? It is a loss, we move on and we will have the same attitude.”

Leicester will host struggling Norwich City in their next league game on the 27th of February.

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It’s hard to understate the importance of Newcastle’s next game away at Norwich. Three points behind Saturday’s hosts, a loss would be a bitter pill to take and would leave them with a proverbial mountain to climb to escape relegation

Win by two goals or more, however, and they would overtake the Canaries and make the task of avoiding the drop far less daunting and distinctly more achievable. With the tactical nous of Rafa Benitez now shaping the side both in formation and mentality, the Geordie faithful will be more hopeful of seeing their side do just that than under previous boss Steve McClaren.

Victory might even get them out of the relegation places, dependent on what local rivals Sunderland do at home to West Brom on the same day, and with four home fixtures in their last six games, the passionate crowd at St James’ Park will be optimistic they will still be watching Premier League football again next season.

But further to that, if Benitez can keep the Magpies in the nation’s top division (and it is a big IF) for at least another season, there is enough in place in the North East for a complete turnaround in form and fortune, and perhaps even a challenge for a European spot this time next year.

I’m sure that assertion is enough to make many scoff with derision, but we’ve already seen this season with Leicester how a side can completely transform their fortunes in a relatively short space of time. Unlike Newcastle, however, they had already begun to win games towards the back end of last season, so had already ‘got the ball rolling’ in terms of winning games and changing the mind-set of the whole club.

No-one really expected them to carry it on of course, but should Newcastle manage to pick up four or five wins in their last eight this campaign, a feat that would surely see them avoid relegation, there is plenty to suggest that, whilst they might not ‘do a Leicester’, they could at the very least return to the top-half of the table next season.

Benitez has a wealth of experience throughout Europe to call upon of course and ultimately it is that experience that will go a long way to improving Newcastle’s fortunes. Playing staff too are well equipped to help instigate a dramatic change in fortunes for the club. Having been the biggest spenders in the January transfer-window, the much-derided owner Mike Ashley finally put his money where his mouth is and added extra quality to a squad already littered with some solid talent.

Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend, amongst others, were brought in to bolster a squad already containing Georginio Wijnaldum, Daryl Janmaat and Moussa Sissoko – all quality players on their day – so if they can align their thinking with the manager, who will be charged with getting the most out of a group of players who should be no where near the relegation zone, they have the inherent quality to not only avoid the drop, but kick on next season and help guide the club nearer to the other end of the table.

The past few seasons have been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride for the side in black and white. From a fifth-placed finish in 2011/12 to barely avoiding relegation the very next campaign, the club sure knows how to extract the complete range of emotions from the loyal Geordie faithful. And I only see more extremes of emotion on the horizon.

Whilst the trophy cabinet might suggest otherwise, the St James’ Park side are one of the biggest clubs in the country. The fan-base in the one club city of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is both loyal and passionate, while the stadium at St James’ Park amongst the best in the country. If the club is run properly – clearly a major sticking point under the Ashley regime – they have everything in place to return to the upper echelons of the league.

With Benitez at the helm and given a three year deal with the club, if they can just escape relegation in this, arguably the most important season to avoid the drop in Premier League history, a rapid turnaround in fortunes is just around the corner… and round the loop… and through the corkscrew… and via every other twist and turn of the roller-coaster course that is the life of Newcastle United.

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Groundhog day – another ransacking at St. Mary’s Stadium is about to take place, and for the second time in three years, the boss has been nicked.

While many Saints fans will now be used to the unrelenting repetition of star players and managers leaving at the end of every season, the departure of Ronald Koeman to Everton has left a bitter taste in many mouths on the South Coast.

With Southampton finishing sixth and ready for Europa League football, and Everton finishing eleventh and in need of serious improvement, it seems that money talks when it comes to managers choosing their next destination.

Still, the Saints have proved particularly astute in player and coach recruitment and this summer should be no different.

Here are the FIVE men that Southampton should consider as manager…

Frank De Boer

In a bizarre twist of fate, the man who was originally favourite for the Everton job could find himself at the very place that Ronald Koeman departed to head to Goodison Park.

If Frank De Boer is selected to continue the Dutch revolution at St. Mary’s, he would bring with him a wealth of experience and tactical nous, both as a player and manager.

However, the pressure of the Eredivisie and Ajax is markedly different to the pressure at Southampton and the Premier League, something that may truly test De Boer’s acumen, should he take the role.

Eddie Howe

The current favourite with the bookies, Eddie Howe and his ever-growing reputation could be set for St. Mary’s.

It is no wonder the 38-year-old is a contender for the job at Southampton. A stellar season with Bournemouth who, with an incomparably long injury list and lack of top flight experience, managed to comfortably avoid the drop.

The test for Howe if he were to take the Saints hot seat would be dealing with larger egos, a larger budget and intense pressure to perform from his very first day.

Manuel Pellegrini

While Manuel Pellegrini’s time at Manchester City came to a stuttering conclusion, the Chilean still delivered a Premier League trophy and the club’s best ever Champions League campaign in his three year tenure.

Pellegrini has reiterated his desire to continue management in England and Southampton could be the perfect opportunity for him. A chance to play his style of football without the enormous weight of expectation, plus Europa League games in the calendar, don’t be surprised to see Pellegrini announce his willingness to take the job.

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David Moyes

It has been a tough few years for David Moyes. Since leaving the comfort of Goodison Park, his home for more than a decade, the Scotsman endured a miserable season at Manchester United and a disappointing stint in Spain with Real Sociedad.

However, Southampton may be the ideal destination for Moyes. A family club who like to play football and are battling for European places on a consistent basis will bring the best out of the 53-year old.

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Quique Sanchez Flores

Many were left scratching their heads as to the decision of Watford to sack Quique Flores, especially after guiding his team to safety in their first season back in the top flight.

However, Flores’ reputation is hardly tarnished, in fact his untimely sacking has seen his stock rise even further and he is now an outside bet for the Southampton job.

While may Saints fans may want to look for a more prestigious manager to take the helm at St Mary’s, Flores’ astute man management and impressive tactical application could be a breath of fresh air on the South Coast.

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Arsenal have made “further contact†with Lyon regarding a deal for €60m (£50.4m)-rated strike star Alexandre Lacazette as their hopes of signing Gonzalo Higuain fade, according to Italian reporter, Emanuele Giulianelli.

The Gunners have been on the lookout for a centre-forward for much of the current transfer window, but have, so far, only signed Japanese youngster Takuma Asano from J-League side, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

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It’s unlikely that the Asian starlet will compete with Olivier Giroud for a starting berth next term, which has led to speculation suggesting that Higuain is their top target after his 36-goals-in-35-league-games return for Napoli last term.

However, the Argentine is believed to be nearing a big money move to Serie A champions Juventus, which leaves Arsenal once again looking for an addition.

And Giulianelli has taken to Twitter to shed some light on the situation, claiming that Lacazette is backÂon the agenda for the Londoners:

He tweeted: “Arsenal: Higuain deal looks unlikely right now. Been further contact with Lyon over Lacazette but no contact on Icardi despite reports.â€

Arsenal are understood to have already contacted Lyon regarding a move for their 25-year-old star ahead of the 2016/17 season, but that the Ligue 1 club’s €60m (£50.4m) demands cooled their interest.

Lacazette, who missed out on a spot in France’s EURO 2016 set-up, has developed a reputation as one of Europe’s top marksmen, with a stunning 48 goals in league action over the last two seasons to his name.

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Newcastle are beginning to find their feet in the Championship.

After a sluggish start that saw losses to Fulham and Huddersfield Rafa Benitez’s side have found something close to their rhythm to see them lying fourth in the table going into the international break.

The Magpies are looking to bounce back at the first attempt after a miserable 2015/16 and Benitez has been swift in the market to bring in new names to help the club win promotion.

Ciaran Clark, Mohamaed Diame, Dwight Gayle, Grant Hanley, Jesus Gamez, Matz Sels and Matt Ritchie are just some of the names to sign for the north east club this Summer but you can bet Benitez won’t be done just yet.

New names are getting linked with the club seemingly on the hour at the moment before the deadline on Wednesday night so we’ve decided to bring you five of them that could be on their way…

Christian Atsu

This is pretty much a formality now. At the time of writing the Chelsea winger was reportedly having a medical in the north east with a view to a loan move.

If Atsu impresses on Tyneside there’s no reason why the deal couldn’t become permanent as it looks as though he will not be needed by his parent club under Antonio Conte.

He’s a good young player and the Newcastle fans should take to him.

James McCarthy

McCarthy looks surplus to requirements at Everton this season after being a mainstay under previous manager Roberto Martinez.

New boss Ronald Koeman has opted for Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry in the centre of midfield and the Daily Mail thinks that it could be Newcastle as one of his possible destinations.

He’s a good Premier League player and would be key in helping the team go straight back up.

Callum Mcmanaman

The diminutive winger impressed during his time at Wigan Athletic during their Premier League days and that saw him secure a move to West Brom.

Since, however, he has not figured anywhere near as much as he would have liked for Tony Pulis’ side so it looks as though Newcastle could be in for him.

He’s quite an old fashioned winger in the sense that he just drives at defenders but that’s what gets people out their seats, so he’d likely be a hit.

Ravel Morrison

Newcastle are one of the favourites to land the enigmatic midfielder and the prospect of the ice-cool Rafael Benitez trying to work him out would make for, if nothing else, compelling viewing.

He’s got huge bags of talent waiting to be realised and if Rafa can do what many have failed to do so far the Magpies, would be getting a player with potential to be a real hero.

Alan Judge

Alan Judge is one of the most under-rated midfielders in the Championship for London club Brentford. Newcastle have not missed his talent though and are reportedly interested in bringing him up North from the capital.

He is recovering from a nasty leg break but he knows the Championship inside out and that ultimately is what the club need right now to get out of it.

It looks as though Arsene Wenger is going to answer every Arsenal fan’s wishes by signing some players before the end of the transfer window.

Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez both seem destined to sign for the club as Wenger looks to make sure his side are primed for any potential title challenge this season.

Mustafi, a German international, is coming in to compete with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny for the centre-half position whilst Perez is being signed with the view to offer Olivier Giroud a genuine challenge for his spot.

Perez scored 18 goals in 37 games last season for Deportivo and the hope is that with the better service he should get at the Emirates he’ll score even more.

The two potential deals highlight Wenger’s interest in signing La Liga best players and so we’ve taken a look at FIVE more in the Spanish division that Arsenal should have a look at…

Sergio Escudero

Escudero plays in a position for Sevilla that Arsenal could do with improving – left-back.

If Arsenal are serious about winning the title, which they surely must be, they need a better left-back than Nacho Monreal.

The Spaniard has been okay in this position but when you look at what the Gunners title rivals have there, it would make sense to sign someone like Escudero.

Adil Rami

Even with Mustafi coming in Arsenal may still want to look for another centre-half.

Looking at their squad you’d say Calum Chambers and Rob Holding still need time whilst Gabriel Paulista probably isn’t good enough.

Rami knows how to play the role well for both club and country and has played with Laurent Koscielny for France so he’d be a player who would fit right in.

Saul Niguez

Saul Niguez is set for big things so Atletico Madrid aren’t going to let him go on the cheap.

This might make Arsene Wenger baulk at a potential deal but it seems the Frenchman has finally found his wallet this summer, so he may be tempted.

The young Spaniard would suit what the Gunners try to do with their style of play and would certainly help them challenge for the league.

Arda Turan

Arda Turan only really gets a chance at Barcelona when others are out injured so there will surely come a point where he’s fed up of that.

The Turkish international is good enough to get into most sides in Europe and would certainly add quality to Arsenal’s team.

He has been dropped for Turkey’s latest squad so must know he needs to be playing more meaning a move could be on.

Aymen Abdennour

Abdennour turned 27 earlier this month so is the perfect age to fit into Arsenal’s squad straight away if they wanted him.

He’s strong at the back so should not be overlooked by the Gunners as they look to get their defence in shape. He’s at Valencia ,who may want to keep him even more if Mustafi goes but with their need to get money in, they may be forced to sell the Tunisian anyway.

Ronald Koeman has revealed he spoke to Moussa Sissoko “ten days before the last day of the window†and the midfielder“showed his interest†in swapping Newcastle for Everton before his eventual switch to Spurs.The France international’s Deadline Day transfer to Tottenham was one of the major talking points during the closing hours of summer window, with reportsÂhaving claimedÂa club-record £30m deal was close as the 11pm cut-off loomed.

However, Sissoko eventually opted to join Spurs, leaving the Toffees bitterly disappointed – although their majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, later claimed the club were not wholly in for the player anyway.

And speaking about the subject, Koeman has revealed EvertonÂdid indeed chase Sissoko – and that he spoke to the rangy midfielder before aÂchange of heart led him to White Hart Lane:

“Overall it was a positive window because we signed some good players like Maarten Stekelenburg, Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye, Yannick Bolasie and Enner Valencia.” he is quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

“I think that is really positive. Of course, we had a disappointment on the last day but that happens in football. You don’t always get what you like to have and that was not in our hands.

“The player Sissoko chose finally for a different option, but I can’t say anything against the club, the board, the chairman because he did everything to get the player.

“I did not do the meeting with his agents, but from the outside it was difficult. I spoke to the player 10 days before the last day of the window and the player showed his interest in coming to Everton.

“Then, finally, everyone knows what happened.

“He was the player for us that we needed at the moment – then the picture was totally perfect. But still without that player the picture is very good.

“I am happy with the squad and the signings. We need to keep going.â€

Sissoko was a part of the Newcastle side that slid to relegation last season and was roundly criticised by Magpies fans for his lack of return in terms of goals, as well as a perceived refusal to battle for the cause.

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Liverpool’s start to the season has been tricky to say the least. The Reds have faced Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, reigning champions Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in their opening eight games, with only three fixtures at home due to the ongoing summer building work at Anfield.

The fact that they have come out of this averaging more than two points-per-game is testament to the football they’ve been playing. But there remain question marks about their ability to beat the teams they should be beating – which in turn raises questions about a title challenge.

That is what makes Saturday’s hosting of West Brom so interesting. The Baggies are just the sort of team the Merseysiders have struggled against in recent years, and we at FFC Towers predict another tough 90 minutes for Jurgen Klopp’s men courtesy of the divisive Tony Pulis. Here’s a look at our three reasons why…

West Brom have Liverpool’s number…

The last three games between West Brom and Liverpool have ended level, with 0-0, 2-2 and 1-1 draws notched up. In fact, Liverpool have only won twice in the clubs’ last six meetings, which goes to show that the Reds traditionally struggle against the Baggies – who, for the most part, have been hovering around the relegation zone in that period. Granted, the Midlanders haven’t claimed three points from this game since early 2013. But with a draw likely to be viewed as a success on Saturday, it bodes well for the Baggies.

Credit: 11v11.com

Not afraid to foul

West Brom have committed the third highest number of fouls in the Premier League this season per-game (13.5), trailing only Watford and Spurs. Although this is by no means an overwhelming positive on the whole, Liverpool’s play is all about fluid passing and quick attacks, so frequent breaking up of play will make it hard for them to settle and display the sort of football that has put them in the title conversation.

Credit: WhoScored

Defensively resolute

A quick glance at the lower end of the Premier League table shows that West Brom are out of place in terms of goals conceded. The Baggies are the only club from 10th down to have shipped a single figure quantity (eight) in their opening eight games. However, the flipside is that Pulis’ men have netted nine times.

Liverpool couldn’t break down a Manchester United side intent on defending on Monday, so West Brom will enter this one with confidence in carrying out a similar game-plan.

There’s two kinds of 0-0s in football.

The first is an absolute snore-fest of a game that no fan ever wants remember or even admit to attending.  And there’s the one that has you on the edge of your seat and leaving you to wondering; ‘just how did that stay goal-less?’

Well, the latter is how many would have felt on their way home from St. Mary’s as Southampton and Liverpool played out an entertaining 0-0 draw this afternoon.

The Reds went into the game as the league leaders and many were expecting them to carry on their fine run of goal-scoring form.

Indeed, they threatened enough to suggest they would but simply couldn’t finish things off as they found a stubborn Saints defence, led by an inspired Virgil Van Dijk, in their way.

The south coast club also had a handful of chances to nick the three points in front of their fans but neither side could grab a winner and the game finished scoreless.

A no-score draw, then, but plenty of entertainment. Here are five fantastic pictures to have emerged from the clash.

 Superb Van Dijk performance

Virgil van Dijk was absolutely top drawer today in another performance that saw his stock rise further. He’s had a fantastic season so far and has arguably been the best defensive player in the Premier League – averaging the joint-most successful aerial duels of any centre-back. Southampton will be pleased they’ve got him, then, but will no doubt be wondering if a bid could be on its way once the transfer market opens in January.

 Former players fail to haunt old side

In recent years, a lot has been made when Southampton play Liverpool, particularly about the returning players coming to St. Mary’s after joining the Anfield side. Today, though, the idea of old players haunting their former team fell short as Sadio Mane failed to score for the Reds. One consolation will be that Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren helped keep a clean sheet, with the latter getting some serious abuse from the home fans. Adam Lallana, fortunately for him, was absent.

 Frustrating day for Liverpool

Both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino had great chances to get the three points and in truth, on another day, the Reds could have completely battered Southampton. In the end, though, it wasn’t to be and the Reds faithful will be hoping this is just a tiny blip in their free scoring run. Putting the frustration straight out of mind will be key to the Reds bouncing back next time out when they face David Moyes’ Sunderland.

 Southampton miss their chance

Southampton didn’t have many chances today but the one that fell to Charlie Austin could have been enough. It seemed like one of those games for Liverpool where they could have played all night without finding the net, so the Saints really could have nicked it through the former QPR man in the end. You can see in Austin’s face just how important that chance was, given the rarity in which the Saints managed to produce shots at goal this afternoon.

 Work to do for Klopp

There’s been two questions about Liverpool this season – their defence and whether they can break well-organised teams down. Whilst the back-line looked solid, their usually potent attack was blunted by a solid rearguard performance from the Saints, lead by the aforementioned van Dijk. At Anfield, the Reds seem able to blow any side away. But in the games where they need to travel and visit a side who sit back, improvement is needed from Jurgen Klopp’s boys.