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Journalist Josh Williams has noted the contrast in the top two candidates to replace Nathan Jones at Southampton, with Jesse Marsch and Ruben Selles thought to be frontrunners to succeed him on the south coast.

The Lowdown: Saints in disarray

Southampton are now on the hunt for their third manager this season and it’s not even the end of February, with their Nathan Jones experiment failing miserably, as he won just won league game since taking over last year.

Jones came out with interesting comments in his press conferences over the last few weeks, which certainly won’t have helped his cause with the Southampton board and the media.

Sport Republic must now find a replacement quickly and ensure they are the correct appointment, so seeing current caretaker manager Selles and recently sacked Leeds United boss Marsch being tipped for the vacant role (as per The Telegraph) may well worry the St Mary’s fanbase.

The Latest: Marsch and Selles in contention

It appears as though the Saints board aren’t too worried about hiring someone with little experience managing in England judging by these two links, which were discussed by Williams on Sky Sports.

He said: “They have Ruben Selles, who is currently a coach at Southampton, so it would be an internal replacement for Nathan Jones and it is Jesse Marsch, funnily enough, who is the former Leeds United coach, former Red Bull graduate of the system.

“It’s a bit of a bold decision, I must admit, to involve Jesse Marsch, who has just lost his job, of course, during this season. But Southampton, they’ve been willing to make a change, I think Nathan Jones gave it a good go. He’s had two proper spells where he’s done fairly well at Luton Town. Coupled in with that, he’s now had turbulent spells at Saints and Stoke City, really.

“So, I think it was a change that was destined to be made, but obviously, Saints can go in two really different directions here in terms of appointing a man who’s just lost his job in the Premier League or appointing a man from internal ways.”

The Verdict: Both appear to be risky appointments

The fact Southampton appointed Jones earlier in the season despite being inexperienced at the top level and having previously failed when leaving Luton Town, it would be amazing if they went for another manager with little experience.

Selles would indeed already know the club, culture and a lot of players given he’s been working with the Saints, but it would be a huge ask for him to keep Southampton in the league in his first managerial role.

For Marsch, there should be no reason why Southampton would go anywhere near him as he won just eight league games as Leeds manager, and despite being heavily backed in the transfer market, he has put Leeds in the same relegation battle as the Saints, so he wouldn’t likely offer any hope on the south coast.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in Athletic Bilbao striker Nico Williams but believes that the player won’t be leaving the La Liga side in the coming days.

The Lowdown: New forward wanted after Duran

NSWE have brought in teenage forward Jhon Duran this month from Chicago Fire but have sold Villa’s top 2022/23 scorer in Danny Ings to West Ham.

Duran and Ollie Watkins are the club’s only centre-forward options available to Unai Emery, although the club still want to bring in a new striker before Tuesday’s deadline.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Villa have been linked with a move for Williams this month, with The Daily Mail claiming that the Spaniard – who has been dubbed ‘phenomenal’ by Football Talent scout Jacek Kulig – rejected a move to Villa Park.

Romano shared what he’s been ‘told’ about the situation to GiveMeSport, confirming the Villans’ interest in the 20-year-old, but he added that a winter exit from Bilbao is unlikely.

The Italian said in relation to Villa: “I think they will try for many players; for Nico Williams, it’s true that they have an interest, but from what I’m told, Nico Williams is not leaving now. So he’s not leaving in January unless something crazy happens in the final days.”

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The Verdict: Look elsewhere?

It looks as if Villa could be chasing a lost cause when it comes to Williams, who has outperformed Ollie Watkins this season, as per WhoScored metrics.

They have already brought in an exciting young forward in Duran, so it could be wise for Emery and NSWE to move on to alternative targets, potentially a forward who has plenty of experience.

Lyon’s Moussa Dembele has been linked in recent weeks, and with the Frenchman out of contract in the summer, he could be a smart stop-gap addition for the second half of the season.

The 26-year-old has scored goals on a regular basis for Celtic and Lyon, so you could make the argument to pursue Dembele instead, with an approach already made and a bargain £3m fee mooted.

Arsenal passed their biggest test yet and maintained control at the top of the Premier League standings with a dramatic late victory over Manchester United on Sunday night.

Manchester City thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the day to put the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men, clinching all three points after going behind, to secure a five-point cushion from the second-placed defending champions.

And the Spaniard has Eddie Nketiah to thank after his match-winner in the 90th minute, having already bagged the Gunners’ first goal – the initial equaliser – either side of Bukayo Saka’s lovely angled strike.

But there were many heroes on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, perhaps some that won’t get as much credit, such as versatile left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was practically playing as an additional central midfielder for the majority of the second half.

Not only did he get back to win his duels but practically every bit of play ran through him, eventually leading to that aforementioned three-point-snatching climax.

In what was described as a “phenomenal” and “monster of a performance” by ESPNUK editor David Cartlidge, the Ukraine star – who cost Arsenal only £32m in the summer – led the way with 85 touches, which was the most of any player on the pitch and thus, emphasises just how crucial he was to the end result.

With that possession, he provided 57 accurate passes (88%), of which one was a key chance created, whilst he also did some resolute and impressive defensive duties – living up to that ‘monster’ tag – as he registered two tackles, two interceptions and one clearance, via Sofascore.

Meanwhile, Zinchenko’s heatmap was remarkable, pretty much occupying a regular spot as a left-sided attacking midfielder, which not only shows how much influence he had but how Arsenal had the Red Devils camped in their own box for a good portion of the match, with the £150k-per-week star at the forefront of the action.

There were truly not enough superlatives to describe his showing, ranging from “unreal” from the Evening Standard’s Simon Collings to “very special” by Rank Squad podcaster Jack Collins.

Guardian and Times journalist Freddie Paxton also waxed lyrical, adding: “Alex Zinchenko. Constantly talking to his teammates. Geeing up the crowd. Never hides, master of keeping the ball. WORLD CLASS.”

Indeed, Zinchenko was the real star of the show as the Gunners registered what could be a very poignant victory at a crucial time in the season. If the 26-year-old continues to perform and lead like that, then he’ll no doubt be lifting the Premier League trophy come May.

AND in other news, Edu could repeat Odegaard masterclass in Arsenal swoop for Vieira-esque £35m “monster”…

Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup at the first opportunity against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, on the end of a 4-0 clobbering at the Etihad Stadium.

If Pep Guardiola’s City represent a fortified stronghold, Graham Potter’s Chelsea are nothing more than a dilapidated ruin; six losses from the Blues’ past eight matches across domestic competitions, Stamford Bridge is in danger of hosting a truly woeful campaign if requisite adjustments cannot be swiftly made.

The disparity between the two outfits is great, with City on course for another resounding season, fighting for major silverware on every possible front, and Chelsea languishing in tenth place in the Premier League, also defeated in both domestic competitions, both at the hands of the Sky Blues.

Injuries have played their part in the west London club’s downfall this term, but there is no excusing the manner in which Chelsea surrendered the tie, the levels in which City roared several octanes above their opposition.

At the epicentre of the defeat was Kalidou Koulibaly, summer signing of £33m from prominent Serie A outfit Napoli, who has thus far been on the end of scathing criticism over his standards on English soil with regularity.

Granted, Kepa Arrizabalaga was woeful in between the sticks, recording a match number of 5.9, as per Sofascore, but it was the Senegalese titan that once again failed to stamp his authority on proceedings, failed to display the assurance and defensive might that left fans and pundits alike waxing lyrical over his skill-set while plying his trade in Italy.

In a back-four containing the inexperienced Lewis Hall and Bashir Humphreys, it was the 30-year-old ace illuminated for his substandard showing, bypassed with ease by the fluid, cohesive City offence.

Recording a match-worst rating of 5.8, Koulibaly failed to make a single tackle – despite City finding space to unleash seven shots on target – and also conceded one of the two penalties that the home side buried into the net.

Losing possession 14 times, he only won one of his four total duels and could only complete 54 passes at an accuracy rate of 78% – despite having 75 touches in total.

Chelsea writer Jai McIntosh was particularly dismayed by his dreadful display, saying “Koulibaly can’t defend”; words that would hit the African ace hard considering the reputation he has forged for himself over the majority of his professional career.

The £160k-per-week star has also only recorded an average Premier League rating of 7.03 this term, far lower than the veteran Thiago Silva’s 7.31, and if he cannot combine the cogs and demonstrate why he earns a regular place in the side for the new Chelsea project, moves must be made to replace the beleaguered centre-back, despite his recent arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has shared an injury update regarding Whites winger Luis Sinisterra. 

The Lowdown: Sinisterra’s season so far

Leeds signed the Colombian from Feyenoord in July on a five-year deal, making him one of several incoming players at Elland Road during the summer transfer window.

Since then, the 23-year-old has made 10 appearances for Leeds across the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, scoring three goals and providing one assist along the way.

With Sinisterra having been out of action since October with a foot injury, Marsch has shared an update on the player ahead of his team’s domestic campaign resuming in the next few days.

The Latest: Sinisterra injury update

Speaking in his latest press conference (via Leeds Live) ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City, Marsch gave a promising update on the 23-year-old, who could be ‘on track’ to return in January.

The American said: “Luis Sinisterra is making great progress and we feel like he’s on track. We have to be a little bit cautious with this injury, but we’re hopeful that in a couple weeks he can be back in training.”

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The Verdict: Good news for Leeds

To highlight how useful an attacking figure the former Feyenoord player has been for Leeds in the top flight this season, only two players in Marsch’s squad have a higher rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than the Colombian (4.17).

In addition, only two Whites players have completed more dribbles than Sinisterra (11), which highlights just how tricky a player he can be for opponents to face.

This shows just how much of a boost it will be for the team to have the winger, who has been praised for his “excellent” performances for Leeds by journalist Leon Wobschall on Twitter, back fit again in the coming weeks.

While it looks like Sinisterra will be set to miss the upcoming match against Pep Guardiola’s side, this update from Marsch about the winger’s recovery is definitely a positive one for the Elland Road faithful.

Nottingham Forest have had their fair share of injury problems over the Premier League season and now a new update has emerged on another setback ahead of their return to action later this month.

What’s the latest?

Forest boss Steve Cooper has revealed a concerning update on Cheikhou Kouyate’s recovery timeline after suffering a hamstring injury at the World Cup, which led to the midfielder needing surgery.

Unfortunately it doesn’t look good for Cooper, who revealed to NottinghamshireLive:

“That’s going to rule him out now for 10 to 12 weeks. It’s a challenge for him that he’s got to embrace and give his best to.

“We’ll miss him, for sure – on the pitch and, equally, off the pitch, because of the character and the personality that he is. It’s slightly unfortunate about how it all evolved with the injury, but we don’t really want to get into that. It’s happened now, so we all have to commit – including Cheik – to get him back as quickly as possible.”

It’s bad news for Cooper

There is no doubt that it is bad news for the manager that Kouyate will be unavailable for the next few months as the Welshman has a huge challenge ahead of him to secure safety in the Premier League over the second half of the campaign.

Forest are currently 18th in the top flight, spending the majority of their promotion season inside the relegation zone so far, however, the run of form displayed ahead of the World Cup break will have given Cooper hope that his team can finally start competing.

Over their last five league outings, Forest collected points from four of their fixtures, leaving them just one point shy of climbing out of the bottom three ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Losing the experience and consistency Kouyate has been offering the Tricky Trees in the centre of the pitch will be a big blow for Forest, especially when you consider his output so far.

With a Sofascore match rating of 6.78, he is the seventh-best player in the squad so far and indeed their joint-best midfielder alongside Ryan Yates when compared to that metric.

That comes courtesy of some productive displays over 12 appearances, with the 32-year-old having scored one goal, created one big chance and completed a whopping 84% of his dribbles.

Furthermore, he has averaged 1.8 tackles – the best of any midfielder in the squad – 1.6 clearances and 3.9 duels won per game.

With that being said, the absence of Kouyate will be a big loss for Cooper but he will now need to rely on his other midfielders to deliver crucial points in the Premier League over the upcoming fixtures.

Journalist Ashley Preece has lauded the improved form of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, saying that the Jamaican has been a ‘standout’ performer so far this season.

The Lowdown: Bailey impressing for Villa

The Villans head into the World Cup break full of renewed confidence, having battled their way to a 2-1 win at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

While some Villa players have struggled to hit top gear this season, hence why they found themselves near the relegation zone and Steven Gerrard was sacked, one player who has found his groove is Bailey.

The winger made a slow start to life in the Midlands but he has three goals and two assists to his name in the league in 2022/23, already an improved output on the whole of last season, scoring in the recent 3-1 victory at home to Manchester United.

The Latest: Preece lauds Bailey

Writing in a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail on Monday, Preece hailed Bailey’s form, picking him out as a star player for Villa this season.

The journalist gushed:

“Leon Bailey has really kicked on. Been a standout from the season so far, definitely.”

The Verdict: Much more like it

Bailey arrived as an exciting signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 but there is no denying that he flattered to deceive in his first campaign at Villa Park, only scoring once in 18 league outings.

This is now much more like it from the 25-year-old, though, who is not only providing more end product but also working harder in his all-round game, making him a far more effective option who has been Villa’s best outfield player this term according to WhoScored.

That improvement has manifested itself in recent goalscoring displays against Brentford and Man United, for which the 25-year-old earned by far his highest WhoScored ratings of the season, illustrating how he has ‘kicked on’, as Preece put it.

Hopefully this is only the start of a blistering run of form for Bailey, who could excel under Unai Emery and thrive after the World Cup following a well-earned break.

Tottenham Hotspur are now ‘looking’ for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ long term replacement after a ‘massive decision’ from Antonio Conte, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Wonderful servant…

The Frenchman, who is a near-certain inclusion for his country’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar as Les Bleus captain, has proved a long-serving, reliable and dependent mainstay since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2012.

A decade has passed since Lloris’ move to the Premier League, with the Spurs figurehead going on to make 436 appearances in all competitions. Even now, the 35-year-old is an ever-present under Antonio Conte, playing more league minutes than anyone in the squad (WhoScored).

However, Lloris has been criticised for some of his performances this season, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even questioning the Spurs number one’s fading abilities.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘looking’ for Lloris replacement…

In light of the 35-year-old’s apparent downturn in form, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared an update on the goalkeeper’s long-term future at Spurs.

Conte has apparently made a ‘massive decision’ in regards to Lloris, with Tottenham now looking at his future heirs as they draw up a shortlist. It is believed that Spurs are eyeing Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier as possible candidates, with it being ‘unlikely’ that the Frenchman remains their number one after this season.

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Bailey explained (via TEAMtalk): “Hugo Lloris has a deal until 2024, but it is highly unlikely he will be Tottenham number one after this season. He has been up and down and it is understood Tottenham are looking for his long-term replacement. And we can reveal that a number of options are in the Premier League.

“They have been linked to the likes of Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier, and these are the options for them. They really like Sanchez at Brighton – but it is likely that won’t be until the end of the season.”

The Verdict: End of an era…

Spurs supporters will surely look back fondly on Lloris’ long tenure at their club’s number one shot-stopper with great memories, and he is hardly over the hill despite a recent slump.

Just this season, the goalkeeping veteran put on a brilliant performance away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, with reporter Alasdair Gold describing him as a ‘bright light’ in that Tottenham defeat.

Lloris does deserve to see out this season as Conte’s first choice at the very least, even if all eras must come to an end eventually.

Medical expert Ben Dinnery has claimed that the new injury to Kemar Roofe is ‘very frustrating’ for him and Glasgow Rangers, although not ‘alarming’.

The Lowdown: Injury setback

Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed in late October that the 29-year-old had suffered an injury setback and would be missing for a couple of weeks.

The striker had been carrying a knee injury from last season, although he did make his return in the 1-0 win at home to Dundee in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals last month.

Roofe then made another substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw at home to Livingston in the Premiership, but this latest injury has kept him out ever since.

The Latest: ‘Very frustrating’

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery – who runs the Premier Injuries site and also contributes for Sky Sports – has claimed that Roofe’s latest injury setback is ‘very frustrating’, but not ‘alarming’.

He stated of the Jamaican’s woes: “I wouldn’t say it’s alarming, it’s more frustrating in terms of where the player wants to be.

“We know the associated risk of players returning from long-term injury, regardless of the work you are putting in on the training pitch.

“Nothing quite prepares the body for the rigours of competitive first-team football. That’s why you see players suffer minor setbacks and niggles because you need to adapt and integrate.

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“This latest setback puts a pause on him being involved but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a minor issue.

“Unfortunately it’s one that he will be used to. You need to be in a really strong mindset to get you through that. You just focus on hitting those milestones in recovery and getting back in the team.

“It’s very frustrating, very disappointed but not totally unexpected. The break eases the pressure. Usually, everyone is asking when you are back and you push yourself.

“This allows the process to take its natural course, you can ease back and go through a thorough programme, so you arrive in the second half of the season in a really good place.”

The Verdict: Cannot catch a break

Roofe simply cannot catch a break, as he has been suffering from constant injury problems since the last campaign.

With Alfredo Morelos strongly linked with leaving Ibrox over the next few months, there is a place in the Rangers squad for an understudy to Antonio Colak, and Roofe would be confident that he can eventually surpass the new signing as the Light Blues’ main focal point.

He finished as the club’s third-highest scorer last season with 16 goals across all competitions, and when fit, he has shown that he can be a consistent threat in front of goal.

However, these constant injuries are hampering his chances of getting more game-time for the Light Blues.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan were Sunrisers’ two biggest threats on the night of the IPL final. Shane Watson saw them off and waded into the rest of their attack, validating CSK’s faith in his experience and know-how

Vishal Dikshit in Mumbai28-May-20182:32

‘A lot of emotion in the franchise, a lot of desire’ – Fleming

In Royal Challengers Bangalore’s disastrous campaign last season, Shane Watson played eight matches and scored all of 71 runs. He bowled 26.5 overs for only five wickets and an economy rate of 9.13. He was about to turn 36 then and did not possess a fresh pair of legs, and it seemed only natural when RCB released him ahead of the 2018 auction.There were rumours that he was playing his last IPL, and he himself admitted, “there may be a time when, hopefully, I get a chance to coach somewhere, and it just takes over from my playing days,” at the end of the tournament.When his name came up in the auction with a base price of INR 1 crore, only Chennai Super Kings bid for him initially before Rajasthan Royals joined in. Whenever Royals raised their paddle, Stephen Fleming, the CSK coach, replied immediately with a bigger bid. What was he thinking? Why did he want an out-of-form 36-year-old?Fleming had done his homework. Watson had found some form at home, with 331 runs from 10 innings for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Two half-centuries, a strike rate of 139, nothing extraordinary. Fleming explained at the press conference after winning his third IPL title with CSK that he kept a close eye on Watson and had “no doubt” the allrounder would do well. CSK bought him for INR 4 crore.”When you look at his season with RCB, he was in and out, and he batted at No. 4,” Fleming said. “I also watched him closely at the Big Bash and there were signs that he was in good form. Certainly, every team that I have come up against, he seems in good form, so the best way to get rid of him is to buy him. I had no doubt he was going to make an impact. Fitness was an issue as it is a long tournament, but he is more professional than even I thought. He is a bit broken now. [His] bowling, we didn’t have to use much but he has got through with one of his greatest performances.”In the UAE a month after the auction, Watson finished as the fifth-highest run-getter in the Pakistan Super League with similar numbers to the BBL: 319 runs from 10 innings, two half-centuries and a strike rate of 135.With those numbers behind him, Watson got his “favourite” position in the line-up, in the IPL – the opening slot. He first showed against Rajasthan Royals what kind of damage he could inflict from there: a 51-ball century.On Sunday, in the IPL final, he was coming off a duck against the same opponents they were meeting in the final, Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was toying with him again, and it seemed as if Watson had no clue what was happening. The ball was bouncing, swinging both ways, and Bhuvneshwar was making it do whatever he wanted, at speeds in the mid-130s. Fleming admitted later CSK were “lucky” Watson didn’t lose his wicket.”Yeah, it was a good struggle, wasn’t it?” Fleming said. “The opening spell was, I thought, outstanding from SRH. He might’ve been none off 10 balls. It was a real battle in the first four or five overs. It was a great final in that sense. Shane gradually found a bit of range and rhythm. The boundaries aren’t too big for the big hitters like Watson, Brathwaite and Dhoni. He kept patience – again, that was experience – didn’t give it away. He knew his power game would get the team out of trouble, and it did in spectacular fashion. He got his second hundred of the tournament, he’s got over 500 runs. He has been a star performer for us.”BCCIWhen Watson was on 0 off 10 in the fourth over, Sunrisers fans could have made memes already of how Watson was going to cost his team the match, and the trophy. CSK were chasing 179 against the best attack in the tournament on the biggest stage. In Bhuvneshwar’s third over on the trot, Watson and Suresh Raina took four singles. Watson’s first job was done – to act like a sponge, absorb all the threats Sunrisers’ attack was posing, and not give a wicket to Bhuvneshwar. As soon as he was out of the attack, Watson changed gears, smacking a short and slow delivery in the last Powerplay over from Sandeep Sharma over deep midwicket for six. He must have expected the delivery next; he stood still, let the ball come to him, and drilled it back for four.Kane Williamson brought on Siddarth Kaul, Sunrisers’ best fast bowler this season, but he turned out to be a different bowler on Sunday night. He was bowling short, down the leg side, and into Watson’s pads. Watson can flick those away even in his sleep. The result – 16 off the over. All the pressure Watson had absorbed was now being transferred back onto Sunrisers.Williamson now brought on Rashid Khan. As with Bhuvneshwar, all CSK wanted was to not give him wickets. In his first two overs, Watson nudged him into the leg side whenever he spotted a googly and Suresh Raina kept dabbing him to midwicket one ball after another.Fleming explained later that having a strategy against Rashid was a “key focus” to win the final. “[Facing] Rashid Khan was a definite plan,” he said. “We actually have played him quite well, we’ve been more positive in the past, but we were afforded the luxury through Shane’s hitting of being more conservative, even playing out a maiden. At that point in time, we had really nullified his impact and that was a key focus for our tactics to win the final, and we did that well.”By seeing off Rashid’s first two overs without much fuss, the Watson sponge had done its job again. When Sandeep got the ball again, the Watson sponge became the Watson bludgeon again. In the 13th over, Sandeep kept missing his yorkers and Watson kept clubbing them. A drive over wide mid-off for four, three consecutive sixes off misdirected deliveries, and a four off the last ball, expertly guided between backward point and short third man, gave CSK 27 runs from the over. It brought the equation down to 48 runs from 42 balls, which ended the match right there. Rashid still had two overs left and Bhuvneshwar one, and they would bowl them with CSK facing no scoreboard pressure.In Rashid’s last over, Watson completed his hundred and stood still at the non-striker’s end while facing his team’s dugout, with a beaming smile and arms aloft. In the 19th over, Ambati Rayudu hit the winning runs and Watson ambled across the pitch to embrace his partner. His back was to the dugout, so he didn’t realise that a swarm of his team-mates was running towards him. Rayudu quietly slipped away, allowing them to clamber all over Watson.If this team management had not stood behind Watson when he was being written off, he wouldn’t have scored two centuries this season. And if Watson had not shown his patience and experience on Sunday, who knows how CSK would have handled the pressure on this big night.