Kevin De Bruyne has been backed to roar back to form by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez as the Manchester City playmaker looks to come through a sticky patch.

Ahead of Saturday's derby against Manchester United, De Bruyne is looking to improve on his unusually quiet start to the season.

In 13 appearances across all competitions, he has managed three goals but just one assist and has played a full 90 minutes only three times, with Pep Guardiola suggesting his chief creator is feeling a little fatigued.

Martinez has selected De Bruyne in his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Wales later this month, and quelled concerns about the 30-year-old's performance levels.

He pointed to City's EFL Cup penalty shoot-out loss to West Ham, and the Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, and suggested those results had turned up the heat.

"When you play in a team expected to win every game, you'll get that level of scrutiny when you don't," Martinez said.

"Man City have been playing their normal brand, they lost a shoot-out then a game at home. I saw Kevin against Brugge [in the Champions League] and his body language was good. I'm not worried at all. We feel that his best football is coming back."

De Bruyne managed 10 goals and 18 assists for City in all competitions last season, creating 28 big chances for others in all. He has carved out five big chances so far in 2021-22, with such opportunities defined by Opta as openings from which a player should reasonably be expected to score.

 

At his best, Eden Hazard was producing spectacular numbers for Chelsea – peaking with 21 goals and 17 assists in 2018-19 – but De Bruyne's Belgium team-mate is enduring a difficult run now he is at Real Madrid.

After four goals and two assists in 21 games last term, Hazard has just a single entry in the latter column for his efforts after 10 outings this term.

Hazard warmed up extensively but was unused by Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in this week's Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk, prompting an apology from the coach.

"Getting upset is normal. I believe getting upset is the fair reaction to manage this situation," Ancelotti said after the game. "I am so sorry. I told the players: I am sorry, but I didn't want to make any substitutions."

Hazard can stake a claim for greater involvement at Madrid by hitting top gear with Belgium, says Martinez.

"Eden is not playing as many minutes as we all thought," the Belgium boss said. "We've got a close relationship with the Real Madrid physical department and he's fully fit.

"His focus and attitude has given us a positive feeling. I know he's doing extra work to stay in shape, but he needs to be on the pitch to pick up the pace of the match. Coming to the national team can help him in that sense.

"It's important for every player to be on the pitch and achieve what he wants to achieve. It's a difficult situation when you can't, and it has been a difficult two years, but the signs are positive that he can get himself ready for a strong finish in the campaign."

Liverpool cannot be considered as underdogs or favourites in the Premier League title race, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The early signs would suggest that Liverpool, along with champions Manchester City and league leaders Chelsea, will be the frontrunners for the title come May.

Liverpool have been in sensational form at times, recording an emphatic 5-0 win over Manchester United, though they do sit three points behind Thomas Tuchel's team after 10 games.

City, meanwhile, are two points further back than the Reds, though a win in Saturday's Manchester derby would see Pep Guardiola's side leapfrog them for the time being, with Liverpool not in action until Sunday.

West Ham, another of the league's in-form teams, host Liverpool at London Stadium, with David Moyes' team having won their last three top-flight matches.

Asked in Friday's pre-match news conference if Liverpool should be considered underdogs in the title race, due to the discrepancy in expenditure between themselves and their immediate rivals, Klopp replied: "Can I? I am not sure. We don't consider ourselves at all.

"We want to be in it, I think with the quality we have we should be around the top of the table, that's where we are, where we want to be, we have that responsibility and that’s how we see ourselves.

"We don't have to talk too much about the quality of Manchester City, the quality and depth of Chelsea, and we are not too bad of a team as well, so that's cool, but there are so many other good teams.

"I think the league made a big jump again. West Ham are incredibly strong, Brighton [and Hove Albion] are incredibly strong, Tottenham are 100 per cent coming back, Arsenal are in a much better place than last year, United is a top-class team, Leicester [City] are there, so look at the league, it's absolutely incredible.

"Everyone's under pressure. For us it's exactly the same, we fight for the Champions League spots and if you are in there it means you can probably fight for the title as well."

Recent history is on Liverpool's side heading into Sunday's game. The Reds have won four of their last five away league games against West Ham (D1) and are looking to win three in a row at the Hammers for the first time since doing so between 2003 and 2007.

However, only City (80) and Chelsea (66) have earned more Premier League points in 2021 than West Ham (62) - a total that already betters any previous tally set by the Hammers during a single calendar year in the competition.

Tomas Soucek's own goal saw West Ham pegged back to a 2-2 draw by Genk in the Europa League on Thursday, in Moyes' 1,000th game as a manager.

Moyes – who is in his second stint in charge of West Ham – has rebuilt his reputation after his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford was followed by poor performances at Real Sociedad and Sunderland.

"And he gets obviously better and better and better, that's how I see it. Even after 999 games there is space for improvement," hailed Klopp.

"I don't know if he reinvented himself, I don't know him long enough to say that, but it's absolutely incredible. Honestly, they are really good. I think everyone who watches them sees that.

"It's a highly energetic team, a counter-pressing team, a counter-attacking team but they play as well. There were almost moments in the past when you played West Ham, they defended deep, had to be really aware of set-pieces and counter-attacks. Now it's the full package, so rightly they are really high in the table, top of the Europa League group as well.

"They are in a good moment, it will be a really good game I'm pretty sure. They are in a good moment, we are in a good moment, that's how football should be before a game. I am really excited to play it."

Antonio Conte has no concerns over the length of his contract with Tottenham, having signed an 18-month deal with the club.

Conte was confirmed as Spurs' new head coach on Tuesday and claimed victory in his first game in charge on Tuesday as Tottenham beat Vitesse 3-2 in the Europa Conference League.

The former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter boss has left his last two posts after just two seasons in charge, parting with the Nerazzurri over a reported dispute with the club's board despite having led them to the Serie A title last campaign, breaking Juve's hold on the Scudetto.

But he is confident he can build something for the long term at Tottenham despite his recent history.

"The contract is okay for me, the hope is I find the right connection for this club for a long time for sure," Conte told a media conference ahead of Tottenham's Premier League clash with Everton.

"I think my contract is not a problem. Eighteen months and we decided. I understood also what this club did for me. We can work together for a long time."

Conte inherits the situation surrounding star striker Harry Kane, who had asked to leave the club in the close season, though a move to Manchester City did not come to fruition.

Kane has scored just once in nine Premier League games this season, his lone goal coming in Tottenham's 3-2 win at Newcastle United last month,

"We're talking an important player, not only for Tottenham but also for the national team," Conte said of Kane. 

"Harry is a really good player and for sure we have to work with him and all the players to improve this situation.

"I have seen this past few days that we need to work a lot to improve many aspects for every single player and not only one, two, three."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is bemused by criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, who again rescued Manchester United a result in midweek at Atalanta.

After a Champions League brace, Ronaldo now has nine goals in 11 games for United this season heading into Saturday's Old Trafford derby against Manchester City.

The veteran forward scored three goals in his last five Premier League Manchester derbies in his first stint with United. Indeed, his final strike for the club before joining Real Madrid came against City in May 2009.

However, he is also the only player to have been sent off in two Manchester derbies in the Premier League.

Despite Ronaldo's goals, United have been unconvincing since he returned to the club this season, prompting some to suggest his role in the team was an issue, especially with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood subsequently pushed to the fringes.

But Solskjaer said on Friday: "He's one of the best players that has ever walked on this planet.

"His impact so far, on and off the pitch, has been absolutely immense. The goals he scores, the way he conducts himself around the place. How people can say he's a negative, I can't see that one.

"We're really pleased the way he's started off. But that's what he does. He scores goals, he works for his team, and he is a top, top professional."

United's bigger problems may well be in defence, where Raphael Varane is out for "four to five weeks" with a hamstring injury.

"It's a blow for us, because Raphael has come in and been really influential, but Eric [Bailly] came in last time and was excellent," Solskjaer said. "That's why we have big squads, to cope with absentees at times."

The return of Victor Lindelof would at least provide a boost, with Solskjaer describing the centre-back as "a doubt" but still hoping he could feature.

"I would expect him to be ready, put it that way," the manager said.

United have kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets against City, as many as in their previous 18 meetings, but they have conceded in 13 home matches in a row in all competitions.

They have only twice endured a longer sequence (21 games between April 1958 and March 1959, and 14 between September 1954 and February 1955).

Pep Guardiola does not believe the Manchester derby can be viewed as his side's most important game, at least at this stage of the season.

Manchester City, on the back of a frustrating 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in their last Premier League outing, make the short trip to Old Trafford to take on their rivals on Saturday.

Guardiola has struggled to get the better of Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since the Norwegian took over from Jose Mourinho at the end of 2018, with the Red Devils winning three of the five league meetings between the sides in that time.

United have scored six goals in those matches, conceding just three in return. In total, Solskjaer has won four of his eight meetings with Guardiola in all competitions, the best win rate of any manager to face the Catalan coach at least five times.

Indeed, United are unbeaten in their past four league games against City (W3 D1), their longest such run against them since a sequence of six between 2008 and 2011. They have won as many league games against their neighbours in this spell as they had across their previous 16 meetings.

However, City have won seven Premier League away games against United, the joint-most of any visiting team at Old Trafford in Premier League history (also Liverpool).

With 10 league games played in 2021-22, just two places and three points separate the sides, with third-placed City five adrift of leaders Chelsea.

But Guardiola suggested this game does not carry any extra significance for himself or his squad.

"I don't think so. Maybe for some people, maybe, but we try to make every game important," Guardiola told a news conference when asked if the derby was City's biggest game.

"Of course this is a derby, it is special for the city, for many sentimental issues, but in the end it is not a final or a semi-final.

"I don't feel [the atmosphere in the city]. I wake up in the morning, come to this bubble in the training centre, 10, 12, 14 hours here, then go home. So I'm not going to the restaurants, the pubs, I don't know the atmosphere.

"I can imagine how important it is for both sides, it's normal, that's why it's nice, football, this emotion to try to win the derby, to do it well, but I have to be cold in my mind, in my head, to do exactly what we want to do, to do our best. No more than that."

Asked about United's recent success against City, Guardiola said: "Congratulations for United, for winning these games against us, or some of them.

"Incredible physicality, a lot of talent, people up front with the ability to win games by themselves, a lot of runners in the channels, in behind. United, should I say, for the last century is always a good team. We have to prepare well.

"We did good games against them, maybe not good results apart from one game last season where we draw against them, it was not a good game, maybe a little bit boring, both teams a little scared. We were not in a good moment.

"They are so good up front, with Cristiano [Ronaldo] now they are even better, generally it makes a good game. We were ourselves every time we played against them, sometimes we win, sometimes lose."

Guardiola will be boosted by the news that Raphael Varane will not be fit for United, while fellow defender Victor Lindelof is also a doubt, with the Red Devils' defence having looked particularly vulnerable even with their regular starters fit. They have conceded at least once in each of their past 13 home games in all competitions.

United have lost seven home matches in all competitions in 2021, their most since 2001 when they also lost seven – they have not lost more than seven times at Old Trafford in a single year since they did so on eight occasions in 1989.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no concerns about Manchester United's return to Old Trafford for another big match against Manchester City, despite their humiliating defeat to Liverpool in their previous home game.

United were hammered 5-0 by Liverpool last month, their largest ever home defeat in that famous fixture.

After a 3-0 win at Tottenham and a 2-2 draw with Atalanta, Solskjaer's side are back on home turf for the visit of rivals City.

City have matched Liverpool with a record seven away wins at Old Trafford, but Solskjaer is not concerned a result he described as his "darkest day" last time out will still be on his players' minds.

"We've moved on from that one," he said during a news conference. "Of course, it's going to be in the history books, but we've had a good week with good results away from home in difficult games.

"The mindset is positive. Of course, we've got to go into this game believing we can do good things. It's a local derby and we know what's at stake.

"It's a special one, of course. The last time we had a Manchester derby with fans in the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. I think everyone will remember that one more than any dark moments we've had.

"When Scott [McTominay] scored that winning goal in extra time, that was a special moment.

"We know it's a one-off game. We have to start on the front foot, start ready, because a lot of it depends on who starts on the front foot."

Solskjaer has won half of his four games against Pep Guardiola in all competitions, the best win rate versus the City manager of any boss to face him at least five times.

But he said: "I'm not one to talk about what I've done. I've got a great respect and admiration for Pep and what he's done.

"We've had a few good results against them, some good games, some tight games, and we need another performance like this.

"Sometimes you need luck – we know this is a game where we're going to have to work hard, suffer a lot, but we have to believe in ourselves. We have to trust ourselves."

Solskjaer's future has been the subject of speculation since the Liverpool game, yet he responded: "I stepped in the doors here in December 2018, three years ago, and there's been speculation ever since. That's no problem.

"We've moved on from the Liverpool game – of course, it's always going to be there as a dark moment in our careers, but we've had a good week with two good results away from home and we're ready for this game.

"You don't expect an easy ride when you become manager of Man United, so that's how it is."

Kieran Tierney could be back for Arsenal's clash with Watford this weekend and Mikel Arteta is welcoming the selection dilemma that poses with the in-form Nuno Tavares.

Scotland full-back Tierney has not featured for the Gunners in their past three matches due to a bruised ankle and speaking after their 2-0 win over Leicester City last time out, boss Arteta did not sound confident of a return this weekend.

But Tierney has resumed training this week and may face the Hornets, though Arteta was reticent to confirm his availability for Scotland over the upcoming international break.

"Kieran has been training in the last two days. He's been feeling much better, so hopefully, he will be able to be available," Arteta said at a pre-match news conference.

On featuring for Scotland he added: "Let's see how he's feeling in the next few training sessions. 

"He's done bits with the team but hasn't fully trained yet, so in the next two days we will see where he is and how he's feeling."

In the absence of Tierney, Tavares – signed from Sporting CP for £8million in July – has excelled, and it is this sort of selection headache Arteta revels in.

"Hopefully we can have more of those dilemmas and we can have top players performing at the top level in many positions because that only raises the quality, the standards and the performance of the team," he said.

There were mixed emotions for Arsenal's English contingent this week, with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale joining Bukayo Saka in the squad amid an impressive run of displays.

But attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and centre-back Ben White were both surprise omissions by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, despite a series of fine performances.

"Gareth has to make so many difficult choices and has got so many options. What I like is that our players are performing at a level that I'm sure they give problems to Gareth and the coaching staff," Arteta said.

"That's what pleased me. I know they have the level to do it and it will about the time or when the manager decides it is the right moment to select them.

"I think he [Smith Rowe] should be happy if people are gutted or if they're questioning the decision because it shows the level he's playing at. 

"Like anything in Emile's career, it will come in the right moment. We don't know if now is the right moment. Gareth knows much better than us how to judge what he thinks about the role he could have in that team. 

"If he's decided it wasn't the right moment, I'm sure it was a very thoughtful process and the right decision."

Ramsdale's form in particular has led to some suggestions he could usurp Jordan Pickford as England's first-choice goalie.

"Well, I'm really happy for him to see him back there. The rest are decisions that Gareth and the coaching team has to take," Arteta said.

"What Aaron needs to do is keep performing and be humble. The decisions are done by someone else."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed another elite coach to England, as Antonio Conte joined rivals Tottenham, and declared this "the most competitive season the Premier League has ever had".

After Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked just 10 games into the Premier League season, with Spurs struggling in ninth, Conte was appointed this week.

The Italian has had title-winning success with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter, and his arrival would appear to change Tottenham's outlook for the season.

Conte has a 67 per cent win rate in the Premier League, trailing only Pep Guardiola (73 per cent) among those to take charge of at least 20 matches. Only Jose Mourinho (63) and Guardiola (69) took fewer games to reach 50 wins in the competition than Conte's 73.

Arteta, who has Arsenal unbeaten in nine in all competitions and sixth in the league table, was asked how Spurs' move for Conte might affect the Gunners' top-four ambitions.

"I think it's going to be for any team that is fighting for the top positions," he said. "There is still so many games to go and a lot of things are going to happen.

"You see games, performances and how things vary from one half to the other or moments in the game. That tells you the quality that there is in terms of players and managers as well."

Asked to comment on the "incredible" quality in the Premier League, Arteta replied: "It is [incredible], yeah. I can think of many, many more who are at top clubs who are world-leading managers.

"But I think it's really positive for our league because it raises the level, because he has new ideas and because it makes the competition even harder."

Indeed, the Spaniard believes the standard of England's top flight has never been better.

"I'm really happy to be where I am, enjoying this incredible league, the set-up, the atmosphere, the passion and everybody back to normality," he said.

"It's probably the most competitive season the Premier League has ever had."

 

Arteta will oversee his 100th match as Arsenal manager against Watford on Sunday, recording 53 wins in his first 99 games. His win percentage of 54 per cent just trails predecessors Unai Emery (55 per cent) and Arsene Wenger (57 per cent).

"[It has been] an incredible and quick journey where a lot has happened," Arteta said. "Not only in the football club but around the world that has a huge impact in everything that we've lived in the last two years.

"But I'm so privileged to be where I am and really enjoying the opportunity and challenge that we have ahead.

"I think we all update every year like every computer. With everything that has happened to us, even more so. I am different [from his first game], I see things different, you are involved in certain things. You keep evolving."

Cristiano Ronaldo came to Manchester United's rescue yet again on Tuesday, with a brilliant volley sealing a 2-2 draw with Atalanta.

It was Ronaldo's second goal of the game, and his fifth in the Champions League this season. Three of those goals have come after the 80th minute.

While United have struggled since Ronaldo arrived back at Old Trafford, there is no doubting his quality and ability to stand tall in decisive moments – something that has arguably saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's job after a difficult start to the campaign.

Ronaldo's stunning volley set United on their way to a 3-0 win over Tottenham last time out in the Premier League, with the 36-year-old then turning provider for Edinson Cavani.

United's 3-5-2 set-up negated Spurs, albeit the Red Devils face an altogether different task when they host neighbours Manchester City in Saturday's early kick-off.

Solskjaer might have bought himself time, but United have a tendency to drag their manager back from the brink. He has a good record against City, but given United's last home game saw them lose 5-0 to Liverpool, Solskjaer may well not survive another drubbing.

 

Milestone coming up for Ronaldo

United's defensive frailties were exposed again by Atalanta and if not for Ronaldo's lethal finishing, their Champions League progress would have been in significant doubt.

Ronaldo is now on 798 goals, scoring that total from 1,088 matches. The majority (450) came during his nine-year stint at Real Madrid, while he has netted 127 for United, a further 115 for Portugal, 101 at Juventus and five while at Sporting CP.

He has not scored many times against City, however, managing four goals in 13 appearances, with 11 of those coming as starts. His record in terms of wins is better, with Ronaldo tasting victory eight times against the Citizens, suffering three defeats.

When going up against sides coached by Pep Guardiola, Ronaldo has scored eight goals across 16 appearances.

It was not until the fifth game against a Guardiola team that Ronaldo found the net (in April 2011 in a Clasico draw), while he has only scored more than once in such a game on one occasion.

This was, however, in his last appearance against one of Guardiola's sides, which came way back in 2013-14 as he scored twice in Madrid's Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich.

A quick turnaround 

"If it was tomorrow, we would play tomorrow," Guardiola said after the 4-1 home win over Club Brugge on Wednesday, which finished approximately 63 hours before City and United are due to take to the pitch on Saturday.

"The schedule is the schedule, sometimes we play Tuesday, sometimes Friday. Sometimes it is 12:30 or sometimes 5:30pm. I am pretty sure at 12:30 on Saturday we will be at Old Trafford. When you are Manchester City you realise nobody helps you – no one."

Guardiola, like Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp has been on many occasions, will likely be fairly irked by the swift turnaround his players face, though it has to be pointed out there will at least be no notable travelling involved for City's stars.

History is also on City's side. Of the 11 times they have played at 12:30 on a Saturday following a Wednesday Champions League match under Guardiola, they have won eight, drawn two and lost just once.

That sole defeat came last season, when Leeds United ran out 2-1 victors at the Etihad Stadium in April.

Does Solskjaer have the edge?

Despite his struggles, Solskjaer can have some confidence heading into Saturday's match based on his own promising record against City and Guardiola.

Solskjaer has lost just one of his five league derbies, winning three of them. The Norwegian has often deployed a counter-attacking set-up in these matches, and has enjoyed success with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard picking apart City on the break.

As opposed to the hap-hazard pressing approach deployed in the Liverpool thrashing, Solskjaer reverted to counter-attacking against Spurs, with excellent results. United did press, but kept their shape while doing so, and were happy to surrender the possession to Nuno Espirito Santo's team, seeing just 41.8 per cent of the ball, but managing more shots (10 to nine).

It would seem almost certain that Solskjaer looks to utilise a similar set-up against City, who had 67.6 per cent of the possession and managed 14 attempts in a frustrating 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace last week.

United have averaged two goals per game in the league derbies that Solskjaer has taken charge of, conceding just three times in total across the five fixtures. It is a tactic that has proven its worth.

However, it is a risky one. In their seven meetings in all competitions since the start of the 2019-20 season, United have recorded expected goals (xG) values of below 1.0 in all but three games.

A similar lack of cutting edge on Saturday, combined with the type of defending that has left United so vulnerable at the back, could prove Solskjaer's downfall.

This weekend sees Manchester United host Manchester City in a derby that feels like it may play a pivotal part in where each teams' season heads, and there is an outside chance that the match-winner might not even be Cristiano Ronaldo.

Elsewhere, there is a certain Egyptian King who will be worth consideration for the handful of people who for some reason do not already own him in their fantasy team, along with a Newcastle player who could prove a useful differential.

There is also a former fantasy football favourite at Wolves who could be due a run of form.

Below are Stats Perform's weekly suggestions for fantasy football players, powered by Opta data...

 

JOAO CANCELO (Manchester United v Manchester City)

Try to predict the potential difference-maker ahead of the Manchester derby and you will likely say Kevin De Bruyne or Phil Foden, unless you expect United to win in which case you will probably say Cristiano Ronaldo or… Cristiano Ronaldo.

How about another Portugal international, though?

Manchester City's Joao Cancelo has been involved in more shot-ending sequences of play (66) than any other full-back in the Premier League this season, while he also leads all players in his position for the total xG of the sequences that he has been involved in (6.96).

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer running out of fit defenders, there may be plenty of space for Cancelo to maraud into at Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

AARON RAMSDALE (Arsenal v Watford)

This feels slightly unimaginative as we also tipped Ramsdale last week, but in fairness the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United stopper was sensational in Arsenal's 2-0 win at Leicester City.

Ramsdale made eight saves against the Foxes and deservedly took home the man of the match award, and may well be called upon to shine again this weekend.

Watford showed in their recent 5-2 thrashing of Everton that they can attack well on the road, having 20 shots at Goodison Park and hitting the target eight times.

Only Edouard Mendy (90 per cent) has a better shot save percentage than Ramsdale's 85.7, and given the Gunners continue to allow several shots against, he could put plenty of points on your board as well as his own team's.

 

MATT RITCHIE (Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United)

It will be a tough game for moneybags Newcastle down at Brighton, with Graham Potter's men starting the season superbly, culminating in a well-earned draw against Liverpool at Anfield last time out.

You are never entirely sure what to expect with the Seagulls, though, especially defensively, and the Magpies may fancy troubling their opponents in the battle of the bird nicknames on the south coast.

Only Trent Alexander-Arnold (26) has created more chances among defenders than Newcastle's Matt Ritchie (24) in the Premier League this season. Ritchie, however, does jointly lead all players in the competition this term for chances created from set-plays (13), along with Alexander-Arnold.

With Callum Wilson back and scoring goals, you could look to Ritchie as a potential differential before he is inevitably replaced by a £60million player in January.

 

JAMES WARD-PROWSE (Southampton v Aston Villa)

The Friday night football from St Mary's promises to be an enticing clash between two teams that cannot decide if they are good or not.

Aston Villa have lost four in a row in the league, and the very last thing they will want to see is James Ward-Prowse lining up against them.

Ward-Prowse has been directly involved in more Premier League goals against Villa than he has versus any other side in the competition (5 – 2 goals, 3 assists). These five goal involvements have come in his last five games against them, with three coming in Southampton's 4-3 win at Villa Park last season.

 

RAPHINHA (Leeds United v Leicester City)

Having the fans back at Elland Road this season was supposed to be the not-so-secret weapon for Leeds to push on after an impressive first year back in the Premier League.

That has not quite been the case so far as the Yorkshire side have only won two of their six home games, but with the impressive Raphinha at his disposal, boss Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping to make it three against Leicester.

As well as scoring 40 per cent of Leeds' Premier League goals so far this season (4/10), the Brazilian has created the most chances (18), had the most shots (32) and completed the most dribbles (26) of any player for the Whites so far this term.

 

MOHAMED SALAH (West Ham United v Liverpool)

It may not be the most ambitious shout in the world, but you would need to have a very good excuse to not have Mohamed Salah in your fantasy team right now.

The Egyptian is averaging a goal or assist every 56 minutes in the Premier League this season; the best ratio of any Liverpool player in a campaign in the competition with at least 10 appearances.

He has also scored nine goals in eight games against the Hammers since joining Liverpool, the joint-most he has scored against any Premier League team apart from Watford (also 9).

RAUL JIMENEZ (Crystal Palace v Wolves)

It was a delight to see Jimenez return at the start of this season after nine months out with a fractured skull. Prior to the injury, the Mexican striker was a talisman at Molineux, and he is starting to look like he might be ready to return to form.

Although his strike in the 2-1 win against Everton last week was only his second of the campaign, he is still making a big difference for his team.

His two goals and two assists have been worth seven points to Wolves in the Premier League this season – only Michail Antonio (9) and Son Heung-min (8) have been more valuable to their sides through goals and assists.

Is a move to London on the cards for Kingsley Coman?

Coman and Bayern Munich have so far been unable to reach an agreement over a new deal.

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pounce.

 

TOP STORY – CHELSEA TARGETING COMAN

Chelsea are monitoring Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman, according to Bild.

Coman has been in negotiations with Bundesliga champions Bayern regarding a new contract, but up until now, the Frenchman has been unwilling to re-sign.

Champions League holders Chelsea are keeping tabs on Coman, who has also been linked with Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United.

 

ROUND-UP

- It is set to be a busy time at St James' Park. Sky Sports reports Eddie Howe has agreed to become Newcastle United's manager, while El Nacional claims the Magpies have made Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen a transfer priority.

Barcelona are prioritising a January move for RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, per Diario AS. Should they fail in their pursuit, out-of-favour Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is the alternative.

- Sport1 claims the agent of Salzburg sensation Karim Adeyemi has met with LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid. The 19-year-old has also been linked with Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG and Bayern are eyeing Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic on a free transfer, says Calciomercato. United and Barca are also reportedly interested.

Mason Greenwood opted out of England selection until next year as Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate explained the Manchester United sensation's international absence.

Greenwood has not been included in England's squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania (November 12) and San Marino (November 15).

The 20-year-old forward has not played for England since his debut in September last year, which saw Greenwood sent home along with Phil Foden after the pair breached COVID-19 regulations by inviting two women to the team hotel.

Southgate told reporters Greenwood asked not to be considered for international selection during the first half of this season.

"We had a discussion before the camp in September and we came to an agreement," Southgate said. "John McDermott [the FA's technical director] and myself went to United and had a good chat with Mason and his family and we agreed we would park this until next year, basically. We would leave the autumn games.

"If he establishes himself in Manchester United's team then he is going to be very close to an England squad or an England team so he recognises that. He wants to play for England. He is clear about that.

"We are not not picking Mason because we don't think he's good enough or we are not happy with what he requested. We are totally understanding of that and we are happy to wait.

"Also we have seen lots of youth development and this is his and his family's one and only chance, so they are understandably more cautious than we might be. We believe these boys can be very big players for England in the long term and we don't want to get it wrong in the short term."

Greenwood has scored four goals in nine Premier League appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United this season.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has signed a new contract at Manchester City and immediately vowed to keep the pressure up on Ederson.

United States international Steffen has agreed terms on a new deal which will keep him with City until June 2025.

The 26-year-old joined City in July 2019 and spent the majority of the 2019-20 season on loan with Bundesliga club Fortuna Dusseldorf, where he kept two clean sheets in 17 appearances, conceding 36 goals and making 64 saves.

Since his return to City his appearances have largely been restricted to cup competitions and he was an ever-present in the side which won the EFL Cup last season.

He has had made two Premier League appearances for City, conceding one goal and keeping one clean sheet.

"This is a fantastic moment me – I am so happy to be committing my future to Manchester City," Steffen told City's website.

"In my opinion, this is the best team in world football, with the best manager and best coaching set-up. It's a privilege to be here and contribute to this team achieving its targets.

"I feel I learn every day and I have definitely improved as a goalkeeper since coming here. I contributed to our success last season, which was an amazing experience.

"I want to keep pushing Ederson every single day and take my chances when they arrive."

Steffen, who has been capped 24 times by his country and played in MLS for Columbus Crew, fits the profile of what City boss Pep Guardiola wants from a goalkeeper, according to director of Football Txiki Begiristain.

He added: "Zack is an excellent goalkeeper and a brilliant professional who brings so much to Pep's squad.

"He fits the blueprint of what a Manchester City goalkeeper should be. Not only is great with his hands, but he is also calm on the ball and provides outstanding distribution, which is a vital part of our style.

"This is a man who trains to an exceptionally high standard every single day. He always wants to learn and improve.

"Our coaching staff love having him here and we want to see him continue his development over the next years."

Trevoh Chalobah has been rewarded for his excellent start to the season with a new four-and-a-half-year contract at Chelsea. 

The 22-year-old defender has become an important part of Thomas Tuchel's squad this season, featuring in 10 games in all competitions after an impressive debut in the UEFA Super Cup final win over Villarreal in August.

He became the second youngest player to score on his Premier League debut for Chelsea when he struck against Crystal Palace that month and was on target again versus Southampton in October.

Having joined the Chelsea academy at the age of eight and spent the past three seasons out on loan at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Lorient respectively, Chalobah was elated to have tied himself to the Blues until 2026. 

"It's quite surreal. It's a dream for me to sign a new long-term contract for my boyhood club and hopefully the dream continues," he told the club's official website. 

"It's been an unbelievable start to the season and something I never expected, but it just shows that the hard work I've put in and going out on loans has paid off. 

"I tried to impress the manager in pre-season and then take that into the games, so it's been good and consistency now is the key to keep those high levels." 

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "To see Trevoh joining so many of his fellow Academy graduates in the men's first team is something we are exceptionally proud of as a club. 

"When he scored in the first game of the Premier League season, it was an emotional moment for everyone involved in his progress to this point. 

"His performances in the early months of the season as well as his attitude and professionalism have impressed us all and we are very pleased to be able to reward Trevoh's progress with this new long-term contract." 

Cesar Azpilicueta (18) is the one Chelsea defender to have won more tackles than Chalobah (12) in all competitions this season, while only Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen (both three) have been dribbled past by an opponent fewer times than his four. 

Inter have slammed the door shut on the prospect of stars leaving in January to be reunited with former boss Antonio Conte at Tottenham.

Just six months have passed since Inter were celebrating Serie A title success under Conte's leadership, only for the head coach to leave the club within weeks.

He has this week returned to the Premier League as the new Spurs head coach, in what has the makings of a stellar appointment by the north London club.

A patchy Tottenham squad may need urgent reinforcements, but Inter – who sold Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku in the last transfer window amid financial difficulties – are adamant none of their players will be available to Conte, or any other boss, in January.

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio told Sky Italia: "The intention is to move forward with this squad and in January no requests for possible transfers will be taken into consideration.

"We know this it is a team that has quality and that has a new coach who has taken over the group for a few months, so in the next transfer window we will only give continuity to what started in June. Then in the summer we will make other assessments, which will be the time to strengthen Inter, not to weaken."

Simone Inzaghi was selected as Conte's successor and Inter have moved on quickly, heading the pack chasing fast-starting Napoli and Milan.

Ausilio backed Conte to do well in England, however, as he embarks on a second Premier League stint after previously coaching Chelsea.

"I can say that I am happy, and I wish him the best for this new adventure," Ausilio said. "I know how pleased he is to be able to work in the Premier League, how much passion and how many skills he has, and I'm sure he will do well with Spurs."

Ausilio also confirmed new contracts for midfielders Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella are in the works.

Indeed, the latter could sign before Sunday's derby against Milan. "We are talking about more formal aspects than anything else, so I am fully confident that the deal will be closed," said Ausilio.

The 28-year-old Brozovic scored his first Champions League goal in his 27th appearance in the competition in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Sheriff.

Ausilio said of the Croatian: "He is certainly an important player who we hope will be part of our project also in the future , but we need to hear what the other side thinks and we will do this in the coming days."

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