Well, perhaps inevitably, it happened.After a feisty opening period, England huffed and puffed at their rivals Wales without ever really truly threatening Wayne Hennessey in goal.Indicative of this incarnation of the Three Lions, the players looked good in build up without ever really posing a palpable threat.

Without ever being easy, it appeared most of threat the Dragon had was on counter attacks, using pace and power to fight a rather shaky England defence.

Well, Gareth Bale had other ideas.

After playing on the fringes for most of the first-half, the Real Madrid star stepped up with an audacious free-kick for the second game in the row.

Questions will invariably be asked of Joe Hart in goal, though the ‘Prince of Wales’ stood up to be counted.

A wonderful free-kick somehow found its way into the back of the net, with the former Spurs star once again taking the mantle as perhaps the greatest ever Welsh player and running with it.

Here’s how Twitter saw it.

It’s been a pretty underwhelming start for Southampton under their new boss Claude Puel.

The Frenchman came in with a good reputation in Ligue 1 but after three Premier League games he has yet to get a victory with the Saints.

The South Coast side drew 1-1 at home to Watford on the opening day before heading to Old Trafford to lose 2-0 against Manchester United. Then, at the weekend, they drew 1-1 again at home against Sunderland in a result that may cause Puel to reassess his playing squad before the end of the window.

With Europa League football firmly on the horizon the Saints need to have as strong a squad as possible. Their group consists of Inter Milan, Sparta Prague and Hapoel Be’er Sheva so they’ll need to improve if they are to get out of that group.

Fortunately there’s still time in the window to bring in recruits and we think these five La Liga stars would be a real help…

Gustavo Cabral

Cabral has been at Celta Vigo since 2013 and has been a key part of their defence. Celta impressed last season but have so far started this one fairly slowly, they lost on the opening day to newly promoted Leganes before being unfortunate to come away from Real Madrid with out at least a point, losing 2-1.

Nevertheless. Cabral is a good centre-half and would certainly give Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk a run for their money.

Carlos Vela

Vela spent seven years on Arsenal’s books but after a number of loan spells he didn’t break into the team and moved to Real Sociedad in 2012.

Since then he has been strong both through the middle and down the flanks and that would complement Southampton’s tactical set up well.

He has European experience too and that would help out the Saints in the Europa League this season.

Iker Muniain

Muniain is one of the best dribblers in the game, which he combines with blistering pace to devastating effect.

The Spaniard hasn’t left Athletic Bilbao yet but surely will in the next couple of years so Southampton should try and get in front of everyone else for his signature.

He might cost quite a bit but with the new TV money in the Premier League, the Saints can probably afford him.

Ander Iturraspe

With Victor Wanyama leaving, Oriol Romeu has been tasked to replace him in the Southampton side – no mean feat.

The club therefore should also be looking for other options in that holding role and Iturraspe could be just the man.

He’s an imposing presence in the centre of the park but can play a bit too and that would make him a real contender to start at St. Mary’s

Markel Susaeta

Susaeta got to the Europa League final with Athletic Bilbao in 2012 and although they eventually lost to Atletico Madrid, the experience he earned of going on that run would be hugely valuable to Southampton.

He primarily plays as a right-winger and this would give Puel the option to mix things up from the 4-4-2 diamond he has been playing so far this season.

What better way for the Premier League to reintroduce itself into our lives after an interminable international break than the Manchester derby.

For the past few years, the clash between the red and blue of England most populous northern city has lost its appeal. The underwhelming management of Louis van Gaal combined with the underachieving talents of the Man City squad left a once great clash as just another fixture on the calendar… but all of that is about to change.

Enter Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, arguably the two most revered managers in world football today. The two stalwarts of the modern game have clashed on numerous occasions before, most notably in the ‘El Clasico’ where Pep’s Barca and Jose’s Real clashed in vicious, ill-tempered but enormously entertaining battles.

Now, both managers ply their trade in Manchester and both will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Saturday’s match-up where they can once again pit their wits against one another.

Here are five reasons why Manchester City will win the Manchester derby on Saturday…

The Pep Factor

There is perhaps no better way to judge who will fare better with the pressure of the Manchester derby than by taking a glance at the El Clasico’s of the past. When Pep and Jose clashed with their Barca and Real sides, it was often the Spaniard who came out on top.

In fact, Mourinho led his Real side to just two victories in eleven games against Pep’s Barcelona. A pretty damning statistic, which may speak volumes of who is the manager most likely to come out on top this Saturday.

Super Sterling

For a man who was so vilified in the summer after atrocious performances in an England shirt, it has been a rapid turnaround for Raheem Sterling, who has hit the ground running this season and looks like City’s best player under Guardiola.

Sterling will likely be instructed to run directly at Antonio Valencia, who, despite his genuine talent, is not a natural defender. This could cause plenty of problems for the right side of United’s defence and could be the key battle in the game.

Ball Retention

One of the more interesting statistics that could determine the outcome of Saturday’s game is the amount of possession each team has. A quick glance at the Premier League stats so far shows that both teams are in the top five clubs for possession percentage and number of passes.

On Saturday, one of these teams is likely to be without the ball for long periods of possession, something that neither team has had to deal with too often so far this campaign.

With City topping all possession stats, it will be up to Manchester United to hold their shape and stay patient, something that they may struggle to do.

The Underdog

Home advantage and the absence of Sergio Aguero through suspension means that Man City have been made the underdogs for Saturday’s derby.

This may play perfectly into Pep’s hands. The pressure is off and his players can take to the field and employ their style of play. Guardiola would likely take a draw if offered to him now, whilst Mourinho knows that the Old Trafford crowd will be desperate to see a victory.

This could be the catalyst for some nervous displays from United’s men.

No Aguero, no problem

While many believe that the suspension of City’s star man Sergio Aguero spells disaster for Pep and his team, statistics will actually demonstrate the opposite.

Last season, City won more points on average without Aguero (2.17), than when the Argentine was in the team (2.00).

Granted, the margins are small, but Pep trusts Kelechi Iheanacho to deputise and the Nigerian will be full of energy, ready to prove a point as to why he is held in such high regard at the Etihad.

After a dismal start to the season, Stoke City find themselves sitting in the relegation places after the first eight games.

There are, however, small signs of recovery. They managed their first win last weekend at home to Sunderland – another candystriped side in worse trouble than the Potters at present – they’re unbeaten in three games after two draws before that victory, and their summer signing Joe Allen is starting to come good.

In fact, after four defeats in their opening five games, you wouldn’t have thought that Joe Allen would appear on the list of the best performing players in the league, but over the last few games, that’s where he’s positioned himself. And we’re not just talking about one or two good weeks.

FanDuel is a fantasy football game that uses Opta data to measure player performance, so it’s a fantasy game comprehensive enough to give a bit of insight into form and statistics. And what those stats show is that Joe Allen averages more points than the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Philippe Coutinho.

FanDuel will match your first deposit all the way up to £400, so this weekend might just be the time to get involved.

The Stoke City man is holding his own with players for bigger teams who are performing much better than his own side is.

In fact, Allen makes the gameweek eight team of the week alongside Mesut Ozil and Dele Alli – both of whom scored fewer points last weekend, and both of whom are averaging a lower points tally over the entire season. Only one player – Bournemouth’s Junior Stanislas – scored more points than Allen last weekend.

So when you’re looking to your FanDuel team this weekend, maybe you shouldn’t just be looking to the top of the table to pick your midfielders and attacking points scorers – Joe Allen’s Stoke City are coming into form, it seems.

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It’s fair to say things aren’t going brilliantly for Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

The Red Devils failed to score against a Burnley side they were expected by many to beat comfortably on Saturday, with Sean Dyche’s boys holding firm despite the hosts having 37 shots.

The result means United have only one win in their last Premier League games and have resultantly slipped to eighth, eight points off the summit.

Big-name players like Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and £89m world-record signing Paul Pogba have all drawn criticism for their inconsistent or ineffective performances so far this season, although some people are starting to point their finger at the manager.

Mourinho was brought to United under the remit he would restore them to the top of the English game and challenge for silverware. He was certainly given the money to do so, having spent over £150m in the summer.

But things haven’t worked out as planned and that is partly down to some of Mourinho’s actions. We take a look at five mistakes he’s made since taking the Old Trafford helm.

FORMATIONS

While things have improved since Wayne Rooney left the side, there has been a lot of problems fitting Mourinho’s new charges into the starting lineup.

Pogba’s attacking instincts were neutered when he was part of a double-pivot – although he gets forward more when he plays in a three-man midfield – and he’s failed to live up to his reputation as a result.

The Portuguese has yet to find a role for new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Ibrahimovic has preferred to drop deep rather than lead the line. Perhaps Mourinho’s insistence on a one-striker formation is holding United back.

NOT PUTTING FAITH IN YOUTH

Since breaking into the United first team in February, Marcus Rashford has arguably been United’s best performer.

The 19-year-old has managed 12 goals in 31 matches in all competitions and has been one of the few United players to look like a genuine attacking threat.

Despite his form last season and for England in Euro 2016, Mourinho didn’t seem convinced, and it took until the youngster scored a late winner against Hull for him to earn a starting place under the Portuguese.

In order to accommodate Ibrahimovic, Rashford has often found himself on the wing where he can’t make an impact, with United struggling for goals as a result.

CRITICISING PLAYERS IN PUBLIC

One of the things Mourinho was always given credit for in his first trophy-laden spell with Chelsea was the way he protected his players.

The Portuguese would always deflect media attention from them with his charismatic ways, while Ibrahimovic lavished praise on his manager from their time together at Inter.

At United things seemed to be different – instead of parking the bus, he’s been throwing players under it.

A number of experts took particular exception to his criticism of Luke Shaw after the Watford game and it appears it isn’t helping his players’ confidence.

ALIENATING SCHWEINSTEIGER

One of Mourinho’s first actions as United manager was to make it clear Bastian Schweinsteiger was surplus to requirements.

The German had struggled with injuries and form in the season prior and arguably wouldn’t have been part of the first team anyway, but Mourinho went one step further and forced him to train with the reserves.

It was a humiliation for the World Cup winner and one that doesn’t seem to have helped the club, particularly with United struggling in the central midfield department.

NOT GIVING CARRICK OR SCHNEIDERLIN A CHANCE

It’s not just Schweinsteiger who hasn’t been given a chance in the middle.

Weeks ago, United seemed in dire need of a holding midfield player, with fans screaming out for the inclusion of the experienced Michael Carrick.

Perhaps you can question whether players like Carrick and Schweinsteiger can handle 90 minutes week in, week out, but it begs the question: why not 26-year-old Morgan Schneiderlin?

The Frenchman hasn’t been given a chance by Mourinho yet could form a partnership with countryman Pogba or the industrious Ander Herrera if given the chance.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich legend Xabi Alonso celebrates his 35th birthday today.

The Spaniard, who started his career with Real Sociedad, is still going strong having won the treble under Pep Guardiola last season and remains a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Alonso has won almost everything the game has to offer, having celebrated two Champions League triumphs, La Liga and Bundesliga titles as well as two European Championships and a World Cup with the national side.

Despite being predominantly a defensive midfielder or deep-lying playmaker, Alonso has a pretty decent goalscoring record with 43 goals in his club career as well as another 16 for Spain.

What stands out is the quality of those goals as well – the Spaniard doesn’t really do tap-in, instead using his superb technique and power to burst the net with a range of volleys and long-range strikes.

Here are FIVE of his best.

REAL MADRID VS REAL ZARAGOZA, 2011

Xabi Alonso won the first league title of his career with Real Madrid in the 2011/12 season.

The Spaniard played a much more defensive role under Jose Mourinho than he had previously and only managed one goal in the league (1:29 in the video above).

That goal came in one of Madrid’s performances of the season against Real Zaragoza, however, as the ball broke to the edge of the box before Alonso drilled home from 30-yards to add the third goal in a 6-0 away victory.

LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL, 2004

Liverpool’s opener against Arsenal was more the sum of its parts as it came as the result of a wonderful passing move.

Harry Kewell cushioned a long, cross-field ball to Steven Gerrard, who flicked a delicate pass into the pass of the onrushing Alonso.

From the edge of the box, Alonso unleashed a beautiful, flighted drive into the top scorer past a helpless ‘keeper.

While Alonso’s finish was top drawer, it was the fluid team move that really made this goal stand out.

BAYERN MUNICH VS WERDER BREMEN, 2016

Xabi Alonso proved that age hasn’t made him any worse a player as he is still a first-team regular for Bayern Munich.

The Spaniard has appeared in ten games out of a possible eleven and bagged two goals in his first four games.

The pick of the two was a powerful volley after controlling a bouncing ball on the edge of the box to score the first goal in a 6-0 demolition of Werder Bremen.

LIVERPOOL VS LUTON TOWN, 2006

When Liverpool fans reminisce about Xabi Alonso, they generally remember one game.

Liverpool travelled to Luton Town – who were in the Championship at that point – and were shocked at the home side took a 3-1 lead.

Alonso inspired a fightback however and fired a beautifully dipping volley from 35-yards to level the score.

Incredibly that wasn’t even his best goal of the game as, with the score at 4-3 the Luton goalkeeper came up to try and score an equaliser. Liverpool broke from the corner and Alonso found the empty net from 70-yards on his weaker foot to secure the game.

LIVERPOOL VS NEWCASTLE UNITED, 2006

Alonso had a bit of a thing for scoring from his own half in 2006 and his goal against Newcastle United arguably beats his effort against Luton.

The Spaniard showed all the best parts of his game, winning the ball in the middle of the park and using his superb vision to spot Steve Harper off his line.

He then unleashed an unstoppable 60-yard drive which saw Harper back-pedalling and he eventually tripped over in an unsuccessful attempt to save Alonso’s shot.

On a dark pre-Christmas night in Merseyside, Arsenal’s trip to Everton had the makings of a typical Gunner slip-up. With the top of the Premier League just a victory away (again), Arsene Wenger’s side were going to be judged on this game. It was going to be a yardstick for their progression as a football team and a chance to see if they have realistic hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy come May. Eventual defeat hurts the Gunners, but we learned plenty more from this game than just the result.

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An uninspiring start from Everton allowed Arsenal to play. Not at their best, the Gunners looked becalmed despite taking the lead. Granit Xhaka sprayed the play as he can, but both he and Francis Coquelin looked vulnerable when pressed later in the first half. Xhaka is the heartbeat of this Arsenal side at their best, dictating tempo, spreading the play and often initiating attacks. His awareness before he receives the ball allows him to change the whole pattern of the play with only a couple of touches.

Until they went behind, Everton had sat deep in their own half, but did not threaten Xhaka in possession. With Coquelin always available if other lanes were closed, the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder controlled the game in the opening phases. But once Everton upped their performance, the centre of the pitch was compressed. Without time for Mesut Ozil on the half-turn, or to pick out a ball towards Theo Walcott or Alexis Sanchez, Xhaka’s defensive weaknesses were shown up. Coquelin, too, made some poor passes and clumsy challenges.

When Everton enjoyed their most successful period of the game, they pushed their full-backs up the pitch and pressed intensely in midfield. Ozil was unable to influence the game and, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman forcing Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deep, Arsenal were penned into their own half. Given space by Everton at the start of the game, Arsenal’s innate technical ability took charge. But when passing options became more limited, the Gunners became scrappy, their defence stretched by the width of Baines and Coleman.

There were positives aplenty from Arsenal’s trip to Goodison, but several signs of chinks in their armour. Wenger’s 70th minute substitutions showed a willingness to change plan, as he brought Olivier Giroud and Alex Iwobi on. From the start against Manchester City, however, Wenger will likely field the same XI that started on Merseyside.

Pep Guardiola may well persevere with his back three, but a back four with shielding midfielders would be the best approach against Arsenal. Unleash Kolarov from the full-back role to challenge Walcott defensively and make sure there is no room for Ozil to play defence splitting passes from advanced positions. The suspension of Fernandinho will hurt Manchester City more than ever for this game, his reliable passing and reading of the game would be ideal to shackle Ozil.

Kolarov as a left-sided centre back would be a liability against the electric pace of Walcott and Hector Bellerin. Rather, Guardiola must use his strengths to limit the effectiveness of Arsenal’s right side offensively. Just as City targeted the wings against Chelsea, they must look to do the same against Arsenal, albeit in a different shape. Guardiola’s central midfielders need to hound Xhaka and Coquelin to stop the flow of Arsenal’s play.

Holding Walcott and Chamberlain to defensive duties will limit the pressure-releasing passes Arsenal can play, and force Sanchez to live off a diet of direct balls with limited support. Then, however, the concern is how John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi can stop Sanchez. Guardiola will inevitably set his defence to push high up the pitch once again – that is okay – but his midfielders must pressurise Arsenal’s distributors if they are to avoid humiliation.

Having been forced to field a weakened defence, cracks will appear if Arsenal’s attacking football is restricted. Limiting Arsenal’s opportunities to create will be City’s best route to success. Enough time spent in the Arsenal third and a clear opening will come for City, particularly with Gabriel’s rash decision making alongside Laurent Koscielny. Nacho Monreal had a torrid time against Everton, Leroy Sane or Jesus Navas will take full advantage of his immobility, which will force Coquelin to provide support.

City have the players – even without Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero – to trouble Arsenal. Ilkay Gundogan’s role, through pressing and switching of play, will be key in central midfield particularly.

Koeman needed a performance like this from Everton and Guardiola needs similar signs of improvement from his side. If Manchester City set up like they did against Leicester, they will be put to the sword by Walcott and Sanchez, but Guardiola has the personnel to take advantage of the Gunners after a drab performance against Everton.

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Manchester City will be without midfielder Fernandinho for the next four games after his ban was upheld by the Football Association.

The two-time Premier League champions took their case to the English governing body in an attempt to overturn the straight red card.

Fernandinho was given his marching orders by referee Lee Mason in the 32nd minute of City’s 2-1 triumph over Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Monday afternoon.

It was a reckless challenge from the Brazilian, who had only recently returned to action after serving a three-match ban following a sending-off against Chelsea on December 3.

The suspension is bad timing for City as they currently sit seven points off Premier League leaders Chelsea at the halfway stage of the season.

Fernandinho will miss the FA Cup third-round match against West Ham United this Friday, as well as a league clash against them, and will also be absent for top-flight matches against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Hammers had better luck with the FA as Sofiane Feghouli’s red card against Manchester United was rescinded, but Fernandinho was handed an extra one-game ban due to it being his second dismissal of the season.

Fans on Twitter, though, have questioned why City even lodged an appeal in the first place.

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While Newcastle United are currently second in the Championship table and on course for an instant return to the Premier League, it could have been even better were it not for some disappointing results this season – especially at St James’ Park.

Rafa Benitez’s side have lost seven of their 25 league matches this term, with four of those coming at home and three away.

While every club has their ups and downs over the course of a campaign, it is perhaps more alarming for the Spanish manager that his team scored just once in those four reverses at their 52,000-seater home.

With the defeats on Tyneside coming against Huddersfield Town, Wolves, strugglers Blackburn Rovers – who have done the double over the Magpies – and Sheffield Wednesday, it begs the question as to whether the players have been too complacent, believing that when Newcastle turn up to a fixture at this level, they will easily take the three points.

Here are THREE changes Rafa Benitez must make to prevent Newcastle complacency…

Play his strongest XI

Most Newcastle United supporters know what their side’s strongest XI is, and the manager should too.

When you’re fighting for promotion you want consistency, and while Rafa Benitez has stuck to that philosophy for the majority of the campaign, there have been times when he has made multiple changes and it has backfired.

One example of this was when a lowly Blackburn Rovers came to St James’ Park in November and Benitez decided to make six alterations to his starting XI, including dropping top marksman Dwight Gayle to the substitutes’ bench.

The match ended in a 1-0 defeat and the lesson that was learned is that you can’t rest your players, or on your laurels, in the Championship.

Preparation

While Newcastle certainly have the players and squad to beat any other side in the Championship, sometimes it isn’t that easy and Benitez must prepare his players for those scenarios.

The Spaniard will know the way he wants his team to play but that style may not always work against every club in the Championship – especially those that come to St James’ Park and stick 10 men behind the ball with the hope of picking up a point.

The Magpies might need to be more inventive or more direct and it means that Benitez must have a plan B – maybe even a plan C – ready for each fixture, which could just help them avoid any more disappointing losses as they look to win promotion.

Mentality

Whilst the players – and probably the supporters too – will automatically be more up for clashes against the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United than they will against Burton Albion and Rotherham United – with all due respect – Benitez must work with his players to make sure they are at the top of their game every week.

The Championship is a division where you don’t get away with having an off day, and the Spaniard must instil that mentality of not underestimating any team if they are to achieve promotion back to the Premier League this term.

As reported by The Daily Mirror, Gylfi Sigurdsson has given Swansea fans a massive boost this January by committing his future to the club despite interest from West Ham and Everton.

What’s the story?

Swans fans are enjoying a busy transfer window with new boss Paul Clement already making three signings that could impact positively on their first team. First Luciano Narsingh arrived then on Tuesday Swansea announced the arrivals of Martin Olsson and Tom Carroll.

Now they’ve been given further joy with the news, reported by The Mirror, that star man Sigurdsson is set to shun interest from Premier League rivals.

It’s news that could prove vital with Swansea facing a tough relegation battle in the second half of the season.

Loyalty

Given how badly Swansea have been struggling at times this season, you might think that someone of Sigurdsson’s quality would have his head turned when the January transfer window rolls round.

That he’s willing to stay at the club at a low ebb shows tremendous commitment to the Swansea cause.

The Icelandic international has been vital to the Swans this season. Of their four Premier League wins, Sigurdsson has scored in three of them.

It’s that kind of impact that will prove so vital in the months to come. Can he inspire them to stay clear of relegation worries?

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