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Southampton finally managed to secure their first Premier League win of the season at the weekend with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United thanks to a second-half strike from on-loan Armando Broja on his first league start of the campaign.

This win over Marcelo Bielsa’s side put the Saints up to 15th in the table with seven points from their opening eight league games.

Their next clash sees the Saints take on Burnley at St Mary’s at the weekend, with the visitors having just three points on the board so far this season.

Diallo should start v Burnley

One player who we feel should definitely be in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI to face Burnley is Ibrahima Diallo.

The midfielder joined Southampton last October from French club Brest on a four-year deal. Since then, the 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, has made 34 appearances for the Saints across all competitions.

So far this season, Diallo – who has been described as “aggressive” on the pitch in the past by Hasenhuttl – has featured in all of Southampton’s Premier League matches apart from their 0-0 draw against Manchester City and their 1-0 defeat against Wolves, being an unused substitute in both games.

In his latest appearance for the Saints in the win over Leeds, he made his first league start of the campaign and completed four of the five dribbles that he attempted, won 10 of his 17 duels, made two tackles and one interception and racked up a passing accuracy percentage of 84%. That all earned him an overall match rating of 7/10, making him Southampton’s highest-rated midfielder on the day according to SofaScore, showing how instrumental he was in the match.

Taking all this into account, along with the absence of club captain James Ward-Prowse as a result of the three-game ban he picked up against Chelsea before the recent international break, we feel that Diallo should definitely keep his place in the team for when Burnley make the trip to St Mary’s at the weekend.

Looking further down the line from the Clarets match, if he puts in another decent performance at the weekend, he could well give Hasenhuttl a potential selection headache for when fellow midfielder Ward-Prowse becomes available again.

In other news: Signed for £5m, now worth £22.5m, Saints hit the jackpot with “important” beast

As a football betting enthusiast, you have the opportunity to bet on football matches all year round if you want it. Yes, professional soccer league betting is always available somewhere in the world. As you might know, that could be a good thing or a bad thing.

If you have complete control over your football betting activities, there is nothing wrong with betting on matches regularly. The term “control” refers to you not allowing any form of gambling to interfere with your life. That typically means restricting your football betting bankroll to your discretionary money, money that remains after your bills are paid. Then, it’s all good. If there would ever come a time that you would lose control over your football betting, you will hopefully seek help getting things back in order.

One of the first things you should do if you suspect you might have a gambling problem is seek out some form of self-exclusion resource. By finding and using a self-exclusion resource, you would make it clear to the people in your life that you want to be responsible about the way you live your life.

The rest of this article is going to focus on two self-exclusion resources you will immediately have at your disposal. Those resources are GamStop and Gamban.

GamStop Self-Exclusion Program

If your football betting activities are focused on online sportsbooks in the UK, you should have access to the GamStop Self-exclusion scheme. This would especially be true if your online bookmaker of choice is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. If that’s the case, it’s very likely that your online bookmaker has subscribed as a member of GamStop. For information about GamStop, you can look for the GamStop logo or speak with a customer service representative.

Once you get access to the program, you can register for free. As part of the registration process, you will have to provide a lot of important personal information (full name, phone number, cell number, email address, etc.). This is the information that the GamStop program will use to block your access should you try to open any new sports betting accounts after your self-exclusion period starts. By the way, all of your active accounts will immediately be suspended.

Since the program is strictly voluntary, you get to decide how long you want your self-exclusion to last. Your options would be 6 months, 1 year, or years. Once it goes into effect, member UK gambling sites are supposed to deny you access to their gambling websites.

Of course, no program or system is perfect. GamStop is only available for online gamblers through online operators that are licensed with the UKGC and have subscribed to the GamStop scheme. As you can imagine, there are a lot of ways you could get around your self-exclusion.

The most obvious option would using non GamStop UK sites for online betting. Indeed, there are plenty of UK licensed operators that have been able to avoid GamStop membership because while it has been deemed mandatory as part of the licensing process, enforcement has been slow. Other GamStop-avoidence options would include:

Football betting through offshore sportsbook Using Bitcoin only gambling sites Betting through retail bookmakers Opening accounts under other identities The Gamban Option

If you feel committed to staying away from online football betting sites, you might want to consider using a self-exclusion software solution like Gamban.

Gamban is a downloadable software program that you can download on all the devices you use for your football betting activities. Once the program has been downloaded and activated, your devices will not be able to interact with any websites that can be identified as gambling sites. The self-exclusion is permanent as there is no way to remove the software from a hard drive.

Once again, no program or system is perfect. It should be pretty obvious that Gamban is a device-specific solution. If you were to be motivated to resume your football betting activities, you would just need to buy a new device or borrow one from a friend or relative.

Since neither of these self-exclusion programs offers you complete protection from problem gambling issues, we would recommend you use both options at the same time. While Gamban will cost you a little money, GamStop registration is free. The combination of these two programs would still not offer absolute protection, but it could be enough to keep you from betting football until you have your life back in order.

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When Rafa Benitez first stepped foot in Merseyside again, he wasn’t exactly greeted very nicely by some Everton supporters.

Banners were hung outside his home and there were considerable protests against his appointment.

Therefore, the Spaniard needed to start quickly and impress from the off. The club’s transfer window wasn’t exactly a fair indication of what Benitez can do but their form has been superb.

Everton have taken seven points from their opening three league games but they do now have a problem on the cards.

On the chalkboard

That issue happens to revolve around James Rodriguez.

The Colombian looked a dead certainty to leave Goodison Park behind this summer and his lack of action in the opening few weeks of the season indicated that he was heading for the exit door.

Rodriguez hasn’t played a single minute of competitive action under the new manager but a move unfortunately fell through on deadline day.

Everton were confident of agreeing a swap deal with Porto to bring Luis Diaz to the club in exchange but Rodriguez ultimately didn’t move. His agent Jorge Mendes tried to engineer a move to Italy but he ended up staying in Merseyside.

Benitez has a dilemma on his hands now. Rodriguez has made his feelings clear and doesn’t exactly want to play for the Toffees again. He wasn’t even aware of who their opponents were a few weeks ago, for instance.

That being said, he clearly possesses immense talent. The former Real Madrid star contributed to ten Premier League goals last term and provided more key passes per match than anybody else in the Toffees’ squad.

However, their new signings look ready and raring to go. Demarai Gray has opened up his Everton account with two goals and a Player of the Month nomination after signing from Bayer Leverkusen.

Alongside Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Everton attack looks vibrant.

Add Anthony Gordon into the equation and their forward line could become even more mouth-watering.

The 20-year-old has very rarely started for the Everton first team, featuring on just 21 occasions since breaking through. That being said, he’s clearly in Benitez’s plans, with the youngster earning minutes from the bench against Southampton on the opening day of the season.

Possessing the ability to play behind the striker and on the flanks, he feels like a player who is more deserving of game time in Rodriguez’s role. Although he’s not scored a senior goal yet, the future is bright for Gordon.

Greg Cunningham, his teammate on loan at Preston last season, said that the youngster was set for an “exciting” career, while David Unsworth was even more complimentary.

Speaking to The Athletic, he commented: “His balance sprinting with the ball and his balance going past people is something you don’t see every day. He’s got unbelievable pace and he’s a Scouser too, so he’s tough.”

With a rare set of traits in Gordon’s armoury, Benitez would be foolish not to unleash him.

AND in other news, “Being monitored”: Journo makes Celtic transfer claim, their next Ajer may arrive soon…

An update has emerged on RC Lens fullback Jonathan Clauss, regarding Everton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to French outlet HommeDuMatch, Everton and West Ham have both made enquiries over a potential deal for RC Lens right-back Jonathan Clauss this month.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 club, however, is not interested in parting ways with the defender at this moment in time.

Coleman 2.0

Whilst it is stated that Lens are not looking to sell Claus, that does not mean that a transfer is impossible for Everton. If Marcel Brands is able to offer the French club an attractive financial package then that could potentially change their mind and convince them to sell.

Why should Everton be looking to do this? Rafa Benitez has a glaring problem in his squad and that is the right-back situation. Seamus Coleman turns 33 in October and Carlo Ancelotti was forced to play the likes of Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey at right-back at times in the Premier League last term.

This shows that the Toffees are in dire need of a succession plan in that area of the pitch. Coleman was limited to 18 league starts in the 2020/21 campaign, which means that bringing in a new first-choice right-back could allow him to play a reserve role and come in when needed at the back.

Clauss, 28, has a fair few years on the Irishman and could come in to be Benitez’s right-back for the next four or five years if all goes well. His form in France was impressive last season, with three goals and six assists for RC Lens in Ligue 1. Coleman’s highest assist tally in a Premier League campaign is five as it stands, which suggests that Clauss could add a similar level of creative threat down the right if he finds his feet in England.

The Everton stalwart has a career average of 2.7 tackles and interceptions and 0.8 key passes per game. Clauss’ career average, meanwhile, is 2.5 tackles and interceptions and 1.3 key passes per game. This suggests that they are fairly similar in quality defensively and offensively, although it is difficult to say for sure with the difference in quality between England and France/Germany.

Rafa Benitez would love for the club to essentially bring in a younger version of Coleman for him to work with. That would then mean that he has two, potentially, quality options at right-back for the 2021/22 campaign and would stop him from needing to worry about life after the former Sligo Rovers man.

AND in other news, Everton ready bid for versatile £27m-rated “revelation”, Benitez needs him at Goodison…

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Harry Kane could return for Tottenham Hotspur against Borussia Dortmund, per The Sun.

Kane sustained ankle ligament damage against Manchester United in December but could now make an ahead-of-schedule return.

What’s the word?

Kane was initially ruled out until March when he sustained his injury.

However, the aforementioned report claims that Spurs’ medical staff are confident he could make an early return.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

The England international, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, could return in next week’s crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, though he is certainly set to miss this weekend’s game against Leicester City.

If Mauricio Pochettino opts against risking the striker versus the German giants, he could instead play against Burnley.

The report will be music to the ears of the Argentine, with Spurs facing games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool, as well as the return leg against Dortmund, before the end of March.

Worth the risk?

Pochettino would be well advised to tread carefully surrounding Kane’s injury. Spurs cannot afford to rush the striker back and see him sustain another injury before the end of the season.

He has already played 309 senior games in his club career – 244 of those coming with Spurs – and has also won 35 caps for England. All in, at the age of 25, he has played 344 senior games since making his debut.

He has sustained two ankle injuries already but, nevertheless, was an integral part of England’s World Cup squad.

Since the beginning of last season, quite simply, he has not had a break.

But he has been so important to their season – scoring 20 goals in 31 games in all competitions – that it would not be a surprise if he started against Dortmund next week.

If Kane is fit, he will want to play, and Pochettino will surely not want to say no. However, he may have to take the decision out of the striker’s hands – for the good of Kane’s own career.

David Norris insists that Raphinha could leave Leeds United in the summer transfer window if the club continue to struggle.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have endured a difficult start to the campaign, only collecting their first Premier League win against Watford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Leeds were in the bottom three prior to that crucial three points, and they will be aiming to build on that success when they face fellow strugglers Southampton at St Mary’s after the international break.

Raphinha, even still, has enjoyed an excellent beginning to the campaign and has scored three goals in seven games.

He was linked with Liverpool in the summer transfer window and Norris could see him departing if Leeds continue to endure poor form in the Premier League.

Raphinha is currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt but his contract runs until 2024, meaning Leeds may not be under pressure to sell.

He said: “Absolutely. I think if he continues the way he does and Leeds do struggle this season and they finish in that bottom half or even towards relegation, they’re going to find it difficult to keep him.”

Celtic coach Darren O’Dea is wanted by Championship side Ayr United after they parted ways with Jim Duffy earlier in the week, The Scottish Sun report.

The Lowdown: O’Dea’s promotion

After retiring as a player two years ago, O’Dea had been managing Celtic’s Under-18’s.

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The 34-year-old was given a promotion at Parkhead back in October, though, and is now a part of the Celtic B team working alongside manager Tommy McIntyre.

O’Dea recently labelled first-team manager Ange Postecoglou as ‘brilliant’ and works near the first-team at Lennoxtown, but it appears as if the Irishman is a wanted man ahead of the New Year.

The Latest: Ayr keen

The Scottish Sun’s Alan Potts shared a story on Monday afternoon, claiming Ayr are eyeing an ‘ambitious’ swoop for O’Dea after Duffy left the club following a short spell in charge.

Potts claimed that Ayr’s managing director Graeme Mathie is on the hunt for Duffy’s successor and it’s understood that O’Dea is on their radar.

The Verdict: Time to jump ship?

You’d expect that O’Dea has aspirations of managing at first-team level after Under-18 spells with Motherwell and now Celtic, so he may well jump at the chance to join the Championship side.

However, it would be a risk with Ayr struggling in the second tier and just three wins from 18.

Saying that, O’Dea will have seen that former Hoops man Shaun Maloney has recently jumped into management with Hibernian, so he could see Ayr as a step on the ladder when it comes to making his mark from the dugout.

In other news: ‘A lot of clubs’ tracking ‘unbelievable’ Celtic ace ahead of January, says BBC Radio 5 Live man. 

Manchester United’s proposed move for Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is now in the final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Verbal agreement

The Athletic’s David Ornstein shared a huge development on Tuesday evening regarding the 52-year-old moving to Old Trafford.

He revealed that the Red Devils had reached a verbal agreement with Ten Hag and now need to reach a deal with Ajax.

No announcement is expected this week due to Ajax’s Dutch Cup final against PSV Eindhoven, alathough Romano has shared what he knows on the situation.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter shortly after Ornstein, confirming his information. The transfer guru added that Ten Hag’s backroom staff still needs to be decided and shared details of a €2m (£1.67m) clause:

“Sources close to Erik ten Hag confirm David Ornstein report: his appointment as new Man United manager is at final stages.

“Nothing signed yet – back room staff to be decided. No announcement expected this week. Ajax and Man Utd will be in contact about €2m clause.”

The Verdict: Getting closer…

It looks as if it is just a matter of time until United can formally reveal Ten Hag as Ralf Rangnick’s long-term successor.

Of course, everything can still change, but it does appear that the Red Devils will get their man, with whom they held ‘positive’ talks last month.

Finalising a move before the end of the season will give Ten Hag and United the best possible chance of making the right decisions over the summer with regards to incomings and outgoings, instead of those calls being rushed should he have arrived during the summer window.

In other news: ‘Interesting’ Man Utd news has pundit talking; says Leeds supporters ‘will be devastated’

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing the forward as a potential January signing as they look to bolster their squad following the club’s takeover earlier this month.

The report claims that Watford will fight hard to keep hold of their star player as they believe he can be as good as Manchester City winger Jack Grealish.

Saint-Maximin 2.0

PIF must secure a deal to sign Sarr in the January transfer window as they could unearth Allan Saint-Maximin 2.0 for the club. The Hornets forward is similar to the Frenchman in his playing style and could operate on the opposite wing, which is why the Toon Army faithful could love him.

Both players excel at dribbling with the ball and creating chances for their teammates, whilst also possessing the ability to score themselves. Sarr has averaged 3.4 dribbles and key passes per game in the Premier League this season, compared to Saint-Maximin’s 6.3.

This suggests that the Watford maestro is on his way to reaching the former Nice man’s standards, whilst he has already shown he may be a step above when it comes to goalscoring. He has found the back of the net nine times in 31 top-flight starts for Watford, whilst the Magpies wizard has scored eight goals in 51 starts. This is why Newcastle fans would love Sarr at St James’ Park, as he has the end product to match his exciting play.

Former Manchester United defender and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville once lauded the winger’s talents and praised his movement in behind. He said: “He’s a big, big talent, honestly he really is. I always think, particularly as a wide player, what would I have not wanted to have played against? The first thing is pace.

“And then you’ve got to think about, can he use his pace? Well, yes, he can, because he makes really good quality runs: the spin in behind, straight, but also the run inside in between full-back and centre-back – which I always think is the most difficult to mark.”

Neville’s comments suggest that Sarr also has the pace that Saint-Maximin possesses, with both players able to run with the ball at speed and take players on. Along with their similarity in playing style, this is why PIF could find their next wing wizard in the 23-year-old and must work hard to strike a deal for his services in the January window. The fans would surely love to see another talented winger in the ranks to get them off their seats during games and the Watford man’s statistics suggest that he could do just that.

AND in other news, PIF must ruthlessly sell shocking £75k-p/w liability, he’s holding Newcastle back…

Sunderland have been dealt a fresh blow as Lee Johnson gave some injury news on Aiden McGeady.

The Lowdown: Still missing…

The 35-year-old has not played for the Black Cats since November, with three goals and four assists in 14 League One games so far this season (Transfermarkt).

He had only missed most of his appearances, clearly showing how much Johnson rates him and how important he is to the team.

The Latest: McGeady setback

As per The Chronicle, Johnson has now given an update on McGeady’s injury, and unfortunately does not think that the Republic of Ireland veteran is close to returning to the pitch in a Sunderland shirt.

The manager revealed: “I wouldn’t say he is close at the moment. How long he’ll be exactly I don’t know, but I think it will certainly be at least four to six weeks.”

The Verdict: Blow for Sunderland

It would certainly be a big blow if the Black Cats were to be without McGeady for another six weeks. While they have been doing well without him recently, as they are currently unbeaten in their last six League One games and sitting in the promotion spots, their luck could run out sooner rather than later.

Virus cases within clubs seem to be a lottery at the moment, as Sunderland’s scheduled match against Fleetwood Town tpday was postponed due to cases in the opposition’s camp, so Johnson could find his squad more depleted as the season goes on.

Therefore, players like McGeady – who has been ranked by WhoScored as the Wearsiders’ fourth-best player so far this term – will surely be needed for the promotion push.

Described as ‘unbelievable’ by former Republic of Ireland teammate David Meyler, McGeady still has quality despite being 35 years of age, and he will certainly be a miss in the next few matches for Sunderland.

In other news, this transfer latest has had many Black Cats fans buzzing