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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

In just four Premier League games so far this season, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has already used three different tactical systems, and with differing results.

The former RB Leipzig boss used a 3-4-2-1 formation in the 3-0 loss to Burnley on the opening day, before opting for a 3-5-2 against Liverpool – both games ended in defeat for the Saints.

For the following games against Brighton and Manchester United, Hasenhuttl went with a 4-2-2-2 formation and managed to grab four points from the two matches, which serves to suggest that this system works best.

However, this weekend’s opponents Sheffield United use a revolutionary 3-5-2 formation with overlapping centre-backs (weird, but effective), so Hasenhuttl would be forgiven for being tempted to revert to three-at-the-back in a bid to combat that.

Having said that, here’s why he shouldn’t.

4-2-2-2 will penetrate the empty space

After watching this brilliant analysis from Football DNA, it must be said that Chris Wilder’s overlapping centre-back system is nothing short of genius and is a real unique tactic in the footballing world.

However, one thing that does become apparent after watching a few minutes of the video is the fact that the gaps between the backline and the central midfield positions become quite large when the centre-backs do their thing.

By using a 4-2-2-2 formation, Hasenhuttl will give his side the best chance of punishing the vacant space, as the two attacking midfielders and two strikers should be buzzing around those areas while the likes of Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg screen the backline.

Taking full effect of Wilder’s system 

Obviously, the Blades won’t look as open when the Saints are in possession.

To combat that, playing four men in midfield will give the South Coast side the best chance of pressing the ball in the right areas when Sheffield United are in possession, where if they do manage to win it, the space available to them should be too much for Wilder’s side to recover.

Hasenhuttl must stick to his guns in this real battle of wits.

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[ad_pod ]Stockport-born playmaker Phil Foden does that thing we call football quite well.Watch Manchester City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Pep Guardiola has managed some pretty decent players in his time, from Lionel Messi to Andres Iniesta, Arjen Robben and, of course, some of his current Manchester City lineup. So we think it’s fair to say that, when it comes to recognising greatness, he’s a credible judge.

That’s why it’s so incredibly exciting when he declaresÂa 19-year-old “the most talented player†he has ever seen. Equally, the fact that he’s considered in such high regard is the reason some might consider his absence from first-team action a little perplexing.

Foden has featured in just 11 minutes of football so far this term – ten in the Premier League and one against Liverpool in the Community Shield.

TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cottee is one of those that believe Foden should be sent on loan to continue his development before it’s too late…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

This Tuesday night Barcelona travel to Signal Iduna Park for their Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund.

And by the looks of it, the clash is shaping up to be a pulsating one that very well may be decided by either of the team’s respective forwards: Antoine Griezmann for the Blaugrana and Jadon Sancho for the German hosts.

On the chalkboard

When Barcelona meet Dortmund this Tuesday, it’s likely to rain goals. If we can learn anything from both team’s opening four fixtures in their respective leagues, then it’s the fact that they are capable of hitting the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Barcelona have scored a total of 12 goals thus far and Borussia Dortmund have one more in the bank, having scored 13 in four matches. Suffice to say, so far, they both have their shooting boots on. For that reason, it’s very likely that the club’s respective forwards will decide the game.

Both Griezmann and Sancho have been pretty clinical in front of goal as of late, and they will have to be again later this week if they want to get off on the right foot in Europe’s premier club competition.

Griezmann vs Sancho

On paper, both of these stars have been shining for their teams in La Liga and the Bundesliga respectively.

Griezmann has scored two goals and assisted a further two in four games so far, and Sancho has an even better record. The 19-year-old has bagged two, just like the Frenchman, but has also added four assists.

Sancho also has two key passes on average per game, while Griezmann has 1.3. The Frenchman, however, edges the young Englishman out in shots per game with 3.3 vs 1.5. Sancho, though, has 3.5 dribbles per game as opposed to Griezmann’s 1.3.

Either way, this battle could be key to deciding which team will come out on top in Germany.

Ernesto Valverde will, therefore, be hoping that Griezmann arrives at his brilliant best and shows just what he can on the biggest stage of them all; Lucien Favre will be expecting the same of his England international.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Despite all the positives surrounding Liverpool currently, and the frequent praise of their front three, there should be concern over Mo Salah.

The Egyptian has been typically productive in front of goal this term and has assisted his teammates on occasion too, but he had a tendency to do so against weaker opposition.

If Liverpool are to win the league, and indeed compete on all fronts, then they will need their best players to step up to the plate, particularly away from home, but Salah has failed to do that for the Reds despite hitting scintillating form at times.

Last week is a good example of that. Jurgen Klopp’s side had two big fixtures away at Napoli and Chelsea but Salah failed to turn up on both occasions, offering very little in the final third.

From the two games combined the forward managed just a single shot on target, with only one key pass too, which is not good enough for the main attacking outlet of a team looking to win the Premier League.

Furthermore, against Chelsea he lost possession 26 times, which indicates that he was perhaps more of a hindrance to his team than a benefit.

Last year, too, Salah underperformed in key away games. In two matches which could have decided their season – away at Barcelona and at Manchester City – Salah failed to find the net, and at the Nou Camp missed a chance that was easier to score after Roberto Firmino’s shot came back off the line.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

That could be a concern for Klopp, particularly as the Anfield outfit face trips to Tottenham and Manchester United in the coming weeks, with the latter a place where they dropped points last season  – which ultimately contributed to them losing out on the title to Man City.

To make matters worse, Sadio Mane also picked up a knock against Chelsea which shows that Liverpool could be reliant on Salah to produce the goods at times this season, and if he fails to do that Liverpool may not realise their big ambitions.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

After giving the green light to letting both Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez leave this summer, you just knew the footballing gods would smite Manchester United with an injury crisis in the position they absolutely did not want.

The Red Devils have seen all three of their remaining forward options struck down with some form of injury over the past few weeks and months, and head into the Premier League clash against rivals Arsenal on Monday with some major doubts.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford may struggle to play against the Gunners, while the Norwegian also revealed he is wary of throwing Mason Greenwood into the “deep end”. And with injuries in other positions piling up too, United’s potential line-up against Unai Emery’s men makes for worrying reading.

Thankfully for Solskjaer and United, the Red Devils should be able to start four out of their first-choice back-five on Monday. Luke Shaw however remains a doubt with an injury sustained earlier in the campaign, and that will likely see Ashley Young continue with left-back duties.

In midfield, Scott McTominay has been an ever-present for United, starting every single Premier League game this season. Alongside him, Paul Pogba may have hoped to feature, but his return from injury against Rochdale did not go as planned. Solskjaer confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the Frenchman has some swelling in his ankle, and that should mean another chance for Nemanja Matic in the holding midfield role.

Further forward is where United’s current decline really makes for worrying reading. As the only real silver lining in the squad, Daniel James should continue on the left-hand side of attack, but options elsewhere are incredibly limited. Jesse Lingard ended his months-long hoodoo with an assist against Rochdale, but Juan Mata will likely keep his place after playing against West Ham last weekend.

The central trio of Matic, McTominay and Mata is so lacking in any sort of pace or dynamism it is mortifying to even look at.

And with doubts over both Rashford and Martial, Mason Greenwood could be handed his first Premier League start of the campaign. The Red Devils are having to rely on an unproven 17-year-old to potentially lead the line against one of their top-four rivals. And what’s perhaps most damning, is that it’s a mess of their own making. Monday night promises to be a very intriguing game indeed.

Arsenal got their Europa League campaign off to a terrific start against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Bundesliga outfit made it to the semi-finals of the competition last season, but they were easily dispatched by the Gunners 3-0 in their own back yard.

Watch the Flying Pig tear into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jesse Lingard following Man Utd’s limp draw with Arsenal in the video below…

In their second match in the tournament this term, the north London team will face Belgian side Standard Liege, and Emery is likely to once again ring the changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Monday. Here, we predict his next starting XI.

In both of the games he has played so far this term, Emiliano Martinez has kept a clean sheet. As the club’s cup goalkeeper, he will be brought back into the side on Thursday and will be hoping to extend that run.

Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin are both now fit and have already featured so far this term, against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. Neither of them were included in the squad to face the Red Devils, which indicates that they will play from the off here. At the heart of the defence, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers could play at centre-back, despite the latter having played the majority of his matches at right-back so far this term.

Watch Arsenal Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The middle of the park should see changes, too. Emery decided to play with three defensively-minded players there at Old Trafford, but Arsenal should be looking to breeze past Les Rouges, especially at the Emirates Stadium. Therefore, Joe Willock and Dani Ceballos, both more offensive threats, should come into the side.

Again, considering the opposition, the former Sevilla boss is likely to return to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Reiss Nelson, having only been introduced from the bench against United, is the freshest option on the wing, whilst Mesut Ozil was not even in the squad. Both should start here.

On the right, Nicolas Pepe has struggled in the league, scoring once and laying on just one assist in seven games. This match could be the perfect opportunity for him to gain some much-needed confidence.

Up front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is needed for far more important matches. He will, therefore, be rested, which should see Gabriel Martinelli return to the team.

He impressed on his full debut against Nottingham Forest, netting twice, and will be eager to show his quality once again.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Making his Premier League predictions for Sky Sports, Charlie Nicholas has tipped Newcastle to beat Manchester United at St James’ Park on Sunday.

What did he say?

The Magpies find themselves in the bottom three heading into the weekend clash, having gained just five points from their opening seven league games.

However, the visitors have hardly set the world alight themselves, and arrive at St James’ Park on the back of an underwhelming goalless draw away at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Now, Nicholas has suggested Newcastle could spring a surprise and walk away with all three points from their Premier League encounter.

Predicting a 2-1 victory for the hosts, the former Arsenal man remarked: “Steve Bruce goes up against his old team – it is an intriguing one. The last time Newcastle were at home, they were dreadful. You have to give the fans something at home, they are an amazing bunch of supporters.

“Manchester United are sitting in 10th with two wins in seven, scrambling for points at home. There is a lot of demands in place but (Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer has his plan for the youth and the club. His vision will take time.

Watch Newcastle United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

“One week, Newcastle will surprise everybody, and this may be this week. If they hit them and are aggressive, they can shock Manchester United.”

No better time

Amidst the Red Devils’ struggles, there perhaps will be no greater time than on Sunday for Newcastle to pull off a shock win. Solskjaer’s side have struggled to find the back of the net this season, and have failed to score more than one goal in a league game since their 4-0 drubbing of Chelsea in the opening fixture.

And, after suffering a 5-0 humiliation at Leicester last weekend, a goal-shy opponent is exactly the kind of team the Magpies will want to face. Bruce’s men will surely want to make amends for their horror show, and so it is perfectly set up for them to give the Toon Army something to cheer about with a victory at home over United.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

There’s nostalgia, there’s nostalgia overload and then there’s what Darren Bent is suggesting.

Speaking to Football Insider, Bent talked about how great it would be if none other than James Milner returned to Elland Road to round off his career:

What’s he said?

James Milner made 50 appearances for Leeds United in his younger days and even briefly held the record for youngest goalscorer in the Premier League as a member of the Whites.

However, he was eventually sold to Newcastle United in the great Leeds ‘fire-sale’ in the summer of 2004.

Speaking about a possible return for the Liverpool man, he said:

“When you’ve got somebody who’s had a decorated career like he has, there’s only one place he can return. He was Leeds’ youngest every goalscorer, they love him down there. He doesn’t need the money, the money’s out of it, he’s won all the trophies – I almost said bar the Champions League but he’s won that, he’s won everything there is to win.

“It is fitting for him to go back there and play where it all started and finish his career there. I’m sure Bielsa would welcome him with open arms. That experience, he keeps himself in great nick, it wouldn’t surprise me if he did return there.”

So you’re saying there’s a chance?

The 33-year-old is out of contract with Liverpool at the end of the season, and although there are reportedly discussions underway to get that contract renewed, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he is guaranteed to stay.

After all, it’s been revealed recently that a return could well be on the cards at some point.

It certainly wouldn’t be the first instance of someone coming back for ‘one last hurrah’ with their home-town team, or a team they played for earlier in their career.

Wayne Rooney eventually found his way back to Everton, Gianluigi Buffon moved back to Juventus this summer, and keeping it Yorkshire themed, Phil Jagielka returned to Sheffield United in the latest window.

Whether or not Milner will return to Leeds this upcoming summer, or even at all we’ll just have to wait and see. What does seem likely though, is that it would please those who turn out at Elland Road each week, something Bent alludes to in the fact they love him.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

It’s certainly been a fine start to the year for the Birmingham City academy.

With Jude Bellingham breaking the club record for both youngest player and youngest goal-scorer, followed by Odin Bailey scoring the winner against Middlesbrough a few weeks ago, who knows where the kids will end up taking the club. In fact the young players are something that is proving very important to Blues head coach Pep Clotet.

Speaking to BCFC.com, the Spaniard talked about how difficult it is to recruit players, and as a result how he has a ‘duty’ as first-team head coach to develop the young players at the club:

“It’s massively important for us because in football – the business side – it is getting very difficult to recruit because there’s a lot of competition, it’s never easy. Sometimes the young player, with a full career ahead of them, has that spark, that motivation.

“If they have the ability and achieve enough, then the chance comes. If they take that chance they become themselves players. I think we do have this talent here. Not only do I have a chance to use it, but it is my duty for them (the players) and the Football Club.”

Whilst Clotet might have his heart in the right place with these comments, he may be losing sight of the bigger picture.

A head coach’s job first and foremost is to win games, rather than placate fans by simply throwing in young players so they can sing ‘he’s one of our own’. If there is a young player who is coming through and is showing some talent, by all means let them play – but only if they bring something to the team and give you a chance of winning.

Whilst developing a young player is important, it should not come at the expense of three points on a Saturday just for the sake of it.

Given the flack that Clotet has come under in recent weeks for performances, just playing Jude Bellingham won’t be enough to get fans off his back altogether – he needs to get wins under his belt.

If they come with Bellingham playing well, on the bench or out of the team, it really shouldn’t matter so long as they get the three points.

So whilst he may see it as his duty to develop the young players, he also needs to make sure he does his main job first, and that’s making sure Birmingham don’t get sucked into the relegation battle too soon.

It’s a question of priorities, especially when you’re under this kind of pressure.

Having looked likely to claim a vital three points away at Cardiff, Sheffield Wednesday were pegged back in the dying embers of the game thanks to a free-kick from Lee Tomlin.

However, both the decision to hand the set-piece to the home side, and then the awarding of the goal were certainly dubious.

Massimo Luongo was perhaps harshly ruled to have brought down Tomlin, before Bluebirds centre-back Aden Flint did his best workout video impression with a set of jumping jacks from an offside position in front of Cameron Dawson.

Despite the goal being rather controversially awarded, some Wednesday fans took to Twitter to criticise their goalkeeper for his poor positioning rather than taking aim at the combination of refereeing decisions.

One fan suggested Dawson is amongst the worst goalkeepers the club have had in their entire history, whilst another supporter in particular described the 6 foot 4 man as being a “chicken in the headlights”.

Check out some of the reaction of Wednesday fans below: