MARK HUGHES believes Bournemouth are even better equipped to make a mark in the Premier League this term. The Cherries enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in the top-flight, defying the odds to retain their spot within the elite courtesy of a 16th place finish.
Gareth Southgate is unsure when he will be told whether he will be handed the England job on a permanent basis. Southgate was given the role on an interim basis in the wake of Sam Allardyce’s departure in September and Tuesday’s 2-2 friendly draw with Spain was his fourth match in charge.
Petr Cech firmly believes the outcome of Saturday’s clash between Manchester United and Arsenal will have a lasting impact on the rest of the season. The long-time rivals renew adversaries at Old Trafford in what will be Jose Mourinho’s first meeting with Arsene Wenger as United manager.
Ronald Koeman insists he is completely focused on the spending three years at Everton and not on what the next move in his career might be. The Dutchman arrived on Merseyside this summer after a successful two-year stint at Southampton served as his introduction to English football.
Stoke City vs Bournemouth
Saturday 19th November 2016
bet365 Stadium
Kick Off 3.00pm
PREMIER LEAGUE football resumes once again following the final international break of the year and some may say that this is where the real nitty gritty action gets underway.
Stan Wawrinka is determined to beat Andy Murray on Friday and enhance his chances of reaching the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals. The Swiss star, who is seeded third for the tournament, saw off Marin Cilic 7-6 7-6 to keep alive his chances of qualifying for the last four in London.
Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri expects his side to benefit from striker Jamie Vardy having ended his long goalless run with a midweek strike for England. The 29-year-old had gone 14 games for club and country without finding the net, but did so in style at Wembley, heading home superbly as the Three Lions were held to a 2-2 draw by Spain.
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin faces several weeks out of action due to an ankle injury, but the Gunners hope to have Alexis Sanchez available this weekend. Spanish defender Bellerin was injured late on in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham the weekend before last and is set to be missing for around a month due to ligament damage, meaning that he definitely sits out the Old Trafford clash with Manchester United on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp is unsure whether England international Adam Lallana will be fit enough to feature for Liverpool against Southampton on Saturday. The former Saints star will have a scan to determine the extent of the injury he sustained in the opening stages of England’s 2-2 draw with Spain at Wembley on Tuesday.
Tottenham Hotspur hope to have Toby Alderweireld back in action within the next two weeks, with the central defender still battling to shake off a knee problem. The Belgium international is not quite ready for the weekend derby clash with West Ham at White Hart Lane, having been out of action since a 1-1 Premier League draw at West Brom just over a month ago.