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After picking up four victories in their last six matches in all competitions its fair to say Wigan’s springtime escape act is well and truly underway. Its unlikely they’ll have to repeat the run of seven wins in their final nine fixtures that secured their Premier League status last season and if they maintain current form will avoid the final day scramble for safety. With a game in hand and three points separating them from 17th placed Aston Villa the ball is firmly in the Latics court. They now enter a pivotal phase with a basement battle with QPR and the FA Cup semi final with Millwall coming after the visit of Norwich. Thankfully for Roberto Martinez his side have started to make home form count at the right time and demonstrated their fighting spirit with a late win against Newcastle at the DW Stadium last time out.

Chris Hughton’s side, although not in the same predicament as Saturday’s hosts, need points to guarantee they’ll be a top-flight club for the third successive season. The Canaries currently sit 12th and seven points clear of the drop zone having drawn their last two games. Although there is no immediate danger of them being dragged into a scrap for survival Hughton won’t leave anything to chance. One thing he must solve is his side’s inability to score goals with the net bulging a paltry three times in their last six matches.

Team News

Roberto Martinez is hoping controversial winger Callum McManaman can recover from an ankle injury in time to feature for Wigan. The 21-year-old has courted controversy in the last fortnight following his horror tackle on Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara and Martinez may opt to remove him from the spotlight.

Norwich boss Chris Hughton will hand a rare start to goalkeeper Lee Camp with Mark Bunn suspended and John Ruddy still sidelined. Alexander Tettey (knee) is fit to return as is Russell Martin (hamstring). Anthony Pilkington is won’t be back until next week.

What the managers said…

“He’s a joy of a human being and I know he will come back a stronger person after this. He’s already represented England at Under-20s level, and was involved in the squad for the youth World Cup in Colombia in 2011. Callum has that raw talent to help England a few years down the line. I’m not saying now, but in three or four years he will be someone, who can bring something completely different to the England squad.” Roberto Martinez has revealed he believes Callum McManaman will play for England one day (The Mirror)

“The ironic thing is that they’ve found themselves in this position before, but I think arguably they’ve played better this season than other seasons, so it’s probably a little bit of a surprise to see where they are. They are a very good footballing side. Their form has been up and down, as indicated by their league position. It’s a position that they’ve managed to get out of in the past, though. It’s got to be about us, and we’ve got to make sure we go to Wigan with the same approach as we did going to Sunderland in our last game. We need to give ourselves every chance of winning the football match.” Chris Hughton expects Wigan to pose a stiff test on Saturday (canaries.co.uk)

Pre-Match Statistic: Norwich, along with Watford and Swansea, are the only teams Wigan have never beaten in the Premier League despite three attempts.

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Prediction: Wigan Athletic 2-0 Norwich City

Make your bets ahead of today’s showdown at the DW Stadium by clicking on the banner below

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It’s another week of drama and soul searching at Rangers after a disastrous result against Celtic.

Losing heavily at Hampden, there were also reports of major falling outs between management and players, with the club launching internal investigations into the conduct of club captain Lee Wallace and veteran Kenny Miller.

With interim manager Graeme Murty only having the job until the end of the season, it seems certain the Ibrox side will be embarking on a new era under a permanent boss next season.

It’s clear that the club need a man of experience who can bring discipline to a dressing room in disarray.

The current joint-favourites according to Oddschecker are Alex Neil and Frank de Boer with plenty of other interesting choices further down the bookies’ pecking order.

Who is the perfect Murty replacement?

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We’ve collated the ten names at the top of the betting market and you now have the chance to vote for your choice below…

Arsenal went into last night’s game needing to score three goals, but they could only manage two. It was a gallant effort from the Gunners who fell just short, and perhaps even merited a third on the night, but they had just left themselves with too much to do.

Monaco did not register a shot on target all game, but still managed to get the result they needed, and now there will be two French teams in the last 8 of the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 as Monaco join PSG in the quarter finals. It’s over to Manchester City to try to ensure that there is some English team in there alongside them.

City, though, have even less chance than Arsenal did last night. And if you look at what they were up against, Arsenal had no chance at all.

Since 1988, AS Monaco have participated in the Champions League 6 times including this season, and this is the 5th time they have reached the quarter finals. Monaco are a team with pedigree, even if Arsenal thought they were getting an easy draw, and it certainly proved harder for the Gunners than many people expected. And an unexpected and heavy defeat in the first leg left them with it all to do.

In fact, in the history of the knockout stages of the Champions League, no team has lost their first leg 3-1 at home and managed overturn the deficit in the away leg to qualify. Last season Arsenal did the same as this season, albeit to much bigger opposition in Bayern Munich, when they lost 3-1 at home in the first leg. They managed to shock Bayern in Munich, winning 2-0 in the second leg, but it was too little too late.

This time around Arsenal were bested on the counter attack in the first leg, and put up a brave fight in the second. But it wasn’t just history that was against Arsenal, it was also the form of their French opposition.

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The Monegasques have the best defensive record in Ligue 1. They did have a rocky start to the season after losing Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez (any club would feel the loss of those two) and the appointment of a new manager who had to get used not only to his new, downgraded squad but also a new league. Monaco’s early season form was poor, but they managed to do well in the Champions League, proving that while manager Leonardo Jardim was still getting used to France he already had a good grasp of Europe.

Since the start of the season, Monaco have used that solid defence as a basis for climbing up the league table. They now sit in 4th place and 4 points off a Champions League spot, but they have a game in hand over those above them, and they may still be dreaming even bigger than 3rd place.

So it was always going to be tough for Arsenal even before the first leg, Monaco had only conceded 3 goals in a game once all season, and that was away to Bordeaux during their early season jitters. They certainly hadn’t conceded 3 goals at home – in fact, in the league, Monaco haven’t conceded a home goal since 22nd November.

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And last night they used that to their advantage again. Arsenal found it tough to break down Monaco’s defensive wall, though they did manage to create chances. Monaco were content to have very little of the ball and counter attack only now and again. The figures from the end of the game show exactly the level of Monaco’s attacking ambition: they had 3 shots to Arsenal’s 17, and failed to get even one of them on target.

Monaco certainly rode their luck this time, but after the first leg disaster, Arsenal had left themselves with both history and the impressive Monaco defence against them. As close as they came, they never really stood a chance.

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Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has cooled speculation that the club are preparing a move for Liverpool star Luis Suarez.

The Italian giants have been heavily linked with a move for the Premier League’s top scorer for some time, with many speculating that a serious offer could be made this summer.

Suarez himself has sparked rumours recetly, by suggesting that he would be willing to leave Anfield for a team competing in the Champions League.

But Juve, who have also been linked with Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez, has revealed that the Serie A title holders are not close to submitting a bid for the Uruguayan attacker:

“Who would I like as a birthday gift between Sanchez and Suarez? I am happy with our players and I cherish them. At this time of the season, we don’t think about the [transfer] market.” He is quoted by Sky Sports via Italia 2.

Juventus manager Antonio Conte has also been the subject of speculation in recent months, with reports circulating that he is being lined up by Chelsea to replace Rafael Benitez.

But, Moratta says that his coach can fulfil his ambitions in Turin and will not be leaving any time soon:

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“There is not clause in his contract, but I think he will remain for many years and may get a lot of satisfaction from Juventus.”

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When Liverpool were drawn with Manchester City in the quarter finals of the Champions League, a sudden shift in mood was evident.

Talk of City’s potential treble was more muffled and the narrative that Pep Guardiola’s side was the best English football had ever seen stalled somewhat. People who thought that City were unstoppable now all of a sudden started to say “I fancy Liverpool here.”

They were right, as it turned out.

What had changed was the feel around City. They no longer seemed quite so invincible, and after a few injuries the sheen had come off slightly.

They are still a wonderful football team, though. And after a 3-0 win in the first leg of a Champions League quarter final – which would signal game over for most, if not all, other ties – this one still seems somehow alive.

That might be because Manchester City have won eight of their 14 home Premier League games by a margin of three or more goals – including against Liverpool in September. Or it might be because, well, if Liverpool can do it, why can’t the team 18 points ahead of them in the table?

Indeed, that same good vibe that many people had around Liverpool just before they played City on Wednesday night, some now seem to have around Guardiola’s team: ask anyone after a 3-0 first leg defeat and they’ll tell you it’s game over, but few have the same thoughts about next week’s match.

This weekend, both teams have derbies they probably wish were left until next weekend or later. Both City and Liverpool would surely love to go into a derby game wanting to win just because they want to beat their city rivals. And yet both could be forgiven for resting some of their players in derbies which – beyond the fact they’re derbies – don’t matter a great deal.

And yet the wounds are there: back in December, Sam Allardyce’s Everton managed a draw at Anfield in a game in which they deserved nothing but a sound thrashing. Resting Roberto Firmino saw Jurgen Klopp draw the ire of the media as well as some of his own fans.

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That shouldn’t be happen this time if Liverpool are to play a weakened side – everyone knows what’s at stake on Tuesday night – but that doesn’t mean Klopp wasn’t bitten last time or will not be shy this time.

City not have nothing to lose. They are freed of expectation and inhibition and are in a mindset where they know that controlling the second leg and nicking three (probably four) goals to win the tie is their sole aim. And just as the mood changed around Liverpool before the tie started, the Reds have to ensure that mood doesn’t change and solidify in City’s minds on Tuesday night.

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Known as the ‘friendly derby’, the all-Merseyside clash is one of the most eagerly anticipated games in English football.

Everton and Liverpool have very much been on the up over the course of the past few years, and the games nowadays seem to have genuine meaning in the battle for spots at the upper end of the table – albeit this season is a little more complicated.

Last time out at Anfield Phil Jagielka’s stunning last minute drive saw the game end 1-1, and the visitors this time around will be desperate to avenge the shared points and maintain their impressive 2015 form. But, who would make the ultimate combined XI?

We think this lot are the pick of the red and blue troops in a 4-3-3 set-up… Agree? Disagree?

Tim Howard

Simon Mignolet may have revived a little of late, but rather like microwaving a cold cup of tea, he can’t quite be saved! Howard has also been off the pace lately, but the currently injured American has proven himself in the Premier League through the years and well and truly shone at the World Cup over the summer.

Tall, imposing and commanding, Howard is a good foundation for a solid defence.

Seamus Coleman

This term may not be looking like the success last season was for Coleman, but the Irish ace is still an excellent right-back. Everton’s defensive struggles and the lack of pace his centre-backs possess may be hindering the 26-year-old, and we’re willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and a spot in this all-Mersey XI.

Martin Skrtel

The big Slovakian may love to get involved in a bit of penalty area wrestling, but he’s actually a very adept centre-back. Quicker than he’s given credit for, brave, fierce in the tackle and a threat from attacking set-pieces, Skrtel was a key member of the Liverpool side that so nearly claimed the league title last season, and has impressed this term since Rodgers’ decision to switch to a back three.

Mamadou Sakho

An all-Liverpool centre-back combo is completed by Sakho. The Frenchman’s last derby day is one he’ll want to forget – he allegedly stormed out of Anfield after being dropped from the squad – but this time around it could be a much more positive 90 minutes for the ex-PSG captain. Although he looks a little leggy and appears to be one second away from a catastrophic error, a pass completion record of 89% suggests that he’s actually an adept footballer!

Leighton Baines

The back four is rounded off with Baines who, although not performing to his very best this term, is one of the best left-back in English football. Excellent from crossing situations and deadly from set-pieces, the ex-Wigan man’s solid defensive attributes and will to win often get overlooked.

Steven Gerrard

How could any Merseyside XI be complete without Stevie Gerrard? This looks to be the last time ‘Captain Fantastic’ takes to the field against Everton, and although his powers are fading, there is still magic in those boots, and he’ll surely be eager to show it at Goodison Park. A true hero of the modern game and one of the best midfielders to have ever been produced in England.

Ross Barkley

From the past to the future, Barkley has already been compared to Gerrard, and the potential he has is truly frightening. Although a little naïve defensively, the marauding midfielder is a breath of fresh air going forward, where his exuberance comes to the fore through driving runs and wicked shots from distance. Injuries have hindered him of late, but this XI will always have space for Ross.

Philippe Coutinho

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At the apex of this midfield three Coutinho will be pulling the strings. A little frustrating at times, the Brazilian has a sprinkling of stardust in his boots and is capable of the spectacular – as he showed against Bolton earlier this week. Like many Samba stars, the No. 10 appears to have the ball glued to his feet when moving at full flight, and his silky skills have truly been on show since the turn of the year alongside Raheem Sterling.

Kevin Mirallas

Now to the exciting stuff… the front three. Both Mersey clubs have real talent in the final third, and Mirallas is one of the best in the North West region. The Belgian can blow hot and cold, but when he’s hot, he’s on fire! Able to drift past his marker and rifle the ball at goal with deadly accuracy and power, the ex-Olympiakos man will be a threat this weekend.

Raheem Sterling

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Fresh from his mid-winter holiday in Jamaica, Sterling has been excellent of late. There seems to be no position on the field the youngster cannot operate in, but for the purpose of this team he’s on the right flank where his pace and lightening feet are lethal. Although a little wasteful in front of goal, Sterling looks like he’s destined for the very top.

Daniel Sturridge

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Score. Dance. Repeat. Having Sturridge back has lifted the mood on the red half of Merseyside, while the blue sector must have been quietly hoping for a minor set-back to keep him out of the derby. Now a talisman for his side, Sturridge is prolific in front of goal and seems ready to step up following Luis Suarez’s exit, although he’s only had five chances to show that so far!

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini praised the performance of QPR’s Julio Cesar during their 0-0 draw.

The Brazilian made a succession of fine saves to earn the visitors a point, and frustrate title chasing City.

Mancini, who coached Cesar at Inter Milan, congratulated the stopper on a fine performance, but believes his team should have taken all three points:

“Julio is one of the top keepers in the world and he saved his team and I’m very happy for him because I know him very well but I’m very frustrated for us,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think that now QPR is a different team, they don’t concede a lot of space, it is difficult to play against them now because they play with 10 players behind the ball, if you don’t score or find a good solution like we had today in the first half it’s difficult.

“We missed a good chance tonight. We played well, we didn’t concede, but in football you need to score.”

Despite the result, the big story from the City camp was Mario Balotelli’s departure to AC Milan.

The Italian is expected to move to the San Siro ahead of the transfer deadline after a disappointing season with City.

Mancini admitted that he will be sad to see Balotelli leave, but that he believes a move will suit the striker:

“We are very sorry because we love Mario. But I think that he had this big chance to go back to Italy and to play for another top club like Milan.”

With Balotelli’s imminent exit Mancini could be short of attacking options for the rest of the season.

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Despite this, he played down talk of drafting in a replacement before the end of the week:

“I don’t know, we have three strikers, we will see, we only have two days it is difficult to get the player now.”

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Leeds fans want to see some of the Under-23 side in the first team this season, after the youngsters continued their fine form on Friday night.There hasn’t been much to cheer about at Elland Road since Christmas, but the U23s now sit third in their division after four straight wins, and fans want the youngsters to see some first team action against Bolton next weekend.Carlos Corberán’s side have come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks, and two players in particular have caught fans’ eyes.Sam Dalby impressed once again in Friday’s 3-0 win over Cardiff, grabbing the opening goal just before half time. The towering striker was signed from Leyton Orient in January, and scored twice in last week’s 3-2 win against Ipswich.[ad_pod ]Jack Clarke was another one that made a lasting impression, providing two assists in Friday’s win.The 17 year-old winger signed his first professional deal with the club earlier this season, having been promoted to the U23 side following some fantastic performances for the U18s.Fans have been reacting to the performances on Twitter, and plenty are calling for the star duo to make an impact in the first team, particularly Dalby.Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

It looks set to be another action-packed Premier League weekend, including such blockbuster fixtures as Liverpool vs Stoke, West Ham vs Newcastle and Everton vs Tottenham.But the pick of the bunch? Undoubtedly Manchester City’s visit to Southampton during Sunday’s lunch-time kick-off.The remodeled Saints have bounced back tremendously from their infamous summer exodus of key players, skyrocketing their way to second in the Premier League table, albeit six points behind Chelsea.Meanwhile, the third-place Citizens have some catching up to do if they plan on successfully defending the English title this season. They not only need to leapfrog Southampton but also close the eight-point gap between themselves and the west Londoners.Matches of such quality, importance and velocity however often come down to which side dominates the individual battles.With that in mind, here’s FIVE that will decide the result on Sunday afternoon.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON RONALD KOEMAN TO REVEAL

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MORGAN SCHENIDERLIN VS YAYA TOURE

Since Southampton’s top flight ascension in summer 2012, Morgan Scheniderlin has continually proved himself to be one of the Premier League’s top midfield enforcers. Once again, he’s in the Premier League’s top ten for successful tackles this term:

And the 25 year-old’s added goals to his game this season, netting three times since the summer – including this absolute stunner against Newcastle:

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That being said, Yaya Toure represents as tough a challenge a midfielder can face in the Premier League, boasting an eclectic mix of pace, power, creativity and goals.

The 31 year-old’s been somewhat below his usual standards this season but let’s not forget what he’s capable of. Toure was the Premier League’s third-top scorer with 20 goals last season:

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And the Ivory Coast international will be keen to impact at St. Marys, having watched from the sidelines as Manchester City beat a ten-man Bayern Munich in midweek through suspension.

Schneiderlin is also the Saints’ water-carrier in midfield:

So he’ll need to find an ideal equilibrium between ball retention, supporting attacks and nullifying the world-class threat Toure represents.

Quickly attracting interest from many of Europe’s top clubs due to his sensational form however, Schneiderlin will relish facing the City talisman on Sunday. The last time these two met in the Premier League, this happened:

GRAZIANO PELLE VS VINCENT KOMPANY

An absolute gem for any Fantasy Football enthusiasts out there, Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best value-for-money acquisitions since joining the South Coast outfit from Feyenoord in the summer.

In fact, his form – as detailed below – has been so impressive that the 29 year-old received his first call-up to the Italy squad back in October, now boasting one goal and two caps:

He’s not the most influential in open play but comes with classy feet and is absolutely clinical in front of goal. Here’s some of Pelle’s highlights this season:

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He’ll be up against a rather daunting challenge in Vincent Kompany however, unquestionably one of the best centre-backs in the European game.

City’s defensive record isn’t too bad this season – conceding 13 in 12 – and they’ve kept three clean sheets in the Belgium international’s presence, including against Manchester United.

Kompany likes to physically dominate from the first minute to last and will have to assert that early-on against Pelle, especially in the air. The Italian’s 3.9 successful aerial duels per match is only bettered by two Premiership strikers; Peter Crouch and Burnley’s Lukas Jutkiewicz.

DUSAN TADIC VS PABLO ZABALETA

Another sensational find from the Southampton scouting team, former FC Twente star Dusan Tadic has established himself as amongst the Premier League’s most potent creators since joining the St. Mary’s ranks this summer.

Indeed, he’s bagged six assists in 12 appearances for the Saints, featuring in nearly every minute of their league campaign, and although the 26 year-old hasn’t scored or assisted since mid-October, he’s stiill at pole position in the chances created charts, beating the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Angel Di Maria:

Tadic can feature on either flank so it remains to be seen how Roland Koeman will see fit to utilise him against the Citizens.

But his most influential role this season has been on the left-wing, as detailed below, and working on that assumption, he’ll directly face Argentine World Cup finalist Pablo Zabaleta on Sunday.

The 29 year-old is a ferocious competitor and battle-hardened warrior, famed for his soundness defensively. This season however his influence is more predominant going forward:

So Tadic will have to ensure he’s not leaving Ryan Bertrand exposed by letting the City defender run off the back of him.

FRASER FORSTER VS SERGIO AGUERO

Southampton boast the best defensive record in the Premier League. They’ve conceded just six times in twelve fixtures and kept an incredible seven clean sheets.

Resultantly however, Fraser Forster has faced the fewest shots of any Premier League goalkeeper, perhaps explaining this absolute clanger against Aston Villa on Monday evening:

The England international will have to shake off that ring-rust in time for the Citizens’ visit; only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more league goals than City front-man Sergio Aguero this season:

Southampton’s defensive organisation is impeccable but it’s inevitable that the Argentina international will get chances on Sunday.

Also averaging 5.3 shots per match – the second most of any player in Europe’s five leading top flights – with an accuracy ratio of 66%, Forster will have to be in top form to prevent the 26 year-old from getting on the score sheet. Here’s a clip of Aguero, currently the Premier League’s top scorer, in action this season:

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NATHANIEL CLYNE VS JAMES MILNER

It’s been a sensational season for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne. He’s emerged as England’s first-choice No.2 during the recent international break, netted this absolute stunner against Aston Villa on Monday night to bag his second goal of the season:

//www.youtube.com/embed/SmQkm7K9qRE?rel=0

… and currently boasts the best tackling return in the Premier League:

Indeed, the 23 year-old appears to be improving by the game and will relish the challenge of facing Manchester City on Sunday.

With David Silva out injured for the St. Marys’ visit, Clyne will likely be up against new-found England team-mate James Milner.

The stocky midfielder has become better famed his spoof Twitter alter ego over the last few years:

But Milner is amid an impressive revival of form this season, as detailed below:

And Clyne must make sure his ability to contribute going forward isn’t nullified by the 29 year-old’s world-class industry and defensive contribution.

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West Ham are set to sign Marouane Chamakh on loan from Arsenal, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The striker is thought to be surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium, following a disastrous spell in North London.

After notching only eight goals in 40 Premier League appearances with the Gunners, the club are thought to happy to allow the Moroccan to leave, and will even subsidise his £65,000-per-week wages for duration of his time at Upton Park.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to draft in attacking options and sees Chamakh as an ideal source of back-up to Carlton Cole whilst Andy Carroll recovers from injury.

If the temporary move is successful, the East Londoners may even attempt to draft him in as a permanent replacement for Cole, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Reports suggest that deal is close to being finalised, but it is thought that he will be unable for West Ham’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

Tottenham, Everton, Blackburn and Espanyol have all been previously linked with a move, whilst his former club Bordeaux are thought to have had multiple bids rejected.

Arsenal beat Liverpool to Chamakh’s signature in 2010, when he was regarded as one of the finest talents in Europe.

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However, he has failed to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, managing only a few of impressive displays.

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