Five Garde replacements to take Aston Villa straight back into the Prem

The inevitable has at last happened. Nestled in among the England vs. Netherlands game last night, Aston Villa announced their parting of ways with Remi Garde, ending one of the worst manager/club link-ups in the history of English football.

Don’t get us wrong, the Frenchman is not a bad coach, but he was always on a hiding to nothing in the Midlands, and his return of just THREE wins in all competitions is as unsurprising as it is worrying. Such a poor record leaves the trap door gaping below the Villans, and with teams such as Leeds having slid into the abyss in recent memory, who knows what’s in store at Villa Park.

This all begs the question of who would be willing to replace Garde in the hot seat. Survival this season is all but mathematically impossible, so it’s more a matter of who could return lift Villa back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

With that in mind, here are FootballFanCast’s FIVE favoured candidates.

NIGEL PEARSON

Football – Aston Villa v Leicester City – FA Cup Fifth Round – Villa Park – 15/2/15Leicester manager Nigel Pearson before the matchMandatory Credit: Action Images / Alex MortonLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further detai

He created the blueprint for a Leicester City side that are now favourites for the Premier League title, not only guiding them through the ever-problematic Championship but also securing top flight survival with that ‘great escape’ at the end of last season.

Provided he’s backed up by similar expert recruitment at Aston Villa, Peason a pretty strong candidate for the job – especially considering he’s well-versed and well-connected in the lower tiers from spells with West Brom, Carlisle, Southampton and Hull.

Villa need to rediscover their identity and Pearson offers one of traditionally direct yet entertaining football. But the 52-year-old’s media meltdowns – particularly the ostrich rant – are hard to forget and he’s perhaps not the most exciting of appointments.

SEAN DYCHE

Sean Dyche knows the Championship like the back of his hand – he’s currently on course to achieve a second promotion in the space of three years with Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

He’s never hidden the fact the Clarets play largely attritional football, but instead lets the results speak for themselves; losing just 47 and winning 69 of his 167 games in charge at Turf Moor; and refusing to spend big upon their first season in the Premier League is already proving to be a real masterstroke.

The 44-year-old has proved his capabilities when allowed to implement a long-term plan but with his Burnley project heading back to the top flight, convincing him to quit the club this summer will take a very special offer.

GARRY MONK

Garry Monk may lack Championship experience as a manager, but he made over 100 second-tier appearances during his playing days and offers a commitment to attacking football that would provide a welcome break from the norm at Villa Park.

Indeed, former managers like Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers have helped forge the 37-year-old’s philosophy and although his Swansea tenure ended on a very sour note, they were playing some of the best football in the Premier League the year previous.

The Championship should be a breeding ground for young English managers and Monk is one of the best and most proven around at the minute. But the former defender is yet to prove he can work with players of lesser quality or build his own team – two challenges he’ll certainly face at Villa Park.

ROBERTO DI MATTEO

Roberto Di Matteo is a talented manager who offers experience at diverse levels of the game. He earned promotion from the Championship with West Bromwich Albion after impressing in League One at MK Dons and later went on to lift a Champions League title with Chelsea – followed by an unspectacular spell in charge of FC Schalke.

Currently unemployed, a return to English football would appeal to the former Italy international and although they’d be in the Championship, Aston Villa’s magnitude and reputation may be just enough to secure his services.

But Di Matteo has never quite found his level in management – whether he’s a Champions League or Championship gaffer – and in that regard represents a bit of a risk.

KARL ROBINSON

If Aston Villa are targeting a long-term appointment over a short-term fix, then they could do a lot worse than investing their time and money in MK Dons manager Karl Robinson.

The 35-year-old has been in charge of the Dons since 2010 and following a succession of play-off finishes finally secured their promotion to the Championship last season, where they are now just one point away from safety despite having the smallest wage budget in the league.

A devotion to working with young players and employing a technical style of football make Robinson all the more appealing. But lacking experience at the top end of the Championship, let alone the Premier League, Villa can’t expect instantaneous success under the Mersey-born gaffer.

Twitter reacts as Newcastle manager sensationally axes England star

When Jonjo Shelvey left Swansea for Newcastle United in the January transfer window, many believed the Toon Army were picking up a player who could make a huge difference in the relegation battle.

£12m may seem costly for an individual with a relatively chequered past, but his early showing on Tyneside suggested he was the deep-lying, pre-assist machine the club had been crying out for.

However, fast forward just over two months and see how quickly things change.

The Swans look all but certain to remain in the top tier, while the England international and his new charges are on the verge of dropping out.

Speaking of which, it’s indicative of his inconsistent nature that he’s sensationally been left OUT of the squad to play his former side in a vital game for the Toon today.

At the start of the season, he was in the England squad and pulling the strings from deep in midfield. Just before that very same campaign is over, he’s been left out by Rafa Benitez in perhaps their biggest game of the season.

Here’s how Twitter saw Shelvey-gate….

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Five players Spurs can now sign to give them title-winning depth

Talk of choking is hugely unfair. Spurs haven’t been the pace setters in 2015/16 and have actually over achieved massively to even reach the point of being genuine challengers. Mauricio Pochettino has built a side of fresh-faced, fearless footballers and their brand of high-energy football has been a joy to watch.

Depth is the real problem for the Lilywhites. The stats when the players on the periphery of the squad have started don’t make for pretty reading and the lack of goalscoring alternatives when Harry Kane and Dele Alli aren’t available is a concern for any team that is hoping to compete.

The riches of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal will make this a tough transfer window for any club hoping to move for similar players, yet Spurs have the token of Champions League football to lure the players in.

Spurs have scouted excellently over the past 18 months or so and they will be determined to prove this season is not just a flash in the pan.

So, here are FIVE players that could change it all…

Marko Arnautovic

Although Stoke have spluttered in the second half of this campaign, Marko Arnautovic has been one of the few players who has continued performing.

The Austrian has a reputation for being difficult to manage, but, although he has still had his ups and downs, Hughes seems to have him firing on all cylinders.

Leading the Potters’ goalscoring charts comfortably and showing himself as a versatile left-winger, the man affectionately called ‘Arnie’ should be a top priority for Spurs. Goals from the wings haven’t come as freely as Pochettino may like and the enigmatic ex-Inter star would certainly provide that.

Javier Hernandez

Could the former Manchester United super sub return to the Premier League?

Hernandez would surely not be happy to warm Spurs’ bench, and the side would need to adapt to his style of play, but the Mexican striker would be ideal for the games when Kane needs a rest. Although he does not provide the same sort of back to goal play, Hernandez would give Pochettino a different option that may prove the difference against low block defences.

William Carvalho

Spurs seem to be one of the few top clubs that haven’t been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s powerful defensive midfielder of late.

The fee will be high, but, considering his age, Carvalho would be worth the money. The Sporting man would fit into the current profile of the Spurs squad and provide ideal competition for Eric Dier in the defensive midfield role.

Whilst others at the club can play the shielding position, none have proven themselves to be up to the standards of a title winning team.

Moussa Sissoko

One of the most inconsistent players in Europe, Sissoko is a greatly frustrating figure for the Newcastle fans.

Whether the Magpies stay up or go down, Benitez is likely to want to build a squad of more disciplined players and Sissoko is likely to be one of the first to go. Pochettino, if anyone can, could hone Sissoko’s skill base and his powerful physique, paired with his great engine, would make him perfect for Spurs’ high octane system.

A gamble, sure, but Pochettino would reap huge rewards if Sissoko could find some sort of consistency.

Idrissa Gueye

Not many industrious midfielders have come close to the performances of N’Golo Kante this season, but Gueye’s tireless running and combative play make him a sought after prospect this summer.

Leading the way in the Premier League on both interceptions and tackles per 90 (let’s ignore the superhuman Kante), Gueye has been one of the few positives in Villa’s pathetic campaign. Spurs may need extra defensive midfield bodies in tougher European games and Gueye could easily slot in to replace Dier or Dembele in the midfield.

Kayal: Celtic lynchpin will be preparing himself to beat mouthy Rangers ace

Former Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal believes his ex-team mate Scott Brown won’t be ruffled by the comments made by Rangers midfielder Joey Barton.

Speaking to Talksport, Barton described himself as a much better player than Brown and said the Scotland and Celtic captain was not in his league. But Kayal believes Brown has proved many critics wrong before and that the 30-year-old will do all of his talking on the pitch.

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During an interview with the Daily Record, the Brighton central midfielder said:”People were always going to talk about Broonie and Barton and it’s going to be a really great time in Scottish football hearing it all until the first Old Firm derby is played.

“Scott will be ready for that and preparing himself just now to beat Rangers, to beat Barton and to show his qualities and what a great player he is.”

Kayal believes Brown’s experience in top European competition, and the fact he is captain of his country means he has nothing to prove. The Israeli international also said Brown has endured criticism in the past but it has only proved to fire him up and push him on to become a better player.

“Broonie has a lot of experience and has proved himself at every level he has played,” he said. “He is the captain of Celtic and the captain of his country. He has played in the group stages and knockout stages of the Champions League and has won many trophies with Celtic. But things like that obviously do fire you up a little bit. It’s happened before and it will again this time I’m sure.”

Barton and Brown will no doubt go head-to-head when they face each other in the Old Firm derbies next season.

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West Ham have ‘agreed’ deal for South American goal-getter, move depends on big factor

West Ham have a greed a deal for Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri to join the club, but the transfer hinges on the player securing a work permit, according to well known club insider, Jack Sullivan.The Hammers have chased a wide array for centre-forwards this summer as manager Slaven Bilic looks to add firepower to his ranks as the Irons gear up for Europa League and domestic football.Moves forÂAlexandre Lacazette, Carlos Bacca and Carlos Tevez appear to have all fallen through, while there is speculation that the London club are looking towards Godoy Cruz’s Jaime Ayovi in what seems to be a signal that they’ve moved away from ‘marquee’ names.There have been fears that West Ham may end up with limited options up top by the time the season officially starts, but Jack Sullivan, son of club co-owner David Sullivan, has taken to Twitter to reveal that a move for Calleri is close:“Calleri has agreed to come however, it is subject to a work permit application in a week’s time.â€

Sullivan’s claims back up recent reports from South America that a loan deal for Calleri to join West Ham is close.

The 22-year-old is currently registered to Uruguayan second tier team Deportivo Maldonado, but his rights are actually owned by third party investors.

Calleri is on loan at Sao Paulo now after leaving Boca Juniors earlier this year.

The pacey forward has netted three goals in five Brazilian Serie A matches in the 2016 season.

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Aston Villa fans react to news that Di Matteo is to be sacked

According to the Press Association, Roberto Di Matteo is on the verge of being sacked by the club.

The former Chelsea boss arrived in the summer, tasked with getting the club back in to the Premier League after a nightmare 15/16 season saw then slip in to the second tier of English football.

However, this season has been much like the last as Villa have struggled to come to terms with life outside of the top-flight.

Di Matteo’s side have failed to register maximum points since 3-0 victory over Rotherham and have drawn seven of their opening 11 games of the season – this has left them in 19th position and just two points above the relegation zone.

And after their 2-0 defeat away at Preston on Saturday, Di Matteo looks to be on his way out of Villa Park in the next 24 hours.

Unsurprisingly, Villa fans seem pretty chuffed with the news…

Proof Man United’s players are better than Man City’s?

The Manchester Derby will soon be upon us this weekend so it’s time to start thinking about which of the players on show in the first big title clash of the season will be in your FanDuel side.

Games like this require the big players to stand up and be counted but it’s also the opportunity for others to make a name for themselves in the most hostile of atmospheres. In a game that’ll likely boil over at some point, especially given the nature of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola on the side-line, you need to consider players that will keep their cool as well as be in good form to win you FanDuel points.

Here at FootballFanCast we can’t wait to see who’s going to grab the headlines in the biggest game of the season so far and FanDuel players need to make sure they’ve done their homework ahead of the fixture that could make or break their weekend.

Fortunately we’ve got some inside knowledge for you to peruse over now and if you haven’t set up an account just yet, this weekend could be the most exciting time to do it. FanDuel will match your first deposit all the way up to £400 so get going before Saturday’s huge match-up.

Could it be the big man for the big occasion? Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes into the game with three Premier League goals to his name and is bound to want to get one over both United’s title rivals and of course Pep Guardiola.

In second, you can’t rule out Wayne Rooney from producing the goods. He loves the Derby and scored one of the best goals the fixture has ever seen with his bicycle kick in 2011.

Third sees the ever-improving Raheem Sterling who, after getting a rough time of it last year, has bounced back to be one of Guardiola’s key players and will relish the challenge of proving himself on this massive stage.

In fourth we’ve got the other City player in the list Fernandinho, who has taken to the deep-lying playmaker role like a duck to water and will no doubt be vital to his team’s chances of controlling the game.

Then, finally, we have Juan Mata. The Spaniard must have been cursing his luck when Mourinho arrived but has so far featured in every match and as a big game player you can’t rule him out from doing the business this weekend.

There you have it, the five players to consider for your FanDuel team this weekend. United seem to have the edge ahead of kick-off, will that still be the case come full-time?

Think you know football? Prove it and win big money: http://po.st/FanDuelEd400

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Manchester City v Everton: The alternative north-west derby pits city against city

Very occasionally a strange quirk of the fixture list throws up one city against another on the same weekend. It’s an occurrence that is rarer than you may think with perhaps the most memorable example being Manchester’s 13-3 aggregate stuffing of north London back in 2011. With the season barely underway United schooled a young Arsenal side 8-2 at Old Trafford while hours earlier City showed their title credentials by walloping Spurs 5-1 away and it’s tempting to think that by the following Monday an impromptu support group was set up in some neutral café down the Seven Sisters Road where both sets of dejected fans could combine to hate on their new common enemy. In reality the conversation probably went like this –

“Yeah but we were away. At Old Trafford for fack’s sake!”

“You still let in eight geezer”

Five years on from their tramping down of north London the collective might of Manchester now face much archer rivals in the form of Merseyside and naturally enough the bulk of the attention will be focused on Monday night’s box-office clash between United and Liverpool. It’s a game with a Shakespearean back-story involving perches, silverware and animosity. It’s a game that entire books have been devoted to, both on the shelf and in the pockets of referees.

Yet two days prior to that frenetic grudge-fest – at the highly unusual time of 3pm on a Saturday afternoon – the ‘alternative north-west derby’ deserves equal merit. It could be argued too that it will be just as venomous.

Liverpool v United has taken on the feel of two bald men desperately fighting over a comb in recent times but the animosities and resentments that bubble away when Manchester City take on Everton are fresh; yet to be placed into a proper context by the supporters and players alike. Which means every challenge contains that extra flexing of muscle and every victory is celebrated on the terraces with a certain touch of vitriolic glee. It’s just that, well, nobody quite knows for sure why.

Unquestionably the supporters used to get along just fine, or at least as well as could be expected considering we’re talking about a Scouse/Manc divide. This can largely be explained by each club seeking solace in their working class roots as their red neighbours hogged the headlines and dominated proceedings at the top of English football. They were ‘proper’ football clubs with ‘proper’ fans both in the shadow of media darlings and consequently a mutual respect grew.

That all changed of course in 2008 when City were taken over by Abu Dhabi United Group and became, at a stroke, richer than God’s bookie. It was a seismic change of circumstance that fuelled Everton’s ire for two significant reasons.

Firstly, it could – and perhaps should – have been them bequeathed with untold millions as the blue half of Merseyside were reportedly on the royal family’s radar long before they approached City.

Secondly, with money to burn Mark Hughes decided to improve his defensive options in the summer of 2009 by bidding close to £25m for Joleon Lescott expressly against the Merseysider’s wishes. It became a drawn-out and bitter transfer that rankled with many, in particular Toffees boss David Moyes who accused City of having ‘no class’.

The City v Everton derby now had its very own ‘perch’ comment.

So that’s Everton’s causes for discontent. For City their grievances came in the form of annoyance at how Everton dealt with the transfer fall-out. Namely they won. A lot.

In the next eight games that followed the Lescott move Everton got the better of their newly-minted rivals six times and drawing once. That’s a record that warrants bogey team status and the sight of Tim Cahill wheeling away in celebration to punch yet another corner flag began to haunt them.

Since 2013 it is City who have enjoyed the lion’s share of victories while a sort of peace briefly broke out in April 2012 when Everton’s incredible comeback from 4-2 down to draw at Old Trafford helped keep City’s title dream alive. Sky blues were grateful. Royal blues found it hilarious. Like the old days both were united in hate for red.

Perhaps then the acrimony has settled to a healthy level of enjoying a win over the other more than a win over, say, Southampton or West Ham. But there remains acrimony nonetheless.

Which brings us to the present and, as previously stated, the Toffees boast a decent record at the Etihad – certainly in relation to most – and Ronald Koeman’s new charges will be keen to right a recent slip in form that’s seen them drift out to fifth after an impressive start to 2016/17. Their hosts will have an identical objective in mind after being wounded at Spurs just when the world began to suspect they were impenetrable.

With Kevin de Bruyne expected to feature after a brief injury lay-off and Romelu Lukaku among the goals, this would be a fascinating and engrossing match-up even without the recent bickering. Factoring it in though means it’s not just one half of Manchester and one half of Merseyside that is going to war this weekend no matter how much the media will have us believe that. It is metropolis against metropolis.

The West Ham Xi Bilic must pick vs Stoke

Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Everton signified that there is still much work for West Ham United to do.

Prior to the game at Goodison Park, the Hammers were on a three-game unbeaten run including back-to-back victories over Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

The upturn in form was partly down to Slaven Bilic’s formation change to a three-man defence, with Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell taking up the wide roles.

While the move has undoubtedly bolstered a leaky backline – the Hammers have conceded two in their last three as opposed to more than two goals-per-game previously – it has meant that Antonio’s goalscoring has taken a severe hit.

The 26-year-old has started at a striker and a right wing-back but failed to add to the five goals he managed from the wing.

In order to get the best out of him but keep some defensive solidity, we think Bilic should return to the 4-3-3 he favoured last season.

GK – ADRIAN

Adrian is the club’s undisputed number one and should hold the jersey for Stoke’s visit at the weekend.

The Spaniard has performed reasonably considering how poor the defence was at the start of the season and is capable of keeping any attack at bay if he’s on form.

RB – EDMILSON FERNANDES

Football Soccer Britain – West Ham United v Chelsea – EFL Cup Fourth Round – London Stadium – 26/10/16West Ham United’s Edimilson Fernandes celebrates scoring their second goalReuters / Eddie KeoghLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representati

Despite arriving at the club as an attacking midfielder, Edmilson Fernandes have proven himself adaptable and performed well in different positions.

He impressed on his first start as a left wing-back and put in a decent shift even when the Hammers lost to Everton last week.

There are still question marks over how well the Swiss utility-man can defend, but is certainly good going forward and could potentially become a very good full-back given time.

CB – JAMES COLLINS

With Winston Reid suspended, James Collins will probably be given the chance in his place.

The New Zealander’s absence could be a blessing in disguise, however, with Collins physically-equipped to deal with Wilfred Bony.

The Ivorian bullied Swansea’s defenders on Monday night but Collins should have the strength and aerial presence to keep him quiet – having won three aerial duels per game to date.

CB – ANGELO OGBONNA

Britain Football Soccer – West Ham United v FC Astra Giurgiu – UEFA Europa League Qualifying Play-Off Second Leg – London Stadium, London, England – 25/8/16West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic talks with Angelo Ogbonna Action Images via Reuters / John SibleyLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Angelo Ogbonna has become a mainstay in the West Ham starting eleven this season.

The Italian has made seven appearances this season and improved his form as the left-sided centre-back in the three-man defence.

We’re backing him in a defensive pair this time, so he’ll have to step up and take his share of the responsibility to keep the Potters out.

LB – AARON CRESSWELL

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Aaron Cresswell is one of the best defenders in the league going forward.

The left-back ranked third in the league for key passes last season and has averaged three crosses each game so far this term.

Cresswell will need to get forward and overlap and could be rewarded with an assist should Bilic opt with the aerial threats of Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew.

CDM – PEDRO OBIANG

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A big part of the Hammers’ improved form recently has been the reintroduction of Pedro Obiang to the starting lineup.

Obiang provides some much needed defensive stability in midfield that the previous pairing of Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate couldn’t provide, having averaged 1.6 interceptions and two clearance per game.

He has also been good in possession and boasts 82% pass accuracy.

CM – CHEIKHOU KOUYATE

This role in the side was a straight battle between Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini.

With Stoke’s recent shift in focus to more of a technical passing side, we think Kouyate’s mobility and willingness to battle could be more beneficial than the Argentine’s craft.

But if the Hammers need a goal late on, he will probably be the man sacrificed for the more creative Lanzini.

CM – MARK NOBLE

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Only a month ago there were calls for Mark Noble to be dropped from the West Ham starting eleven.

The club captain was seemingly neglecting his defensive duties while not offering a lot going forward.

The introduction of a three-man defence and installation of Pedro Obiang next to him seems to have freed the 29-year-old to use his attacking abilities. Hopefully having Obiang and Kouyate partnering him will allow him to join the attack more.

RW – MICHAIL ANTONIO

Without a doubt, the right-wing slot is Antonio’s best position.

Playing him at right wing-back stifles the 26-year-old’s attacking threat while a having to lead the line as a centre-forward robs him of his unpredictable late runs into the box.

With Stoke’s defenders preoccupied by a front-man and the service of players like Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet, Antonio should soon get back to scoring ways.

LW – DIMITRI PAYET

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It goes without saying that Dimitri Payet is the first-name on the Hammers team sheet.

The Frenchman is the chief attacking creator for West Ham and ranks top for key passes per match despite missing the first two games of the season.

Even though we have him down as a left-winger, we expect the Frenchman to cut inside to receive the ball and dictate play, creating more space for Aaron Cresswell to bomb into.

ST – ANDRE AYEW

In order for this to work, the Hammers need Andre Ayew to lead the line.

As we’ve already outlined how Michail Antonio is wasted in a striking role, while the Hammers will have to pay £17m for disappointing loan signing Simone Zaza if he makes another appearance.

Ayew led the line well for Swansea at times last year and is a capable finisher, so we’d love to see him start if match fit.

Revealed: The five Man United stars Spurs fans would sign

Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Manchester United is the standout clash in the Premier League this weekend – and our Fixture in Focus here at FootballFanCast.

There was once quite the chasm dividing the two clubs as one regularly lapped up Premier League titles and the other toiled in mid-table mediocrity with the occasional respite of Europa League football.

But nowadays, there’s hardly a gap at all – in fact, it’s the latter outfit who find themselves one place and six points above the former ahead of Sunday’s 2:15pm kick-off.

Suddenly, Spurs and United find themselves on relatively level terms, which got us at FootballFanCast thinking about which players opposition fans would welcome to their club with open arms.

So we posed that exact question to Tottenham supporters earlier this week – which United stars would you like to see Mauricio Pochettino audaciously swoop for? – and the results of our exclusive poll are now in.

Without further ado, here’s our rundown of the FIVE stars Spurs fans want most.

5. Eric Bailly

Tottenham boast the strongest defensive record in the Premier League but that hasn’t deterred their fans’ interest in Manchester United’s summer signing Eric Bailly.

In fairness, the Ivory Coast international has looked a solid addition since arriving from Villarreal, providing brute physicality at the heart of United’s defence, and still aged just 22, the Red Devils appear to have unearthed a fantastic long-term gem. The 6ft. 2″ centre-half could be a real force alongside Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld.

4. Juan Mata

He may be seen as a luxury player by many, not least including manager Jose Mourinho, and have ties with bitter London rivals Chelsea, but Spurs fans would still spare a place in their team for attacking midfielder Juan Mata.

Despite him struggling to guarantee a starting berth under the Portuguese, the former Blues Player of the Year is still United’s second top scorer in the league and their second-most consistent creator, with three goals in eleven appearances and 1.8 key passes per match respectively.

3. Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Soccer Football – FC Zorya Luhansk v Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group A – Chornomorets Stadium, Odessa, Ukraine – 8/12/16 Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Spurs fans appear willing to overlook the slow start to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Premier League career, having managed just two starts in the top flight since arriving from Borussia Dortmund during the summer.

Nonetheless, the Armenian’s reputation preceded his move to England, having notched up a staggering 23 goals and 32 assists across all competitions at the Westfalenstadion last season. Perhaps more importantly, he’d add scintillating speed to Tottenham’s attack – something they’ve lacked under Mauricio Pochettino.

2. Anthony Martial

Football Soccer Britain – Everton v Manchester United – Premier League – Goodison Park – 4/12/16 Manchester United’s Anthony Martial in action with Everton’s Seamus Coleman Reuters / Andrew Yates Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for f

Struggling to convince Jose Mourinho appears to be a near-guarantee of earning yourself the backing of the Tottenham faithful and a subsequent place in this top five.

Indeed, Anthony Martial’s been a pale impersonation of the dynamic forward who exploded onto the Premier League last season since Mourinho took the Old Trafford throne, but his talent remains without doubt and the 21-year-old is still widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in world football through his power, pace, composure and netting prowess.

1. Marcus Rashford

So there you have it. Prodigious striker Marcus Rashford clinched top spot in our poll – and with good reason.

He may have been forced to settle for a winger role on the most part this season but the youngster was nothing short of phenomenal last term and already boasts a goal for England at just 19 years of age. Not too many players have been able to say that throughout the Three Lions’ history. He and compatriot Harry Kane could cause endless havoc, both for club and country, operating as a front two – but something tells us United won’t be up for selling their academy graduate any time soon.

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