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After a whole summer of the media having a go at Real Madrid and dooming them before they could even set foot into the new 2019/20 La Liga season, it seems that Zinedine Zidane and his troops are out to prove a point.

At least, that’s one of the takeaways from last weekend’s game against Celta Vigo that ended in a pretty convincing 3-1 victory for Los Blancos. It was not really a statement game or a game that showed total domination over their opponent but it was a hard-earned victory at a tricky stadium against a well-oiled outfit.

And considering how their last campaign went and how it all looked bleak and gloomy just weeks ago, they did more than just fine. Another thing worth noting is how thin their bench currently looks like with multiple players sidelined by injuries, including their prized new signing, Eden Hazard.

But Real Madrid were still strong and they stood their ground, clinching all three points and jumping to the top of the table for the time being. This, however, does not indicate that all of their problems have magically disappeared now that the new campaign has started.

Not in the slightest, no. But if there is one thing Zidane should note going into the next game, which will be against Real Valladolid on Saturday, then that’s that he should stick to the basics for the time being.

A lot has been said about his squad not being good enough and his tactics being obsolete, but despite no shortage of criticism and question marks, it still worked.

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Sure, they were not outrageously flashy and they didn’t set the world alight with their innovative and incredible skills, but they did win in a rather vintage 2017 Real Madrid-esque way.

The way they set up their lineup, the way they attacked and the way they structured their overall gameplan was very much reminiscent of the Real Madrid from a couple of years back; the one that won the Champions League three times in a row and the one Zidane set up to succeed.

And maybe, in a way, that is the “secret formula” for them at the moment, and not just for the weekend but for the season ahead in general. As the saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Maybe it didn’t really work out for Santiago Solari or Julen Lopetegui but then again, they don’t really have Zidane’s pedigree and knowledge of this team.

Everyone has been very vocal about Real Madrid needing this rebirth, the resurrection and a clean slate that will magically pull them out of the gutters but that kind of a change doesn’t really happen overnight, does it?

With that in mind, maybe a slower transition could be the solution to their problems. So looking ahead to the game on Saturday, Zidane really shouldn’t tamper too much with the things that obviously still work.

Eight players out of 11 against Celta Vigo were among Real’s most used in Zidane’s last season. Some will undoubtedly criticise the Frenchman for it but there is some wisdom in it as well.

A team that is still trying to find its feet should not plunge head-first into the unknown and the next game, the first one at the Santiago Bernabeu in the new season, should not be an exception either.

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Zidane, and the whole team for that matter, can certainly use some familiarity and stick to the basics that they know work for sure. If that means once again fielding the same lineup or using the same tactics, then so be it.

For some, innovation might be the only way forward but for Real Madrid, it’s very much the opposite. After all, you have to master the basics in order to become better, right?

Even if the Galacticos are going through a transitional period, they will first have to learn how to walk before they can run off with all the trophies once again.

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Southampton fans are hoping for a much better season next term, with Ralph Hasenhuttl having a full summer to get across his philosophy and sign the players he wants.

Already, there have been plenty of names linked with making the move to St. Mary’s after the Saints managed to move up and away from the relegation zone once again.

The idea is that with new faces brought in over the summer, the better Southampton’s chances are of pushing even further up the table.

The South Coast club have an illustrious history with bringing through youngsters and one player who was with Southampton for eight years and could now re-sign for the club is Adam Lallana.

Lallana (who is valued at £13.5 million on Transfermarkt) moved to Liverpool in 2014, becoming one of many to switch the South Coast for Merseyside.

Fans understood his decision to move and accepted that Liverpool would give him a better opportunity to obtain some silverware, but that is still something he is yet to achieve.

Making just five starts in the Premier League this season, Lallana has really been cast aside by Liverpool because of his injuries.

The now 31-year-old will be hoping that a move away from Anfield will allow him to re-find his best form, so going back to Southampton is surely the best thing for him…

Since his departure, Southampton have not had a midfielder quite like the England international. An attack-minded, goal provider is something that the Saints have desperately missed and could get back with his arrival.

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For an affordable fee of £13 million (per the Express on May 19th), the two could be re-united in a move that once again, could bring out the best of Lallana.

Do you agree… Join the discussion and let us know!

Sheffield Wednesday full-back, Liam Palmer is in line to make his debut for Scotland in Kazakhstan on Thursday — seven years after last pulling on his national side’s under-21 jersey.

Palmer has been in brilliant form for the Owls, and has played every minute of Championship football for the side since the arrival of Steve Bruce.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star, the defender said his thoughts would be firmly on his late grandmother, if he gets the nod tomorrow, and it is through her Lanarkshire roots that the 27-year-old is eligible to represent Scotland.

Referring to her influence on him, he said: “My nan was a massive part of my life. She lived on the road opposite the school I went to as a little boy so every day after school I went there until my mum finished work.

“She loved football and she loved sport. If I had a game for the school she used to walk up the road and come and watch and then get me some food after and things like that.

“She never saw me play for the Scotland youth teams. She passed away just before that. My family on my mum’s side are all obviously really proud and she would have been really proud as well.

“I will definitely think of her. It was a shame towards the end. I went every day to visit her in intensive care. But it would be a great moment if I did make my debut.”

Like the rest of the Sheffield Wednesday side, Palmer has had a resurgence of confidence in the current unbeaten run that the Owls find themselves on and topping it all off with a Scotland cap is thoroughly deserved for the hard-working former academy graduate.

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That Wednesday players are being recognised for their scintillating form in the Championship is thanks to the Bruce effect, but the Geordie manager will be hoping that his right back comes through the international break unscathed with such an important stretch of games ahead.

What do you think of your latest international player Wednesday fans? Join in the debate below…

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Leeds United have confirmed that attacking midfielder Samuel Saiz is set to join Spanish outfit Getafe on loan in the upcoming January transfer window, with the switch likely to be made permanent at the end of the season. 

A report in the Yorkshire Evening Post suggests that Leeds have allowed the Spaniard to leave Elland Road for personal reasons, as he felt unsettled in England and wished to return to his home city of Madrid.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Playmaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Whilst it is admirable of the club to accept these demands, should Marcelo Bielsa’s side fail to sustain their current promotion push, then the decision to allow their talented playmaker to leave in the winter will be looked back upon as a mind-blowing misstep by chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

The Whites will certainly have to replace Saiz in January, as they cannot do without his creativity and technical ability throughout the remainder of the gruelling Championship campaign.

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After the club made the announcement, many Leeds fans took to Twitter to react to the news…

Leeds United have done incredibly well to cope with their injury problems so far this season, but their resilience was finally broken on Saturday afternoon as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Birmingham City at Elland Road. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to hold off on a handful of signings during the summer in favour of keeping his squad as a tightly-knit group appeared to backfire recently when a handful of players fell victim to injury problems.

The likes of Patrick Bamford, Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez were all ruled out within a short space of time but, despite the concerns of some supporters, the Whites have coped well with the growing injury list and they remain top of the pile after 9 fixtures.

But a recent update on the club’s website makes for unfortunate viewing as both Roofe and Hernandez will remain sidelined for two-three and four-five weeks respectively.

Although Hernandez’s absence represents a huge blow for the club as a whole, it has given summer signing Harrison (valued at £3.15 million by Transfermarkt) an opportunity to showcase his potential on the right-wing and, despite a slow start, he is beginning to impress.

Plenty was expected of Harrison when he arrived at Elland Road from Manchester City, but he looked a level below what is required after coming on at half-time against Swansea City in August.

Fast-forward a few weeks and Harrison looks like a new player with the confidence and technical ability to become an integral part of Leeds’ promotion push.

With Hernandez ruled out for another month at the very least, Harrison has a dream opportunity to cement his name on Bielsa’s team sheet but he will need to step up another level in order to prove he has what it takes to keep the Spanish veteran on the substitutes bench upon his return to fitness.

The 21-year-old’s strike against Millwall provided a brief glimpse of what he can provide at Elland Road and with Hernandez sidelined he must showcase that level of quality on a consistent basis if he wants to prove himself to Bielsa.

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Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

The future of Schalke midfielder Max Meyer has been discussed in the transfer gossip pages numerous times over the last few months.The speculation is expected to intensify following the club’s confirmation that Meyer will leave the German outfit this summer.The 22-year-old has struggled to come to an agreement over a new contract, which means that he will leave Schalke as a free agent.The club’s sporting director Christian Heidel made the announcement, and now a frenzy has broken out on Twitter.

Mauricio Pochettino is in need of some dimension to his midfield, and Meyer could potentially provide that as he can play centrally, further forward or defensively.

This season, the German has made 28 appearances in all competitions, including 21 starts in the Bundesliga, but he has contributed just one goal in that time.

Following the news that Meyer will be available when the season comes to an end, Tottenham fans have posted their thoughts on social media.

Comment from discussion Schalke have confirmed that Max Meyer is leaving this summer – do we take him?.Comment from discussion Schalke have confirmed that Max Meyer is leaving this summer – do we take him?.

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Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen is targeting a new striker in January, with Liverpool’s Danny Ings and Manchester United’s James Wilson on the list, according to The Mirror.

What’s the word?

The season started off perfectly for the Whites as they went seven games unbeaten in the Championship.

However, in their last nine matches, the team have only picked up two wins, which has caused a dent in their promotion hopes.

Christiansen’s side were in and amongst the top six in the early stages of the campaign, but after their recent spell, the club find themselves 10th in the standings.

Now it appears that the manager wants to strengthen attacking areas when the transfer window reopens in January.

The newspaper edition of The Mirror claims that the Whites are considering loan moves for Ings and Wilson.

Are they good options?

Neither Ings nor Wilson have played Premier League football this season as both have struggled to earn a place in their respective first teams.

Ings is slowly coming back from injury hell, while Wilson has been playing for the United Under-23s following loan stints at Brighton and Derby County.

Christiansen would be taking a big risk in signing either player due to their lack of first-team football this season.

The manager brought in four attacking players in the summer window – Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Caleb Ekuban, Jay-Roy Grot and Pawel Cibicki.

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However, only Lasogga has scored in the league, while injuries and lack of form has disrupted the other players’ progress.

There will be plenty of pressure on Ings and Wilson to perform if they were to move to Elland Road, and given the pair’s current situation, they may not be able to deliver.

Nobody really expected Scott Brown to take the pitch at Ibrox on Saturday when Celtic make the short trip across the city to face Rangers. The Hoops captain had received a red card two weeks ago away to Ross County when his tackle on Liam Boyce drew the ire of referee Don Robertson.

He subsequently appealed that with the SFA and that was heard on Thursday. The red was overturned and it means he is now free to take part in the giant clash at the home of the Gers.

It’s a significant blow to Pedro Caixinha and his team, who were already facing a daunting task in trying to overcome Celtic for the first time this season.

Scott Brown has been one of the most consistent performers for the Hoops all season and for us, his inclusion in Saturday’s derby almost guarantees at Celtic win.

These are the three reasons why…

50 not out

With 50 starts for Celtic this season, no other player in the squad has started more games than the captain himself. There have been many standouts in Brendan Rodgers’ team; Mousaa Dembele, Scott Sinclair and Stuart Armstrong are just a few. However, no-one has been more influential in their incredible unbeaten domestic run than Scott Brown.

He’s the beating heart of the Celtic side, he provides the will to win, the determination and the desire to eke out results by all means necessary.

Starting at Ibrox means there will be no lack of that in the Hoops side and that Rangers will likely be found wanting in trying to match the same desire and passion to win.

Had he been missing, there’s no-one quite ready at the Bhoys to step up and provide that on a massive occasion such as a fixture at Ibrox.

He bossed it last Sunday

Scott Brown was the man of the match on Sunday, there’s no doubt about it. He bossed the midfield from start to finish, making the likes of Andy Halliday, Emerson Hyndman and Jason Holt appear inconsequential in comparison.

His passing technique was at its peak, he was physical, he was confident, he looked unbeatable.

Brown is arguably having the best season of his entire career and at the age of 31 appears to be improving week after week. You could even make a case for Sunday’s performance against the Gers being his greatest of the season so far.

His arrival at Ibrox in that kind of form makes Celtic an unstoppable force. That’s even more true when you consider he is suspended for the two subsequent league fixtures.

He has no resting to do, he’ll be going all out for victory and we don’t think Rangers can contain him, even at home.

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He is the leader, the captain and Rangers hate him

One of Scott Brown’s biggest strengths as a player is his ability to wind up opposition players, managers and fans. He’s one of those professionals that you absolutely love if he plays for you and eternally hate if he doesn’t. He’s combative, he’s full of chat, he’s always in your face. They hate it.

With that though come a maturity as club captain and leader. He knows when to deploy it, he knows when to utilise a few dark arts to get a victory.

That makes his presence in these derbies even more important. In what will be an already fraught affair, Brown has the ability and personality to tip Rangers over from having an edge to losing it completely.

He is the ultimate derby player, the ultimate derby captain and if he performs well on Saturday, Celtic will win.

These teams have had very contrasting starts to the Premier League season.

West Ham are in disarray and have won only one of their first five league games this season. They are having new stadium troubles, too.

In contrast, it is all rosy in Merseyside right now as Everton’s only dropped points of the season came at home to Spurs on the opening day.

They have won four out of four  since then and sit second in the Premier League, courtesy of their 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough last weekend.

This summer, though, Everton surprised many by signing West Ham striker Enner Valencia on transfer deadline day.

Their obvious first choice is Romelu Lukaku but as far as back-ups go, the Ecuadorian isn’t a bad signing exactly.

However, West Ham could’ve done with a few Everton players themselves and may have benefited from striking a swap deal for some of their players.

Here are five Everton stars who would be better off at the London Stadium…

Ramiro Funes Mori

Funes Mori had a decent first season in England last year. Obviously, Everton may not have had their best season but the centre back impressed most of the time.

However, he has his controversial moments, too. None more prevalent than his red card against Liverpool. After a horrible tackle, he was sent off, and proceeded to leave the field clasping the badge on his shirt. He didn’t exactly endear himself to Everton fans by being sent off, though.

Nevertheless, he could’ve been a good signing for West Ham because they are having defensive problems at the moment and he is certainly a defender who takes no prisoners.

Muhamed Besic

The Hammers defensive woes can’t be blamed on centre halves and full-backs alone, though.

They defend as a unit but they haven’t been doing a great job of it recently.

Muhamed Besic has also impressed for the Toffees when given a chance and feel that if he made the move to London, he could be a good signing for the Irons.

He is a no nonsense midfielder and is the sort of figure that West Ham could do with.

Tom Cleverley

Cleverley was harshly treated when he was at Manchester United. He wasn’t good enough for the Red Devils but was made the scapegoat during David Moyes’ travails as United boss.

At Everton, Cleverley impressed but former boss Roberto Martinez made some outlandish claims about the midfielder being one of the best ever English talents in the Premier League.

He hasn’t played regularly for the Toffees recently and a move to the capital might help reinvigorate the 27-year-old.

He has played near the capital before when he featured for Watford, where he impressed the Hornets, scoring 11 goals in 33 league appearances.

Aaron Lennon

The winger has been unable to produce the form he showed at Spurs around five years ago.

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He had blistering pace and was a defenders’ nightmare but at the moment, like Cleverley, Lennon can’t get into the first team and maybe a move back to the capital would help invigorate him, too.

The 29-year-old has 21 caps but has never scored for his national side. He was taken to two World Cups and if he wants to get back to his best, a move to West Ham would be beneficial for him.

Oumar Niasse

Roberto Martinez signed the Senegal international for a huge £13.75m on the January transfer Deadline Day in 2016. However, the striker featured very intermittently for the Toffees and did not impress when given the chance.

That said, he scored 13 goals in 23 games for Locomotiv Moscow the season before so Martinez had reason to be excited about the signing.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out for him and he might have benefited from a switch to the capital.

West Ham’s pursuit of strikers this summer was no secret and he might have worth taking a punt on.

Tomorrow night, England face Lithuania in a European qualifier that could see them move nine points clear of the competition in Group E.

The Lithuanians are hardly the most challenging opposition, currently 94th in the FIFA rankings and having only taken points from Estonia and San Marino thus far, but that in itself creates more questions than answers.

Especially when combined with a squad including two debutants – Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Ryan Mason – a 35 year-old Rob Green, marking his first inclusion in the Three Lions fold for over two years, and an injury list including Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw.

So who will Roy Hodgson elect to start at Wembley this Friday? Well, that’s largely open to interpretation. Always fond of trying to out-think managers however, Football Fancast have taken a guess at six potential starting Xis.

Will the England gaffer field one of these against Lithuania?

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Continuity – the Slovenia line-up

Roy Hodgson’s hardly known for his high-risk strategies so the England boss could opt to field a line-up as close as possible to the England Xi that eased their way past Slovenia in December with a 3-1 win. After all, why fix what isn’t broken?

The only exceptions are Michael Carrick and James Milner in midfield, who come in for Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana respectively.

Experience

This line-up has one theme – Experience. All are the most capped players in the current England squad, racking up 430 Three Lions appearances between them.

Although Lithuania hardly pose the most intimidating opposition, Hodgson might want those tried and trusted at international level at hand to grind out the necessary win. Not the most exciting team though, is it?

The Diamond

The midfield-diamond-inspired win against Switzerland in September not only secured England a relatively smooth qualification campaign after netting twice past the only other genuinely competitive side in Group E, but also gave the Three Lions something they’ve lacked for a very long time – a sense of identity, spawned from a system that plays to their natural strengths.

It’s perhaps a little too cautious for a match against Lithuania at Wembley however – the diamond truly came into effect against the Swiss after half-time when there was far more room on the counter-attack – and the absence of deep-lying lynchpin Jack Wilshere could put Roy Hodgson off.

That being said, it’s a formula that works and gets arguably England’s best players on the pitch.

Experimenting with youth

In direct contrast to the ‘experience’ line-up, this is the most youthful starting Xi England have to offer – with the exception of captain Wayne Rooney, now 29, and 35 year-old stand-in goalkeeper Robert Green (I had to find a place for him somewhere in this article).

This line-up, although unlikely, would include debuts for Tottenham duo Ryan Mason and Harry Kane, whilst also giving a start to Roy Hodgson favourite Andros Townsend.

If the England gaffer views Lithuania as lightweight enough opposition, having only claimed points from Estonia and San Marino thus far, he might be tempted to get as many starlets of the next generation on the pitch as possible.

FORM

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This starting Xi is largely based on recent form, thus once again including starting roles for Harry Kane and Ryan Mason.

In addition, James Milner, amid a superb campaign at Manchester City, starts on the left, whilst Nathaniel Clyne, one of the most prolific tacklers in the Premier League, retains his slot at right-back over the returning Kyle Walker.

This line-up is fresh, exciting and reactive to recent events. Then again, that’s never really been Roy Hodgson’s style.

The Likely lads

Finishing off this list is what Football Fancast view as England’s likeliest Xi. It’s similar to the ‘continuity’ line up, but takes note of Phil Jones’ superior form to Phil Jagielka and Kieran Gibbs’ lack of playing time recently, compared with Leighton Baines’ regularity for Everton.

There’s no start for Harry Kane, but with the friendly against Italy next week in mind, Roy Hodgson seems more likely to use the Tottenham starlet as a cameo against Lithuania before issuing him a full debut on Tuesday. It also keeps the nomadic, pacey and dynamic front three of Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney in tact.