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After finishing inside the Premier League's top four last season, Newcastle United may have expected to have at least been in the fight for a Champions League place a year later, but that's not been the case. Now, in need of reinforcements, Graeme Bailey has revealed the Magpies' transfer plans before the end of this month.

Newcastle transfer news

It's been a difficult transfer window for Newcastle so far, who have seen the likes of Kieran Tripper, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson all linked with moves away from St James' Park in an attempt to balance the books.

The Magpies are walking a fine line when it comes to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, having recorded a reported loss of £155m over the last three seasons. The rules state that clubs can only record a loss of £105m, though investments into the academy, women's team and charity foundation do not count towards the figure – potentially saving PIF.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

With that said, even among the chaos of potential sales, those at St James' Park still reportedly want one particular reinforcement. According to Bailey, Newcastle want to sign a number eight this month. He told Geordie Boot Boys that there are conflicting whispers emerging however, making narrowing down the specific target difficult: "They want a number eight, that’s what we’re hearing. Who that is – not sure. It’s a strange one. Different people are saying different things connected to the club so it’s hard to get a real message out.”

Newcastle, of course, believed they had solved their midfield problem during the summer transfer window when they signed Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, only for the Italian to be hit with a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules shortly after arriving. Left with a void to fill, those in Tyneside have been linked with the likes of Atalanta's Ederson and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, albeit without either of those moves nearing anything close to advanced stages.

Joelinton has given Howe a headache

Before Joelinton's injury, which has potentially ruled him out until the end of the season, Newcastle may have felt comfortable with sticking with their current options for the remainder of the campaign. Now without the Brazilian for a number of months, the Magpies may have no choice but to act, however. Whoever arrives could quickly turn into a replacement for Joelinton too, with Eddie Howe admitting that his future isn't certain.

Howe said via BBC Sport: "He has 18 months left on his contract so it's a possibility he'll be sold in the summer. I'm not a fortune teller but it's a possibility. I hope that's not the case. I want him to stay. I love him as a person and player. But before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything and we are not there yet."

Ending the January transfer window without welcoming another midfielder and Joelinton suddenly on course to potentially depart would summarise the season that Newcastle have so endured so far. With just under a week to go before the window slams shut, the Magpies must turn things around at St James' Park.

Arthur Okonkwo has completed his deal to return to Wrexham on a permanent basis after departing Arsenal as a free agent.

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• Okonkwo signs for Wrexham
• Spent last season on loan at Red Dragons
• Red Dragons pre-season USA tour begins in July

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Okonkwo played a key part in the Red Dragons' promotion to League One after joining on loan from the Gunners. The goalkeeper became an integral member of the side and retaining his services became key for Phil Parkinson. When he was released from Arsenal at the end of his contract in north London, a return to Wales appeared inevitable.

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  WHAT OKONKWO SAID

  On returning to Wrexham, Okonkwo told the club: “I’m feeling very good, I’m so happy to have finally signed and I can’t wait to get back to it.

  “It was amazing last season. We had so many good memories together with the fans, and knowing they wanted me back was a big reason that I’m back. It’s good to finally be here.

  “This is home, it’s felt like that since last season when I came in. The co-chairmen are so good, the manager, the coaches, the players, and obviously the backroom staff that you don’t see. It’s so good to be here.”

• WHAT PARKINSON SAID

  The Wrexham boss was equally delighted to welcome back the goalkeeper to the squad. He said: "“We’re delighted with the signing. It’s such an important one for us.

  “Arthur was outstanding for us last year, and since the season finished we’ve worked really hard to secure the signing.

  “It’s great credit to all the work that has gone on behind the scenes, because it’s never straightforward but we’ve always said it’s important to have perseverance to try and get your number one target – and Arthur certainly was that."

  “It’s a great first signing of the summer for us.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Okonkwo made 36 appearances in League Two last season, conceding just 30 goals in the process. The goalkeeper kept a total of 14 clean sheets and sured up a defence that had initially struggled and saw Ben Foster retire just five games into the season.

The January transfer window is due to slam shut tonight and Tottenham Hotspur may not be finished in the market after the signings of Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin.

Latest Spurs transfer news

Spurs reportedly have their eye on a centre-forward who could come in to bolster Ange Postecoglou's options at the top end of the pitch ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT on deadline day, journalist Paul Brown has confirmed that the club have an "interest" in Bournemouth marksman Dominic Solanke.

The reporter has also claimed that it would not surprise him to see the Lilywhites make a late bid to sign the English centre-forward before the window slams shut, although he added that they are unlikely to meet the Cherries' asking price.

A fee of £50m was previously reported to be too high for them to turn down for the former Liverpool and Chelsea academy prospect at this time.

Postecoglou could land a perfect partner for the returning James Maddison to play alongside by securing a dramatic late swoop for Solanke.

Maddison's red-hot form for Spurs

The England international joined from Leicester City at the start of the season and has been a terrific signing for the Lilywhites, albeit with an injury-disrupted season so far.

Maddison has racked up three goals and five assists in 12 Premier League appearances for Postecoglou, along with six 'big chances' created and 2.9 key passes per game.

He currently ranks within the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers within the division for shot-creating actions (8.18) per 90, and the top 6% for assists (0.46) per 90.

These statistics show that the 27-year-old magician is a striker's dream as he consistently creates shooting opportunities and assists his teammates in the Premier League.

The stats that show why Solanke would be perfect for Maddison

The one-time England international has been in sublime form for Bournemouth in the top-flight this season and could be a lethal scorer for Maddison to connect with.

However, it has not been an easy journey to the top for Solanke as the former Liverpool striker struggled in front of goal during the 2022/23 campaign.

As you can see from the table above, the 26-year-old marksman underperformed his xG by three goals for the Cherries last term, which shows that his finishing left a lot to be desired.

Solanke, who has been described as a "clear threat" by journalist Josh Bunting, has taken his game to another level this season with 12 goals from an xG of 11.12.

He currently ranks within the top 18% of Premier League forwards for non-penalty goals (0.61) per 90, despite only being in the top 24% for non-penalty xG (0.52) per 90.

This shows that the £50m-rated dynamo has developed into a lethal finisher who can more than make the most of the opportunities that are created for him.

Therefore, Solanke would be a perfect striker for Maddison to play with as the Spurs star has the creative quality to split open opposition defences at will to create chances for the centre-forward to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

However, it now remains to be seen whether or not Tottenham will make an offer, or an offer good enough to tempt Bournemouth into cashing in, before the deadline passes.

Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt has given the 'green light' to move to Manchester United in a £42 million ($53.6m) transfer.

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• Man Utd target new centre-back
• De Ligt gives 'green light' to join
• Bayern eye £42m summer transfer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old has given the go-ahead to swap Bayern for United, personal terms are not an issue, and talks are progressing. Meanwhile, Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the Bundesliga outfit want at least £42m (€50m), plus 'bonus payments' and the Dutch international is keen to move to Old Trafford.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following Raphael Varane's United exit, Erik ten Hag's team are on the look-out for a new centre-back. If they were to sign the former Ajax man, that would be something of a coup for the Red Devils – who are reportedly surprised that Bayern are willing to let him go. Ten Hag worked with the De Ligt at Ajax and he would no doubt welcome a reunion with the 6ft 2in defender.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  De Ligt made his breakthrough at Ajax as a 17-year-old back in 2016 and became one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in world football. That form earned him a £72.5m ($92m) move to Juventus three years later, before transferring to Bayern in 2022 for £68m ($86m).

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• WHAT NEXT?

  While talks over his future will continue in the coming days and weeks, De Ligt is currently out in Germany with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024. The defender has been kept out of the starting XI against Romania by Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij.

Aston Villa are seemingly eyeing up a summer move for one specific attacking gem who they had their eye on towards the end of 2023.

Aston Villa’s January transfer window

NSWE and Monchi were busy at the beginning of the year, bringing in new players for Unai Emery in a flurry of late transfer activity. The first to arrive in January was right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade, with the youngster sent back to the club on loan for the rest of the season. Then, on deadline day, top target Morgan Rogers arrived from Middlesbrough, goalkeeper Joe Gauci signed from Adelaide United and teenager Lino Sousa joined from Arsenal before heading to Plymouth Argyle on loan.

However, one player who didn’t end up making the move to Villa Park last month was RB Salzburg gem Oscar Gloukh, despite being heavily linked with a transfer back in December. Valued at £50m by the Austrian side, Gloukh still appears to be of interest to those in the Midlands, according to a new update.

Aston Villa still want Oscar Gloukh

As per Football Insider in the last 48 hours, Villa have a “concrete” interest in signing Gloukh ahead of the summer window and are ‘closely monitoring the 19-year-old following his impressive recent form’.

There has been ‘extensive scouting’ by Villa in regards to Gloukh and the club ‘are very keen on a potential swoop’ as a result, despite bringing in Rogers last month. The report adds that Gloukh is ‘regarded as a top young player and is one of the highest-rated talents in Europe’.

The teenager is two-footed and can also play as a central midfielder as well as his primary attacking midfield role. Already an Israel international, Gloukh made the move to Austria at the beginning of 2023 from Maccabi Tel Aviv and has gone from strength to strength with Salzburg.

Now valued at a career-high €15m by Transfermarkt, Gloukh has contributed to eight Austrian Bundesliga goals in 18 games. (Oscar Gloukh profile – Transfermarkt)

He is under contract until 2027 and has come in for praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who labelled the player as another “jewel” for Salzburg.

Villa and Emery placed their trust in youth with the signings of Rogers, Sousa and Nedeljkovic at the beginning of 2024, and by the looks of things, Gloukh could be the next exciting youngster to put pen to paper at Villa Park in the summer.

Whilst the silverware and Anfield development during Jurgen Klopp's time at the club will take the headlines when he makes an emotional exit this summer, one key aspect that musn't be looked past is the emergence of Liverpool's academy since the German took over. It was getting to a stage when the Reds looked unlikely to find their next Steven Gerrard and then there may have been concerns that Trent Alexander-Arnold was a one-off.

After almost a decade on Merseyside, however, Klopp's impact is finally beginning to show in the academy.

Liverpool's academy emergence

Liverpool have had plenty of promising homegrown stars over the years, but the majority have eventually struggled. Ben Woodburn got his career off to a flying start when he became Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer at 17-years-old in a League Cup victory over Leeds United. Since that famous day in 2016, however, things have gone downhill. The academy graduate now plays for Preston North End in the Championship.

Then of course, Alexander-Arnold came along, who proved to be no one-goal wonder after striking a stunning free-kick in the Champions League qualifiers against Hoffenheim. The right-back has got better and better ever since and is now Liverpool's vice-captain and the highest assisting defender in Premier League history.

More recently, meanwhile, the likes of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have stepped up and played important roles under Klopp and look likely to play a key role in the coming years.

The Bradley alternative Liverpool could unleash after Trent's injury

Trent is once again injured which leaves Liverpool with something of a right-back dilemma ahead of their next games.

By
Zak Anderton

Feb 13, 2024

They're not the only players to have impressed Klopp though. According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Lewis Koumas has been promoted to first-team training after Klopp was reportedly "wowed" by the 18-year-old attacking midfielder.

"Brilliant" Koumas can follow Bradley and Quansah path

Named in the first-team squad for Liverpool's recent 3-1 win over Burnley, Koumas has been described by a well-placed source at the club as a "diamond" as per Veysey. The forward, who operates on the left-hand side, converted from a midfielder last season and has been flying ever since – scoring 12 goals and assisting a further three in 15 games so far in the current campaign.

It's no surprise that Liverpool U21 manager Barry Lewtas has spoken so highly of Koumas, given the numbers. Lewtas told the club's official website: "Lewis has been brilliant for us, he really has.

"He is a real energetic frontline player, loves to run in behind, he is aggressive in how he approaches the game and has really good technique. He is a really good footballer. He has fitted in great with the lads, he has a fantastic character and he just gets on with it, he really does. The other day when we were talking about Lewis, you forget he is still an U18 player. He has really matured the way he plays."

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed what would need to happen in order for him to sever ties with Manchester City in 2024 and head for Saudi Arabia.

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• Entered final year of his contract
• Interest from MLS & Middle East
• Has no need for lucrative deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 33-year-old midfielder has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. No fresh terms have been tabled as yet for the six-time Premier League title winner, who has been with City since 2015, but discussions are expected to take place at some point.

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  WHAT DE BRUYNE SAID

  De Bruyne has told of what the immediate future holds for him, amid talk of interest being shown from the Middle East: “I’ve read a lot of headlines, but I haven’t spoken to anyone. I hope I can last a few more years. Everyone knows I’m under contract at City for another year. And that I haven’t talked to anyone yet. I assume there will be talks with City in the next few months. If not, I will have to look for something else. But it’s hard to say what will happen. My summer will be very quiet. I will enjoy my holidays. And then I will return to City.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De Bruyne would land a lucrative contract if he were to follow the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, but the Belgian said of further lining his pockets: “Look, I have more than enough money. I know that well enough. If a silly amount is offered later, then that’s not for me. That’s for all my family, my friends, my children, my great-grandchildren, my children’s neighbours.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Euro 2024 is currently the main focus for De Bruyne, with Belgium preparing for a last-16 showdown with France at that competition. A break will be taken in after continental tournament action, before potentially forming part of City’s pre-season tour of the United States.

The best international teams from across Europe are competing in Germany this summer and GOAL has all you need to know.

Euro 2024 has concluded in Germany, with Spain lifting their fourth European Championship title.

With heavy hitters such as Spain, Germany, France, England, and more involved, the classic UEFA tournament would be one that promise plenty of action and drama.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about the Euro 2024 tournament, including, fixtures, standings, squads and more.

Contents

1. Groups
2. Knockout stage
3. How to watch Euro 2024
4. Euro 2024 top scorers
5. Prize money & trophy
6. Euro 2024 squads

• Group A fixtures, results & standings

  Group A table standings

  Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
  1	Germany (Q)	3	2	1	0	6	7
  2	Switzerland (Q)	3	1	2	0	2	5
  3	Hungary	3	1	0	2	-3	3
  4	Scotland	3	0	1	2	-5	1

  Group A fixtures & results

  Date	Fixture	Kick-off time (BST/ET)
  Jun 14	Germany 5-1 Scotland	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 15	Hungary 1-3 Switzerland	2pm / 9am
  Jun 19	Germany 2-0 Hungary	5pm / 12pm
  Jun 19	Scotland 1-1 Switzerland	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 23	Switzerland 1-1 Germany	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 23	Scotland 0-1 Hungary	8pm / 3pm

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  Group B fixtures, results & standings

  Group B table standings

  Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
  1	Spain (Q)	3	3	0	0	5	9
  2	Italy (Q)	3	1	1	1	0	4
  3	Croatia	3	0	2	1	-3	2
  4	Albania	3	0	1	2	-2	1

  Group B fixtures & results

  Date	Fixture	Kick-off time (BST/ET)
  Jun 15	Spain 3-0 Croatia	5pm / 12pm
  Jun 15	Italy 2-1 Albania	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 19	Croatia 2-2 Albania	2pm / 9am
  Jun 20	Spain 1-0 Italy	8pm
  Jun 24	Albania 0-1 Spain	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 24	Croatia 1-1 Italy	8pm / 3pm

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  Group C fixtures, results & standings

  Group C table standings

  Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
  1	England (Q)	3	1	2	0	1	5
  2	Denmark (Q)	3	0	3	0	0	3
  3	Slovenia (Q)	3	0	3	0	0	3
  4	Serbia	3	0	2	1	-1	2

  Group C fixtures & results

  Date	Fixture	Kick-off time (BST/ET)
  Jun 16	Slovenia 1-1 Denmark	5pm / 12pm
  Jun 16	Serbia 0-1 England	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 20	Slovenia 1-1 Serbia	2pm / 9am
  Jun 20	Denmark 1-1 England	5pm / 12pm
  Jun 25	England 0-0 Slovenia	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 25	Denmark 0-0 Serbia	8pm / 3pm

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  Group D fixtures, results & standings

  Group D table standings

  Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
  1	Austria (Q)	3	2	0	1	2	6
  2	France (Q)	3	1	2	0	1	5
  3	Netherlands (Q)	3	1	1	1	0	4
  4	Poland	3	0	1	2	-3	1

  Group D fixtures & results

  Date	Fixture	Kick-off time (BST/ET)
  Jun 16	Poland 1-2 Netherlands	2pm / 9am
  Jun 17	Austria 0-1 France	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 21	Poland 1-3 Austria	5pm / 12pm
  Jun 21	Netherlands 0-0 France	8pm / 3pm
  Jun 25	Netherlands 2-3 Austria	5pm / 12pm
  Jun 25	France 1-1 Poland	5pm / 12pm

Manchester United are going through something of a purple patch of form of late, with the Red Devils having a total of eight wins from their last 11 games.

In their most recent game against Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup, the Red Devils left it until the 89th minute to break the deadlock.

It was then that Casemiro met a peach of a ball from Bruno Fernandes with his head and managed to nod the ball into the back of the net.

Statistically, Erik ten Hag's men dominated the game but just couldn't seem to finish. As per Sofascore, United had a total of 20 shots with seven on target and ended up with 60% of the possession come the end of the game.

The Red Devils are likely to face a far tougher test tomorrow up against rivals Manchester City, however, with the Etihad side in menacing mood after hitting Luton Town for six in midweek in their own FA Cup outing.

With that in mind, let's have a look at the potential team that United could start with during Sunday's Manchester derby.

1

GK – Andre Onana

Despite not having the best of seasons since joining the club in the summer for a fee worth £47.2m, Andre Onana has been Ten Hag's undoubted first-choice this season.

Throughout the season thus far, the Cameroon international has played a total of 36 games and has conceded a total of 54 goals.

This means that he has only amassed a total of 11 clean sheets during his first season with the Red Devils, with improvement certainly needed from the marquee addition.

2

RB – Diogo Dalot

Dalot has been a fairly consistent first-team player since his return to the club from AC Milan in June 2021 after a season-long loan spell.

He started in United's game against Forest on Wednesday and managed to garner the joint-second-highest rating of any player on the pitch (8.0).

Whilst average ratings can't be taken as gospel, the fact that the Portugal international won 60% of the duels which he attempted in midweek showcases how well he played.

3

CB – Raphael Varane

There won't be any changes in the centre-back department for the Manchester derby, as the pair were both solid in regard to keeping Forest out on Wednesday.

Additionally, a vast majority of the Red Devils' defenders will be absent from the squad due to injury – including Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. Against Forest, Ten Hag only had one senior defender on the bench in Jonny Evans, so, there is little to no wiggle room in the defensive department.

4

CB – Victor Lindelof

Despite the fact that the Sweden international is more or less starting week-in and week-out due to necessity, he was solid in the FA Cup, as the 6 foot 1 anchor managed to win half of his duels and had a 91% pass accuracy come the end of the game.

Despite having typically battled it out with Maguire for a regular role this season, starting just 16 games in all competitions compared to the England internationals 19, he and Varane have managed to form a strong defensive pairing of late, including picking up a clean sheet last time out.

5

LB – Sofyan Amrabat

Despite his natural position being in the centre of midfield, thanks to the defensive injuries which Ten Hag's men have suffered, Sofyan Amrabat has become the only real option at left-back.

So often that, in five of his appearances this season, he has been in this unnatural position. Although, in the majority (12), the Morocco international has been used in defensive-midfield, it seems like full-back could be his place within the side for the foreseeable future.

6

CDM – Casemiro

After becoming Manchester United's hero thanks to his 89th-minute winner on Wednesday, it's hard to see the Brazil international being dropped in what is one of United's biggest games of the season.

Barring injury, the former Real Madrid man has been a constant in Ten Hag's line-ups this season as he has played a total of 19 games and has contributed to a total of seven goals and assists across the campaign.

7

CDM – Kobbie Mainoo

One of the positive stories to come out of the United squad this season is that of Kobbie Mainoo. Despite being just 18 years old, he has played 20 games and contributed to four goals and assists in his first term with the senior squad.

He has been one of the Red Devils' most in-form players and, he was even rested on Wednesday in preparation for this Sunday's clash against Pep Guardiola's men.

8

RM – Bruno Fernandes

Despite the right-hand side of midfield not being his natural position, across his entire career, United's captain has played on either wing a total of 31 times.

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, the Portugal international has contributed to 15 goals in 35 games and has been one of the club's most consistent players, and as tomorrow's clash is against their arch-rivals, it would be a surprise not to see their captain starting.

That tactical shake-up would then see Antony make away, the Brazilian still at his frustrating worst at the City Ground, with pundit Alan Shearer criticising him for not doing "anywhere near enough".

9

CAM – Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay has been in stellar form this season. The Scotland international has been pivotal in getting his club to sixth in the Premier League table as he has scored a total of eight goals thus far.

With Fernandes shifted out to the right, the towering 'goal machine' could feature in a more attack-minded role in a side that features five central midfielders by trade (Amrabat, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes and McTominay).

10

LM – Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho is yet another Man United youngster who has had a sudden rise to fame. He made his debut during the 2021/22 season and has since made himself a regular in the club's first-team.

Across the entirety of his tenure with United, the Argentina international has played a total of 71 games and has managed to contribute to 20 goals and assists – half of which have come this season.

The winger is having the most prolific form of his career thus far and has made himself almost irreplaceable within Ten Hag's squad.

Southampton's build-up to this weekend's clash with Sunderland will have been an understandably weird one, considering the Saints had their mid-week match at St. Mary's with Preston North End postponed.

Russell Martin's men couldn't back up a dramatic win away at Birmingham City with another potential three points owing to the late cancellation, with Sunderland now the opposition next up for the Championship promotion hopefuls to get the better of.

Having had more time to think about what XI he could field with no Wednesday night fixture to assess things off of, Martin could surprisingly axe this reliable presence in the midfield to face off against Mike Dodds' out-of-form Black Cats.

Stuart Armstrong's performance vs Birmingham in numbers

The former Dundee United midfielder has been a regular under Martin this campaign, amassing an impressive six assists and four goals from 35 total second-tier appearances.

Still, away from the £65k-per-week Scotsman being dependable for large portions of the season, Stuart Armstrong's fixed spot in the Saints lineup could be up for grabs based on his unmemorable display away at Birmingham last weekend.

Armstrong would squander possession a total of 23 times in the middle of the park at St. Andrew's, a costly amount when you consider the fact that Tony Mowbray's hosts kept finding ways to get back into the enthralling 4-3 contest.

As can be seen in the table above, the Saints number 17 had an off-day against Birmingham to the point where Martin could consider springing a surprise on Sunderland by dropping him completely.

Various different reserve players could benefit from Martin potentially axing the 31-year-old midfielder, with a selection dilemma now on the manager's hands as to who could come in and do a job in the experienced Saints man's absence.

The players that could replace Stuart Armstrong

Martin could bring the likes of Joe Aribo or Joe Rothwell into the first-team fold over Armstrong for the game tomorrow, with Aribo firing in the winner late on from off the bench against Birmingham when coming on for Will Smallbone.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Rothwell has also shone for Southampton in patches here and there since joining from AFC Bournemouth on loan in January, firing in two goals for his new short-term employers so far from 11 appearances.

One of those goals was a first-time wonder strike against Huddersfield Town last month in the Championship, the sublime strike helping Southampton get the better of a tricky Terriers side 5-3 on the day.

Yet to sit out an entire game for Southampton this campaign – with Armstrong playing in some capacity in every single second-tier game this season for his South Coast side – Martin will know utilising his full squad away from the Scotsman could work against Sunderland.

Arguably, with Southampton experiencing some rocky form recently that has seen them lose significant ground in the automatic promotion hunt, the time could be right for other stars to shine in central midfield away from Armstrong being kept in the starting lineup.