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Sam Allardyce’s fantasies are an area that none of us really want to delve too deeply in to, but, for the sake of this article, we probably should do.

Sunderland are beginning to show the sort of resilience that could be associated with a side about to make a miraculous recovery and save themselves from the abyss of the Championship. However, a lot of that responsibility seems to be on Jermain Defoe and his track record of finding the net with monotonous regularity.

Failing that, Allardyce needs to address many of his squad’s defence issues and help set his side up for the rest of the campaign to make sure there aren’t quite as many defensive blunders as there have been of late.

The Black Cats have been flirting with relegation for years and ‘Big Sam’ is the man tasked with keeping them away for the drop for one more year…

Could this be the XI to keep them up?

Vito Mannone

Sunderland managers can’t seem to settle on whether Mannone or Costel Pantilimon should take the first choice goalkeeping berth, but the Italian seems to be the better shot stopper.

Jordan Pickford is the other option and the youngster might be able to make the role his own long-term if Mannone and Pantilimon continue to under perform.

Billy Jones

Billy Jones is one of those players that seems to be consistent without pulling up any trees or earning a great deal of credit.

The former Baggies star has kept hold of the right-back spot despite loanee DeAndre Yedlin pushing for a starting place and we can expect that to continue if Big Sam opts for a back four.

Jan Kirchhoff

After one of the worst debuts in Premier League history, this former Bayern Munich defender will hope he can learn pretty quickly how to settle in to Premier League football.

Conceding a penalty and looking like he’s off the pace made for a poor start, but Kirchhoff’s experience should come in handy.

Federico Fazio

With the brilliance of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld’s partnership, Fazio is likely to be looking for a move away from Spurs and the Argentine central defender would be a good addition for Sunderland.

John O’Shea and Wes Brown have consistently shown they aren’t up to playing at Premier League standard any longer and need replacing.

Patrick van Aanholt

This ex-Chelsea youngster has been given greater attacking freedom by Big Sam and has become quite a threat in the opposition’s final third.

As he overlaps, the midfield need to be aware to cover for the Dutchman, but he is quite an asset in this side.

Yann M’Vila

M’Vila signing for the Black Cats on loan was quite a remarkable piece of business and he has shown glimmers of why he has been so highly regarded.

Steve Sidwell

Many will think Lee Cattermole should walk into this Sunderland side, but Steve Sidwell has always been an underrated player in the Stoke midfield and should be utilised by the Black Cats if they can sign him.

Versatile to contribute in both boxes, Sidwell would be a shrewd addition.

Adam Johnson

Despite recent controversy, Johnson is still one of Sunderland’s most creative players and is a regular provider of both goals and assists when the Black Cats are playing well.

Jeremain Lens

Lens was a star in Holland, but has struggled to have the same impact since arriving at Sunderland.

The flying forward’s role needs to be to run at sides and create space for the players like Defoe and Johnson.

Dame N’Doye

Adding N’Doye to the squad might finally mean the end of Fletcher’s time in England, but this striker has a proven goalscoring pedigree and could be a star that keeps Sunderland up.

Jermain Defoe

After his recent hat trick at Swansea, Jermain Defoe is continuing to break records and prove all of those wrong that think he is too old to replicate his own goal scoring heroics.

After successfully seeing off a buoyant Tottenham Hotspur side at the Boleyn Ground, Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United side have managed to keep the positive vibe among West Ham fans burning bright this season, whilst also offering an all-important boost for Leicester City in the 2015/16 title race.

The Upton Park faithful are nonetheless expecting their club to build upon their recent domestic form throughout the course of the upcoming summer transfer window, with thoughts of launching a brand new era of success at London’s Olympic Stadium understandably high on the agenda right in the here and now.

However, as current Chelsea skipper and long-term Stamford Bridge hero – John Terry – has subsequently been linked with a shock move to West Ham in light of his apparent lack of future with the Blues this summer– could the Upton Park faithful really be on the verge of accepting the 35-year-old centre-back as one of their own next season?

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Without wanting to put this particular discussion to bed almost immediately, this is just the kind of surprise transfer rumour that ultimately seems extremely unlikely to materialise in the summer.

West Ham have nonetheless witnessed a number of high profile targets linked with their club with varying degrees of probability in the run up to the much anticipated stadium move next season, but as John Terry isn’t exactly the most revered opposing player to ever make himself known within the East-End’s passionate footballing scene, perhaps this specific transfer possibility actually requires very little analysis.

And for a number of good reasons, too. Although John Terry could go down as the most well-rounded defender of the entire Premier League era for his previous exploits at the back in several seasons past, the 35-year-old centre-back clearly no longer represents the formidable player he once was.

It doesn’t take much to notice Terry’s obvious shortcomings the Premier League, as his inevitable fall from grace in the Premier League has seemingly coincided with Chelsea’s very own lack of form throughout the 2015/16 campaign. Whilst the former England captain still carries a fairly well established reputation under his belt at this particular stage in his career, John Terry represents more of a liability than anything else nowadays.

Had Slaven Bilic and his ever impressive West Ham outfit fallen victim to a defensive crisis of sorts at the back this season, then perhaps someone of Terry’s invaluable experience and know-how could have been considered by the Hammers board as a possible temporary option at the very least. As each of James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Winston Reid and James Tomkins have nonetheless been in fine form for their club in 2015/16 however, there is ultimately very little need for such a controversial notion to ever come into play.

Put in no uncertain terms whatsoever, John Terry’s current relationship with the Stamford Bridge faithful has seemingly painted him out as something close to a ‘pantomime villain’ among the Upton Park support for a consecutive number of years now. The Hammers fan-base would never likely accept such a player on the basis of his prior interaction with their club, even if Terry began his youth career under the guidance of the West Ham academy many moons ago.

As the player in question will likely receive several healthy offers from across the global footballing scene this summer, the thought of John Terry turning out in West Ham colours next term simply remains as unimaginable as it’s ever been when all is said and done.

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Arsenal fans have been through frustrating times. They have seen talented wingers like Marc Overmars, Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires all tear apart Premier League and European defences, but now those sights are distant memories. The Gunners haven’t had that level of quality on their wings since, with fans now having to settle for Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell.

Though all of them have shown glimpses of their talent, they aren’t at the level of quality of their predecessors, and don’t have the understanding or consistency of the Swede and the Frenchman.

With rumours that Arsene Wenger could be leaving at the end of the season, and that Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain could be sold, this could finally be the time that Arsenal fans had hoped for: a time where change could be about to take place. But who should be brought in to help this wing revolution? Here are FIVE options…

Riyad Mahrez

A player within the Premier League that has been linked to Arsenal is Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez. Mahrez has had a great season for the Foxes, in which he’s helped the club climb from the threat of relegation to a title challenge within a year. With 16 goals and 11 assists in 30 games, Mahrez has really contributed, and would do well at Arsenal.

Sadio Mane

Southampton’s Sadio Mane this season has struggled for consistency, but that has mainly been down to a summer where he was linked with big teams. Five goals and six assists in 30 matches is hardly great form, but considering what he showed in his debut season he would be well worth the risk for Arsenal. Considering he can play on the wing or up front, he would be the ideal signing for the Gunners.

Lucas Moura

With the signing most likely to be from outside the Premier League, PSG’s Lucas Moura could be an ideal candidate. Since the sale of Ezequiel Lavezzi to China, Moura has been given the chance to shine in Paris and at the age of 23, he still has a long career ahead of him. With six goals and four assists in 29 games, he is starting to become the player many thought he would be. Though a move would be a risk, Arsenal could really make him the finished product.

Michail Antonio

If it is a cost effective player they are looking for, then they can look no further than London. Michail Antonio has burst onto the scene this season for West Ham after joining from Nottingham Forest, with six goals and two assists in 18 games for the Hammers. Considering English wingers are hard to come by, a move to the Gunners could benefit both parties: Arsenal get a quality player, and Antonio strengthens his chances of getting an England cap.

Kingsley Coman

One dream player for Emirates fan is Juventus’ Kingsley Coman. The Frenchman, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, has taken the league by storm and forced himself into the French national side. With four goals and five assists in 20 games, he is an exciting prospect to watch, and given that no transfer has been put in place, Arsenal can live in hope that they could prise him away.

When clubs qualify for the Champions League, as second-place Tottenham Hotspur are set to this season, it often gives them access to a higher bracket of the transfer market – players of immense quality who are only interested in playing in Europe’s top tournament.

Whether the Lilywhites will take advantage of that to the fullest extent this summer remains to be seen. Daniel Levy has been burnt in the transfer market before, most notably in summer 2013 as the club tried to fill the void of Gareth Bale with a £100million-plus spending spree.

Indeed, Spurs’ transfer model since has followed a pattern of predominantly young signings arriving at unspectacular cost and it’s hard to argue with the results. Yet, the north Londoners could still stick to those principles this summer whilst applying them to higher end of the transfer market, with Champions League football (or potentially even the Premier League title) remaining a key incentive.

With that in mind and the summer transfer window just around the corner, here are FIVE young superstars we think Tottenham should target.

MARIO GOTZE

Liverpool and former club Borussia Dortmund are the clubs most commonly linked with Mario Gotze, but I think Tottenham have a pretty good chance of sealing the Bayern Munich star’s services this summer as well.

The German international is perhaps best famed for netting the winner in the 2014 World Cup final, but he’s seriously suffered at club level over the last few years and most particularly this season, struggling for both fitness and form.

Verging upon the final twelve months of his Allianz Arena contract, the Bundesliga champions look set to sell this summer and the 23-year-old is certainly in need of a new home – reviving a career that once had him amongst the most exciting youngsters in world football whilst at Westfalenstadion.

Gotze can operate as an attacking midfielder, a winger or a striker, so I’m sure Mauricio Pochettino can find room for his talent in the starting Xi. In terms of price tag, £20million is certainly the right ball-park.

OUSMANE DEMBELE

Ousmane Dembele may not be a superstar just yet but if the first few months of his career are anything to go by, it won’t be long until the Rennes sensation is up there with the most exciting attackers in world football.

Indeed, since making his senior debut in November, the 18-year-old has amassed twelve goals and five assists in 20 Ligue 1 outings – whilst averaging the joint-most dribbles per match of any player involved in Europe’s five leading top flights alongside Barcelona star Neymar.

That has seen pretty much every major Premier League club – including Spurs – linked with the France U21 in recent weeks, whilst Barcelona are believed to have seen a £27million transfer bid rejected, so he looks set to enter the coming window as one of world football’s hottest commodities.

Champions League football next season, coupled with Mauricio Pochettino’s reputation of bringing the best out of young players, could see the Lilywhites win the race for the prodigious winger’s signature.

SERGE AURIER

Tottenham are already well-endowed in the right-back department and many will rightly question why Mauricio Pochettino should look to change a backline that has helped the Lilywhites concede the fewest goals of any Premier League side this season.

Nonetheless, Serge Aurier is a top talent and having spent the last two months in exile following some incredibly derogatory public remarks aimed at his PSG team-mates and manager Laurent Blanc, appears almost certain to be sold in the coming transfer window.

The Ivory Coast international’s form before his internal suspension was nothing short of phenomenal, grabbing two goals and two assists in 19 Ligue 1 appearances whilst averaging 3.9 tackles, 3.6 interceptions and 1.2 successful dribbles per match.

Still just 23 years of age, Aurier has an enormous future ahead of him and Spurs would be wise the capitalise on the ambiguity over his future this summer.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN

It seems inevitable Ilkay Gundogan will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, having allowed his contract to enter its final twelve months for the second summer in a row, and barring a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid (which seems unlikely) the Premier League represents his most plausible next destination.

The German international is famed for his energy and style on the ball, which should see him acclimatise quickly to the Mauricio Pochettino philosophy, and has been in typically good form this season, averaging 1.5 tackles, 2.2 interceptions, 2.3 successful dribbles and 1 created chance per match.

Of course, the 25-year-old has eyes for the biggest clubs in world football and recent speculation has suggested a link-up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, whilst a Jurgen Klopp reunion at Liverpool is another popular tabloid theory.

But Gundogan would suit the style of play at White Hart Lane perfectly and the offer of Champions League football – in comparison to Liverpool or mooted suitors Manchester United, for example – gives the Lilywhites a decent chance in the race for his signature.

ALVARO MORATA

Tottenham Hotspur lack a viable back-up option to Harry Kane and that will surely be one of Mauricio Pochettino’s first ports of call in the transfer market this summer. Although he might cost a pretty penny – potentially as much a £40million – Alvaro Morata remains an incredibly strong candidate.

The Spain international is not the most prolific of goalscorers, netting just 25 times in 87 appearances since signing for Juventus in summer 2014, but does have a knack of scoring incredibly important goals – including five in Europe last season that took the Old Lady to the Champions League final.

Spurs have been linked with the 23-year-old before and famed for his mobility, height and power, he seems like a pretty good fit for the physical rigours of Premier League football.

Not a guaranteed starter at Juventus despite the aforementioned, many are tipping Morata to move on this summer. But whether he’d be interested in serving as Harry Kane’s understudy remains to be seen and as previously mentioned, he could set the Lilywhites back a club-record sum.

How many players in the past have jumped ship to a bigger club and seen their career go pear shaped?

With all of the speculation concerning Jamie Vardy’s Leicester future, what needs to be kept in mind, is the fact that all of this circus is based on one season.

You have to admit that it was a great season for the ex-Fleetwood Town man, but it is one star studded campaign that has led to the Premier League title, Champions League qualification and a chance to play for England in a major competition, but it is still one year.

24 league goals and runner-up to top scoring Spurs man, Harry Kane, is undeniably no mean feat and in the world of fairytale seasons, it’s such a story, no wonder Hollywood loves it.

However, next year will be one that defines just how good Vardy is, and maybe for now the Foxes poacher needs to cement his stock at the King Power Stadium, albeit, this might be his only chance to join a bigger team at 29.

Here are FIVE reasons for Vardy to consider staying with the champions…

Champions League football

Surely one of the most important competitions that any player would want to be involved in? To go in as a champion of your own league adds status, although there will be some snobbery as Leicester are not traditionally a Champions League side. If you move to a club not in the Champions League, then that doesn’t make sense, so stay where you are guaranteed the next tier of football and a first-team slot every game. Leicester have the opportunity to shake up the CL, as they are complete unknowns and will stick to their soak-up-the-pressure-and-then-counter-attack style of play.

Leicester Are Winners

It was reported that Vardy’s representatives had virtually concluded a deal two weeks ago with West Ham. The Hammers were willing to trigger the release clause and pay £105,000 a week for the Leicester man, but apparently the players agent then came back and demanded £140,000 a week.

West Ham said no thanks.

Now Arsenal are looking to pay Vardy a vast weekly wage over three years, but what is being forgotten is that West Ham haven’t won anything and neither have Arsenal. The Gunners always shoot themselves in the foot and end up runners-up, but at least they do have the Champions League. Leicester are champions and will probably come in with a counter offer that should make the player want to remain with the winners, not the also-rans. Why would you leave a winning team?

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Hero status

Vardy has gone from ‘Jamie, who?’, to being a cult hero, and while he is worshipped at Leicester, why would he then move to establish himself all over again? Whatever Vardy does now, whatever happens to the goalscoring feats for next year, he will be forgiven because of what he’s achieved last season. He will do no wrong, but he won’t get the same adulation or forgiveness anywhere else. It’s better sometimes to stay where you are and become a legend.

The grass Isn’t Always Greener

The lure of a bigger club and bigger money have sent other players tumbling into obscurity in the past because, often, that big move becomes an anchor you can never shake off. Maybe Leicester are his level, the players are a team rather individuals and he ‘fits’ with the Foxes, whereas elsewhere, he would become a smaller fish in a larger pond.

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Comfort Zone

Comfort zones can be a double edged sword. Critics will say that to stay at a club could be a sign of a lack of ambition or it could be that actually the player is entirely comfortable with the playing style, the other players and has the freedom to play his best football. The team know each other and Vardy knows where to be to receive the ball, as the team knows where to put the ball for him to score.

The manager and the fans love him, the club want him  stay and the next season could be good again within a familiar environment. If he stays at Leicester, they will play to his strengths, elsewhere, he may have to adapt – if he can.

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Manchester United have agreed terms with Paul Pogba and are set to pay a world record €120m (£102.5m) for the Juventus midfielder this summer, according to Tancredi Palmeri.The Red Devils have been active in the transfer market already this window, with the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager having paved the way for deals for Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.WANT MORE? >>ÂManchester United transfer newsÂ|ÂLatest transfer newsIn his opening press conference as the Red Devils’ boss, ‘Mou’ suggested that he has four transfer targetsÂin mind, with Pogba seemingly the last of this quartet.Widespread reports over the past few days have claimed that the midfielder, who will represent his home nation in EURO 2016 semi-final action this evening, is closing in on a dramatic return to the club he left as a youngster in 2012, and Italian journalist, Palmeri, has taken to Twitter to claim the deal is effectively ‘done’:“All confirmed: Manchester United reached agreement with Pogba for 13m€ wages per year and will bid 120m€.â€Palmeri went on to reveal that the total figure Man United will be paying, including fees to his agent, will reach €145m (£123.5m), while he annual salary will be three times greater than that he earns at Juventus:“Note: if Manchester United finalise the deal, then will break any record paying Pogba 145m€ (120 to Juve + 25 to agent).“Pogba wages at Manchester United would be approximately treble than what he earns at Juventus.â€Pogba, 23, is widely hailed as the best midfielder in his age range on the planet.

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Plenty of Hammers fans were holding their breath on Saturday night, as they waited to discover the fate of Aaron Cresswell, who was stretchered off the field in a pre-season game against German side Karlsruher.

The young defender has been one of the most consistent performers for West Ham over the last two seasons and is fast becoming one of the best left backs in the league.

Now, the news has broken that the 26-year old will be out of action for four months minimum. With no cover at Cresswell’s position, Slaven Bilic will be forced into the transfer market to look for short term alternatives.

Fortunately for the Croatian manager, there are a number of fantastic options available at left back.

Here are five players that West Ham should consider when trying to replace Aaron Cresswell…

Jordan Amavi

A bright spark in what was a dismal season for Aston Villa, Jordan Amavi performed well in the short time he had in the first team at Villa Park last season before succumbing to injury.

The 22-year-old was a revelation in his native France and is thought to be a fantastic prospect. Amavi would be an astute short term replacement for Cresswell, with his lightning speed going forward and instinctual defending.

Andrew Robertson

One of the Championship’s best players last season, young Andrew Robertson has been the subject of interest from a number of Premier League suitors but remains with Hull as they get ready for their season back in the top flight.

The former SPFA Young Player of the Year is a phenomenal prospect at left-back, providing a dangerous offensive threat from deep combined with superb defensive abilities.

At just 22, Robertson would provide long term competition for Cresswell upon his return.

Jonas Hector

The standout full-back at Euro 2016, Jonas Hector has fast made a name for himself and is reportedly wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool.

The 26-year old is, first and foremost, and excellent defender but is also a sublime crosser of the ball and provided a number of assists for his current club Koln last season.

Hector would be a real coup for the Hammers but would likely want guarantees as to first team football even when Cresswell returns to full fitness.

Francois Moubandje

One of the most improved players in Ligue 1, Toulouse’s Francios Moubandje impressed with his consistent performances and attacking threat from the left.

The 26-year-old has forced his way into the Swiss national team, an impressive feat considering the outstanding Ricardo Rodriguez holds down the left back position for his country.

Moubandje would likely be available for a modest fee and would likely accept competition for his place once Aaron Cresswell returns from injury.

Kieran Gibbs

Lengthy injuries and the form of Nacho Monreal restricted Keiran Gibbs to just 15 league appearance for Arsenal last season, his lowest total since 2011.

With Monreal set to start the new season as first choice left back at the Emirates, Gibbs may want to look for another challenge to re-ignite his once promising career.

West Ham would be the ideal destination for the 26-year-old. Gibbs would likely flourish in a Slaven Bilic system, especially if he is given license to roam the left wing using his searing pace.

After holistic recruitment over the summer, at considerable expense, and their move to a 57,000 (soon to be 66,000) capacity stadium, many expected West Ham to hit the ground running this season.

However, that’s not been the case; the Hammers have picked up just three points from their first four games in the Premier League and now find themselves only one place above the relegation zone.

Of course, there’s no need to use the phrase ‘relegation candidates’ but the east London club’s start to the current campaign is certainly worrying, considering how intense and unpredictable the Premier League has become in recent years.

The Hammers need to catch up with the rest of the pack sooner rather than later, especially if they still have plans to qualify for Europe this season.

But we at Football FanCast see plenty of promise at West Ham and their underwhelming start to the campaign is surely just a small blip. With that in mind – and to silence the doubters – here are FIVE reasons the Irons will turn it around…

NEW SIGNINGS YET TO SETTLE

As aforementioned, West Ham made an abundance of signings during the summer – 13 to be precise. But some have settled much better than others and the Hammers are nowhere near getting the best out of all their summer additions.

Indeed, Sofiane Feghouli, Simone Zaza and Alvaro Arbeloa are all fantastic players with prior experience in the Champions League, but they’re only just reaching match fitness after suffering early injuries or joining the Irons late in the summer transfer window.

Likewise,summer signing Andre Ayew is out until November at the earliest but the former Swansea City man will be a massive boost once he recovers from a thigh strain, which brings us onto…

INJURIES

West Ham have been nothing short of woefully unlucky in regards to injuries this season.

Indeed, Ayew lasted just 35 minutes into his Premier League debut for Slaven Bilic’s side before having to be stretchered off, whilst Andy Carroll’s injury was a huge blow after a strong finish to last term and an impressive performance against Chelsea.

But perhaps the biggest loss is Aaron Cresswell, whose knee has injury glaringly exposed the Hammers’ limited depth at full-back.

All three would probably be in the starting XI if fully fit so the Irons can certainly count themselves unfortunate; likewise, the East Londoners will be much stronger when they all return in the coming weeks.

DIMITRI PAYET

We’ve already discussed how West Ham’s summer signings haven’t quite settled yet and it’s a similar case with Dimitri Payet.

Indeed, injuries delayed his first start of the season until last weekend and although the Hammers lost 4-2 to Watford, the Frenchman dazzled in the first half, even producing a ‘Rabona’ assist for Michail Antonio’s second goal.

The talismanic midfielder got West Ham up to seventh almost single-handed last season and he’s more than capable of doing so again – once he’s back to full fitness.

OUT OF EUROPA LEAGUE

The majority of West Ham fans were understandably disappointed to see their club eliminated from Europe at the hands of Astra Guirgiu for the second season in a row.

But the obvious silver lining is that the Hammers will no longer be involved in the Europa League, a competition infamous for the pejorative effects it has on domestic campaigns.

That works both ways; not only will Slaven Bilic’s players be fitter, more prepared for and more focused on the Premier League, but potential divisional rivals still involved – such as Southampton and Manchester United – won’t have that luxury.

EASY RUN AHEAD

In terms of fixtures, the Hammers have endured a tricky start to the campaign – particularly in facing title-chasing duo Chelsea and Manchester City on the road.

The Hammers were always unlikely to claim points from those games and considering they also beat Bournemouth at the London Stadium, only against Watford have they truly failed to meet expectations.

And the good news going forward is that the Irons’ coming run in the Premier League is much simpler; you’d expect them to pick up points against West Brom, Southampton, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Sunderland in the coming weeks.

Admittedly, however, the November to December period is incredibly tough.

Watford are going to be a difficult post-Europa test for Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho isn’t familiar with the ugly trips on a Thursday night and this is his first taste of following up midweek football with his Manchester United squad. His failure to rotate his cost him dearly in previous jobs and it will be a tricky skill in this one.

The Hornets, conversely, are fresh from a stunning comeback away at West Ham. Showing their ability to find recover from great adversity and dominate a strong Hammers team, this is a Watford side that will be under-rated by many throughout the course of this season.

Still licking their wounds from a footballing lesson in the Manchester derby, it would be out of character for a Mourinho side to follow one defeat with another. A strong, resilient performance is expected from the Red Devils.

It won’t be plain sailing, though. And these Watford players will be pivotal…

Troy Deeney

Deeney was perhaps unlucky to miss out on England’s Euro 16 squad after 13 goal debut Premier League season and he has started this season in similar, dominating manner.

Averaging 5.5 aerials won per game, the 28-year-old forward is the main focal point of the Hornets attack, with Ighalo looking to run off him. His strike partner found the net against West Ham as he aims to rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most prolific strikers in the first half of last season.

Deeney will physically challenge Eric Bailly from the off and should immediately look to engage Daley Blind in a physical battle.

Etienne Capoue

No one, probably including Capoue himself, expected the French central midfielder to be one of the league’s top scorers after four games.

Now playing in a three-man midfield, Capoue as the opportunity to break forward down the inside left channel and will attack Antonio Valencia centrally, giving him a challenge on which run to cover. His ability to run beyond Deeney and Ighalo causes problems and could stretch a fatigued Manchester United defence.

Someone who has started the season at such a rate will need to be closely marked throughout.

Nordin Amrabat

Amrabat may have hoped to play alongside one of Deeney or Ighalo this season, but he has found himself in and industrious role on the right wing. Charged with protecting the defence from Luke Shaw’s energetic overlaps and offering the out ball to the flank when in possession, his role is integral to the way that Watford are setting up under Walter Mazzarri.

If he can throw off the defensive shackles on occasion, Amrabat has the talent to really cause problems out wide and his presence should create more space for Watford’s central players to cause damage.

According to reports from Goal, Manchester United may have to wait until next summer to offload outcast right-back Matteo Darmian.

What’s the word?

Louis van Gaal signed the defender from Torino last summer after a string of solid campaigns in Turin and a decent showing for Italy at the 2014 World Cup. But Darmian’s influence waned as the 2015/16 season went on and he finished it out of the starting XI – whilst starting the current one struggling to claim a spot on the bench.

Indeed, the 26-year-old has started just one game so far this season, in the Europa League at his secondary position of left-back, which tells all about Mourinho’s lack of faith in him.

Darmian is reportedly keen to get his career back on track and United have made him available to other clubs, but two key issues are holding up a January departure from Old Trafford.

What’s the problem?

Firstly, interest in Darmian is largely limited. Inter Milan are seen as the likeliest suitors but don’t view signing another right-back as a priority – and they’d be far more open to a loan move than a permanent transfer.

Secondly, United are struggling to come to terms with the price-tag of their preferred replacement, Fabinho. The Red Devils were strongly linked with the Monaco defender during the summer but ultimately decided not to meet the French club’s £25million valuation. Goal now quote it as £36million – rather steep for a right-back.

However, it’s suggested Fabinho’s price-tag could drop next summer, when United will fancy their chances of offloading Darmian.

Is Fabinho worth £36m?

That’s a matter of opinion but the Brazilian is undoubtedly an exciting talent. In addition to excelling at right-back for Monaco last term, he’s been a real force in central midfield this season – notching up four goals in seven Ligue 1 outings whilst also popping up with an assist in the Champions League.

Yet, that comes with its own dilemmas. With Antonio Valencia filling the void at the moment, United need an out-and-out right-back to take the No.2 mantle. So would the Red Devils actually be buying a right-back who can take the position long-term or a central midfielder shoehorned into the backline? The age-old adage of a square peg in a round hole comes to mind.

Nonetheless, the 22-year-old’s form is certainly noteworthy. Here’s a look at his progression since signing for Monaco, initially on loan, in summer 2013 – courtesy of Squawka.