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Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes that Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is losing patience with some of his key players.

The North London outfit have had a dismal run in the Premier League, failing to win their last four games.

The team suffered defeats to Arsenal and Leicester City and were held to draws by West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

As a result, the club have dropped to sixth in the Premier League table and their hopes of claiming the title have diminished dramatically.

Manchester City lead the way with an eight-point advantage over second-placed Manchester United and Spurs are 18 points off the pace.

On Wednesday, Pochettino and his men will switch their focus to the Champions League, where they have performed positively having won four and drawn one of their group matches.

The club have already secured a place in the last-16 stage, so the manager is expected to ring the changes for their clash against APOEL at Wembley.

Former Arsenal forward Nicholas thinks that Tottenham will win the game, but certain players will be dropped.

The pundit told Sky Sports:

“Well, I’m going for Spurs to get back on the winning trail. APOEL were awkward at home before Spurs put their foot on the gas impressively. I suspect Mauricio Pochettino is getting a bit frustrated with a few players and I think Christian Eriksen will be rested. I think the double-header with the Republic of Ireland took a lot out of Eriksen, physically and mentally, so he could do with a checkout.”

At the start of December 2011, Manchester City were five points clear of Manchester United. Not only did the Blues win the league on goal difference thanks to an iconic injury-time strike from Sergio Aguero, but they also had to come back from an eight point gap themselves to seal victory on the final day: a swing of 13 points at its highest arc.

In 2014, the start of December saw City trail Chelsea by six points only to find themselves level on New Year’s Day: level on points, goals scored, goal difference and even with identical win, loss and draw records. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea still went on to triumph in the end by eight points.

There are peaks and troughs and twists and turns, and no one should know that more than Manchester City. Whenever they’ve won the title they’ve spent all season in flux, between looking dead certs to lift the trophy and looking dead, whether it be 2012 or 2014. The phrase “we’ll fight ‘til the end” has become an anthem for Blues fans, and with good reason.

This season, with an 11 point gap, any City fan looking at the table dispassionately and with the realism that any other person would must surely concede that the title is City’s to lose. But given all that’s gone before, that’s just the problem: if any team can lose it….

On Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola’s City – by all accounts a different beast to what we’ve seen before – will travel to Swansea looking to continue their run of wins to 15, and take the record of most consecutive wins in Premier League history into new territory: the Arsenal of the Invincibles managed 14 over two seasons, but 15 would be unprecedented for everyone. And yet, Swansea’s Liberty is also a stadium where the Blues have seen title dreams seemingly come unstuck.

In 2012, Roberto Mancini’s City saw their two-point lead at the top of the table evaporate in south Wales in March as a Manchester United victory over West Brom lifted them into top spot, displacing City from the top of the league for the first time in five months, when United drew with Liverpool in October, just days before the first Manchester derby of the season saw City launch a goal difference lead over their rivals which would be crucial at the end of the campaign.

This year, it may not be quite so tight, and City may not need to worry quite as much. But after beating United at Old Trafford once again in a result which already feels more than just significant, Wednesday’s trip to the Liberty Stadium provides the sort of after-the-Lord-Mayor’s-show type of test that looks like something of a breeding ground for complacency.

Guarding against that will be City’s next big task, especially with a tough looking test against a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. Slumping in midweek would still leave the Blues with an eight point lead, and even then only if Manchester United can win their game at home to Bournemouth.

But City know all about twists and turns in the title race, and they know that they can all start with away trips to Swansea, too.

Tottenham fans are split on the latest news regarding Wilmar Barrios, as multiple reports have claimed the Boca Juniors midfielder is close to a switch to North London.

Argentine outlet El Sol expect Barrios to join Tottenham in the coming weeks, claiming the player has ”everything arranged” to make the move.

The report says the 24 year-old has told Boca Juniors he will not play for the club again, as he looks to finalise a move to the Premier League.

The tough tackling Colombian has been linked with a move to replace the outgoing Mousa Dembele for quite some time, and while there are question marks over his technical ability, he certainly has the muscle to full the Belgian’s boots.

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The 13-cap Colombian, valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, was the subject of much discussion after his side’s World Cup defeat to England, as he led their underhand tactics with a head-butt on Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.

Some fans are absolutely loving his feisty attitude, particularly as he went for a Liverpool player, but plenty of fans have their doubts over a player they see as a red card waiting to happen.

Either way, you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

According to Spanish media outlet Sport, Southampton are set to finalise the €12m (£10.6m) signing of Barcelona defender Marlon Santos, and lots of Saints fans have been quick to react to the rumour.

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Sport report that the La Liga champions have decided to cash in on the 22-year-old having recalled him halfway through a two-year loan spell with Nice, with Mark Hughes set to bring the Brazilian to St Mary’s.

Should he arrive on the south coast, he will be competing with the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Wesley Hoedt, Jan Bednarek and rumoured new boy Jannik Vestergaard for a spot at the heart of the defence, while he could also provide competition for Cedric Soares too given he has played as a right-back previously.

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Lots of Southampton supporters, who have been discussing a potential return for a former Saints favourite with one saying they would “love to have him back at St Mary’s”, have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the story, and while one said “wow, if we can get him and Vestergaard the defence is sorted”, another said “it means Yoshida is leaving”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

West Ham United are considering tabling a bid for Genoa’s Diego Laxalt, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

What’s the word?

The Hammers have certainly not taken a back seat where the transfer market is concerned this summer.

Following Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment as manager, it has been full steam ahead for the former Manchester City boss.

So far, the Chilean has recruited seven new players, the most recent of which being the exciting acquisition of Felipe Anderson.

Another impressive player could be heading towards the London Stadium in Laxalt, but West Ham will have to fork up around £17.7m to get a deal done, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

Would Laxalt be a strong addition?

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, joined Genoa from Inter Milan in 2016.

Last season, the winger scored three goals and three assists, but at the World Cup in Russia is where he caught the eye.

Laxalt, who can play as a left winger or left-back, was a key member of the Uruguayan team that reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, and were eventually beaten by winners France.

The former Inter player would be another exciting addition to an already busy summer for the Hammers, but there is a risk of bringing in a handful of new faces at once.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have experienced such problems before, and West Ham do not want to fall into that category.

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According to the Evening Standard, AC Milan are interested in signing Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata this summer.

The Spaniard only joined the London club last summer, and initially made a good first impression in English football. That bright start though was soon to fade, and the second half of the last campaign was a long, hard slog for the 25-year-old.

Morata only bagged a single Premier League goal following the turn of the year, despite having already netted 10 before New Year’s Day.

The January arrival of Olivier Giroud eventually forced the underperforming Morata out of the starting line up at Stamford Bridge. Now questions are being asked about his long-term future with the Blues.

Despite having enjoyed fine seasons with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid in the past, last season was the first time Morata had been made the main man, tasked with leading the line alone, week in week out. 

That pressure looked to take its toll, and now the new Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, must be assessing the forward options at his disposal ahead of the new campaign.

The Breakdown

According to the Express, Juventus’ Gonzalo Higuain, a former player of Sarri’s and a previous striking partner of Morata’s, could be on his way to Chelsea this summer. That deal, if it goes through, would likely seal Morata’s own exit.

Before Sarri commits to bringing Higuain in though, he should consider an internal solution.

Morata has proved in the past that he can be an extremely effective striker, when the burden of goalscoring is shared. Whether that means playing with two up front, or rotating the lone striker, there is a system for getting the best out of him.

For Chelsea, finding the perfect foil for the 25-year-old is preferable to putting all their eggs in the 31-year-old Higuain basket. Especially when that perfect foil may already be at the club.

Michy Batshuayi has enjoyed a fine spell of form in Germany since joining Borussia Dortmund on loan. The truth is, he was never particularly bad for Chelsea when he was in London, he just rarely got a chance to shine for the Blues, largely down to the presence of Diego Costa.

The 24-year-old is a talented attacker though, whose pace and energy make him a real handful for opposition defences. 

For Sarri, a forward triumvirate of Morata, Giroud and Batshuayi to pick from, rotate, or even play together, ought to be preferable to the signing of the likely very expensive Higuain, who is the wrong side of 30 and endured his poorest goalscoring campaign since 2012/13 last time out.

The Tottenham fans are becoming more and more worried about the fact their beloved team has still not signed a single player this window. 

Despite the excitement surrounding their new stadium, fans are more worried about the lack of business around the club as the fans want to ensure Champions League qualification is possible every season. With the influx of money being pumped into the game, Tottenham must spend to stay in contention but a way to avoid a high initial fee for a player is to recruit Bernard, who is available on a free transfer.

The Brazilian winger left Shakhtar last month and has yet to find a club, despite his immense talent. Bernard last season scored 10 goals in all competitions as well as providing 4 assists for his team-mates. Stats like that prove Bernard could be a great acquisition for money-shy Tottenham and at the age of 25, still has years ahead to improve his game with Spurs.

Tottenham have their starting line-up sorted but the lack of squad depth is alarming, especially with all the extra cup competitions the club will be involved with this season. Bernard is a player alongside fellow Brazilian Lucas Moura that could provide width, quality and trickery on the wing should Tottenham wish to rotate their side in the league and cup competitions.

His value is around £14.4 million on Transfermarkt, which proves that Tottenham would be able to recruit a fine player without having to pay a fee, that’s a good deal right?

Do you agree… Let us know!

Arsenal’s transfer business has been superb this summer and the club look like they could be in for a surprising season ahead. 

The club brought in Bernd Leno this summer in order to compete with Petr Cech for the first-team spot. With his arrival, however, there have been questions over the futures of David Ospina – who looks set to join Besiktas – and indeed, Petr Cech.

Due to the uncertainty of the two, Arsenal have apparently registered in League One shot-stopper, Tomas Holy according to The Mirror.

The former Sparta Prague goalkeeper joined Gillingham last summer and has also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton.

The Breakdown

The goliath six foot nine goalkeeper became an ever-present for the club, playing 45 games in League One.

At the moment, Arsenal seem pretty well stocked in goal. Petr Cech will likely start in goal at the beginning of the season, while Leno will challenge him for the starting position, and depending on Cech’s performances, the German could take over around Christmas.

As stated, Ospina will likely leave the club which now leaves one position left to fill for the Gunners.

Emiliano Martinez was taken on the pre-season tour to Singapore and looked impressive but it’s still unclear if he will take the third-choice spot.

If Martinez were to leave, the deal for Holy would make sense. At only 26, the ‘keeper is going into the prime of his career and might be a suitable option as the third-choice. It’s not a move Arsenal need to make but it might be beneficial in the long run.

What do you think Arsenal fans? 

According to reports in The Guardian, Crystal Palace look set to win the race to sign free agent Max Meyer after he left Schalke when his contract expired, and fans of Premier League rivals West Ham United have been quick to react to the rumour.

The Germany international has been without a club since leaving the Bundesliga outfit at the end of June, but despite links with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, The Guardian believe the 22-year-old is on his way to Selhurst Park.

Capable of playing in a No.10 role or deeper in the midfield, it is clear that some of the London Stadium faithful believe their team should have rounded off their summer by moving for the highly-rated German.

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West Ham supporters, who are loving a transfer link to a midfielder described by one as “solid, quick DM, tidy passer”, took to social media to give their thoughts on the reported imminent deal, and while one said “I think West Ham made a big mistake not going in for Max Meyer”, another said “don’t let Palace get Max Meyer”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Leeds United put in another wonderful performance yesterday as they battered Frank Lampard’s Derby County 4-1 at Pride Park.This result follows the Whites’ dismantling of Premier League drop-outs Stoke City on the opening weekend.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257599″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Leeds’ opening fixtures for the 201819 Championship season”]All of Marcelo Bielsa’s men were in fine form against the Rams yesterday, and it was truly a team performance that brought about the thumping result. Even then, one or two in the Leeds team stood out.Samu Saiz, in particular, put in an eye-catching performance and imposed himself as a constant menace upon the Derby defence. The 27-year-old’s work rate was magnificent, and for all of the good work he did going forward, his willingness and desire to track back and aid his own defence will be particularly pleasing for Leeds fans.//fixtureinfocus.podiant.co/latest/embed/Many of the Elland Road faithful took to Twitter after the match to congratulate Saiz on his fine showing, and express their excitement about the Spaniard’s quality and current form…