Mitch Freeley

Managerial returns and reactions are needed for sides in the Premier League as we go into the seventeenth round of the season. The games are coming thick and fast in December, and all sides will be potentially changing up their squads for the midweek games. As ever, we break down the five key talking points that matter. 

Puel returns to Southampton

Claude Puel returns to Southampton on Wednesday evening with his in-form Leicester side who have won their last three Premier League games. The French coach has rejuvenated the former Premier League champions, and their late 3-2 away win against Newcastle suggests that the match at St Mary's could be an entertaining encounter. Puel was sacked by the Saints after leading them to an eighth-placed finish and an appearance in the League Cup final. He’ll certainly be relishing the opportunity to get one over his former employees. 

Huddersfield to trouble Chelsea at home

Huddersfield will head into their Tuesday night encounter against Champions Chelsea on a high following their 2-0 win over fellow promoted side Brighton on the weekend. David Wagner’s side has tended to step it up against the top four at home this season, defeating Manchester United 1-0 and pushing Man City all the way despite losing 2-1. The Terriers will be further boosted by the news that Chelsea will be without striker Alvaro Morata for the match. After losing 1-0 to West Ham, Chelsea is now a massive 14 points away from top spot. Conte will certainly be looking for a reaction from his side in West Yorkshire. 

Salah to sparkle against the Baggies?

Has a summer signed ever started as well as Mohammed Salah for Liverpool this season? The Egyptian winger has scored 13 times in 16 starts for Jurgen Klopp’s side and added another spectacular strike to his collection in the weekend draw with Everton. Salah is widely expected to start against West Brom on Wednesday evening, after being substituted in the Merseyside derby in the 67th minute. The tricky attacker will also be expected to add further goals to his tally, especially when taking on a struggling West Brom side that has yet to register an away win under new boss Alan Pardew. 

Will the Newcastle slump continue against Everton?

Newcastle seems to be in limbo at the moment. With no concrete news on the takeover fronted by Amanda Staveley, the Magpies have dropped off significantly after a strong start to the season. Rafa Benitez’s side has been crying out for investment particularly in attack, however with negotiations still ongoing will owner Mike Ashley really spend money if he is about to sell up? Newcastle has only one win in their last five home Premier League games and will be looking for points against Everton, especially with league leaders Manchester City heading to the St. James' Park on the weekend. 

Stoke must react against Burnley 

Mark Hughes is in real danger of being the next Premier League manager to get the sack. His Stoke side shipped five goals against Spurs on the weekend, and have lacked any real identity this season. The Potters are currently in fourteenth place and could get pulled into a relegation fight if results don’t improve. Stoke have only won four games at the Bet 365 this season and will be targeting an upset against a Burnley side who have been one of the most consistent sides this season. Swiss attacker Xherdan Shaqiri is the clubs joint leading goal scorer this season, and the diminutive midfielder will have to be at his brilliant best if the Potters are to get all three points.