Southampton return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they take on Burnley at St Mary’s, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side looking to distance themselves from a relegation battle by picking up three points against Sean Dyche’s visitors.
The south coast club were able to welcome back the likes of Theo Walcott and Danny Ings during the international break as they recovered from their respective injuries, and they could be vital to Southampton’s end to the season if they can stay fit.
Unfortunately for the Austrian manager, James Ward-Prowse is a doubt after being forced to withdraw from international duty due to a calf problem, which leaves the former RB Leipzig manager with a big decision to make in midfield.
Will Southampton win today?
Yes
No
Here’s how we think Hasenhuttl will line his side up on Sunday, with just two changes from the team which defeated Bournemouth 3-0 in the FA Cup before the international break…
Fraser Forster continues as first-choice in goal ahead of Alex McCarthy after keeping another clean sheet in the FA Cup win last time out.
Unsurprisingly, there are no changes in the defence, with Hasenhuttl having very few options at his disposal particularly in the full-back positions, and this is his strongest back four.
There’s one change in midfield as Alexandre Jankewitz comes in for Ward-Prowse, who shouldn’t be risked, whilst Nathan Redmond also drops back into a wide position despite impressing up front against the Cherries.
This allows Ings to make his return at centre-forward alongside the in-form Che Adams, with the “super-talented” Moussa Djenepo dropping to the bench as a result. However, the Malian may well be called upon to make an impact from the bench if required, along with Walcott, Takumi Minamino and Nathan Tella.
In other news… No goals this season: Hasenhuttl must axe 25 y/o flop, he’s stealing a wage