Predicted Southampton Line-up To Face Stoke City In The Premier League
Southampton will face off against Mark Hughes’ Stoke City this weekend, in game-week 7 of the Premier League, at the Bet365 Stadium, on Saturday.
The Saints are currently placed 11th in the league standings, with 8 points from 6 games, having won just two matches so far. Last weekend, they were defeated 1-0 at home by Manchester United and manager Mauricio Pellegrino will be hoping his side finish as the winners this time around at least, against the Potters.
Team News
Left-back Matt Targett is the only injury enforced absentee for the Saints. Virgil van Dijk is getting closer to a return to the starting setup, but might not make it on Saturday.
Here’s how Southampton could line up against Stoke this weekend:
Manager: Mauricio Pellegrino
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Fraser Forster (GK)
The England international is the Saints’ undisputed No.1 choice in goal, but doesn’t really cut an assured presence all the time. Will be looking to collect his 4th clean sheet of the season.
Cedric Soares (RB)
The Portuguese right-back has been an ever-present in the Southampton backline and that isn’t going to change for Saturday’s encounter.
Maya Yoshida (CB)
The 28-year old will be looking to put in a strong performance on Saturday, as he faces the risk of losing his place in the line-up to a fit again Van Dijk.
Wesley Hoedt (CB)
The summer signing from Lazio has been fairly impressive in his short spell with the South Coast club. Another start beckons for him on Saturday.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
The former Chelsea man is another constant fixture in the Saints’ defence, at left-back. Will complete the back-4.
Oriol Romeu (CM)
The Spaniard isn’t always given the amount of credit he deserves for his performances in the middle of the park. He provides a solid platform for the Saints to build on and will look to do so once again this weekend.
Mario Lemina (CM)
The former Juventus man has been brilliant since joining the club in the summer and has established himself as a key cog. A definite starter.
Dusan Tadic (RW)
The Serbian is the Saints’ primary attacking outlet going forward, and he needs to start firing if they are to put behind their goal-scoring woes.
Steven Davis (CAM)
A grafter for the team, captain Steven Davis should assume his duties in the No.10 role and look to impact the proceedings.
Nathan Redmond (LW)
The English attacker hasn’t been able to reach the heights of the 2016/17 season, but his potential is undoubted. Has just one assist so far this season and needs to contribute more.
Shane Long (ST)
The Irish forward has been preferred by Pellegrino in the past couple of games, ahead of Manolo Gabbiadini and Charlie Austin. No change expected here.