Southampton will look to get back to winning ways, when they take on Newcastle United in gameweek 8 of the Premier League, at the St. Mary’s Stadium, on Sunday.
The Saints had endured a poor run of form going into the international break, having won just a single game in their last five league encounters, with their previous match ending in a 2-1 loss away to Stoke City. Manager Mauricio Pellegrino finds himself under some pressure very early into his tenure as Southampton manager, as the club sit 12th in the Premier League table. A win against Rafael Benitez’s side could act as the perfect springboard for the South Coast club.
Left-back Matt Targett is ruled out of the game due to an ankle injury, while forward Shane Long is also a doubt due to a knock.
The England international hasn’t been the most convincing guarding the goal for the Saints, but remains the undisputed first choice and will start against Newcastle.
The 26-year old hasn’t been up to his usual standards this season at right-back and will want to address that with a strong display against the Magpies this weekend.
The Dutchman started his first game of the season before the international break against Stoke and he had a decent outing. Will look to build on that performance.
Partnering Van Dijk in the heart of the defence will be his compatriot and summer signing Wesley Hoedt. The former Lazio man has had a strong initiation to life in England and will be hoping to continue in a similar manner.
Completing the backline for the Saints should be English left-back Ryan Bertrand. The former Chelsea man is an ever-present in the line-up for the club and that is unlikely to change.
The former Chelsea and Barcelona man has established himself as one of the most effective defensive midfielders in the Premier League and will occupy one of the pivot positions in the midfield.
The summer signing from Juventus has made an instant impact at the St. Mary’s and has been one of their better players this campaign. Will partner Romeu in the middle of the park.
The Serbian winger has just managed a single goal so far in 7 league games for the Saints and hasn’t gotten a single assist. Being their biggest creative outlet, he needs to get firing.
In the No.10 role for Southampton should be club captain Steven Davis. The 32-year old has scored and assisted one goal apiece so far and will want to add to his numbers.
Redmond was one of the breakout youngsters of last season, but has failed to build upon it in the ongoing term. Will hope to have more of an impact from the left-hand side.
With Shane Long a doubt for the game, Pellegrino might be forced into calling back Manolo Gabbiadini to the starting XI. The Italian couldn’t put a foot wrong last term, but hasn’t been able to reproduce the same form this time around and will be keen on changing that.
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