After a 3-1 victory over Burnley at the weekend, Southampton are now unbeaten in the last 4 games and are slowly climbing the points table early this season. Claude Puel has managed to get the Saints back into the top half of the table and will now hope that he can keep their position at the top of the group table in the Europa League intact after their group stage clash against Italian giants Inter Milan on Thursday. Milan are not in the best of shapes at the moment and will hope to take maximum points from this home game. Here is the predicted lineup that Puel might field for this trip to Milan:
Team News:
The manager will miss the likes of Cedric Soares and Matt Targett who are both injured for this game. This might see rookie Sam McQueen start this game at San Siro. Ryan Bertrand also remains out of this fixture while Jeremy Pied is ruled out for the season.
Fraser Forster:
The undisputed number 1 for the Saints, Forster was impressive in the win over Burnley and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Cuco Martina:
Injuries all around at full-back areas will see Cuco Martina deputize in the right back spot for Southampton for this trip to Italy.
Virgil van Djik:
The Dutch international has been superb for the Saints early this season and is an important player for the side. He will keep his place in the side for this Europa League game.
Jose Fonte:
The experienced defender was once against at his best in the game against Burnley and will start this Europa League encounter in Italy on Thursday.
Sam McQueen:
The double injury in the Burnley game will see Southampton stick with McQueen at the left-back spot for this game against Inter Milan.
Steven Davis:
An impressive performance over Burnley will make Davis and important part of the squad for this Europa League encounter for the Saints.
Oriol Romeu:
The midfielder has been the lynchpin for his side this season in the middle of the park and he will have a similar role to play in this game against Inter Milan.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg:
Though missed out on any game time at the weekend, Hojbjerg has been decent in the few outing he got this season and should start this game for the Saints.
Nathan Redmond:
The winger has been in electric form this season for Claude Puel and he will yet again start on the wing for his side in their search for a victory in Italy.
Dusan Tadic:
An impressive performance over Burnley will give Tadic a start in this Europa League fixture. He will have an important role to play if Southampton are to take anything from this game.
Shane Long:
Another player who had nothing to do at the weekend, Long will come into the squad to provide Charlie Austin with some much-deserved rest from this game.