Predicted Southampton Lineup To Face Arsenal
Southampton will look to strengthen their position in the top half of the Premier League table, when they face 6th placed Arsenal at the St. Mary’s on Wednesday night.
The Saints are currently sitting at placed 10th in the league standings, level on points with Bournemouth who are below them and a point less than Leicester City who occupy the 9th place. Southampton come into the game after a hard-earned goalless draw against Champions League hopefuls Liverpool and will be hoping to better the result against the Gunners.
Team News
Striker Charlie Austin and full-back Matt Targett remain doubtful for the game due to shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively. Defender Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy remain the only long-term absentees.
Probable Southampton Playing XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Claude Puel
Fraser Forster (GK)
The Englishman was the hero for Southampton against Liverpool on Sunday. Will look to repeat a similar feat against Arsenal.
Cedric Soares (RB)
Has been the mainstay at right-back over the course of the season ahead of Cuco Martina. Expect him to make another start on Wednesday.
Jack Stephens (CB)
Has stepped up nicely since the departure of Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk’s injury absence. He will look to deal with the threat of Danny Welbeck/Olivier Giroud.
Maya Yoshida (CB)
The Japanese centre-half has looked the part in recent months in van Dijk’s absence. May not always be the stand out performer, but does his job well. He will partner Stephens.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
One of the Saints’ most consistent players, Ryan Bertrand will start the game at left-back and look to deal with the threat of the onrushing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Steven Davis (CM)
The captain is a key presence for the Saints as he acts as the link between the two halves of the pitch. He will take his rightful place in the middle of the park.
Oriol Romeu (CM)
Partnering Davis will be former Chelsea man Oriol Romeu. The Spaniard has really grown a lot over the course of the ongoing campaign and has become a vital player for Southampton.
James Ward-Prowse (RW)
The 22-year old has scored 4 times and has set up 4 more in the Premier League this season. Will want to finish the season strongly.
Dusan Tadic (CAM)
The Serbian attacker remains the key player for the Saints in the attacking third. Has the ability to open up the opposition and will be expected to be at his best against Arsenal.
Nathan Redmond (LW)
Was benched for the weekend’s game against Liverpool. Expect him to start on the left-hand side against the Gunners in place of Sofiane Boufal.
Manolo Gabbiadini (ST)
The 25-year old has gone quiet in recent weeks after taking the Premier League by storm upon his arrival in January. Will look to get back to scoring ways.