Predicted 4-2-3-1 Southampton XI to face Fulham in the Premier League
Southampton put up a spirited display against Watford but were held to a 1-1 draw as the Hornets grabbed a late equaliser.
Mark Hughes’ men showed plenty of promise in their previous game and the Saints will be looking to build on the positives when they make the trip to the Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday.
Fulham will be hoping for a change in their fortunes under new manager Claudio Ranieri following the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic after managing only a solitary win from ten games.
Team News
Ryan Bertrand is suspended for Saturday’s clash for picking up five yellow cards while Danny Ings is doubtful to make it to the matchday squad due to a hamstring injury.
Shane Long has been ruled out due to an ankle injury while Mario Lemina is struggling with muscular spasms.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Mark Hughes
Predicted XI
1. Alex McCarthy (GK)
The Englishman has put in some good shifts between the sticks this season and should retain his position between the sticks.
2. Matt Targett (LB)
The suspension to Ryan Bertrand should open the door for the youngster to get a start.
3. Wesley Hoedt (CB)
The Dutchman had a good game against Watford and looked pretty astute with his positioning. Hughes should continue to rely on him.
4. Jack Stephens (CB)
He has looked solid in the heart of the defence for the Saints this season and Hughes should hand him a start ahead of Maya Yoshida to counter the threat of Mitrovic.
5. Cedric Soares (RB)
The Portuguese international contributed to both attack and defence in the last game and should be one of the first names on the team sheet for this one.
6. Oriol Romeu (CDM)
The former Chelsea man hasn’t been particularly impressive this season but the injury to Lemina might force Hughes to hand him a start.
7. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CDM)
He has been one of the standout figures for the Saints in the midfield and he will need to deliver the goods once again on Saturday.
8. Manolo Gabbiadini (RM)
The Italian will be in high spirits after getting his name on the scoresheet in the previous game and he must deliver once again.
9. Nathan Redmond (LM)
He showed signs of improvement against Watford but he needs to contribute a lot more to the attack.
10. Stuart Armstrong (CAM)
The former Celtic man looked fluent with his passing and excelled in a No.10 role in the previous game, which should prompt Hughes to give him another start.
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11. Charlie Austin (ST)
He is yet to break his duck for the season but the manager does not have too many options with Long and Ings out injured.