Predicted Southampton line-up to face Tottenham in the Premier League
Southampton host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this Saturday, with the Saints desperately in need of points to secure safety in the top-flight.
The seacoast side sit one place and two points above the relegation zone and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will view this game as a big opportunity to beat a low on confidence Tottenham side.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are effectively out of the title race but have still a lot to do to guarantee a place in the top four.
Team News
Mario Lemina continues to struggle with an abdominal problem, while young striker Michael Obafemi has been ruled out for the season.
But Hasenhuttl could be handed a big boost as Danny Ings could be in contention to face Spurs after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Probable Southampton XI
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Manager: Ralph Hasenhuttl
Angus Gunn (GK)
Gunn was in really good form against Manchester United last weekend but couldn’t help his team get over the line. He is expected to keep his place between the sticks on Saturday.
Jan Bednarek (RCB)
Bednarek has done well for the Saints of late and has been a regular since the arrival of Hasenhuttl. He should retain his place in the three-man backline.
Maya Yoshida (CB)
A leader and a good organiser at the back, Yoshida will have to be at the top of his game to keep the Tottenham attackers at bay.
Jannik Vestergaard (LCB)
Vestergaard adds a lot of physicality and toughness to the Southampton rearguard. He will certainly relish the challenge put forward by Kane and company.
Yan Valery (RWB)
Scored an absolute pile-driver against Manchester United last weekend. The youngster is brimming with confidence and deserves to start at home against Spurs.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM)
Hojberg is a tireless worker who adds a lot of steel and grit to the Southampton midfielder. His presence in the team will be crucial if the Saints are to get a positive result on Saturday.
Oriol Romeu (CM)
A defensive midfielder by trade, Romeu’s doggedness and energy makes Southampton tick all over. He is expected to start alongside Hojberg in the engine room.
Ryan Bertrand (LWB)
Bertrand an attacking left-back who’ll look to maraud forward at every opportunity and give a tough time for the Tottenham right-back.
James Ward-Prowse (CAM)
Scored a cracker of free-kick at Old Trafford and will be high in confidence to face the north London outfit at the weekend.
Nathan Redmond (LS)
Hasenhuttl has Redmond a new lease of life since replacing Mark Hughes at the club. The English attacker will look to take advantage of Tottenham’s shaky backline on Saturday.
Charlie Austin (RS)
Austin is a physically blessed striker who’ll look to cause problems for the Spurs defenders with his movement and strength in the air.
