Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to start? – Predicted 4-4-2 Southampton XI to face Tottenham

published

5/2/2020 12:45 AM

Southampton Prediction: Probable XI to face Tottenham in the FA Cup

Southampton travel to Tottenham on Wednesday in an FA Cup fourth-round replay Wednesday night that will mark the fourth meeting this season between the two sides.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the initial tie last month and know that victory in the replay would set up a fifth-round meeting at home to Premier League strugglers Norwich City.

Southampton have stormed clear of immediate relegation trouble in recent months, climbing up to 13th in the table. However, they’ll come into this fixture off the back of a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. Tottenham, meanwhile, are coming off a high into this one having beaten Manchester City 2-0 on Sunday.

Team News

Southampton are still without Stuart Armstrong, although he too is not far away from returning and could be back after the upcoming break. Yan Valery could be in contention to feature.

Southampton Prediction: Probable XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Angus Gunn (GK)

Gunn has lost his place as Southampton’s first-choice goalkeeper but as it is a cup competition, he’ll start between the sticks.

James Ward-Prowse (RB)

Ward-Prowse did a good job in an unfamiliar role at right-back in the defeat to Liverpool over the weekend. He’ll keep his place in that position against Tottenham.

Southampton defender Jack Stephens in action. (Getty Images)

Jack Stephens (CB)

Stephens has become an important figure at the back for Southampton since the last month or so. He is a certainty to start on Wednesday.

Jan Bednarek (CB)

Partnering Stephens at the back will be Bednarek, who has been one of Southampton’s best players this season.

Ryan Bertrand (LB)

Bertrand has been a permanent fixture at left-back since the start of the campaign. He will start in that position.

Southampton winger Nathan Redmond celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Nathan Redmond (LW)

Redmond has improved leaps and bounds under Hasenhuttl’s tutelage. The Englishman will start on the left flank.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM)

Hojbjerg is one of the most important figures for the Saints. A leader on the pitch, the Dane will look to break Tottenham’s attacks on Wednesday.

Oriol Romeu (CM)

A defensive midfielder by trade, Romeu will be tasked to shield the Saints backline.

Sofiane Boufal (RW)

Boufal scored the equalising goal against Tottenham at St. Mary’s. He could be handed an opportunity ahead of Djenepo on the right flank.

Danny Ings of Southampton acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Michael Obafemi (RS)

Obafemi is a talented player who can be a thorn for the Tottenham defenders due to his pace and movement.

Danny Ings (LS)

Ings is Southampton’s top scorer this season with 16 goals in all competitions. A clinical striker in front of goal, the 27-year-old will partner Obafemi up front.