Southampton will host Leicester City on Saturday as Claude Puel returns to St. Mary’s Stadium after being sacked by the Saints last year.
The Frenchman, however, has done a wonderful job since, having managed to save Leicester from the dread of relegation. And now, he holds the upper hand in this tie thanks to an organised and disciplined side. Indeed, the Foxes are coming on the back of a morale-boosting 2:0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and are definitely tipped as the favourites ahead of this tie.
Southampton – Team news
Luckily for the Southampton fans, Mark Hughes will have the privilege of choosing from an almost fully fit squad. New signing Mohamed Elyounoussi remains the only player doubtful to feature in this clash. The Norwegian forward has a hamstring problem and might not start the game.
However, if he returns to full fitness prior to the match, Hughes will only be too happy to use him as a sub later in the game.
Predicted Southampton Lineup
Defence
Alex McCarthy will stay in goal for the Saints this weekend. The 28-year-old will be keen on picking up his second clean sheet of the season after conceding two goals against Everton last weekend.
Jannik Vestergaard is expected to return to the side after missing the 2:1 defeat to Everton. He will replace Jack Stephens and will partner Wesley Hoedt in central defence. The latter notched up six aerial duels against Everton – most by any Southampton defender and he will be tasked with the responsibility of stopping the dangerous attacking trio of Leicester.
Elsewhere, Hughes will opt for the usual duo Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand as far as the fullback positions are concerned.
Midfield
Hughes will stick to the same midfield unit he used against Everton, meaning the duo of Mario Lemina and Oriol Romeu will retain their place at the heart of Southampton’s 4-4-2.
Former Juventus superstar Lemina, despite recording seven aerial duels last weekend, has appeared tentative at times in the Premier League. And therefore, fans will desperately hope he can redeem himself against the Foxes this weekend. His midfield partner, Oriol Romeu, also needs to improve his performances after recording a passing accuracy of only 63% in the last game.
James Ward-Prowse will be deployed as the right midfielder with Nathan Redmond starting on the opposite flank.
Attack
Danny Ings will spearhead the Southampton attack alongside Charlie Austin. The former Liverpool striker netted his first goal for the club in the 2:1 defeat to Everton and will be hungry to extend his tally this weekend.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
