Southampton will look to extend their unbeaten run of five league games when they host Cardiff City on Saturday.
The Saints are currently at the wrong end of the Premier League table and need to pick up points in the coming days to stay out of the drop zone.
Southampton team news
Ryan Bertrand has struggled with lack of match fitness since the turn of the year and is unlikely to face Cardiff.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg missed the game against Burnley, but could be in contention.
Danny Ings, Mario Lemina and Michael Obafemi are all sidelined with injuries.
Predicted Southampton lineup vs Cardiff City
Defence
Ralph Hasenhuttl might go with the same defence, meaning the trio of Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard and Jack Stephens might once again start at the heart of the defence.
Bednarek has emerged as a reliable defensive option for Hasenhuttl. The Polish defender has made 80 clearances – a tally only betted by Vestergaard in the Southampton team this season.
Alex McCarthy will continue to feature in between the sticks for the hosts. The 29-year-old hasn’t kept a clean sheet in 14 league matches, and will hope that changes come the weekend.
Midfield
Oriol Romeu is set to feature as the main holding midfielder for Southampton this weekend. The Spaniard has attempted more tackles than anyone else in the Southampton team this season, and his tenacity will be crucial.
Stuart Armstrong, meanwhile, will be deployed in central midfield alongside James Ward-Prowse, who should continue to deputise for the injured Lemina.
Ward-Prowse’s form has been on the up in recent games, and he’ll hope the same continues against Cardiff.
Yan Valery and Matt Targett might occupy the wing-back slots. Targett has delivered 23 key passes in the league this season and will look to provide the threat going forward.
Attack
The absence of Danny Ings is a huge blow for Southampton. Shane Long is likely to deputise for Liverpool loanee, who has netted seven goals this season.
Long will be partnered by Nathan Redmond in attack. The former Norwich star is leading the team in terms of key passes.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
