Southampton will play host to Brentford on Tuesday in their first Premier League game of 2022. The Saints’ 2022 opener against Newcastle United was postponed due to COVID-19, halting their momentum over the festive period.
Ralph Hasenhuettl’s side are in decent form after a difficult start to the season. The Saints are unbeaten in their last four games, a run in which they defeated West Ham United and drew with Tottenham Hotspur. They also advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with an extra-time win over Swansea.
Southampton are on a six-game unbeaten run at St Mary’s in the Premier League and will fancy their chances against Brentford.
Thomas Frank’s side are currently in 12th, but can move into the top half with a win against the Saints. Brentford are undefeated in 2022, having beaten Aston Villa in the league and followed it up by thrashing Port Vale in the FA Cup.
Southampton vs Brentford – Team News
Southampton
Yan Valery is unavailable after his red card at Swansea, but Mohammed Salisu is set to return from suspension.
📁 2021/22 #PL season
└📂 2021
└🆕 2022Who's ready for a first #SaintsFC league outing of the year? 👊 pic.twitter.com/c3Zq7mmnEG
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 11, 2022
Kyle Walker-Peters and Tino Livramento remain sidelined, but Che Adams has recovered after a battle with COVID-19 and could start.
Moussa Djenepo is unavailable due to international commitments at the AFCON.
Brentford
David Raya, Charlie Goode, Mathias Jorgensen, Josh Dasilva and Julian Jeanvier are unavailable for Brentford, but Thomas Frank could welcome back Sergi Canos and Mathias Jensen.
Frank Onyeka is away with Nigeria for the AFCON and Rico Henry faces a late fitness test.
Southampton vs Brentford Preview – Predicted Lineups
Southampton Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Fraser Forster; Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Romain Perraud; Nathan Redmond, James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu, Mohamed Elyounoussi; Adam Armstrong, Armando Broja
Brentford Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Alvaro Fernandez; Mads Bech Sorensen, Pontus Jansson, Ethan Pinnock; Sergi Canos, Christian Norgaard, Shandon Baptiste, Mathias Jensen, Mads Roerslev; Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney
🔴 MATCHDAY 🔴
Can't wait. Come on bees @BrentfordFC!! 🐝❤️ pic.twitter.com/oqiueCrLEG
— Sergi Canós Tenés (@sergicanos) January 11, 2022
Southampton vs Brentford Preview – Key Players
Southampton – James Ward-Prowse
Ward-Prowse has developed into one of the finest central midfielders in the league. He is Southampton’s leading goal-scorer this season with five strikes and will play an important role, especially from set-pieces, against Brentford.
Brentford – Ivan Toney
Toney’s pace and physicality have caused problems for plenty of top teams this season. The Saints’ backline is not the quickest and could have a tough time dealing with the Englishman. Toney has scored four goals and provided two assists for Brentford so far.
