Our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern feels that Southampton are yet to get their campaign kick-started and, having now hit the halfway point this season, it’s about time they start to show what they are capable of, starting with Burnley.
This Saturday they face an in-form Clarets side who look comfortable in the Premier League this season. Claude Puel will have his work cut out for him, with morale low following two league defeats on the trot and then an FA Cup draw at Championship side Norwich this past weekend.
To top it off their club captain and long-serving stalwart Jose Fonte has handed in a transfer request at St. Mary’s.
With that in mind. and injuries to the likes of Sofiane Boufal (who is away on AFCON duty anyway) and Charlie Austin, it leaves the French coach with a selection headache ahead of the game at Turf Moor.
Still, if Puel field this starting XI, surely they will demolish Burnley this Saturday.
GK: FRASER FORSTER
The England international goalkeeper has no real competition for his No.1 spot and perhaps that is why his performances have dropped of late.
In a battle of English keepers at the moment, Burnley’s Tom Heaton would probably win. But, on his day Forster, can be one of the best in the league and he’ll need to be to keep out inform Andre Gray.
LB: RYAN BERTRAND
The former Chelsea man hasn’t had it all his own way this season with the emergence of young Sam McQueen, who has been favoured at times in the team by Puel.
But surely as we get into the latter half of the season he must realise that Bertrand’s experience could be vital.
CB: MAYA YOSHIDA
With Jose Fonte handing in a transfer request last week it has seen him dropped from the side and rightfully so, say our punters.
As the Portuguese’s head won’t be in the game and due to that it has meant that Yoshida is back in with the starting eleven- a solid cover player always puts in a shift when called on.
CB: VIRGIL VAN DIJK
Subject to speculation of a move away from the Saints but currently their stand in captain in Fonte’s absence, the Dutchman is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
If the club were to lose both Fonte and Van Dijk it would be somewhat hard to replace the pair of them.
The Oranje star is vital for the south coast and will be pivotal in this game.
RB: CEDRIC SOARES
The Portuguese international has been superb since arriving at Southampton under Ronald Koeman, winning the Euros along the way.
The 25-year-old has no real competition for his place in the starting eleven and must remain in the team when fit.
CDM: JAMES WARD-PROWSE
One of many in the long line of great English talents to come out of the Southampton academy.
He has really cemented his place in the starting lineup since the departure of Victor Wanyama in the summer.
A solid player and still only 22, he’s a huge danger from set-pieces.
CDM: ORIOL ROMEU
The former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder has been amazing in the heart of the Southampton midfield this season, helping the faithful propping up our bar forget all about Victor Wanyama.
When he’s been out injured you can really notice the difference in the stability of the Saints midfield line.
LW: DUSAN TADIC
The Serbian midfielder has been a bit quiet this season, much to the surprise of many here at the Tavern who felt that in the absence of Saido Mane that he would shine through as the Saints’ main man.
It just hasn’t worked out for that way for him so far, though there is no denying his talent and he can be a real game changer for his side.
CAM: JAY RODRIGUEZ
Rodriguez has been very unfortunate with injuries in his time with Southampton and many felt he may leave the club but it seems to be that he has finally come back and is fit to play.
.
With Austin’s injury, it means Shane Long will play the No.9 role, whilst we expect Rodriguez to slot in just behind the front man.
He will surely be hoping to get one over on his former employers this Saturday.
RW: NATHAN REDMOND
Nathan Redmond has been a brilliant addition to the Southampton setup since arriving from Norwich in the summer, even playing out of his comfort zone in a more forward role.
We feel he’s better or wide and will cause Burnley all kinds of problems cutting in from the wing this Saturday.
ST: SHANE LONG
The Republic Ireland international has not been at his very best this season for Southampton and, like a few of his teammates has been linked with a move away from St Mary’s this window.
However, with Austin out injured it means that Long is the only out and out striker at Puel’s disposal.
So he’ll have to put in a shift and help his side out this Saturday against Burnley, terrorising their backline with his searing pace.
