The European journey Southampton are on this season in the Europa League continues this week with an eye-catching tie against Inter Milan on the agenda.
Our local Saints fans here in the Transfer Tavern can’t wait to see how their side do in front of their own support after giving a great account of themselves at the San Siro against Inter last time out.
The south-coast club may have lost 1-0 but, in truth, they really should have got a draw at least out of the game as they hammered on the Nerazzurri’s door but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
You’d think, then, that a performance similar to that would see the club record a great victory over the Serie A side, particularly with them continuing to struggle this season.
Frank De Boer has departed in his role, and even though Saints were sunk by Chelsea over the weekend, Claude Puel’s men have been in very good form.
The Milan giants are twelfth in Serie A and lost once again over the weekend against Sampdoria so Claude Puel and his side will feel they are there for the taking.
Our landlord reckons so, too, and thinks this 4-4-2 (though it’s slightly more complex than that) formation would get them to do it…
Fraser Forster GK
Forster is a class ‘keeper and he’ll need to be on top form to keep Mauro Icardi and co. out.
Cuco Martina RB
Martina has stepped in with the absence of Cedric Soares and he’s done a good job so more of the same will be expected.
Virgil Van Dijk CB
Van Dijk is earning all the plaudits at the moment and a good performance here would see even more on their way.
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The captain simply has to start in one of the biggest games of Saints’ season so far.
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Bertrand is back in the fold after an injury lay-off and should get the nod against Inter. He’ll be expected to get forward as much as possible.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg RM
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Steven Davis CM
Davis let Eden Hazard go for his goal on Sunday but will play as he is usually more reliable than that with his work-rate.
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Romeu continues to impress as Saints’ defensive midfielder and he’ll be expected to break Inter up.
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The midfielder can create something out of nothing but needs a better game than the one against Chelsea here.
Charlie Austin ST
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Nathan Redmond ST
Redmond continues to impress in his new position up front and will get the chance to do so against Inter.
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