It’s been a difficult week for Southampton in the Premier League and Claude Puel’s side need to start picking up results again if they are to really climb the table going forward.
Their fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been a little underwhelmed with some of the performances we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks and the way they limped to defeat against struggling West Ham last weekend would have been a bit of a worry.
With the departure of Jose Fonte still noticeably affecting the side, especially in defence, it’s important Puel starts to pick up some form as soon as possible, before he begins putting himself under pressure on the south coast.
But with another big game against Sunderland coming up on Saturday, who should he opt with in his starting XI to give his side the best chance of winning.
With that in mind, here are 2 players he must simply pick against struggling Sunderland…
Nathan Redmond
Nathan Redmond came on at half-time against West Ham United last weekend but it’s clear the England U21 international needs to start games for the Saints moving forward.
The former Birmingham City winger has been in fine form all season and he’s not a player that needs to be rested, or starting games on the bench at an important time like this in the season.
Sunderland have been defensively poor for most of the season and he’s got the pace, skill and ability to really cause David Moyes’ side problems on Saturday afternoon.
Manolo Gabbiadini
Manolo Gabbiadini had a mixed debut last time out after scoring and missing somewhat of a sitter, but he’s a player Southampton fans here in the Transfer Tavern want to see more of as the season progresses.
The former Serie A favourite has bags of skill and fitting him into the side will be easy enough but he needs to start scoring goals and really troubling defences.
The Saints have got plenty of quality in their ranks these days and a good performance against the Black Cats will do his reputation no harm as he looks to move his career forward in the Premier League.
