Our Southampton fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to finally see their team rise up the table and start scoring goals aplenty.

The Saints have struggled in the Premier League this season and find themselves third from bottom and without a win since November last year in the Premier League. Having recently brought in a striker, which according to our regulars is much-needed, the Saints will be hoping that is the turning point of the campaign.

Picking up three points tonight against a team so closely in contention of the relegation battle is a must for Southampton and Pellegrino would be foolish to bring in some fresh faces into the squad to revitalise the team, so our bar staff feel anyway.

Taking this into account, our landlord takes a closer look at two players that tonight could be given the chance to impress and potentially change the Saints’ season around…

Sam McQueen

The young English man can play left-back, left wing-back or left midfield. In the Premier League 2 this season he has been at his most prolific on the wing, scoring five goals in his seven games this season so far.

He’s made a handful of appearances for the first-team this season and McQueen can really push on in if he continues his form into the Southampton first-team according to our local Saints fans in the pool room. Southampton needs a jolt and a young and hungry player, eager to make a name for himself may be the gamble Pellegrino needs to go with.

Tyreke Johnson

Similar to McQueen, Tyreke Johnson can play on the left but also the right-hand side. Alongside McQueen, Johnson is one of the highest scorers in the Premier League 2 with four goals and two assists in 15 games in both the Premier League 2 and EFL Cup.

Pellegrino would be taking a huge gamble playing both youngsters but and this moment in time, the Saints need something to spark their campaign.