Southampton will be hoping to clinch a vital win on Wednesday night when they welcome Leicester City to St Mary’s Stadium.
The Saints have been looking brighter in recent weeks and have been turning in some more encouraging performances. However, the fact remains that they have won just once in their last seven outings. This win came against Everton during their treacherous run of form.
Claude Puel will make his highly-anticipated return to St Mary’s following his dismissal back in the summer. His Leicester side have played well recently and head into the game following three Premier League wins on the bounce – something Saints have failed to do since the back end of Ronald Koeman’s last season at the club.
Mauricio Pellegrino is set to have a full squad at his disposal for the game against the Foxes, with Cedric Soares having returned to full training on Monday.
So, without further ado, take a look at how we feel Pellegrino will set his Saints side up when Leicester visit!
Fraser Forster
Forster is in excellent form and will hope to continue this against Leicester.
Cedric Soares
Jack Stephens’ inclusion against Arsenal indicated a potential lack of faith in Jeremy Pied. However, Cedric Soares is undoubtedly the best right-back at the club and if he is fit, he has to start.
Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is Saints’ best defender and has been a mainstay since returning to the side.
Wesley Hoedt
Hoedt was dropped against Arsenal but is likely to come back in for the game against Leicester.
Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand is playing well at the moment and is the best left-back at the club. He has to start.
Oriol Romeu
Romeu is poised to keep his place following a good run of games recently.
Mario Lemina
Lemina’s exclusion recently has been nothing short of bizarre. He’ll surely come in following two games on the bench.
Although, this would be somewhat harsh on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Hopefully he gets another chance at Chelsea on Saturday.
Dusan Tadic
Tadic is unlikely to be dropped having picked up an assist against Arsenal.
Steven Davis
Davis was rested against Arsenal and is likely to come back into the side.
Sofiane Boufal
Boufal, too, was strangely benched against Arsenal. He’s expected to return to the line-up following a poor display from Nathan Redmond.
Manolo Gabbiadini
Gabbiadini has found chances hard to come by recently. With Shane Long seemingly out of favour, he could get a rare start.
Charlie Austin in the in-form striker but Pellegrino is likely to want to have him fresh for the game at Chelsea.