Southampton face Leicester City in their next Premier League clash at St Mary’s on Wednesday evening.
Leicester sit 8th in the table at present, five points above 11th placed Saints. A victory for the hosts could see them close the gap on their visitors to just two points.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Arsenal last weekend as Charlie Austin’s early strike was cancelled out by Olivier Giroud’s late header.
Leicester were involved in a thriller as they beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St Jame’s Park, in what was a brilliant game.
Since Claude Puel’s appointment, the Foxes have been much improved, as has been resembled by them winning their last three Premier League games in a row.
The Saints have improved of late, losing just one of their last four matches in the Premier League.
Both sides have some quality in their ranks, and I’ve take a look at what a combined XI would look like.
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel has been solid for the Foxes so far this season and has played a key role in the clubs return to form. Currently, he is probably in better form than Fraser Forster, but ability-wise, they are similar.
Danny Simpson
Danny Simpson has impressed so far this season for the Foxes and remains a key player for them. With Cedric Soares likely to remain sidelined for this one, Simpson gets the nod over Jeremy Pied.
Virgil van Dijk
He was out injured for nine months earlier on in the year but the Dutchman is really starting to look to be back to his best and is showing the form of last season.
He’s the best CB each team has in their ranks and walks into this team.
Harry Maguire
The summer signing from Hull has been brilliant so far for Leicester, both in defence and attack from set-pieces.
The England international is showing great form and makes this team.
Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand has started every league game this season for Saints and has really started looking to be at the top of his game.
He edges out Christian Fuchs for the left-back slot.
Oriol Romeu
The central midfielder hasn’t quite hit the heights he did last season but has still been an important figure for the Saints throughout the season.
His combative style is crucial to the way Saints play and he makes this team.
Vincente Iborra
Like Lemina, Iborra has made a great impact to his side since moving to the Premier League from Sevilla.
His style of play really suits the Premier League and is a player who has to make this XI.
Mario Lemina
The Gabon international has been sensational since his transfer from Juventus during the summer.
He has made a massive difference to the side and thoroughly deserves his place in the combined line-up.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez has been in sensational form of late and has been the catalyst to the Foxes turning their season around.
Chipping in with goals and assists, Mahrez has to make this team.
Sofiane Boufal
Sofiane Boufal has become an essential player for the Saints of late, putting in some top quality performances.
He has worked really hard to nail down a starting spot and his flair and skills mean he makes this team.
Charlie Austin
The Southampton man is in great form, netting four goals in just three starts, and has been key to Saints’ return to form.
It was a tough call between Austin and Jamie Vardy but the Southampton man just makes it ahead of the Foxes number nine.