Fresh from a memorable 2-1 victory over Italian giants Inter Milan on Thursday night, Southampton now turn their attentions back to the Premier League with a trip to struggling Hull City.
Claude Puel’s men will be buoyant after a goal from Virgil van Dijk and an own goal from Yuto Nagatomo saw Saints come from behind to secure a famous win in the Europa League group stages.
Despite the 2-0 defeat by an impressive Chelsea side that have since thumped Everton 5-0 at Stamford Bridge, Saints are going well in all competitions this season as they look to dispel the theory that Europa League commitments can hamper a sides domestic campaign, as Claude Puel’s side are yet to taste defeat in a Premier League game following a European fixture.
As for the hosts, Hull have endured a tough start to life back in the top flight, after a good start to the season saw them beat champions Leicester 2-1 on the opening day before an impressive 2-0 victory at Swansea. Since the win at the Liberty Stadium, however, The Tigers have only picked up one point from a possible twenty-four and are on a six-game losing streak in the Premier League.
In terms of team news, Claude Puel is likely to make several changes from the side that beat Inter Milan, with skipper Jose Fonte, Steven Davis and Charlie Austin all likely to return to the starting eleven after being named as substitutes on Thursday night. Ryan Bertrand will also be likely to start, however, he will face stiff competition from Sam McQueen after the youngster’s impressive performance against Inter caught the eye of many Saints fans. The injuries remain the same for Southampton, with Shane Long, Cedric Soares, Matt Targett and Alex McCarthy all sidelined.
As for Hull, Dieumerci Mbokani is back in training after a hamstring injury and should be fit to be in the match day squad. Robert Snodgrass is also in contention, with the Scot nearing a return from an ankle injury.
I will now take a look back at the last for meetings between The Saints and The Tigers.
