With Charlie Austin’s return from injury getting closer and closer, a potential selection headache for Saints boss Claude Puel beckons as in regards to how to shape his forward line with everyone available to choose from.
For me, the main headache comes in the main striking position. With the current form of new signing Manolo Gabbiadini, there is an argument to be made that Austin will struggle to get back into the side. However, there is room to manouevre by shifting Gabbiadini on to the right, where he has previous been fruitful during his spell in Italy with Sampdoria, allowing for a greater goal threat with both Austin and Gabbiadini in the same side.
However if you choose this option, the question then turns to who makes way in order for this to happen?
With the likes of Nathan Redmond, Dusan Tadic and Sofiane Boufal along with Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez left to battle it out for the remaining two positions, of all those mentioned Redmond has certainly proved to be a favoured option for Claude Puel so far this season. His pace is certainly a great asset to the side, especially on the counter attack, which is such an important tool in the modern game.
I would argue that he could be used to greater effect as a potential impact substitute, and that the creativity and spark of Boufal and Tadic would better compliment the goal scoring prowess of both Austin and Gabbiadini in what, in my opinion, would be the most prominent front four option at our disposal.
So where does that leave the remaining members of the squad? Long’s role, in my opinion, would be pretty unchanged. Making appearances from the bench and getting late goals, using his pace against the tired legs of defenders.
Meanwhile Jay Rodriguez could, in my opinion, be set for a summer exit from the club after coming close in the previous two transfer windows. His potential departure could further evoke a pathway through from the academy for the likes of Josh Sims, Jake Hesketh and Olufela Olomola to flourish and have more of a chance.
One thing is for sure though; it’s a positive dilemma for Claude Puel to have. The return to the fold of Charlie Austin is an exciting prospect for us fans to look forward to.
