Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be looking to mastermind his side’s fifth successive unbeaten competitive fixture against Bournemouth on Friday night. 

Saints head into this game on the back of a 1-0 win away at Sheffield United last weekend. The Cherries, too, were victorious and enjoyed plenty of success as they beat Everton 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium. 

With the fixture at St Mary’s coming before any of the other Premier League fixtures kick off at the weekend, both Southampton and Bournemouth have the chance to move up to third place in the table with a win at this early stage. 

Saints’ two top-flight triumphs this season have come on the road, and they are yet to secure three points in front of the home support. 

However, they have not lost a match against Bournemouth at St Mary’s since Eddie Howe led his side up to the Premier League, which will provide the hosts with some encouragement. 

So, what are the primary selection dilemmas that Hasenhuttl faces on Friday evening? We’ve identified five.