Southampton fans want Theo Walcott to partner Che Adams this evening

Southampton host Newcastle United tonight knowing a win at St Mary’s would take the Saints top of the Premier League.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has a key selection call to make heading into the fixture, though, with Danny Ings ruled out with a knee injury, and some fans have called for Theo Walcott to get the nod in attack next to Che Adams.

Ings, who suffered his knee injury last time out in the 4-3 win over Aston Villa, has been ruled out for four to six weeks. That leaves Hasenhuttl with limited central attacking options, with Adams, Michael Obafemi, Dan N’Lundulu, Nathan Redmond and Walcott all at the Austrian’s disposal.

Southampton’s official Twitter channel shared Sam Tighe’s tactical piece, looking at Hasenhuttl’s attacking options.

Redmond was at the heart of the tweet, but these Saints fans staked their claims for Walcott to start in a central role against Steve Bruce’s side.

Twitter: @TheTrueFraudie @SouthamptonFC @NathanRedmond22 @stighefootball I’d prefer Walcott down the middle (@HasenhuttlIn)

Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @NathanRedmond22 @stighefootball this man plays ST on Friday. https://t.co/ccVs7kk0Vq (@sfcrxbbo_)

Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @NathanRedmond22 @stighefootball No, my vote goes to @theowalcott who has a better scoring record an… https://t.co/VbaySjJALU (@SaintsPundit)

Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @NathanRedmond22 @stighefootball I want wallcott in central also big ups the prem for removing the 14.95 paper view price (@SamuelS48251357)

Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @NathanRedmond22 @stighefootball A little odd for the club to post this, Walcott would be the preferred option up front. (@PixelKicker)