SAINTS are in Premier League action for the first time in September following the international break, as they welcome the visit of second-placed West Ham.
The international fixtures will have given manager Ralph Hasenhuttl plenty to think about with members of his squad such as Moi Elyounoussi and Armando Broja excelling throughout the week.
Saints have picked up two points from their opening three fixtures, after draws with Manchester United and Newcastle, while David Moyes’ rejuvenated outfit have claimed seven and scored 10 goals already.
Hasenhuttl alluded to some team news during his pre-match press conference, where he ruled out Stuart Armstrong again and added Theo Walcott to the injury list – although his concern is not thought to be major.
Read more
Ralph Hasenhuttl says Saints' Thierry Small has knee issues
Hasenhuttl: Theo Walcott and Stuart Armstrong out West Ham
Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl previews West Ham:'Teams are getting stronger and it's not so easy'
Using what he said in the presser and looking at his starting XIs so far this season, we are able to predict how we think the Austrian boss will line up tomorrow (kick-off 3PM).
Here’s our predicted team…
Goalkeeper
Alex McCarthy will again retain his starting spot, as he has done for the opening three fixtures. West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was recently reportedly linked to a Saints move for next summer, with Fraser Forster expected to depart when his contract ends at the same time. This leaves McCarthy as the likely number one this campaign.
Defenders
Lyanco has been training with Saints now following his August transfer, but Hasenhuttl isn’t expected to rush him in and it’s likely he could name the same pairing of Jack Stephens – who he has recently praised – and Mohammed Salisu. However, Jan Bednarek impressed on international duty for Poland but was in a hard-fought midweek contest against England, so while a return to the squad could be imminent it might well be next week.
For the full-backs, Tino Livramento could continue his impressive run on the right while Kyle Walker-Peters is again tasked on the left, ahead of Frenchman Romain Perraud.
Midfielders
James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu are mainstays in the centre of midfield, both fresh from the international break. Meanwhile, Moi Elyounoussi’s resurgence continued with a goal and three important results for Norway and that could mean he gets the nod once again. I believe Moussa Djenepo will start again alongside him, but because of the travelling he has done to Africa I’m half-tempted to say Nathan Tella will get a first start of the season.
Attackers
Armando Broja made it into the SofaScore international team of the week after he hit two goals and two assists in two matches for Albania. But we expect the same attacking lineup of Adam Armstrong and Che Adams from the off to fulfil Hasenhuttl’s high-press philosophy, with the Albanian hitman to be introduced from the bench to offer something slightly different in clinical nature and power.
Full predicted team:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel