Even before a ball was kicked this season, Hull City were touted as one of the favourites to going down. The Tigers had an unexpectedly good start to their comeback season in the Premier League but their joy did not last long. Mike Phelan’s side deservedly find themselves in the danger zone after ten games and need to pick up their game really soon in order to survive at the end of the season.
They have a very tricky game on their hands on Sunday when they host Claude Puel’s Southampton who will be all pumped up after their historic 2-1 win against Inter Milan in the midweek in the Europa League.
Southampton were below par last weekend in their 2-0 loss to high-flying Chelsea but were brilliant in the midweek to get a historic win against mighty Inter Milan to go one step closer in securing their progress to the next round.
Hull look like a cakewalk for the Saints and they should win the game convincingly. Claude Puel has shown that he is a master of the art when it comes to rotating his squad. He did not start with a number of his key players against Inter and still salvaged a win. We can expect a number of changes in the starting XI against Hull City.
Defence
Fraser Forster will keep his place under the bar. With Cedric Soares and Jeremy Pied still out injured, Cuco Martina will get to have an extended run at right-back. Southampton were defensively poor against Chelsea in the weekend but Puel is expected to keep his faith in the centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte. We expect Ryan Bertrand to make a comeback into the starting XI in place of youngster Sam McQueen.
Midfield
Oriol Romeu has been almost ever-present for the Saints this season at the base of midfield. The Spaniard possesses an excellent ability to screen his back four and also sets up the foundation of the team with his forward passes. He will keep his place at the base of midfield.
James Ward-Prowse will keep his place in midfield after his excellent showing against Inter. Steven Davis is an undisputed choice in the middle of the park and should complete the midfield trio.
Attack
Dusan Tadic was brilliant against Inter Milan and could be rested against Hull City. Sofiane Boufal will slot into the left flank. Nathan Redmond will keep his place on the right. Charlie Austin did not start in the midweek and should return to the starting XI against Hull City.
