On Premier League Super Sunday, we will see Southampton locking horns against Bournemouth in the first South Coast Derby of the season. Both sides are having a decent campaign this time out and both are in the top half after 16 gameweeks. Southampton are ninth in the table with 21 points from 16 games whereas Bournemouth share the equal number of points after 16 gameweeks and are placed 10th.
Southampton have been decent this season defensively but have lacked consistency in attack. They saw themselves getting crashed out of the Europa League and now Puel’s sole focus will be on the Premier League. The fans will be utterly frustrated after only a 0-0 draw against Stoke City in the midweek despite a man’s advantage.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, have been impressive this season but not on a consistent basis. After a 4-3 late comeback win against Liverpool, the Cherries suffered a 2-3 loss at the hands of Burnley but again came back to winning ways by beating champions Leicester City in the midweek game. This promises to be a good game and being a derby, should not disappoint the neutrals.
Here is the predicted Southampton lineup against Bournemouth.
Defence
Fraser Forster will be on duty under the bar and will be looking for a clean-sheet against a Bournemouth side who have not struggled for goals this season. Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte are both among the best defenders in the division and will be looking to impress.
Cedric Soares is a minor doubt for the game with illness and Cuco Martina has impressed in his absence. Puel is likely to keep faith in Martina at right-back. Ryan Bertrand will start at left-back.
Midfield
Oriol Romeu will miss the game with a suspension and it will be a major blow for the Saints. In his absence, Jordy Clasie could start in the middle of the park alongside the ever-present Steven Davis.
Clasie and Davis both are more of creative players and Southampton will definitely miss Romeu’s defensive traits. Dusan Tadic is fit again and should start as the number ten.
Attack
Sofiane Boufal should start on the left flank and will be keen to make his mark. Nathan Redmond will keep his place on the right flank.
In Austin’s absence, Southampton have struggled for goals. Shane Long is yet to score this season and had a frustrating outing against Stoke in the midweek. We expect Puel to start with Jay Rodriguez up front against Bournemouth.
