Claude Puel has seen his Southampton team go through a horrible run of form after the excellent EFL Cup run culminated in a Wembley date with Manchester United. It was a morale booster and would have given them huge confidence after getting the better of Liverpool over two legs in the semi-final. But the win was quickly followed by a thrashing at the hands of Arsenal and losses against Swansea City and West Ham United have derailed their march towards a Top 10 finish.
Claude Puel and his boys have to buck up and ditch the current trend of results if they are to finish in a respectable position this season. If they are not able to reverse the trend, a potential relegation battle looms large and hence the motivation to turn things around is there in abundance. They are incidentally making the trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend and although the opponents are Sunderland, there will be no free gifts on offer.
Moyes has overseen a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in their latest assignment and the Black Cats will be desperate to keep that momentum going. A feisty encounter is on the cards as both the teams will be looking for a win from this fixture.
PREDICTED SOUTHAMPTON XI VS SUNDERLAND (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Fraser Forster will be in goal and it is quite evident that Southampton expect a bit more from the imposing keeper. At right-back, Cedric Soares will line-up while the central defence will see Yoshida line-up alongside Stephens with the Dutchman, Van Dijk expected to miss out with an injury. Yoshida has looked good in patches and has to be more consistent which will be crucial as they will be dealing with a sharp customer in Jermain Defoe. Ryan Bertrand will be at left-back and will look to stretch Sunderland on the flanks.
MIDFIELD
Puel has employed a 3-man midfield and that is likely to be the formation against the Black Cats. He has changed the players around but Hojbjerg, Davis and Romeu look the likely candidates to get more game time as the season progresses. Romeu can sit in the holding role with Hojbjerg and Davis alongside him in slightly advanced positions.
ATTACK
Boufal is a slight doubt and with the options at his disposal, Puel might not risk him. Tadic might come back on the left flank while Redmond is likely to line up on the right flank. Rodriguez is a viable alternative. Gabbiadini is likely to continue in the lone striker’s role.
