After floundering numerous chances against Manchester United in the midweek clash that could have cemented their position in the top half of the league table, the Saints will now be aiming for it on the last day of the season as they host a struggling Stoke City side.
There is really nothing in the league to play for both the teams but Southampton will want to give a happy ending to Claude Puel’s managerial reign at the South Coast club as he is expected to leave the St Marys at the end of the season.
Against the Potters, Southampton haven’t quite got the edge if recent records are given a look. They have met nine times in the league winning two games each and drawing the rest five. However, it has often turned nasty in the process. This fixture has seen three red cards in the last five games in all competition.
Possible Southampton XI vs Stoke City
Defence
Fraser Forster will start under the bar. The English goalie has had some superb moments this season guarding the post and he will want to finish it that way. He has conceded 47 goals in 37 league outings so far. The defensive flanks will be taken by Matt Targett and Cedric Soares. Ryan Bertrand continues to recover from the knock as he missed the last game giving way to Targett. The English full-back is in huge demand this summer and might well have played his last game for the Saints.
The central defence will be taken by Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida. The duo was absolutely brilliant against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the previous game.
Midfield
The central midfield is expected to remain the same with Oriol Romeu partnering Steven Davis. The duo brings the much-needed balance to the Southampton setup. The double pivot works quite well for Claude Puel, who believes in free-flowing football.
The number 10 role will be taken by James Ward-Prowse. The English youngster has hogged much of the limelight this season from that position, scoring and assisting four goals each. He looked difficult to contain in the game against United.
Attack
The attacking flanks will be taken by Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic. Both are popular targets in the summer and this could be their last game. The attack will be spearheaded by Manolo Gabbiadini. After the nightmarish penalty miss by the Italian last game, he will hope to put in a better performance this time.
Gabbiadini
Redmond – Ward-Prowse – Tadic
Romeu – Davis
Targett – Stephen – Yoshida – Soares
Forster
