Unavailable:
Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Long, Rodriguez
Bournemouth – Wilson, Elphick,
Mings, Gradel, Atsu
On Saturday 7 August 2004, as the final
whistle sounded on Southampton’s pre-season victory against Chievo Verona, it
was announced over the tannoy that Bournemouth had been beaten away at Hull in
their League One opening weekend encounter. There were several audible sighs at
St Mary’s as a noticeable contingent of Saints fans considered the Dorset club
to be their “second team”. Eleven years later, many pundits are billing Sunday’s
Premier League game between the two sides as a South Coast derby. It is true
that there was a spark in the matches in League One a few years ago, but that
was primarily due to their battle at the summit of the table – not their
geographical proximity. It is understandable that the Cherries would relish a
rivalry with Southampton given their lack of professional neighbouring clubs,
however as far as the majority of Saints fans are concerned, there will only
ever be one genuine South Coast derby.
Regardless of how you label this match, it
promises to be an intriguing encounter between two teams who play football “the
right way”. When listening to Eddie Howe, and surveying his achievements on
paper, it is hard not to be impressed with the way he has transformed the
visitors in recent years. It is a team that has mostly been maintained from the
third tier to the Premier League – a feat that Saints know all about. They have
had harsh luck with injuries in their inaugural season in the top tier, but the
Cherries still pose a significant threat in the way that they set themselves
up. Howe’s team possess an excellent balance which gives them the springboard
to play such attacking football. Former Saint Andrew Surman’s neat play in the
centre is complemented well by the sheer drive of Harry Arter – now returning
from injury after missing the first part of the season. The full-backs are also
encouraged to support the wingers; both Charlie Daniels and Simon Francis have
ably occupied these slots in the last few years. Their recent heavy defeats
have not necessarily come as a result of their style of play, they have more
likely stemmed from individual mistakes which currently seem to be harming the
club’s chances of survival.
Southampton will be in confident mood to
punish any errors after overcoming Aston Villa in the second half of their League
Cup tie on Wednesday. After giving his fringe players some valuable playing
time, Ronald Koeman will be able to bring his regulars back into the fold. Dušan
Tadić and Steven Davis put in particularly impressive displays coming off the
bench against Villa, while Oriol Romeu also put himself in the frame for a start
after a good showing from the combative midfielder. Nevertheless, it is
probable that Koeman will put his faith in Jordy Clasie. After a baptism of
fire against Leicester, the Dutch international put in a competent performance
at Anfield, and this will be another opportunity for him to exhibit his talents
in front of a home crowd.
Key
Battles
Bertrand
v Ritchie: Ryan
Bertrand has produced steady form since his return to the team after injury a
month ago. He has coped well with difficult opponents, while re-discovering the
chemistry that he enjoyed with Tadić down the left wing in the early part of
last season. On Sunday, he will have to deny Matt Ritchie who has performed
well despite the pressure of being named Bournemouth’s best player last term.
Along with scoring a spectacular goal against Sunderland, the former Portsmouth
winger has already embarrassed seasoned Premier League left-backs as he
saunters down the right side. Bertrand will have to be aware as the winger
often cuts in on his stronger left foot, but he can also reach the byline to
cross with his right. If the England international is sucked inside by Ritchie,
this will allow Francis space to attack – something he will have to be mindful
of, as will Tadić who will need to track back.
Pellè v
Distin: When
Southampton played Everton last December, it is fair to say that Graziano Pellè
bullied Sylvain Distin. The former Portsmouth centre-back concentrated all his
efforts on stifling the Italian, but he was simply unable to cope with his
strength, while he was also frightened by the pace of Shane Long in behind.
While he will not have to be concerned with the latter this Sunday, Pellè will
peel onto him for every ball that is hit in his direction if he detects any
weakness whatsoever – Distin should ask Daley Blind how much of a torrid
afternoon you can have at St Mary’s if the target man smells blood.
Possible
Line-ups
Southampton:
Stekelenburg
– Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Clasie, Wanyama – Mané, S. Davis,
Tadić – Pellè
K. Davis, Yoshida, Romeu, Ward-Prowse,
Juanmi, Ramírez, Caulker
Bournemouth:
Federici
– Francis (C), Cook, Distin, Daniels – Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh – King –
Murray
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