Unavailable:
Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Long
Leicester – James
This week, it transpired that Claudio Ranieri
walked into St Mary’s last summer to be interviewed for the then vacant manager’s
position, but he will return this Saturday to sit in the visitors’ dugout. The
Italian insinuated that he had been offered the job, however Southampton
insisted that Ronald Koeman was always their primary target. It is easy to
comment in retrospect that the Saints hierarchy made the right decision to
appoint the Dutchman, yet he had just ended his tenure at Feyenoord – a similar
sized club to Southampton with homegrown players where he had experienced great
success, whereas Ranieri had just been sacked by Monaco, a rather different
outfit, who had a squad full of vastly seasoned performers such as Dimitar
Berbatov.
This is not to say that the Leicester manager
is not a talented operator. Dubbed the “tinkerman” by the press during his spell
with Chelsea, the Italian was actually ahead of his time. Squad rotation is an
intrinsic part of team management – especially when there is a large group of skilled
players, such is the case at Stamford Bridge. The Italian has continued this
policy at the King Power, highlighted by his decision to rest the prolific Riyad
Mahrez for his side’s last game against Norwich. The Algerian was frustrated
however his team ran out winners, and he is now chomping at the bit to return.
The Foxes have enjoyed an impressive start to
this season, continuing their form from the tail end of last term, when former
Saints boss Nigel Pearson led them to a great escape. Ranieri suffered the loss
of Esteban Cambiasso in the heart of the midfield, yet Danny Drinkwater has
rose to the task of replacing him. Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy has consistently
troubled defences with his potent mix of pace and power – the England
international has already scored seven Premier League goals this term. Cédric
Soares has improved a great deal since his arrival as he acclimatises to the
Premier League – epitomised by his excellent display at Chelsea – but this will
be a test of his defensive capabilities if Vardy peels off to the left wing which he occasionally elects to do.
Koeman will be confident of obtaining a
positive result though, as his side has begun to gel more in recent weeks. The
Dutchman will also have his compatriot Jordy Clasie available for the first
time in the Premier League this weekend. The midfielder will undoubtedly add to
the quality of the team, yet he will have struggle to immediately earn a place –
James Ward-Prowse is gradually becoming an accomplished player alongside Victor
Wanyama in a deeper role. The midfield battle between the two teams could be
vital in deciding the result of what should be a compelling game.
Key
Battles
Ward-Prowse
v Drinkwater: This
should be an interesting encounter in the centre of the park. Ward-Prowse came
on to force a significant change in the pattern of play in the game against
Chelsea. While Oriol Romeu and Wanyama were fulfilling the same role in the
engine room, the England Under-21 captain provided an effective link between
the defence and the attacking quartet. He attempted elaborate balls at the
opportune moment, but for the majority of the time, he kept his game simple,
allowing those around him to capitalise on Chelsea’s numerous errors. He will
have to show composure on Saturday, as Drinkwater is a tidy performer.
Consistency is the key for the midfielder as he looks to keep experienced
midfielders Andy King and Gökhan Inler on the bench.
S.
Davis v Fuchs: The
Northern Ireland captain has been in superb form recently, notching three goals
for club and country in as many games. He should play on the right side of an
attacking midfield trio featuring Sadio Mané and Dušan Tadić. While this is not
a natural position for the midfielder, he will keep the game ticking over, with
clever touches and awareness. He will also interchange with Mané and Tadić, as
Saints will strive to move their opponents around, and create further chances
for Graziano Pellè to strike. The Northern Ireland captain is also not afraid
to track back, and this will be imperative to deny Christian Fuchs. The
Austrian is capable of whipping the ball in dangerously with his cultured left
boot, and Davis will not be able to allow him time down the left wing –
considering the aerial menace that Vardy and Shinji Okazaki possess.
Possible
Line-ups
Southampton:
Stekelenburg
– Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Ward-Prowse – S. Davis, Mané,
Tadić – Pellè
K. Davis, Yoshida, Clasie, Rodriguez, Romeu, Martina, Juanmi
Leicester: Schmeichel – Simpson, Huth, Morgan (C), Fuchs – Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kanté,
Schlupp – Okazaki, Vardy
Schwarzer, De Laet, King, Ulloa, Dyer, Benalouane,
Inler
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