Unavailable:
Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez
Stoke – Given, Muniesa
Ronald Koeman commented this week that Stoke
represent their manager’s footballing philosophy down to a tee when they take
to the field. The Saints boss pointed to a combative nature coupled with high
intensity which means that the Potters are not to be taken lightly. In fact, many
have claimed that the two are both members of a middle-tier league within the
Premier League, comprised of well-established top tier teams who are pushing
towards Europa League spots. Both clubs are well funded and sensibly run,
signifying that they are well placed to make a challenge for a European place.
Evidently, as Koeman stated, Stoke do still
have a certain style of play which is effective and direct. Although Glenn
Whelan and Charlie Adam are both technically gifted players, they also have the
ability to be forceful in a tackle. Meanwhile, up top is barrel-chested Jon
Walters. The Irishman has been heavily lauded for his goalscoring exploits
while representing his country, but this praise has been a rarity throughout
the striker’s career. Pigeon holed as a mere hard worker, the forward has developed
his game well, and should be given further credit.
Some of Stoke’s other offensive players have
received plenty of it over the years. Ibrahim Afellay, Xherdan Shaqiri and
Bojan were all earmarked as players who would rise to the very top of the game,
but have lost their way over the last few years, and as such, are all
attempting to revive their careers in Staffordshire. The trio are creative
players who can harm the opposition with an intelligent method of thinking.
Southampton will have to prepare themselves
to cope with that blend of physicality and flair that the Potters possess in
their ranks. Yet while remaining wary of their opponent’s strengths, Saints
will want to force the issue as they go in search of a third straight win in
the League. Koeman now seems to have settled on a first XI which is a cohesive
unit, and that has resulted in a long period of stability – allowing Saints to
launch themselves up the table.
When asked about the dynamic attacking
trinity of Dušan Tadić, Sadio Mané and Graziano Pellè in his press conference,
the Dutchman preferred to focus on the whole of his side, reserving special
mentions for Steven Davis and Ryan Bertrand. Davis’s inclusion in the side is
indeed vital for the three-pronged attack to fully function. A somewhat more
conservative option as the most offensive central midfielder, the Northern
Irish captain gives the trio license to push their opponents high, while he can
also prise defences open with an excellent range of passing.
Key
Battles
Soares
v Arnautović: Cédric
Soares was overlooked at Sunderland in favour of Maya Yoshida who is more
defensively minded. It appears that Koeman is reluctant to utilise the
offensive right-back in away games, when Mané is also deployed on that wing for
fear of being too open. This weekend, the Dutchman is likely to be less
cautious, and so he should be given Soares’s swift acclimatisation to the
Premier League. His forays up the right wing may be slightly less frequent than
at the start of the campaign, but he looks to be a more complete full-back for
it, while heavy cuts to his head in recent months are a sign of how he is not
shying away from a tackle.
He will be challenged by Marko Arnautović though. The tall forward can race to the byline and deliver ammunition for the
striker, or alternatively he can come inside to surge into the box. If crosses
come in from the right, the Austrian will be a threat at the back post,
therefore Soares will have to perfect his positioning to bridge the height
difference.
Wanyama
v Bojan: The
Kenyan captain will return for this game having been suspended for the trip to
Sunderland. His defensive nous is clearly a vital asset for Southampton,
however his sometimes reckless approach also has the potential to harm his own
team. He will have to be prudent on Saturday when confronting Bojan. The former
Barcelona man is enjoying a spell back in the No 10 position, having suffered a
long-term injury last season, and revels in his role as creator-in-chief for
the Potters. His smart touches on the ball often stifle defences, therefore
Wanyama will need to stick to his man, but be careful when trying to usher the
Spaniard away from dangerous areas.
Possible
Line-ups
Southampton:
Stekelenburg
– Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Clasie, Wanyama – Mané, S. Davis,
Tadić – Pellè
K. Davis, Yoshida, Long, Romeu, Ward-Prowse,
Juanmi, Caulker
Stoke: Butland – Johnson,
Shawcross (C), Wollscheid, Pieters – Whelan, Adam – Shaqiri, Bojan, Arnautovic –
Walters
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