PREVIEW: West Ham v Southampton

Unavailable: West Ham – Reid, Moses, Payet, Sakho

                       Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez, Soares, Pellè

Southampton may have only had less than 42 hours to prepare to face a third London opponent in ten days, however if their last outing does not give them renewed vigour; nothing will. Under the superfluous LED lights at St Mary’s, Saints roared back with a fine performance against the team who many predict will lift the Premier League trophy in May – a Southampton side who were lacking any genuine confidence put Arsenal to the sword with supreme ease. Ronald Koeman elected to abandon his aesthetically beautiful approach with an “up and at ‘em” 4-4-2, and it paid dividends. The most satisfying element of the win for the Dutchman will have been the simplicity of the masterplan which left the Gunners players scrambling around the pitch, and Arsène Wenger calling foul play on the sideline.

Koeman instructed Steven Davis and James Ward-Prowse to occupy the wide positions to give Saints added backbone, which may have seemed bizarre when the teamsheets were announced with an hour until kick-off, yet the home side were well drilled to bully their opponents. Shane Long led the line effectively, and the team found a spark from that goal by Cuco Martina – a strike which may well have curled into the River Itchen had it not collided with Petr Čech’s net. Monday’s encounter with West Ham offers an immediate chance to feed off that excitement and push forward after a drab beginning to the winter period. Koeman would ideally like to make changes, however Graziano Pellè and Cédric Soares have both been ruled out once more. Therefore, Long will have to display his remarkable work rate through the middle again. Martina should also be handed an opportunity to show his merits at right-back where he put in a solid shift on Saturday night beyond that sizzling strike.

While Saints may consider themselves to be unlucky to have picked up a few injuries, West Ham have undoubtedly been the victim of misfortune in recent times. Although they only have four players who are definitely out of Monday’s game, several key players such as James Tomkins and Manuel Lanzini will face late fitness tests. Clearly, those who have been absent have affected the Hammers’ progression, as after an excellent start, Slaven Bilić’s team have dropped down the table. The Croatian has altered his team’s play impressively since the departure of Sam Allardyce through the introduction of adroit players such as Dimitri Payet and Lanzini, while also being mindful of the other talented performers who were already in East London. Although Payet will not be present on Monday, Southampton will have to be wily to deny the Hammers in the last meeting between these clubs at the Boleyn Ground.

Due to the unpredictable nature of line-ups for Monday’s match given the short turnaround period from Boxing Day fixtures, there will be no ‘Key Battles’ section for this match.

PREVIEW: Southampton v Arsenal

Unavailable: Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez

 Arsenal – Sánchez, Cazorla, Coquelin, Wilshere, Rosický,

Welbeck, Arteta

One could forgive Ronald Koeman for clinging to the cliché of “form is temporary, class is permanent”. As the Dutchman’s side continue to falter though, he has been remarkably honest about the predicament they currently find themselves in – it can now de defined as a rut. Prior to the Tottenham game last week, he urged that his team must pick up points against their London adversaries over the Christmas flurry of games, however they were undone by two astounding defensive lapses at the end of the first half that left Koeman slating his men in post-match interviews. The manager labelled his players as “naïve”, “too nice” and amateurish, citing a need to seek out the “killing mentality” that Spurs displayed so ruthlessly.

Yet he also realises that it is natural for his own position to be under scrutiny after such a run of form in the Premier League – particularly in a merciless climate where Garry Monk and José Mourinho have been relieved of their respective duties. Like the Saints boss, both men enjoyed a fine 2014/15 season, however they met a sticky end this winter. However, it would be unimaginable that Koeman should receive his P45 in the immediate future, and he merits the necessary time to halt this worrying slump which can most likely be attributed to a lack of confidence – not a shortfall in quality within the squad.

A shift in formation may be a welcome change on Saturday night though. Koeman has suggested that he will adopt a more conservative stance to compress the attack of opponents Arsenal, and deny them the space to counter-attack, however it is just the opposite that may be required to unearth the Gunners’ defensive frailties.

Against the “big boys”, Koeman has typically sent Sadio Mané out to support Graziano Pellè in the No 10 role, yet surely it would be beneficial to let the Senegalese run off the shoulder of Per Mertesacker who wouldn’t relish a foot race with the pacey forward. Despite their recent form which has been admirable and perhaps ratified their ability to clinch the Premier League trophy in May, there is always the potential that Arsenal could implode at any given moment. Saints should test that possibility, rather than allowing the Gunners to attack from the off at St Mary’s.

Although in adversity due to injuries, Arsène Wenger seems to have grasped the notion of a more pragmatic style which should result in more points for his charges. His ideology of pure football untainted by long balls has fuelled football that has left supporters drooling in the early part of the season when their team turns it on against a lowly opponent on a sunny day at the Emirates – but it has also been dismantled on a rainy day in springtime. That is a stereotype, but it has come to pass like clockwork year on year since their short move from Highbury. This season, an equilibrium has been discovered that allows Wenger’s side to mix that sumptuous style with the gritty work required to earn a title. If Southampton are to grab a point or three, they will have to upset that new-found balance.

Key Battles

Van Dijk v Giroud: Along with Steven Davis, Virgil van Dijk would probably deserve to be acknowledged as Southampton’s best player of the season so far, however he was undoubtedly at fault last weekend as Saints capitulated shortly before half-time against Spurs. His reckless challenge on Harry Kane where he swung his right leg but evaded both ball and player allowed the England international to stroll through to the Chapel End goal, before slotting home. On Saturday evening, he will have to contend with Olivier Giroud who has finally been handed the praise that his performances warrant. The Frenchman is a complete forward who can finish well, but also acts as a spearhead who can engineer space for others to break into. Van Dijk will need to be wily and communicate well with José Fonte to combat that threat.

Soares v Campbell: The Portuguese right-back was also criticised last week after he let Dele Alli totter unchallenged into the back post to slide the ball past the helpless Paulo Gazzaniga who was grounded. Yet throughout the course of this season, it can easily be argued that he has displayed superior form in comparison with his left sided counterpart Ryan Bertrand, who has not impressed in the last couple of months. The Portuguese international’s ability to roar down the right wing is underrated, as is his tenacious approach to defending which has improved significantly since his move from Sporting Lisbon. On Saturday night, he will face Joel Campbell who has excelled this season in the absence of first-team regulars. A striker at heart but disciplined in tracking back, Soares will be challenged by the Costa Rican.

Possible Line-ups

Southampton: Stekelenburg – Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Romeu, Clasie – S. Davis, Pellè, Mané

Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Long, Tadić, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Targett

Arsenal: Čech – Bellerín, Mertesacker (C), Koscielny, Monreal – Flamini, Ramsey – Walcott, Özil, Campbell – Giroud

Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chambers, Iwobi, Reine-Adélaïde

PREVIEW: Southampton v Tottenham

Unavailable: Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez, Stekelenburg
                       Tottenham – N’Jie, Mason, Pritchard

It is fairly probable that the Southampton hierarchy will not be penning a Christmas card to their Tottenham counterparts this festive season. Relations have soured since Southampton returned to the Premier League as Daniel Levy has glared enviably towards accomplished performers plying their trade on the South Coast. While Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama were persuaded to remain at the club (until it was deemed the right time for the former to depart) – others have slipped away up the M4 and beyond to White Hart Lane.

Mauricio Pochettino and Toby Alderweireld had left gaping cavities at St Mary's, however these were plugged impressively by Les Reed and co. The Argentinian boss was regarded as an exciting, fresh manager who had propelled Saints forward with high pressing and a tempo that would see opposition teams aggressively harried. Yet Plan B was never in evidence at St Mary's. When Saints came up against the cream of the crop, and were clearly struggling to complete – the man from Murphy would not alter that style. Whether this was fuelled by vanity, pride or an enviable sentiment of trust in his young charges – nobody knows. Yet Ronald Koeman has no such issue which was clearly displayed when his side suffered adversity during an awkward spell last season. The Dutchman switched to a fluid 5-3-2 after a barren run, and his young team put an experienced Everton to the sword at St Mary’s nearly a year ago to the day.

Meanwhile, the Belgian centre-back is a composed and sophisticated defender who you rarely notice in a game – simply because the former Ajax captain rarely makes an error, and he keeps his game uncomplicated. Yet Virgil van Dijk has been a standout figure in a Saints side that has struggled for the majority of this campaign. The Dutchman has been composed in defence, while he has also influenced games by striding into the opposition half to pull defensive players out of position.

The game is a flare merely waiting to be lit. That may benefit the hosts who must lift themselves once more as they seek their first win since early November. A changed side challenged Crystal Palace last weekend, but lacked that vital panache to find a point – exemplified by Shane Long's ambivalent late drive that thudded off Wayne Hennessey's ankle. The main positive emanated from Paulo Gazzaniga's display in goal. The Argentinian goalkeeper pulled off some superb stops to maintain his side's one-goal losing margin. That apparent newfound confidence will need to undulate through his defence on Saturday as he will deputise for the injured Maarten Stekelenburg again.

It is possible he will be forced into action even more frequently than he was at Selhurst Park. Bar last weekend's stodgy second half against Newcastle that resulted in only their second league defeat of the season, Spurs have competed well, and still harbour hopes of a top four finish. Yet doubts over Saturday’s visitors linger. The strength of their spine is not matched by the full-backs and wingers leaving an impression that Spurs are not quite the completed article. Saints will aim to expose that on Saturday in the first half of a North London double header at St Mary’s either side of Christmas.

Key Battles

Fonte v Kane: The Saints captain has been solid if not spectacular, as he has been unable to replicate his excellent form from last season. It is his leadership that should be focused on this Saturday though, as he looks to rally his team-mates who will inevitably be somewhat nervous this weekend. The Portuguese has acted in exemplary fashion in his role as a leader ever since his arrival almost five years ago, therefore this should not be too challenging.

However, the centre-back will also have to restrain the prince of White Hart Lane – Harry Kane. The striker has re-developed his Midas touch, and is unpredictable as he can pull into the No 10 role or push further forward. Fonte will also have to be wary if Son Heung-min is on the pitch at any point. Even if fulfilling the role of an offensive midfielder, the South Korean still has the instincts of a striker, and will most likely cut in from the left towards Fonte in an attempt to forge a route to goal.

Mané v Verthongen/Rose: The Senegalese has drifted out of games recently as his side has slid gradually into the bottom half of the Premier League. The attacker has been touted as “one to buy” for the big boys, yet he has obviously found it challenging to stamp his mark in matches. Even against Palace when playing centrally where he has the ability to wreak havoc, he continually toiled. Playing off the returning Graziano Pellè may leave him more room, whether playing on the right wing or just alongside the Italian. Jan Verthongen and Danny Rose will have to be sure that the gap between centre-back and left-back is sensibly compact, yet if the Senegalese is playing in behind Pellè, the attacker could roam free to boost the Saints attack.

Probable Line-ups

Southampton: Gazzaniga – Soares, Van Dijk, Fonte (C), Yoshida, Bertrand – Wanyama, Romeu, S. Davis – Mané, Pellè

K. Davis, Clasie, Long, Tadić, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Caulker

Tottenham: Lloris (C) – Walker, Alderweireld, Verthongen, Rose – Dier, Dembélé – Lamela, Alli, Eriksen – Kane

Vorm, Bentaleb, Son, Trippier, Chadli, Carroll, Davies

PREVIEW: Crystal Palace v Southampton

Unavailable: Crystal Palace – Appiah, Jedinak, Gayle, Sako

                      Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez

It is now over four years ago since the moment Alan Pardew was informed by Nicola Cortese that his services were no longer required in South Hampshire. A largely successful spell followed at Newcastle (despite the hordes of criticism that rained down on him from the stands at St James Park), and then in a spiritual homecoming, he moved back down south to the raucous Selhurst Park. In contrast to their Magpie adversaries, Eagles fans are more than content to acknowledge what Pardew has done for their club.

Under the former Saints boss, Palace have grown into an attractive outfit, and it is remarkable to see the turnaround which has taken place over the last year. Of course, it was only Boxing Day when Saints arrived at Selhurst Park to comfortably see their hosts off – it was to be the final nail in Neil Warnock’s coffin. At that stage, many pundits claimed that Palace seemed ripe for the drop into the Championship. Yet Pardew had other ideas – the Eagles are now a well-organised outfit who play to their counter-attacking strengths with pace and ingenuity which allows them to thrive.

No one encapsulates that spirit better than former Saint Jason Puncheon who has emerged as a dynamic central midfielder. When Pardew signed the former Plymouth man in January 2010, he was deployed on the right wing. Obviously, he was talented, however the decision to continuously cut in onto his favoured left foot was frustrating – particularly in a league where expansive wing play is imperative in order to slice open the opposition's defence.

This style of play was far more effective in the Premier League where he slotted into Mauricio Pochettino's plans perfectly – driving Southampton away from the perils of relegation. Now back under the stewardship of Pardew once more, he has switched into a different role. Usually, James McArthur sits in behind Yohan Cabaye and Puncheon, and these two offensively minded midfielders fire passes out to either wing for Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha to accelerate onto. Unsurprisingly, this fluid game plan is ideal away from Selhurst Park, but there have been fewer home comforts this season – a fact that will give Ronald Koeman some hope for the trip to Croydon.

Southampton are stuttering and scrambling around mid-table. The players currently resemble a side who have suffered from the perceived Thursday-Sunday fatigue conundrum – except Saints were knocked out of the Europa League… Perhaps some of the team have forgotten. It appears that there are no genuine targets to aspire to, and that the season is petering out – in December. A kick start is necessary, but any genuine success this season will surely hinge on a possible FA Cup run after Liverpool ruthlessly picked Saints off in the League Cup.

Until that home tie (ironically against Palace), Koeman has to focus his attention on the positives from the Villa match. The strength in depth available to the Saints boss would have been encouraging – Oriol Romeu and Juanmi both starred in half-stirring comeback in the second period, and merit more playing time than they have been given. The regularly criticised James Ward-Prowse also had an impression on the game, and found Romeu for the equaliser.

In the past, Southampton have struggled in the bleak midwinter, but last season, Koeman found a formula to banish those Christmas blues. A repeat of that purple patch would be most welcome now.

Key Battles

Dann v Pellè: Praise has been lavished upon Scott Dann this campaign – not only for his strength as a leader in the defence, but also for his goalscoring exploits. One of the few times that doubts have been voiced about his expertise was after the Sunderland match when Jermain Defoe pinched the ball of him on the run, before converting the opportunity in the 1-0 win. Pace therefore could be the key, but Graziano Pellè is not blessed with great speed. Therefore the Italian will have to match the centre-back physically, and hold the ball up well before attempting any of his elaborate trademark flicks.

Cabaye v Wanyama: The Kenya captain has been under fire of late after a couple of substandard performances, but will no doubt turn out for this one after being passed fit. These negative reviews are somewhat unfair though, as the midfielder is evidently struggling with the different partners that he has been paired with this term, after two consecutive seasons with Morgan Schneiderlin in the engine room. Part of the challenge is born out of the fact that Jordy Clasie occupies a different role to his predecessor, and it appears that the Dutchman is struggling for form and confidence. Wanyama must strangulate the influence of Cabaye on proceedings. Palace's summer marquee signing has been reinvigorated since his return to England after an indifferent spell at PSG. If he is restricted, the hosts' creative powers will be limited.

Possible Line-ups

Crystal Palace: Hennessey – Ward, Dann, Delaney (C), Souaré – McArthur, Cabaye, Puncheon – Zaha, Wickham, Bolasie

McCarthy, Bamford, Campbell, Mutch, Ledley, Chamakh, Kelly

Southampton: Stekelenburg – Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Romeu, Wanyama – S. Davis, Mané, Tadić – Pellè

K. Davis, Yoshida, Clasie, Long, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Caulker

PREVIEW: Southampton v Aston Villa

Unavailable – Southampton: Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez

                         Aston Villa: Grealish, Clark, Ilori, Crespo, Gardner, Amavi

As Southampton and Aston Villa enter St Mary’s to the sound of somewhat bog-standard Premier League song, both sets of players will feel the pressure beginning to heave down on their shoulders. Villa may well want to savour the moments when they hear that tune, as it seems likely that they will be playing Championship football next season. Yet, despite the fact that they are marooned at the bottom of the current standings, the opportunity to avoid Channel 5 highlights is still there for the Villains to grab. Rémi Garde will inevitably tinker with his squad in January, however he currently has to mould what was handed to him by his predecessor, Tim Sherwood.

As I expressed prior to when the Birmingham side came to St Mary’s last month, Garde has players who have real quality in his midfield and attack – it is just a matter of how to unearth this, and bring it to the fore for all to see. For example, Jordan Veretout was an exciting addition from Nantes. The Frenchman has the ability to send an incisive pass towards the opposition’s backline, but is also temperate and level headed when necessary. There has not been a great deal of evidence of this in Premier League matches though. Meanwhile, the recruitment of winger Adama Traoré from Barcelona was regarded as a coup, however his pace and trickery has flattered to deceive.

Throw in the Jack Grealish saga and a defence that often resembles a lacerated umbrella, and you realise the size of the task that faces Garde. The former Arsenal midfielder has thicker shoulders and a sharper mind than he has been credited with in his opening month at the club. In his time at Lyon, he had to cost cut, and develop the side while managing the expectations of fans who had become accustomed to seeing a winning team after the club won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles. Nevertheless, the Frenchman secured a League Cup and a Europa League quarter-final. He is a man who can overcome pressure to produce objective results.

Surely, the Villa boss would be content with a point today, although they will remain rooted to the trapdoor which is starting to creep open. Southampton will also desire a victory, after three consecutive losses have once again left questions over the team – particular mention has been reserved for the defence though. While Steven Caulker should not be the scapegoat for the Liverpool butchering as others were also at fault, his display suggested a worrying lack of class to replace José Fonte when he is not fit to lead his side. The England international was woeful in his positioning, allowing Daniel Sturridge et al to run off him while admiring the flight of the ball.

The Portuguese will return on Saturday, and Ronald Koeman has suggested that a more moderate approach will enable his team to succeed. Yet, the Dutchman will have to remember that a quick start on the offence should give the hosts the platform to dominate the match.

Key Battles

Stekelenburg v Gestede: Maarten Stekelenburg has never previously featured in this section of the preview, because evidently he rarely has a genuine battle with a player, however this may be different today. It is possible that Rudy Gestede will line up for the visitors, and the ‘keeper will have to be brave in aerial duels against the tall striker whose heading ability is unsurpassed in the Premier League. With the right service, he will tower above the centre-backs, and the Dutch stopper will need to judge the opportune moment to claim the ball if necessary. The French striker’s game has improved enormously over the last few years, and he was also the beneficiary of training techniques from sprinter Darren Campbell during his time at Cardiff – no doubt aiding him to significantly better his running style.

Tadić v Hutton: If kept on the left, the Serbian should be able to trouble Alan Hutton throughout the afternoon. The winger was one the few players who enjoyed a vaguely productive evening on Wednesday, while the Scottish right-back has consistently struggled alongside his defensive teammates at Villa. He is offensively strong and physically powerful though, therefore Saints’ No 11 will have to deny him the space to run into.

Possible Line-ups

Southampton: Stekelenburg – Yoshida, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Romeu, Wanyama – Mané, S. Davis, Tadić – Pellè

K. Davis, Soares, Clasie, Long, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Caulker

Aston Villa: Guzan – Hutton, Okore, Lescott, Richardson – Veretout, Sánchez, Gueye – Agbonlahor (C), Ayew – Gestede

Bunn, Bacuna, Sinclair, Westwood, Traoré, Gil, Kinsella

Also below, I have linked my tactical analysis of the Liverpool game for the Independent’s website:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/southampton-1-liverpool-6-analysis-ronald-koeman-tactically-unsure-after-liverpool-capitulation-a6759441.html

PREVIEW: Southampton v Liverpool

Unavailable: Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez, Fonte

                       Liverpool – Sakho, Enriqué, Rossiter, Ings, Gomez, Flanagan

Despite enjoying such a successful first season at the club last term, there was one major blemish that Ronald Koeman will want to correct this time round. When Southampton were drawn away to Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the League Cup last season, it appeared that the team had been handed a gift of a tie to reach the last four. Yet how often does what is written on paper actually come to transpire on a pitch. Southampton were suffering a barren pitch, and the Blades bullied them, and booked their place in the quarter-finals.

To play Liverpool at St Mary’s is somewhat of a different proposition though. Saints come into this game as slight underdogs, and have gone largely under the radar this season as inconsistent form in the Premier League has left them stumbling around in mid-table. Of course, this is a perfectly acceptable performance from the team, however it makes cup ties such as these all the more important. A season in mid-table does not lead the pulse to jump erratically, but a genuine chance of a trophy could define this campaign.    

How to judge success for the visitors to St Mary’s is a more challenging question. Jürgen Klopp has surely impressed the Liverpool hierarchy and the press with immediate prosperity for the club, and some witty words and actions from the German on the sideline. Yet when will this honeymoon period end? The disappointing form under Brendan Rodgers before his dismissal left the Reds languishing in the bottom half, and as such Klopp had a handicap before taking the hotseat. Achievements in the league can perhaps wait until next season (within reason), therefore progression to the semi-finals on Wednesday night would not be sniffed at.

Backed by a full St Mary’s, Saints will stand up to their opponents though. The team is hurting after two consecutive defeats, and should be particularly keen to overcome a club that once again swooped in to purchase further playing personnel from the Hampshire side during the summer. In the words of Klopp this week, “I hear Southampton and Liverpool are not the best friends.” Indeed, Jürgen. Beyond that though, it is imperative that the hosts exhibit some fight and initiative tonight. Their approach play against Stoke was dull and unimaginative, while they were ripped apart by a rampant City side in the first half at the weekend.

A large amount of criticism was directed towards Maya Yoshida who was bizarrely selected to play at right-back – again. Despite the continued superb form of Cédric Soares, Koeman dropped him completely for the trip to Manchester in favour of the Japanese international. He can undoubtedly play one or two games in that position when Soares and Cuco Martina are unavailable, as displayed by an excellent performance against Aston Villa in the cup. However, to play him there against a side such as City by choice is an inexplicable decision that would surely irk Soares, and jeopardise the Japanese’s confidence.

Yet, if anyone should be allowed to make a slight error in judgment, it is Koeman, and no doubt the team he picks for Wednesday’s game should be able to have some joy against the Reds.

Key Battles

Bertrand v Ibe: Since coming back into the side with a decent run of form after injury denied him the chance to play at the start of the season, the left-back has been somewhat average of late. His trademark bombing runs down the left-wing have not been seen a great deal of late, and attacking full-backs should be a key characteristic of this team. Although, it was his supreme displays from last season that have prompted some to conclude that his latest form is below his best. On Wednesday, he will most likely face Jordon Ibe – a speed merchant who has blossomed since Rodgers gave him an opportunity in the first team. He is a classic winger who enjoys clipping the touchline with his boots, and will allow the visitors genuine width if given the nod.

Caulker v Sturridge: The centre-back was forced into action after José Fonte hobbled off at the Etihad, and he put in a composed performance in the absence of the captain. He has had limited opportunities at the club, but will be keen to impress, as he attempts to put his career back on track after short stints at a number of clubs. He should face Daniel Sturridge if the England international is fit enough to start. His pace and direct play could trouble the Saints backline therefore Virgil van Dijk and Caulker will have to marshal the team well, with support from Maarten Stekelenburg behind them.

Possible Line-ups

Southampton: Stekelenburg – Soares, Caulker, Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Clasie – Mané, S. Davis (C), Tadić – Pellè

K. Davis, Yoshida, Long, Romeu, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi

Liverpool: Bogdán – Randall, Touré, Lovren, Clyne – Lucas, Henderson (C) – Ibe, Firmino, Lallana – Sturridge

Mignolet, Milner, Benteke, Coutinho, Moreno, Allen, Škrtel