PREVIEW: Manchester United v Southampton

Unavailable: Manchester United – Young, Shaw, Rojo, Valencia, Carrick,

                                                           Jones, Schweinsteiger

                       Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez

If history has taught us anything about Southampton and Manchester United encounters over the last couple of years – or the whole of Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal’s respective careers for that matter – it is that the away side always runs out as the victor. As I touched upon in my preview for the reverse game at St Mary’s, the frosty/non-existent rapport between the two Dutchmen always adds an extra element of spice to the occasion, and if Koeman is searching for a good omen against his adversary, it is that the match will take place at Old Trafford on Saturday. His side now need to continue the good run of form that they have built up after successive wins over Watford and West Brom, but neither opponent gave Saints a genuine challenge to overcome.

United are an entirely different beast. While Koeman was correct to state that there is not the same level of intimidation for the away team in the Old Trafford tunnel when faced with Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind, compared with standing side to side with Ryan Giggs and Éric Cantona in yesteryear, Van Gaal has the tools in his armoury to overcome almost every team in the Premier League. That being said, United are a sleeping giant waiting for someone to pour cold water over them – change may need to be implemented by the Red Devils hierarchy with the United boss struggling to generate success with a team that cost more than a pretty penny to put together. The Dutchman has not yet crossed the Rubicon, but he is certainly dipping a toe.

While United may have managed to divert themselves away from the slump that no doubt ruined their manager’s Christmas, their play has been tiresome at best. This has been well documented by the press and Paul Scholes who seems to have found his voice after managing to avoid any press coverage off the pitch during his esteemed career, but it is understandable considering how dire it is to watch Wayne Rooney et al flounder around the pitch. The England captain’s form is in fact a microcosm for United’s story post-Alex Ferguson – both his team and he seem to have misplaced the tenacity, drive and hunger that made them the title winning machine they once were.

Therefore, Saints should be brave and bold as they head to the North West on Saturday. While shadows of former greats loom large at Old Trafford, the current crop is plagued by injuries and a lack of confidence. The Saints boss has options at his disposal, and should be ready to pick at the hosts’ flaws. In attack, he can now switch his charges around, with Graziano Pellè and new boy Charlie Austin ready and prepped. The former QPR man was a steal, and is a complete No 9. It could be argued that Southampton have not had a player quite like that since James Beattie. It will be a relief to have such a capable all-rounder up top for Koeman, and Austin will hope to make an impression on Saturday.

Key Battles

Blind v Long: On Friday, Shane Long stated his view that the starting striker’s shirt was his to lose. After a season and a half of being a firm No 2 to Pellè, the Italian’s niggling injury has allowed the Irishman the opportunity to display his talent to the St Mary’s faithful. Not only does he give that proverbial extra 10% with his constant hassling and harrying that agitates opposition defenders, he has an excellent spring which is often overlooked. At times, his finishing is wayward, but he provides a different option to Pellè or Austin. Blind is the perfect opponent on Saturday. Although Chris Smalling is often on hand to help out, the Dutchman seems uncomfortable at centre-back. A victim of his own versatility, Van Gaal believes that his compatriot can “do a job”, but Blind is often hampered by his lack of pace and agility. Long should peel onto the Dutchman to have some joy on Saturday.

Lingard v Bertrand/Targett: Jesse Lingard does not have fond memories of playing against Southampton. He was once dismissed in an Under-21s game at St Mary’s, but has had a reasonable season this time round. His skill and pace may trouble the left side of the defence, and Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett will have to co-ordinate in order to ably cope with that threat on Saturday. If the attacker comes inside, Targett will have to allow Bertrand to combat him, and be mindful of the overlap from right-back Matteo Darmian. If given the chance though, both defenders should double up, given Saints’ midfield is likely to be narrow once again, meaning that there will be a lack of cover, so the visitors should make the most of a back five.

Possible Line-ups

Manchester United: De Gea – Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson – Fellaini, Schneiderlin – Lingard, Herrera, Martial – Rooney (C)

Romero, Depay, Mata, Varela, McNair, Tuanzebe, Pereira

Southampton: Forster – Soares, Van Dijk, Fonte (C), Bertrand, Targett – Wanyama, Clasie, S. Davis – Mané, Long

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Tadić, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Pellè, Austin

PREVIEW: Southampton v West Brom

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez

                       West Brom – Morrison

If there was an ideal tonic to prepare a team to face a rigid Tony Pulis side, it would be Southampton’s victory over Watford. After two months of tedious football bar that memorable encounter with Arsenal, Southampton finally cut loose to the detriment of the Hornets on Wednesday night. Although the result was not as emphatic as it was against the Gunners, Saints left their opponents grasping at thin air. The Dutchman opted to deploy a 5-2-2-1 formation which dominated talk in the hour prior to kick-off with Ryan Bertrand coming in at centre-back to quell the threat of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, however the prolific strike duo were not allowed any hint of a clear cut opportunity at St Mary’s. It was not the three centre-backs that stifled the visitors though, as the frontmen were rarely even found.

The strong performance was built on a platform constructed by the central midfield duo of Oriol Romeu and Jordy Clasie – one of the first few times this season when a decent partnership has been struck in that area of the team. In front of them, Sadio Mané and Steven Davis played somewhat narrower roles behind Shane Long giving wing backs Matt Targett and Cédric Soares the license to roam forward. As illustrated by the first goal, Koeman’s tactics were effective, however the extra centre-back was not necessary. Two defensive midfielders such as Romeu and Clasie should provide adequate cover at home to have four offensive players in front of them including a genuine No 10, or even an extra striker (perish the thought in the modern era). Regardless, Saints carved Watford open on numerous occasions, and it should give them hope ahead of the visit of West Brom.

However, Pulis’ side provide a vastly different test to that posed by the Hornets. While Wednesday’s opponents would saunter forward at any given opportunity, the Baggies will most likely produce a resilient front that will be hard to crack. In fact, it is slightly disappointing that the tactics of Pulis seem to have regressed in this season which has been so hard to predict and when teams such as Leicester have toppled the standard order. To label West Brom’s style in the last few months as “pragmatic” would be generous. Pulis still attempts to incorporate expansive wing play, with a targetman spearheading his team, however it is disappointing that he has not grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns with a team that is bursting with Premier League experience – even in home games, the Welshman remains reserved with his tactics.

One man who encompasses far more than the standard qualities of your habitual targetman is former Saint Rickie Lambert. The Liverpudlian has not received a fair amount of playing time since his St Mary’s departure, but he still has the tools to be West Brom’s pinnacle with his talent to run into the channels and manoeuvre space, as well as to hold the ball up in central areas. The large majority of Southampton fans would wish him well after Saturday’s game.

Key Battles

Mané v Brunt/Evans: Chris Brunt is gifted with an excellent left foot, and has put in numerous accomplished performances as the archetypal left midfielder, but a full-back he is simply not. On several occasions this season, the Northern Irishman has been embarrassed as he flounders in defence. Often, he is caught out of position, and this is something that the Saints coaching staff have surely identified as a weakness. The likely man to exploit that frailty will be Mané. After a much improved display against Watford, he should be direct enough in his approach to hurt the Baggies rearguard. Jonny Evans is also awkward at left-back, suffering a lack of mobility that hinders him, therefore the Senegalese will also be likely to have some joy if the former Manchester United man is given the nod.

Soares v McClean: James McClean is an awkward player to handle, and Soares would do well to keep close tabs on him this Saturday. With the possibility of the offensive Brunt behind him, the Portuguese will need to remain wary of the overlap from both players. Neither player is likely to cut in frequently, however the right-back will also have to be prepared for that eventuality. The Irish winger can be a fiery personality, therefore Soares should be wary of being sucked into petty squabbles.

Possible Line-ups

Southampton: Forster – Soares, Van Dijk, Fonte (C), Bertrand, Targett – Romeu, Clasie – Mané, S. Davis – Long

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Tadić, Wanyama, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Pellè

West Brom: Myhill – Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Brunt – Yacob – McManaman, Gardner, Fletcher (C), McClean – Rondón

Foster, Olsson, Chester, Anichebe, Lambert, Berahino, Sessègnon

PREVIEW: Southampton v Watford

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Wanyama

                       Watford – Ekstrand, Aké

“It makes the direction for the rest of the season. Can be positive, can be negative,” said Ronald Koeman in his pre-match press conference, bearing a wry smile. The Dutchman had been asked whether the two matches against Watford and West Brom would define the remainder of his side’s season, and the Southampton boss was not afraid to express the importance of the upcoming games at St Mary’s only a few days apart. Saints lie slap bang in the middle of the table – seven points below seventh place, and seven points above the relegation zone. At least one win from the next two games would be necessary to recreate positive thinking, while anything less would leave Koeman remaining anxious.

The league is now all Saints have to fight for after a drab exit from the FA Cup on Saturday, when the hosts only attacked with any vigour in the dying embers of the game. Controlled possession was what Koeman ordered from his charges with a 5-3-2 formation, yet they were unable to penetrate the Palace backline who were unmistakably comfortable throughout. When the Dutchman employed this formation last season, his side played with flare and a real spark, however when used this term, it has merely inspired an approach that lacks any zeal, and results in a blunt attack. Saints were at least somewhat more responsive in the second period as Koeman reverted to the standard 4-2-3-1 that has usually served the team well since its return to the Premier League.

Yet perhaps, Southampton could learn from Quique Sánchez Flores’ tactical outlook that has seen Watford defy the pre-season doubters to become undoubted top-half contenders. The Spaniard has ignored the continental approach which is now imprinted within the Premier League, in favour of a 4-4-2 that has become unfashionable in recent years. Many have commented on the work of Troy Deeney and the ineffable goalscoring form of Odion Ighalo, yet the rebirth of a left/right midfielder as opposed to “wingers” has also been a refreshing experience when watching the Hornets this season. Often, when a team plays three up front, it restricts their width, as the widemen often cut in to support the lone striker (à la Jason Puncheon), but in a 4-4-2, two frontmen occupy the centre-backs, leaving the left and right midfielders with the freedom to attack the flanks.

Saints will have to be aware of that threat, but they will be boosted by the return of Fraser Forster to the squad, who will make his comeback far ahead of schedule. The England international has excellent command of his box, and enjoyed a stellar first season at St Mary’s before his untimely injury. Maarten Stekelenburg has been a reliable presence between the posts, however his shot stopping has flattered to deceive as illustrated by his poor parry that directly led to Wilfried Zaha’s goal on Saturday. Forster’s presence could settle some of the unrest which is apparent in the team, and the positive effect of a solid back five should filter through to the offensive players in the final third.

Key Battles

Fonte/Van Dijk v Ighalo/Deeney: The two Watford forwards will trouble José Fonte and Virgil van Dijk with their speed and tenacity, and the Saints centre-back duo will have to keep their eye on both strikers. This campaign, Deeney has habitually put in the hard running for Ighalo to reap the rewards, yet if Fonte and Van Dijk merely concentrate on one, the other will run in behind. Ighalo will typically linger on the shoulder therefore it will also be vital that there is good communication between the centre-backs and full-backs.

Romeu v Capoue: Étienne Capoue was one of a number of players tipped to be a great success in the flurry of incoming players to Spurs in the aftermath of Gareth Bale’s departure, however it wasn’t to be for the French midfielder at White Hart Lane. Yet it has been a different story at Vicarage Road, as he has earned rave reviews with some powerful performances. The visitors will be outnumbered in central midfield though, and the Frenchman should have an interesting battle with Oriol Romeu who is getting the run in the team that he so richly deserves. His performance with Jordy Clasie was the most heartening element of Saturday’s loss to Palace, and he will hope to continue that form on Wednesday night.

Possible Line-ups

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

Forster, Yoshida, Long, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi

Watford: Gomes – Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas – Abdi, Capoue, Watson, Jurado – Ighalo, Deeney (C)

Arlauskis, Prödl, Behrami, Oularé, Guedioura, Berghuis, Anya

PREVIEW: Southampton v Crystal Palace

Unavailable: Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez, Pellè, Wanyama

                       Crystal Palace – Wickham, Gayle, Bolasie, Appiah

The FA Cup should inspire that feeling of magic and sentimentality for clubs around the country this weekend, yet cheer has been limited at St Mary’s in recent times. What would have been earmarked as a genuine chance to win a trophy has been overlooked by certain fans, as they mutter that the league remains the priority – the menace of the relegation zone lurks in the background for Ronald Koeman’s men. After last week’s frustrating result, it has most likely benefitted the Saints boss to have an uninterrupted seven days alone with his charges. Justifiably aggravated by the unprofessional behaviour of Sadio Mané and Victor Wanyama, the Dutchman has had an opportunity to refresh his squad and hand out suitable punishments to the ill-disciplined duo, as he slated them both in the public sphere.

Koeman arrived for his pre-match conference in a mood that was calm and composed in contrast with his evident irritation at Carrow Road – prepared for a barrage of questions regarding said players – and duly commented that it was water under the bridge. Regardless of that, Wanyama and Mané now have to exhibit that repentance on the pitch. While the former has time to reflect on his naïve actions on the pitch with an upcoming two match ban, the latter needs to display the flair that has attracted the attention of United and co. A watch may also be a useful purchase for the Senegalese.  The attacker will be thrust back into the starting line-up as Koeman hunts for a more dynamic approach than the workmanlike display which yielded few genuine chances last weekend in Norfolk.

It may be a necessary measure to overcome a Crystal Palace side that has been assembled with a sure defensive basis – permitting Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha to fly down the wings. Alan Pardew’s men have been most prolific away from home, however Saints were powerless to stop them at Selhurst Park last month in an indifferent performance. Saturday’s visitors have struggled since that 1-0 victory though; stifled by a lack of goals from their frontmen.

In fact, Connor Wickham remains the only Palace striker to have scored a league goal, and that was a penalty. The now-injured forward is the only genuine targetman that Palace have within their ranks, which does limit their approach when he is unavailable. When wing play is such a strong part of a club’s identity, a marksman who can spearhead the attack is habitually present to convert the chances crafted by the men on either side of him – it is an area that the London club need to strengthen if they are to progress.

This game has the potential to aid Palace and reinvigorate Saints. In one week, the hosts have three matches to play with fourth round qualification and six points up for grabs. It is time to act in order to quiet the murmurs of discontent.

Due to the unpredictable nature of line-ups in the early rounds of the FA Cup, there will be no ‘Key Battles’ section for this match.

PREVIEW: Norwich v Southampton

Unavailable: Norwich – Jarvis

                      Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez, Pellè, Soares, Romeu

As the ‘Games Played’ column ticked over onto 19 for all teams in the Premier League, it signified that the season has reached its halfway stage – a convenient point to ponder over Southampton’s mid-table position. Ahead of Saints’ trip to Norwich on Saturday afternoon, Ronald Koeman will no doubt feel discontent with his team’s current standing, but he now must seize the opportunity to soar into the top half of the table, with “winnable” games on the horizon – although nothing is certain in this most capricious of seasons. Saints’ current effort for 2015/16 has reflected that pattern with inconsistency plaguing their attempts to build a run of form, and the festive period has proved to be a microcosm of that issue. A colossal win over Arsenal has been eclipsed by defeats to Crystal Palace, Tottenham and West Ham.

As the run of games against London clubs comes to a close, Koeman will take his side to Carrow Road in Saturday – if they were to come away with nothing; their hosts would lie a mere point behind them. The Arsenal match was a stunning example of how they have the ability to catapult themselves up the table, yet Saints remain grounded and stuck at a crossroads. If the Canaries were victorious, Koeman would anxiously be craning his neck back to survey what lies below them.

The hosts will inevitably feel encouraged enough by their recent efforts that they can retain top tier football in Norfolk. Rigid organisation and experience has paved the way for this to be a genuine possibility, and while he is criticised by pockets of the Norwich faithful, Alex Neil has been a huge factor in their successful re-acclimatisation to the Premier League. The Scot may have a somewhat frosty demeanour, but under great pressure, he is on course to secure that key second season in the big time for the Canaries – allowing the club to lay the foundations for future years with the added benefit of extra TV money sliding into the coffers.

This Saturday’s hosts are also gifted with pace and creativity in forward areas – liberated by a solid central midfield where Alex Tettey has been strong this campaign. Goals have been hard to come by though, with Cameron Jerome often being unable to cope with his tag of Striker No 1. Forward Dieudonné Mbokani has stepped into the breach well when called upon though, and he netted a header against Aston Villa on Monday with aplomb. The Congolese striker also has a significant physical presence, therefore Southampton will have to fortify their defensive line which was strained by Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio in East London. The two attackers ganged up on the Saints rearguard to great effect, and Koeman knows that if his team remain composed at the back in Norfolk, it would hand them the ideal platform to attack their hosts.

Key Battles

R. Bennett v Long: Ryan Bennett continues to prove his worth to Norwich as a sturdy if not spectacular option at centre-back. However, the Grimsby academy graduate can sometimes be guilty of not being able to turn at an adequate speed to combat strikers blessed with genuine pace. Shane Long is such a player, who smelt blood last weekend as Per Mertesacker stumbled. The Irishman can hustle and harry to the extreme, and will cling onto Bennett if he senses that the centre-back is unable to track his runs, and will no qualms in dragging the Canaries man into the channels to present more space for Sadio Mané et al to sprint into.

Hoolahan v Wanyama: Now aged 33, Wes Hoolahan still only shows signs of progression. The playmaker may have zigzagged through the leagues with Norwich since 2008, but he has always belonged in the top tier. Slotting into the No 10 role, he consistently confuses defensive midfielders and centre-backs with his positioning – leaving players unsure of how to combat the threat in the hole, as he supplies his teammates with opportunities. Victor Wanyama must restrict the midfielder’s hold on the game on Saturday. The Kenyan was excellent against Arsenal as he outfoxed Mesut Özil before striding away with the ball on multiple occasions, but that was followed by a disappointing display at the Boleyn Ground. Consistency is now key for the defensive midfielder.

Possible Line-ups

Norwich: Rudd – Martin (C), R. Bennett, Bassong, Brady – Howson, Tettey, Odjidja-Ofoe, Redmond – Hoolahan – Mbokani

Ruddy, Wisdom, Jerome, Dorrans, Lafferty, Olsson, O’Neil

Southampton: Stekelenburg – Martina, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Clasie – Mané, S. Davis, Tadić – Long

Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi, Ramírez, Caulker