Saturday 27 August 2016

PREVIEW: Southampton v Sunderland

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Pied
                       Sunderland – Mannone, O’Shea, Larsson, Kirchoff, Cattermole

Two teams. Two new managers. One point between the two of them. It isn't hugely cheerful reading ahead of this weekend's encounter between Southampton and Sunderland. It is true that both teams have had to contend with a new wave of optimism that has spread across both halves of Manchester, but no wins before an international break will inevitably lead to some uncomfortable questions. Out of Claude Puel and David Moyes, you feel that it is the former who is under increased pressure to banish that sense of apprehension.

The Frenchman would surely also have been keen to settle all his transfer dealings by now, but such is the nature of the beast that is the August window, the momentum generated in the last couple of days will often be the moment when your target is finally secured. If you're not counting the glamour signing of Stuart Taylor, Sofiane Boufal is the name that will not go away at the moment. The Moroccan is a raw talent whose game has been improved a great deal in the last year by Lille boss Frédéric Antonetti who took the reins in Nord-Pas-De-Calais at the tail end of last year. He may occasionally attempt too many flicks, tricks and pirouettes, but he could be the marquee signing that sparks Saints' season into life. Record signings haven't always worked well for Saints (and no, I'm not referring to Rory Delap), but Boufal is an exciting livewire who could propel the side forward this campaign.

In any case, the attacking midfielder can't play until next month, and for now, Puel needs his side to give a performance that proves that his team has a cutting edge. There was plenty of huff and puff at Old Trafford but Saints did not carve out a plethora of openings, and when they did have a half-chance, it fell at the feet of the two strikers. Unfortunately, as excellent an impact player Shane Long is, his finishing remains erratic. Nathan Redmond meanwhile merely rocketed the ball in the direction he was facing – the advertising hoardings.

A considered build-up against Sunderland would not be a negative tactic, but it may be the wrong one. A side that is low on confidence such as this weekend's visitors are crying out to be attacked from the off. Patience is key – especially when Jermain Defoe is down the other end of the pitch ready to convert the most meagre of opportunities – however Saints must try to pierce Sunderland's defensive midfield early doors and run directly at their defence which is not always the most stable.

This should be a time for Saints fans to be buzzing with the excitement of European football and a trip to the San Siro around the corner, however it has felt flat at the beginning of this season. Claude, it's time to reinvigorate St Mary's.

Key Battles

Bertrand v Januzaj: Ryan Bertrand should be back this for this weekend's game, but he will need to readjust rapidly if he is to take on Adnan Januzaj. After breaking through at Man United under David Moyes, he struggled to secure any playing time and fluency at Dortmund. He has taken a step down and early signs suggest that this has been a wise move. The Belgian was a rare bright spark in Sunderland's drab loss to Middlesbrough – often leaving George Friend panting back down the touchline. Bertrand will have less protection with the diamond midfield in place and will have to watch Januzaj as the winger cuts inside onto his left foot.

Tadić v McNair: Dušan Tadić has made a decent start to the season and seems to have revelled in his role as the No 10, but if Sofiane Boufal arrives then he will be under immediate pressure to retain that spot. The Serbian has threatened, and was a close second to Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in the stakes for MOM in the Watford game, but he now must penetrate the opposition's backline. Paddy McNair will most likely be the man charged with halting Saints' No 11. The Northern Irishman has impressed in his performances for his national side, but now has to prove his worth at club level.

Possible Line-ups

Southampton: Forster – Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Romeu, S. Davis, Højbjerg, Tadić – Long, Redmond

McCarthy, Yoshida, Clasie, Austin, Ward-Prowse, Olomola, Targett

Sunderland: Pickford – Love, Djilobodji, Koné, Van Aanholt – Rodwell, McNair – Januzaj, Gooch, Watmore – Defoe (C)

Stryjek, Khazri, Lens, Pienaar, Asoro, T. Robson, J. Robson

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