PREVIEW: Everton v Southampton

Unavailable: Everton – McCarthy, Browning, Hibbert, Jagielka

                      Southampton – Austin

Eight months ago, Everton visited a buoyant St Mary’s drowned in sunlight with Southampton fans expectant ahead of their Europa League tie with Midtjylland. What followed was the strongest performance that Saints have faced this season as of yet. Roberto Martínez’s men would suck their opponents in, and then spit them out again, but ever so elegantly. The hosts sprayed the ball around in the early exchanges, yet whenever they made a serious foray into the attacking third, the Toffees would snuff it out instantly, and then gallop forward – streaming away to leave Saints trailing in their wake. It was the complete away performance and Everton looked to be primed for Champions League qualification.

Well, that hasn’t quite happened has it? And were it not for Everton’s upcoming cup semi-final against United, then the tension around Goodison Park may have reached an untenable level for Martínez this summer. A side brimming with talent leaks goals on a regular basis, to the point where the drab stalemate that they nabbed in midweek at Palace may well have been regarded as an achievement. Such has been the meek effort this season, that the seemingly mild-mannered Leighton Baines recently questioned the chemistry in the team – the left-back who has spent a number of years in the role of Martínez’s talisman. It tells a story. The former Wigan boss has never had to face criticism during his time in England – earmarked as a young, forward thinking intellectual who would drive the Merseyside club further than David Moyes ever had. The Scot may not have always been exciting, but no one could ever doubt the backbone of a team that featured Lee Carsley and Thomas Gravesen. Martínez’s side is undoubtedly talented, but his side can topple quicker than a pyramid of cards.

Yet he could not have handpicked a better opponent to visit Goodison Park this Saturday in terms of a recent favourable record. Saints’ performances have been decidedly better across Stanley Park at Anfield, but have struggled under the weight of Everton’s attacking prowess on the blue half of Merseyside. That prowess could be significantly weakened though – Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon are both major doubts for this match, and their absence would dramatically reduce the Toffees’ threat as a driving force. That should allow Saints to concentrate a little more on their own attacking merit.

Sadio Mané, Steven Davis and Shane Long will all have the creative license to break beyond Everton’s defensive midfield to threaten, while Graziano Pellè has become a very effective focal point again. This is largely due to the fact that Victor Wanyama and Jordy Clasie are emitting confidence from the base of the engine room. But will it be enough to break the Goodison hoodoo?

Key Battles

Lukaku v Van Dijk: Oh how José Mourinho must be sitting uneasily at home witnessing what he could have built at Chelsea with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in his ranks. They fled for pastures new – unable to flourish in West London – and their careers have blossomed elsewhere. Even in this tricky season for Everton, Lukaku has been better than ever, bulldozing through defences with pace, power and clever positioning. He is a complete striker, and will provide a real test for Virgil van Dijk. The centre-back continues to excel, and he will relish that physical battle on Saturday. The challenge will be not to be too distracted by the Belgian, allowing others to break into space.

Stones v Mané: The other thing that has dramatically changed since the start of this season has been the value of John Stones. The centre-back gave a masterful performance at St Mary’s in August, but has struggled in recent times, and has lost his place in the side due to the emerging Ramiro Funes Mori – the left sided centre-half adds balance alongside Phil Jagielka. But the elder statesman is currently unavailable allowing Stones to prove his maturity. This Saturday, he could well be faced with two difficulties a) Graziano Pellè revelling in a physical tussle with him, and b) Sadio Mané running directly at him. The latter may prove to be a somewhat more difficult task if the Senegalese is part of a forward three and cutting in from the left. This will leave Stones and Seamus Coleman with a decision of how to thwart the attacker as he attempts to slip between full-back and centre-back.

Possible Line-ups

Everton: Robles – Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Baines – Bešić, Barry (C) – Deulofeu, Mirallas, Koné – Lukaku

Howard, Gibson, Oviedo, Niasse, Barkley, Pienaar, Holgate

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

Stekelenburg, Soares, Yoshida, Rodriguez, Tadić, Romeu, Ward-Prowse

A chat with the creators of a Sunday League beer? Mine’s a pint please

Credit: Lee Turner

If you’re sat down in front of the telly on Saturday night, you could grab a can of this delicious IPA to accompany your viewing of pundits in questionable shirts as they praise Saints’ recruitment policy once again…

Stood in the centre of Oxford on a Saturday in the build-up to Christmas last year, I felt two things: a) Pissed off at the hordes of people continuously barging their festive cargo into me, and b) Craving a pint after a self-imposed weekday drinking ban.

With that in mind, my friend and I sought refuge in the craft beer bar-cum-pizzeria, Beerd. Wandering up to cast my eye over the array of beers on tap, one immediately stood out – Sunday League Relegation Playoffs. I’m a complete sucker for some football related novelty, and after one sip of this tasty red IPA, my Scroogeish mood had been banished by the power of hops.

I later discovered that this was in fact the second of two ales sharing the same name made by a collaboration between two breweries – Hopcraft Brewing in South Wales, and Wild Weather Ales to the south of Reading. Intrigued by this two legged affair, I made my way to meet one of its innovators, Iain Clarke at Wild Weather, who told me about how its unique name came about.

“The name is a bit of a play, because essentially you’ve got six or seven core, well-known [craft] brewers in the country. Basically, whenever they do a collaboration, Facebook goes nuts about it. All the internet goes nuts about it. People will spend silly money on these beers.”

“When you’ve got two little unknown breweries so to speak, nobody cares. Hence, Sunday League Relegation Playoffs! There were a few names that were banded about like the Friday Night Covers Band. It was all just a friendly jibe. Everyone else does these big beers but we’re both shit, and sort of having a bit of fun with it!”

This analogy is a perfect example of what Iain describes as the “great community feel” that exists amongst smaller breweries. The tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation shared between Wild Weather and Hopcraft is similar to the relations held between clubs at non-league level, all of whom are well aware of their place in the established order.

But how did the taste of the two beers link to the idea of blokes hoofing a ball around on a gusty Sunday afternoon? The first ale was a session stout with “oranges for half-time”, which has obvious Sunday League connotations – it may not be the opportune moment for your centre-back to glug a pint down at the break though. On the other hand, the red IPA has more of an unintended Wimbledon theme with it being a “fruit based beer that stinks of tinned strawberries. There’s no real connection to any sort of football,” according to Iain.

Yet, when I asked him about the likely winner in a two legged tie between the two beers, Iain joked that the red IPA would triumph despite its lack of footballing pedigree, because “the stout would be a fat man!”  We can only hope that Hopcraft Rovers and Wild Weather FC will meet again for a re-match – although both deserve promotion.

PREVIEW: Southampton v Newcastle

Unavailable: Southampton – S. Davis

                       Newcastle – Elliot, Mbabu, Haïdara, Krul, Good

Newcastle fans have rarely enjoyed their long trips down to Southampton in the Premier League era. They have witnessed implosions from their side, as well as moments of unbridled brilliance from those in red and white. No doubt the image of Matt Le Tissier running with one arm aloft sporting the 93-95 Dimplex strip is etched on the retina of many a Geordie. Then there is the more recent pain. Three consecutive defeats with an aggregate score of 10-0 at St Mary’s. That record is almost too good for Saints fans – the inevitable anomaly has to strike at some point. The question is – will it come this Saturday for Rafael Benítez’s first victory at the club?

The season started at the Bernabéu and will end in a grim relegation scrap for the Spaniard, and while no one can question his hunger for management – you have to wonder why he has taken on such a job. His stock was high following his inevitable sacking at Madrid, and he could have waited until the summer for another opportunity, but evidently the challenge at Newcastle was too appealing. You could argue that it is a win-win situation for the Liverpool boss. If he keeps the North-East side in the top tier, he will have praise heaped on him from all directions, and have a prestigious club to re-build before next season. And if the Magpies slip through the trap door then you can justifiably point to the soap opera that is becoming more tired by the day at St James Park. It would leave a blemish – albeit a small one – on his impressive CV though.

That first win is crucial – particularly after one point from a possible nine in the last three games. Benítez’s new side have raised their level on occasion throughout those games, and have a degree of attacking flair, but there has to be more spirit from the spine of the team. Too many times did they allow Norwich to wander through for a chance on goal last Saturday, and the Magpies defence was unable to give any protection to reserve ‘keeper Karl Darlow. The former Forest man has seemed distinctly uncomfortable when in between the sticks, no doubt suffering second stopper syndrome – when the ‘keeper who’s on the bench plays no football whatsoever, whether that is in the first team or with the Under 21s.

You would imagine that this is where Ronald Koeman would concentrate his efforts – a direct approach going straight down the visitors’ throats. If Victor Wanyama and Jordy Clasie can get to grips with Jonjo Shelvey spraying early balls to Aleksandar Mitrović, then Newcastle’s primary outlet will be cut off, and Saints can retain possession to control the game. The return of Shane Long will most likely leave the visitors’ rearguard unsettled, and Koeman’s men need to just pin their opponents in. If they can, maybe they will add to that St Mary’s aggregate score.

Key Battles

Long v Taylor: Steven Taylor is a Newcastle stalwart, but his involvement over the last few years has been severely limited due to significant injuries. His stop-start career in recent times can leave him off the pace when he returns, and Shane Long could seize on this. The centre-back is slow on the turn, and if partnered with the sometimes erratic Chancel Mbemba, both could be stranded if Saints pressure the duo on the ball.

Ward-Prowse v Tioté: With Steven Davis unavailable for this game, it could present an opportunity for James Ward-Prowse. The Saints academy graduate played his part well in the Liverpool game when he came off the bench to occupy the third central midfield role. He linked the play together and was clever in his movement to stretch the Reds’ defensive midfield. Cheick Tioté is another Newcastle player who has not performed well in a black and white shirt for some time now. While he can be strong in the tackle, he is often reckless, and does not manage games effectively. Ward-Prowse should be able to test his abilities on Saturday.

Possible Line-ups

Southampton: Forster – Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Clasie, Ward-Prowse – Long, Mané – Pellè

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Rodriguez, Tadić, Romeu, Martina, Austin

Newcastle: Darlow – Janmaat, Mbemba, Taylor, Dummett – Shelvey (C), Tioté – Townsend, Wijnaldum, Sissoko – Mitrović

Woodman, Coloccini, Cissé, De Jong, Lascelles, Pérez, Rivière

PREVIEW: Leicester v Southampton

Unavailable: Leicester – James

                      Southampton – Gardoş

The hour’s gone forward. The sun is out. The season is on the final straight. And Southampton are prepped and ready to fight for European football. With the exception of Florin Gardoş, Ronald Koeman has a completely fit squad to face a semi-satisfactory run-in. Half of Saints’ remaining fixtures have to be put in the “fairly tricky” category, but categories have such as these have been lobbed out of the window this season anyway. Form and points count more, and if the Liverpool comeback didn’t inspire the team, then nothing will to be frank.

Such a rousing comeback has not been seen at St Mary’s since Jonathan Forte and Lee Barnard turned MK Dons over in 2011, and wave after wave of Saints pressure shunted the Reds out of the way. Power and pace were the order of the day, and some of the play was riveting. It was direct, and it was effective. Even in the periods where Koeman’s men have picked up during this season, it has not been scintillating stuff beyond a win at Stamford Bridge, but when they smelt blood a fortnight ago, they ravaged Jürgen Klopp’s bright new hopes.

Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mané came off the naughty step with devastating effect, and reminded Saints fans why there was so much hype about them at the start of this season. Although Mané notched two clinical goals, it was Wanyama’s display that was a personal highlight. The sheer amount of second balls that the Kenyan won in midfield gave Saints the platform to camp out in Liverpool’s half, and shove the pendulum over in the home side’s favour. It was also the way that he interacted with Oriol Romeu that proved to be key. In previous times when the two have sat together in that defensive midfield role, they have trampled on each other’s toes, and have failed to discover a suitable level of comprehension. Yet on this occasion, they complemented each other to good effect to let Mané and co terrorise Liverpool’s fragile core.

They will have less luck with Leicester’s back four this Sunday. Claudio Ranieri has engineered a side that is built on a spine where the vertebrae have been unaltered this season for an obvious reason – consistency usually brings success. The Foxes have kept on steamrolling over the various patronising comments to leave them as undoubted favourites to lift the crown. That rigid base is supplemented by the now well-documented talents of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy who have fired them up the table with a mix of sumptuous skill and drive, that renders defences incapable of restraining them.

But Saints have aspirations of their own, and Koeman’s men will never stand on ceremony against “superior” teams. The Dutchman will hope to irk the neutral on Sunday with an unlikely victory at the King Power.

Key Battles

Kanté v S. Davis: It is rare that a manager has enough trust in his central midfield that he doesn’t consider it a risk to only play two men in there, but the high level of performance from Danny Drinkwater and N’Golo Kanté has been so consistent that it is completely understandable from Claudio Ranieri. Drinkwater is neat and tidy, but Kanté is a different breed of midfielder. He does not just merely safeguard the defence. The Frenchman instigates moves when he has the ball, but patrols the midfield when he does not. Hustling. Harrying. Regaining possession. Then setting his teammates away and driving on. Hovering and alert to whatever danger may be coming. Drinkwater and Kanté have the presence of three midfielders, leaving Ranieri with the ability to play two strikers.

Ronald Koeman rarely uses only two in his engine room, and Steven Davis is likely to be that third man who will look to evade Kanté’s shadow. Ironically, despite probably only being second in the ranking to be the club’s player of the season, he dipped far below his high standards in the comeback against Liverpool – constantly losing possession. Yet an improved showing from the Northern Irishman for his nation in his last two outings should give him the confidence to believe he can overcome Kanté.

Okazaki v Fonte: Shinji Okazaki is often the forgotten man in Ranieri’s attacking options but he has been a key figure in their title push. Able to slot in up top or on the left, he gives balance and versatility to the Foxes, and has an infectious work rate. If Saints commit any errors, he will seize on them, and José Fonte will have to be cautious after his disappointing first-half performance against Liverpool. It is likely that that was due to Koeman’s instructions in the first period though – which saw the Portuguese at left centre-back. The Saints captain simply cannot operate in that position, and Daniel Sturridge ruthlessly exposed the Portuguese’s awkwardness stood to the left of Virgil van Dijk. Back in his natural slot, he will hope to quell the Japanese.

Key Battles

Leicester: Schmeichel – Simpson, Morgan (C), Huth, Fuchs – Mahrez, Kanté, Drinkwater, Albrighton – Okazaki, Vardy

Schwarzer, King, Schlupp, Gray, Ulloa, Wasilewski, Inler

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

Stekelenburg, Soares, Yoshida, Clasie, Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse, Austin

PREVIEW: Southampton v Liverpool

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Austin

                       Liverpool – Lucas, Stewart, Ings, Gomez, Milner

Shortly after the ball skimmed off Divock Origi’s head to nestle into the back of Maarten Stekelenburg’s net in early December to confirm that Liverpool had ravaged Southampton, referee Bobby Madley concluded affairs at St Mary’s. Long-time resident of the PA room Justin then had a tough decision. Oh, what to bang on after your side has just been mauled? Gallows humour? Maybe “Beautiful Day” would’ve fit the bill. No, Justin opted for “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke – a bizarre finish to a bizarre game.

It was an outlier and an anomaly. While Saints have had an up-and-down campaign, this game would be represented by a cross far off the beaten track on the scatter graph. This is because it goes down as one of the few occasions when Ronald Koeman has well and truly misjudged a situation to catastrophic effect, as the Dutchman later admitted. It had been heralded as an evening when Jürgen Klopp’s tactics were the deciding factor in such a scoreline. Yet while his men were incisive in the second half, the home defence was more porous than a crumpet with a vast array of Saints attackers stranded upfield as Koeman elected to adopt a gung-ho approach. One of the centre-backs that evening was in fact Steven Caulker whose display rivalled that of Alan Bennett’s against Palace in 2007. Although Klopp was evidently so enthralled that he made that sure that the Reds acquired the defender in what has to be one of the more curious calls that the German has made during his brief tenure at Anfield.

Once again, all eyes will be fixed on another ex-Saint though – Adam Lallana. In last season’s encounter at St Mary’s, he was hounded due to the misguided manner in which he departed – and it evidently surprised the midfielder. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that a goodbye should not be said with a photo of a celebration in which he pointed to the back of his shirt. It lacked class. It lacked that personal touch that Rickie Lambert found so effortlessly with a mere letter – not buying a page in the Echo. Nevertheless, the taunting became more vociferous in December. Lallana discovered a way to thrive on it during that game, and it may be time to merely treat him as any other visiting player. The witch hunt distracts people from the game, and after all, it should be quite a spectacle.

The win at Stoke was particularly pleasing and sets Koeman’s men up perfectly for this encounter. They carved out a multitude of chances – two of which Graziano Pellè gleefully tucked away – and then showed admirable resolve, led by Virgil van Dijk who was a mature leader in the absence of José Fonte in the backline. With Victor Wanyama back with a definite point to prove, and Dušan Tadić and Shane Long flanking Pellè, Liverpool’s often shaky defence can be breached. The race for Europa League seems to be a free-for-all with many clubs still vying for qualification. The Reds have games in hand, and Saints need to edge ahead of the chasing pack. Seventh place may not be enough this time round…

Key Battles

Pellè v Sakho: That age-old saying regarding the frequency of buses wouldn’t be adequate to describe the end to Graziano Pellè’s goal drought last Saturday. It was not just the two goals which were impressive though – one of which Jack Butland really should have saved – it was the general impact the Italian had on the game. He thrived on battling against Ryan Shawcross et al, and proved that he could be the man to lead the Saints attack with his hold-up play that allowed his side to break promptly and smoothly. He is often criticised for a lack of running, and of course, his tantrums that can go for several minutes when his arms are thrown up, coupled with a look of anguish that would not be out of place in the theatre. Yet he should not need to run (within reason). If the service into his feet or head is satisfactory, the Italian will bring others into play or finish chances. If this is done correctly on Sunday, he could have a field day against Mamadou Sakho whose playing career has regressed significantly since moving from PSG where he was a promising young player. He is often weak, and lackadaisical in his positioning. The Saints striker should tussle with Liverpool’s centre-backs – they are undoubtedly Klopp’s biggest concern.

Wanyama v Firmino: Victor Wanyama finally returns this Sunday after being sat on the naughty step once again for failing to contain his frustration. Oriol Romeu has impressed in his absence, and has been consistent – something that the Kenyan has not been able to find throughout this season. If both were playing at their peak, Wanyama would get the nod as he has the ability to be a force of nature. But how often does this actually occur? Not nearly enough. Nevertheless, Ronald Koeman will inevitably bring him back in again for this one, as he has done in the past. He will have to control Roberto Firmino who has impressed since arriving from Hoffenheim last summer. The Brazilian is not gifted with pace, but has excellent positional sense, and quick feet, therefore Wanyama has to remain calm and diligent. The time has come for him to prove his worth.

Possible Line-ups

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

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Mané, Romeu, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi

Liverpool: Mignolet – Flanagan, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno – Lallana, Henderson (C), Can, Coutinho – Firmino – Origi

Ward, Clyne, Touré, Benteke, Sturridge, Allen, Ibe

PREVIEW: Stoke v Southampton

Unavailable: Stoke – Bardsley, Johnson, Wilson

                       Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Wanyama, Austin, Fonte

Low on confidence. Check. Missing key players. Check. Only firing on about one cylinder. Check. Yes, it is just about the worst time that Southampton could rock up to the Britannia. In another turn this season (in fact a rather predictable one as Saints’ form has yo-yoed like West Brom in the 2000s), Ronald Koeman’s men are now struggling once again. Within the space of a week after a narrow and unlucky loss to Chelsea, Saints suffered from a lack of fight at Bournemouth, and a lack of ingenuity against Sunderland.

Of course, one does not simply tiptoe through a Sam Allardyce side – that privilege has to be earned through doing the hard graft. That part was achieved successfully. With Jordy Clasie back in the team alongside Oriol Romeu with Steven Davis in front, there was plenty of hustle and bustle in the engine room, but when it came down to it, the necessary spark deserted Saints. The home fans only woke up after Fraser Forster misjudged a free-kick that rattled the post such was the lack of anything at all happening on the pitch in the first half. In fact, their side only really stirred in the final five minutes after José Fonte had been dismissed, and Jermain Defoe had ever so predictably knicked a goal. The equaliser was actually of a very high standard. Stoppage time levellers are usually of poor quality – a ball lumped long and someone prodding it home (à la Papa Waigo’s effort in the dying embers of the JPT Area semi-final), but the build-up was intricate, and it was an extremely satisfactory moment when Virgil van Dijk leathered the ball past Vito Mannone.

So what were these newfound problems? To start with, after an excellent return, Forster has suffered from a lack of confidence with regards to indecision after Chelsea’s equaliser a fortnight ago. The invincibility he felt running through his veins for a month or so has left him. But that will return – with time – the England international has endured a real ordeal over the last year, and it was remarkable in the manner that he came back to create a club record.

The main issue last Saturday was the lopsided nature of the formation. Koeman had evidently put his side into a 4-2-3-1, but while Dušan Tadić operated effectively on the left touchline, Sadio Mané often stood just to the right of Davis who was in the No 10 role. In the first-half, the Senegalese was also extremely languid (but at least he perked up in the second period). This meant that little came from that wing, while Ryan Bertrand and Tadić were the only players who were having any sort of joy. Davis playing in the hole also poses problems. While he is an accomplished, tidy player who is superb as the third central-midfielder (and is only behind Van Dijk for Player of the Season currently); he lacks the driving, incisive presence which is required. Meanwhile, Graziano Pellè put in a decent shift, but still couldn’t link up sufficiently with his team-mates on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, you just get the feeling that his Saints career is fizzling out…

So. Much to be fixed before this Saturday, and a trip to the Potteries. Stoke have been impressive this season if not pretty inconsistent. While their spine remains strong and durable, their attacking flair is entrancing. Saints will have to be firm, and clever when breaking. A pacey counter attack could unlock the home defence – especially with Shane Long running in behind.

Key Battles

Diouf v Yoshida: Maya Yoshida is more than capable of being a solid enough replacement centre-back. If Florin Gardoş comes back with some accomplished performances, then the two can battle it out to be centre-back no 3, but the criticism fired at the Japanese is far too harsh. Slow on the turn he may be, but he is a lot more competent than most give him credit for. He is just simply not a full-back, and should never, ever be played there – unless in a complete emergency. On Saturday, he will have an opportunity in his natural position with José Fonte suspended. Mame Biram Diouf is an awkward customer blessed with pace and power, but Yoshida just needs to track his movement carefully, and if caught out over the top, then his communication with Virgil van Dijk will need to be on point.

Imbula v Clasie: Saints were heavily linked with Giannelli Imbula as a potential Morgan Schneiderlin replacement in the summer, but Ronald Koeman opted for compatriot Jordy Clasie, while Imbula went to Porto, and flopped – badly. Stoke snapped him up quickly at an affordable price before his stock rose again, and it was smart recruiting from the Potters. The Frenchman is incisive and powerful, and has the ability to dominate the midfield. This Saturday, Clasie will have to vindicate Koeman’s decision. The Dutchman is improving gradually, and has now shown that he is tough in the tackle, yet he is still not picking the ball up and dictating play. Stoke will be a harsh acid test of how far he has come in adjusting to the rigours of the Premier League.

Possible Line-ups

Stoke: Butland – Cameron, Shawcross (C), Wollscheid, Pieters – Imbula, Adam – Shaqiri, Bojan, Arnautović – Diouf

Haugaard, Muniesa, Whelan, Joselu, Afellay, Walters, Crouch

Southampton: Forster – Martina, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertrand – Romeu, Clasie, S. Davis (C) – Long, Mané – Pellè

Stekelenburg, Soares, Tadić, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi, Olomola

PREVIEW: Southampton v Sunderland

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Wanyama, Austin, Long

                       Sunderland – Cattermole, Watmore, Lens

When asked about last season’s 8-0 mauling of Sunderland at St Mary’s by the club’s in-house media, Ronald Koeman responded by stating that his side will face a sterner test on Saturday. Well, you’re not wrong Ronald. That implosion from the Black Cats on the South Coast was as lacklustre a display as you’re going to see in the Premier League – from anyone. Even the Sunderland side of 2005-06, who grabbed an embarrassing tally of 15 points would have given that side a run for its money – poor Kelvin Davis is still probably reaching for a nightlight every time he thinks about that season in the wee hours, given that he was tasked with unenviable challenge of trying to save that team.

No, this will be a very different occasion. There will be no Gus Poyet in the away dugout. No Dick Advocaat who also departed after a mere six months or so in the North East. It will be Sam Allardyce stood in his technical area, barking out orders so vociferously that he may well spit his chewing gum into the Kingsland. When Southampton narrowly edged Sunderland out at the Stadium of Light in early November, the former Bolton boss’ work had only just commenced. Four months down the line and the Black Cats are a different outfit – professional and primed to escape the drop once again. More than anything else, they seem to have discovered a key element of bite in their game – not the illegal kind that Lee Cattermole seems so delighted to unapologetically administer, but the type that asks a question of the often higher-placed opposition that knocks off them off their perch, and onto a level playing field with the Black Cats.

It is a fate that Southampton know about all too well after an evening of trauma at Dean Court, leading to a witty retort from the home crowd that Saints resembled Pompey. While it was certainly not that bad, it heavily echoed the Midtjylland defeat, and Koeman freely acknowledged that he had wrongly placed his faith in a style that was too gung-ho. The midfield was simply flattened by Harry Arter and Andrew Surman, leaving Bournemouth with ample opportunity to fire the ball into the box. Even when Steven Davis came on, Saints struggled to get their foot on the ball with James Ward-Prowse having one of his ineffective days, and the front three wandering aimlessly due to a distinct lack of service.

It was a disappointing, disjointed display, and Koeman will have to consider that midfield battle once more. Jordy Clasie should return to the fold to partner Oriol Romeu to reprise his role as little terrier in the engine room, while Steven Davis will also probably get the nod to restore some fluidity to the team. Whoever triumphs in the centre of the park could well emerge as the victor, and it may be as much a battle of steel as anything else.

Key Battles

Soares v Khazri: Wahbi Khazri will not be the man to continuously dust his studs with chalk, as he is most certainly not a traditional winger. While Cédric Soares was continuously bombarded by left-back Charlie Daniels who would race to the byline at any opportunity the other night, the Tunisian is a different proposition. He will jink, and attempt every trick in the book to bamboozle the right-back to his core, and the Portuguese will have to be prepared as the attacker has a keen eye for a clever reverse pass. While at Bordeaux, he was a shining light in a distinctly average side, and he should be watched carefully by Soares. He must be cautious if he embarks on his trademark lung busting runs up the right channel.

Pellè v Koné: Another import from Ligue 1, the centre-back has performed well in spite of naysayers’ doubt regarding a lack of Premier League nous in a relegation scrap. Since he has sat alongside John O’Shea, his new side have not haemorrhaged goals as they did previously. He should have an interesting clash with the returning Graziano Pellè who will have an opportunity due to the absence of both Charlie Austin and Shane Long. The Italian’s hold-up play has not been of the required standard in recent appearances, and he will need to spearhead the side well if Saints are to regain momentum in the battle for a Europa League spot.

Possible Line-ups

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

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Mané, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi

Sunderland: Mannone – Yedlin, Koné, Kaboul, Van Aanholt – Kirchoff – N’Doye, M’Vila, Rodwell, Khazri – Defoe

Pickford, Jones, Larsson, Borini, Matthews, O’Shea, Toivonen