Saints supporters will be looking forward to their first glimpse of some of the new signings in tonight's game against Espanyol, not to mention the new manager.

Saints fans have been reading rave reports of the two major signings made so far this summer in Nathan Redmond and Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and they are likely to make their home bow in a Saints shirt this evening against Espanyol.

Supporters might have to wait a few more days though before watching Jeremy Pied and Alex McCarthy in action with both only joining the club on Monday so not really having had time to bed in.

It will also be the first time most will have seen new manager Claude Puel in the flesh with the Frenchman having never played or managed for an English club.

The real question though is how Puel fits in Redmond and Hojbjerg and whether he will change formations from last season.

All indications are that he will prefer only one holding midfield player and have two in front as opposed to the two holding players his predecessor preferred.

Puel will have virtually his full squad to pick from although it is doubtful that Euro 2016 winners Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares will play only having returned to training this week, they may have to wait till Sunday for their first game under the new boss.

So far Puel has used the pre season games to mix and match with his squad, but with only two games left before the Premier League opener, he is likely to look to put out a side a little bit nearer the one he will select against Watford.

Speaking on the club official website Puel said.

It’s good opposition I think because the Spanish teams have a good control of the game and like to play football,”

“They have good players, they are good teams and it’s important for us to finish the friendly games with a good preparation.

“We’ve come from a good training camp to prepare ourselves for the first game against Watford and to go into that with a good feeling from these last two games is important.”

The match this evening also sees Puel make his first appearance at St Mary’s, though the Frenchman says he is focusing on the team first and foremost.

“We will see. It will be step by step,” he said. “It’s more important for me to see the squad and the team make progress and improve because this is more important.

“The first game arrives quick,” he added. “In two weeks it is the beginning of the season and I hope we can make good things and see success from the work that we did at all the training camp.

“For the moment, it’ interesting to see the players with good spirit, a general consensus, they listen and we can work in all of the training sessions. It’s interesting to see now for real now in the Premier League this team.”

Photo: Action Images

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