It's been two months since our last home game and Dan gives us his usual insight on where he thinks the game will go against Bournemouth.
After almost two months of waiting, football will finally return to St.Mary’s when Bournemouth visit Southampton in a Premier League clash between two local sides (not a derby!). Sat in 10th and 11th, both with 33 points, Southampton and Bournemouth will be looking to extend recent good form as both sides push to finish in the top half of the Premier League table.
Despite sharing the same points total as their local rivals, Southampton do have two games in hand on Bournemouth and other teams around them in the table. This will be a huge advantage if we can get the three points on Saturday and other results go our way as we will have the chance to cement our position in the top half of the table with the two extra games.
After the international break, Saints will have a large portion of their squad returning from duty with their native countries, some returning earlier than others. Maya Yoshida will be one of the players to come back to Staplewood late after being with Japan over the last two weeks. The defender was expected back on Thursday so whether he will be able to play just two days after flying across the world will be uncertain.
However, that could pave a way for Martin Caceres to make his Southampton debut after joining on a free transfer in January. The defender has featured twice for the U23s and was available for the trip to Tottenham but Jack Stephens was preferred. I think most Saints fans are behind me when I say that I am eager to see the ex-Juventus man in action.
Now onto the opponent. Bournemouth have had a shocking 2017 up until recently when they have won two home games and drawn away to Manchester United. This recent uphaul in form has come at a crucial time for the Cherries as they looked to be stuck in a relegation scrap. Even with the poor form, Bournemouth have been able to score goals rather freely all season but defensively have not been solid.
Back in the Summer when Jack Wilshere signed for the Cherries on loan, it was expected that he would start every game and the situation would be like Lionel Messi knocking on Claude Puel’s door asking to wear a red and white shirt. However, Wilshere has been left on the bench in recent weeks after a change in system favoured other midfielders over the Englishman. It is expected that he will be sat in the dugout once again at St.Mary’s.
As for Saints, Manolo Gabbiadini will miss this game after suffering a groin injury against Tottenham but could be back for the Crystal Palace or West Brom games. Charlie Austin remains injured as well so it is expected that Shane Long or Jay Rodriguez will lead the line on Saturday.
Prediction:
This could be a tough game, especially with Bournemouth’s recent results. However, we too are in good form despite losing to Spurs and have played well. Even though we haven’t been at home for two months, I feel like having the home fans will give us the advantage for a 2-0 win.