Gabbiadini To Return
Saints could be bolstered by the return of Manolo Gabbiadini for the visit of Manchester City.
It seems like he has been out for longer due to so few games being played in the past month or so, but the reality is that Manolo Gabbiadini missed only weeks worth of fixtures ironically three games crammed into that period.
But now according to Claude Puel he could be ready to return on Saturday when Manchester City arrive at St Mary's.
The big question is whether he is fit enough to start the game or whether he will start on the bench ?
The popular vote from the fans would be for the Italian to start, but apart from the fitness issues I would contend that it would be better for him to start from the bench, Saints took 7 points out of 9 in those games and have scored 4 goals in the last 2, the need for him to return is now not so desperate.
That being the case Shane Long deserves to keep his place in the side for his performances in those two games.
It is a squad game and I think after a month out better to keep that competitive spirit in the side for a place as well as bring Gabbiadini back sparingly and perhaps in the second half when City will be tiring, we perhaps need the work rate of Long in the first 60 minutes of the game to run down the City defenders and then bring on Gabbiadini to finish off the job.
Whatever Claude Puel does decide and he will know better than me on the fitness of Gabbiadini, Saints fans will be relived to see the Italian striker back in the squad.
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