Southampton travel to Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Thursday night for their second Europa League tie of the season.
The Saints won their opening group game against Sparta Prague 3-0 in what was a historic night at St. Mary’s Stadium as Charlie Austin’s two goals fired the hosts to their first ever win in the group stage of major European competition.
Since then, Claude Puel’s side have won all of their games and not conceded a single goal – the latest victory being a 3-0 thrashing of West Ham on Sunday – in what has been a terrific run of form for the Frenchman and his new side.
The hosts aren’t in bad form themselves, having won their most recent match in the same fashion as Southampton – a 3-0 away victory at fellow Israeli Premier League side Beni Yehudi. In their most recent European fixture, Hapoel shocked many as they swept aside one of the tournament’s favourites, Inter Milan, in style with a comfortable 2-0.
While not players in the European game, Puel and co. should not underestimate their opposition this Thursday, especially considering their recent results. If the Saints are to continue with their winning ways and make it an incredible five on the bounce, here is how we think they should line-up…
Goalkeeper
If he has a good season, Southampton keeper Fraser Forster could well find himself in the England No.1 spot considering the Joe Hart saga and injury to Jack Butland.
That is not to say it would not be deserved, as the giant 6ft. 7″ man between the sticks has been knocking on the door for a number of years, yet never really getting the opportunity he’s deserved. Five clean sheets in a row will do nothing but help his cause.
Defence
Southampton’s full-backs Ryan Bertrand and Cuco Martina have been highly praised so far this season for their ability to get back and forward throughout the 90 minutes, and while Cedric Soares had a brilliant game in the 3-0 victory over West Ham, Martina’s superior experience should pay dividends here.
The centre-back pairing for the Saints is as simple of a decision as I’m ever likely to make, with Virgil Van Dijk and Jose Fonte being the obvious pairing. The duo have not conceded in four and have only let in six in all competitions this season – four of those against Manchester United and Arsenal.
Midfield
The Saints have a number of central midfielders at their disposal, but for me Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – the man signed from Bayern Munich this summer – is a must start. The youngster has plenty of experience at the highest level and has provided Southampton with a greater balance within their midfield than they had with the departed Victor Wanyama. Alongside him is Jordy Clasie, and in front Steven Davis, both of whom have had good seasons so far.
Out on the right, new boy Nathan Redmond will once again be looking to cause trouble for the Hapoel defenders, as with the ball at his feet he is one of the best out and out wingers in England. On the other flank, Dusan Tadic. A Saints favourite, the Serbian has a certain grace about him that makes him incredibly difficult to retrieve the ball from and he causes all sorts of problems, whether out wide or coming inside.
Attack
In the 3-0 win at Sparta Prague, Charlie Austin started alongside Shane Long. However, since then the Englishman has taken the reigns and been given the opportunity to play up-front on his own, and he has not disappointed.
The striker has been on target in every game since, which makes it five goals in his past four appearances for the Saints. Big, strong and an excellent finisher, expect the former QPR man to be on the scoresheet once again.