Southampton want to jump back from a disappointing 3-1 defeat in their opening Premier League game for the season last weekend, but know they will resist it as one in form Manchester United make the journey to the south coast.
Ralph Hasenhuttl and his team will need to find a way to turn off the attacking threats in a greatly improved United and take every chance that comes.
Here’s a look at Saints XI that the boss could choose …
Kyle Walker-Peter’s experience can benefit from Tino Livramento / Robin Jones / Getty Images
Alex McCarthy (GK): Resumed his place at the beginning of this season after being the bench for a number of matches during the final phase 2020/21.
Kyle Walker-Peters (RB): Can benefit from the more attacking Tino Livramento, who made his saint’s debut against Everton last week.
Jack Stephens (CB): Each of Southampton’s midfielders may be under pressure from Jan Bednarek after disappointing performances in the last race.
Mohammed Salisu (CB): More than half of his league starts last season were at left-back and he already benefits from Jannik Vestergaard’s departure.
Romain Perraud (LB): The Frenchman made his debut last week and is trying to fill Ryan Bertrand’s shoes after his departure at the beginning of the summer.
Stuart Armstrong can add more stability in midfield / Robin Jones / Getty Images
Stuart Armstrong (CM): Can replace Theo Walcott, who was bad against his former club last week, to offer more in the way of solidity and protection in midfield.
Oriel Romeu (CM): Will probably be tasked with limiting the effect of Bruno Fernandes, who lost his markers time and time again in United’s victory over Leeds.
James Ward-Prowse (CM): Overcame a pre-season injury to start against Everton last weekend and should be more alert and sharper to have another week of training under his belt.
Moussa Djenepo (AM): Will probably mostly work from the left but will be tasked with providing some creative links between midfield and attack.
Adam Armstrong scored on his Southampton debut last week / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Che Adams (ST): Pressed from the front against Everton, which created the team’s initial goal when he could nod the ball by Michael Keane and feed Adam Armstrong.
Adam Armstrong (ST): Despite the disappointing result overall, the value of 15 million pounds will have confidence in that debut goal last week and hope that there will be more chances.
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