Two of Senegal’s finest footballing exports will come head-to-head tonight in a shoot-out that could prove vital to the European hopes of Saints and West Ham.

Sadio Mane has proven to be the main man for Saints in his recent appearances, with his winning goal against QPR last weekend the fifth of five important strikes for his club.

In the Hammers attack will be his international colleague Diafra Sakho, whose ten goals in all competitions this season have made him the Hammers’ top scorer and helped West Ham to their lofty league placing.

While Mane is likely to start in a wider role but given freedom to drift as he sees fit to try and get in behind the West Ham defence, Sakho is more of a regulation striker, albeit one who is happy to work the channels too.

Both are back to form and fitness for their clubs now after very different Africa Cup of Nations experiences.

Mane got injured scoring in the New Year’s Day win over Arsenal and was initially ruled out of the tournament by Ronald Koeman.

However, Saints liaised with the Senegal FA and agreed that Mane could travel and meet up with the squad as planned.

Mane’s recovery went well and he managed to play a part in the tournament, but returned home quickly after Senegal were knocked out of the group stages.

Sakho’s involvement, or lack of involvement, saw West Ham handed a £71,000 fine.

The case was a complicated one. Sakho suffered a back injury whilst on international duty with Senegal and was withdrawn from the competition by West Ham.

He went on to play in an FA Cup tie with Bristol City 18 days after he was ruled out, which led to Senegalese anger and the fine for the Hammers.

However, West Ham had liaised with a leading consultant who had ruled that Sakho’s injury could not stand up to him flying, hence he travelled to the Hammers match by car. Senegal wanted him checked out by their own doctor and West Ham reportedly offered them the chance to come over or use their own expert in the UK but neither option was taken.

Speaking after the fine was handed out, Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan said: “A top back surgeon said Sakho can’t fly and he still can’t fly. He went by car to Bristol.

“We are sure any FIFA hearing will vindicate us. The player missed four games as a result of injuries incurred while playing for Senegal. We have done nothing untoward.”

Manager Sam Allardyce added: “I’m not worried that he will face a ban. We have stuck by every rule and regulation in the book.”