Norwich vs Southampton predicted team lineup, Premier League

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were victorious over Watford and Aston Villa, both 1-0, going into the break and are unbeaten in four.

Up next is a visit to Norwich’s Carrow Road, in what is the final of a stretch of five fixtures that supporters identified as crucial and ‘must-wins’.

Norwich sit bottom of the Premier League having only just won their first game of the season last time out against Brentford, but they have a new man in charge.

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Dean Smith, who was sacked by Villa after their loss at St Mary’s, has taken the reins and becomes the first manager to face the same team twice with different clubs in the Premier League era.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was victorious over Dean Smith in their meeting before the international break (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Saints could be without as many as five doubts for this weekend’s contest, through injury and illness – but here is how we think Hasenhuttl will line up.

Goalkeeper

Alex McCarthy will make it 12 appearances out of 12 Premier League games this season, with the visit to Norwich. Only Ederson, Manchester City, and Eduoard Mendy, Chelsea, have more clean sheets than him (5).

Defence

Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the England under-21 squad over the international break with an unspecified injury, and he looked tired and was battered about against Villa. As a result, Kyle Walker-Peters could start in right-back for the first time this season, with Romain Perraud restored at left-back. Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu will again be the centre of defence.

Tino Livramento is a doubt after missing the international break with injury (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Midfield

Another who is facing a race to get fit due to illness is James Ward-Prowse, but I predict that he will win that race and start again alongside Oriol Romeu. Ibrahima Diallo performed well in Ward-Prowse’s absence and is unlucky to miss out, but Hasenhuttl likes the skipper in his side.

Stuart Armstrong appeared from the bench for Scotland against unbeaten Denmark and assisted for Che Adams to secure a home playoff, so he will be buoyed despite not hitting top gear for Saints after a lengthy injury layoff. Meanwhile, Moi Elyounoussi should start again. Nathan Redmond tested positive for COVID-19 and has completed his isolation, but the full effects of the illness are as of yet unknown.

Stuart Armstrong missed seven Saints games with a calf injury this season (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Attack

As mentioned, Che Adams will be high on life right now after scoring two in two during the international break to send Scotland into raptures. He will lead the line alongside Adam Armstrong, who scored his second of the campaign with a superb first-time effort in the 1-0 win over Villa. Armando Broja has a sore ankle and will likely be used from the bench.

Che Adams celebrates his goal for Scotland (Pic: PA)

Full predicted team:

Southampton FC predicted team vs Norwich City in Premier League