SAINTS now have just six games to save their Premier League status and this Thursday’s clash with AFC Bournemouth could be one of the biggest.
Ruben Selles’s side looked to have secured a surprise win at Arsenal last time out before two home goals in the final three minutes of regulation time levelled at 3-3.
It leaves Saints four points adrift of safety still – that feels like it has been the case forever – but they can look to reduce arrears with the visit of Cherries to St Mary’s.
Gary O’Neil’s charges were hammered 4-0 by West Ham United last time out, conceding twice from corners and another from a back-post header.
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Selles was in attendance at Vitality Stadium and should have learnt a thing or two about his upcoming opposition’s vulnerabilities, despite the nine-point lead they boast on Saints.
Goalkeeper
Gavin Bazunu will remain the number one for the final six matches of the season. Speaking to the Daily Echo last week, the Irishman insisted he is learning from his mistakes.
Defenders
Kyle Walker-Peters and Armel Bella-Kotchap are shoo-ins in the defence and will most likely operate on the left-hand side of the pitch.
That will be because Ainsley Maitland-Niles – ineligible to play at Arsenal – could return to the starting fold while Jan Bednarek might be unavailable through a head injury, leaving Duje Caleta-Car.
Midfielders
Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse are also guaranteed starters and are the best double-pivot the club has available. Both were impressive at Emirates Stadium.
Charly Alcaraz only played 45 minutes of that match but he was absolutely phenomenal with a goal, assist and goal-saving clearance – so he will start again. Moi Elyounoussi could be trusted again.
Attackers
Theo Walcott scored his second Premier League goal of the season on Friday and is a certain starter at this point – he is a quality player and a much-needed leader. The final attacking slot could spring a surprise.
Paul Onuachu has not started since February but Bournemouth were hammered from corners by West Ham last time out and Selles could look to replicate that, with Kamaldeen Sulemana on later to face tired legs.
Full predicted team
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