Predicted Southampton line-up to face Brighton and Hove Albion in the EFL Cup
Southampton are winless in three games as Mark Hughes’ men struggle to keep pace in the early weeks. The Saints succumbed to a 2-1 home loss against Leicester City in the Premier League and will face a familiar foe in Brighton and Hove Albion in the League Cup this week.
The Seagulls are coming into the game on the back of 1-0 loss against Liverpool but have looked confident in their football. Mark Hughes desperately needs a win and this match provides him with the perfect opportunity to do so.
Team News
Southampton will be boosted by the return of new signing Jannik Vestergaard but will be without the suspended Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Apart from that, Mark Hughes has no real injury concerns and should be able to deploy a squad capable of coming away with a win.
Probable Southampton XI
Manager: Mark Hughes
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Angus Gunn (GK)
The Manchester City man has been widely regarded as a talented shot-stopper. He should start in goal.
Cedric Soares (RB)
Soares is one of the top performers under Mark Hughes and should be deployed at right-back once again.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB)
Vestergaard returned from injury and looked solid against Leicester City. The new signing should start this game as well.
Jack Stephens (CB)
Stephens should be partnered alongside Vestergaard, handing Wesley Hoedt some rest.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
The left-back got his campaign up and running with a goal against the Foxes. The Saints captain is irreplaceable in this team.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (RM)
Elyounoussi looked lively down the right flank and posed all sorts of problems. He should be handed another start to acclimatise himself.
Mario Lemina (RCM)
Lemina’s distribution and set-piece ability will be vital for the Saints going forward.
Oriol Romeu (LCM)
Romeu’s tough-tackling and aggressive presence will be needed to stop the likes of Anthony Knockaert and co.
Nathan Redmond (LM)
Redmond is yet to show the form that earned him the move to St. Mary’s. He is still a menace and a devastating player to come up against on the counter.
Stuart Armstrong (CAM)
Armstrong’s creativity and vision will pay dividends for Saints in this game.
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Charlie Austin (ST)
Arguably the Saints’ most prolific striker, Austin was handed a rest against Leicester. He will be fully fit and firing for this game.
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