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Hasenhuttl makes 5 changes, Long starts: Predicted Saints XI vs Bournemouth – opinion

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Southampton are on a phenomenal run at this time.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side extended their unbeaten run to five games following their 1-1 draw against Brighton last time out, which saw the Austrian tactician make a number of changes to try something new. Unfortunately, it did not turn out as planned.

There are no prizes given out to guessing who scored against the Seagulls – that’s right, Danny Ings scored his 20th goal of the season and is still pushing to become this season’s Golden Boot winner.

The Saints will travel to Bournemouth in what will be their final away tie of the 2019/20 campaign, where anything other than a win for the Cherries will condemn them to relegation to the Championship after a five-year stint in the top flight.

Eddie Howe’s side will feel reassured after what was a good performance during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City and secured a crucial 4-1 win at home to Leicester City. His side have nothing to lose going into this one.

With all of this in mind, here is who we think will line-up for Southampton at the Vitality Stadium.

Ralph Hasenhuttl should stick to his standard 4-4-2 formation that has been successful for him this season, in a side that we think will see five changes to the team that were held against Brighton last time out.

Alex McCarthy should start in goal but we expect the Austrian tactician to revert to a strengthened backline.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Ryan Bertrand and Jack Stephens should come back in for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as the 24-year-old started at right-back. Jannik Vestergaard and Jake Vokins are also expected to make way.

Will Southampton send Bournemouth down?

Yes

No

William Smallbone was replaced after 78 minutes after being fairly ineffective during the last time. So we think Stuart Armstrong could come back in alongside the standard midfield three of Nathan Redmond, James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu.

At the top of the field, Danny Ings is, arguably, the first name of the teamsheet. His striking partner was a bit of a flip of a coin. But we feel that Shane Long will get the chance to start over Che Adams but it could easily be the other way around.

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