Southampton: Predicted Starting XI versus Inter Milan

Southampton travel to Italy this week to take on Inter Milan in the UEFA Europa League group stages. Here’s how we see the team lining up.

Southampton’s outing versus Inter at the San Siro Thursday will be, without a doubt, the biggest match in the club’s recent history. While Inter aren’t quite the titan they used to be, a win at one of the biggest stages in world football will surely go down in the annals of Saints history.

More to the point, with the Saints tied in group with Hapoel Be’er Sheva and only a point clear of third-placed Sparta Praha, a win at the San Siro could pull them clear of the opposition depending on how Sparta vs Hapoel breaks.

The phrase “uncharted territory” may be getting a bit cliche with the Saints, but with the possibility of Europa League knockout stages on the horizon, it’s a fitting analogy. Before they get there, though, Southampton have to get through Inter while staying conscious of a tight domestic schedule to include Premier League leaders Manchester City and titans Chelsea in the coming weeks.

With all that said, Claude Puel will have to get creative in his starting XIs for the upcoming fixtures. Based on recent performances, here’s how we see the Saints marching into the San Siro.

Keeper

Preston’s Pick: Fraser Forster

There’s no real reason Forster wouldn’t be the choice—a high stakes match, one goal allowed in the past seven matches. Gotta give it to him here.

Hickson’s Pick: Fraser Forster

Simple choice. Before Sunday’s 3-1 victory against Burnley, Fraser had kept 6 cleans sheets in a row (in all competitions), making him a solid rock at the back for Saints. I’m sure he will relish the chance to pay at the San Siro, and hopefully keep a clean sheet!