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Southampton vs Manchester City: 2 Fears, 1 Hope

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Sam Vokes of Burnley scores their first goal from the penalty spot past goalkeeper Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Sam Vokes of Burnley scores their first goal from the penalty spot past goalkeeper Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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The Hope: A Miracle From The Youth

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 16: Sam McQueen of Southampton holds off Aiden O’Neill of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 16: Sam McQueen of Southampton holds off Aiden O’Neill of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

With Matt Targett and Ryan Bertrand both still out, Sam McQueen reprising his role on the wing-back is a given. Given the state of affairs in the attacking third, adding another youth player on as a substitute may not be far from the realm of consideration. Olufela Olomola has been brought along to a few matches as a sub but has yet to see action; tomorrow may prove his chance, as fresh legs become a hot commodity at the Etihad.

Southampton have always been a club renowned for developing and putting trust in the youth system. It was that ethos as much as necessity that brought Sam McQueen to the San Siro and entrusted him to 90 uninterrupted minutes on one of Europe’s grandest stages. Tomorrow, Claude Puel may find himself having to lean on another unproven, either Olomola or 20 year olds Jake Hesketh and Ryan Seager.

If Olomola or Seager should get their big break before 60,000 in Manchester, you can bet that Saints fans around the world will be praying for a golden debut and a miracle showing.