Southampton: Predicted Starting XI Versus Liverpool

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Graziano Pelle of Southampton (2L) celebrates with team mates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: James Ward-Prowse of England U21 during the U21 International Friendly match between England and Italy at St Mary’s Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Central Midfield – James Ward-Prowse

This is a tough one, but I like Ward-Prowse here with Steven Davis on the bench for the simple reason that JWP is a bit bigger and a bit faster and thus a bit more useful in defense, which Southampton will likely be doing a lot of. Jordy Clasie is the more defense-minded central mid but doesn’t rate for me in this one because he doesn’t bring as much to the attack as a Ward-Prowse/Højbjerg duo.

That, and you gotta admit, having the double-barreled forename and the double-barreled surname lined up together is kinda cool.

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