Pre-season analysis: Southampton 3-2 Celta Vigo

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Steven Davis of Southampton takes the ball past Stanislav Lobotka of Celta Vigo during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and Celta Vigo at St Mary’s Stadium on August 1, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

3-5-2 may feature more than we think

Based on the current squad, and on the aforementioned links to another right winger, many Southampton fans – myself included – expect the side to set-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation this upcoming campaign.

However, five friendlies in, we’ve seen Mark Hughes deploy 3-5-2 just as much as we’ve 3-4-2-1, despite the £16 million arrival of left-sided attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi.

In truth, we may see the Welsh manager set his side up how he has tonight much more often that many expect, especially after how well Stuart Armstrong has played in pre-season.

The 3-4-2-1 formation would seemingly allow a lot more creativity with Moi able to play in his natural position, but we may see him play more centrally or even as a supporting striker/false nine as the season progresses, as 3-5-2 may feature more prominently than a lot of us are expecting.

It worked in the second half today and seems the more fluid and adaptable of the two set-ups, as a supporting player like Long or Elyounoussi can partner a more prolific player like Charlie Austin or Manolo Gabbiadini, with the engine of Armstrong in behind.