Southampton: Hughes to make late call on Danny Ings
By Chris Hughes
Southampton manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that Danny Ings will face a late fitness test ahead of this weekend’s game against Crystal Palace.
The English forward has enjoyed an impressive first three weeks in Southampton red, scoring against Everton but playing well in the games either side against Burnley and Leicester.
The striker’s ability to get in behind and allude his marker through his pace and agility have been refreshing, with Shane Long losing a step or two as well offering little in the final third.
However, the Saints may now be without Ings for the match against Palace, as Mark Hughes confirmed he will have to make a late judgment call on the loanee.
"“We’ve got a slight concern with Danny Ings he’s got a sore foot. We’re going to have to settle that down, he hasn’t been on his feet too much this week.”"
Southampton fans will be reassured by the fact that Charlie Austin got off the mark on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup against Brighton. His smartly-taken header in the 88th minute was the only goal of the game and sent the Saints through to the third round.
Nonetheless Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long are yet to get their first goals of the season and this is the perfect opportunity for one of the two to partner Austin as it seems almost certain that Hughes will deploy two-up top against the Eagles.
However the match could also offer a chance for Sam Gallagher to get some minutes – he was decent off the bench against Brighton and could play a role. Saying that, the Saints have loaned a host of youngsters in the past week so it wouldn’t be a shock if the striker followed suit.
The Saints have scored just once from open play in the league so far this campaign and that was courtesy of Bertrand’s left-foot against the Foxes – Ings could therefore be sorely missed if he is to miss out through a foot problem.
The match is Southampton’s last before the first international break of the campaign meaning a good result would offer a real confidence boost going into the fortnight away from the Premier League.
Kick-off at Selhurst Park this Saturday is at 3PM.