Southampton: Fully fit squad as Elyounoussi and Long return
By Marc Walker
Southampton have a fully fit squad to choose from against Chelsea this weekend after it was confirmed that Mohamed Elyounoussi and Shane Long are available.
Both players missed Southampton’s win over Everton in the Carabao Cup in midweek and Long was also out for the 2-0 defeat to Wolves last weekend, but Mark Hughes confirmed that both could return to action this Sunady
Having been regular starters for so far this season, it will certainly be seen as a boost to have both back in contention.
Long has been a handy partner for Danny Ings with his running in behind defences, whilst Elyounoussi has been bright on the Right-Wing without hitting top form yet.
Saints are likely to need all the attacking options they can get at St Mary’s as Chelsea will provide a stern test and be tricky to break down with their excellent defence.
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Against Wolves last weekend, not enough creativity came from the side’s attack and they were unable to create too much in their spells of pressure.
The team selection could be interesting for this week too. A number of fringe players put in solid displays at Everton on Tuesday and this could have pushed them closer to being in contention in the Premier League.
After two consecutive losses in the league, Saints will be hoping to get back on track with their first home win of the season. A good first-half display came against Brighton at St Mary’s last time, but the high levels weren’t maintained for the full 90 minutes.
Just one point has been taken from a possible nine in home Premier League games so far and the team will have to put in a high and consistent level of performance to get anything against Chelsea.
The cup win in midweek could be a welcome boost however. The win against Brighton in the Carabao Cup Second-Round was followed with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace in the league, so they will be hoping that another boost comes ahead of Sunday.