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Southampton: Saints are injury-free for match against Bournemouth

By Chris Hughes

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes, Manager of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes, Manager of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images) /
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At his pre-match press conference earlier today, Southampton manager Mark Hughes revealed that he has a full squad to choose from this weekend.

The Saints face the Cherries in what is being described by many as a must-win game for Hughes’ side. Southampton have made their worst start to the season in six years, which is massively concerning considering how close they were to getting relegated last time out.

And this weekend the Saints will have their possible chance of beating Eddie Howe’s team, with Hughes revealing he has a clean bill of health for the so-called ‘south coast derby’.

Alex McCarthy and Shane Long both suffered knocks over the international break with the former’s concerning a lot of the fanbase after his impressive start to the season in goal. However, both of the two have recovered and are available for selection.

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DUBLIN, IRELAND – OCTOBER 16: Shane Long of Republic of Ireland lies dejected during the UEFA Nations League B group four match between Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND – OCTOBER 16: Shane Long of Republic of Ireland lies dejected during the UEFA Nations League B group four match between Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Bournemouth have started the campaign really well and are sat sixth for their efforts, but ever since their promotion to the top flight they have been blighted with inconsistency and have often followed impressive winning runs with equally dire losing streaks.

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The Saints are on a terrible run of form themselves in the league though, with three straight losses leaving them dangerously close to the bottom three. Their embarrassment is only spared by the fact that Newcastle, Huddersfield and Cardiff have somehow mustered worst starts to the year.

Hughes’ side actually play the Magpies after the game against Bournemouth this weekend and therefore a win on Saturday could propel them into that six-pointer full of confidence.

Having a full squad for this game against Howe’s side will only aid their cause as they hope to upset the home side at the Vitality, especially as a couple of Saints players had really successful fortnights with their national sides. Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mario Lemina both won their two games with the former getting the only goal in the game between Norway and Bulgaria.

Bournemouth versus Southampton kicks off at 3PM this Saturday.

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