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Southampton vs AFC Bournemouth: Where the game will be won and lost

By Edward Waugh

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Bournemouth player Nathan Ake is challenged by Danny Ings during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Bournemouth player Nathan Ake is challenged by Danny Ings during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Southampton player Ryan Bertrand in action during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on August 10, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Southampton player Ryan Bertrand in action during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on August 10, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Left-back hole

Since being substituted off against Liverpool in the 77th minute of said fixture, Ryan Bertrand has been one of topic.

This is mainly down to his injury that has saw him sidelined for the Brighton game, and although he was expected to return after, he has not featured against Manchester United and Sheffield United despite being tipped to start.

This has been highlighted as a problem for Ralph Hasenhuttl due to the fact that back-up option Jake Vokins has no-experience in a competitive fixture for the first team; whilst Moussa Djenepo, who is currently Southampton’s main attacking influence, is not suited to playing as a left-wing back.

In other fixtures, Southampton have trialled Kevin Danso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in this position, though neither have been overwhelmingly convincing in an unfamiliar position. Going against Harry Wilson of Bournemouth who has been favoured on the right-wing for Eddie Howe’s set up, could lead to trouble for the home-side.

The Welshman has brilliant attacking ability, and the most notable parts of his game are his long shots, direct free-kicks, through balls and finishing – all of which could penetrate the Saints defence with the current situation at left-back.