Southampton: Team news and predicted Saints line-up to face Fulham

Southampton will be hoping to build up a head of steam and some consistent form as they push towards the end of a very mixed 2020/21 season.

A dominant display against Crystal Palace on Tuesday saw Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side claim their first win in around five weeks by creating three good goals and limiting their opponents’ own attacking efforts.

Top-flight safety was confirmed as Fulham lost to Burnley recently, but the aim will be to maximise points in the final three games and push as far up the table as possible. 12th place is still very much in reach and would provide a small boost in performance-based funds.

Fulham, as stated, will be playing Championship football next season but their players still have pride and places in Scott Parker’s team to play for in the run-in, although Saints will be considered favourites for this clash

Bednarek only injury concern for Southampton

In his pre-match press conference, Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that Jan Bednarek could be missing after picking up an injury in the first-half against Crystal Palace. The Saints boss explained his defender has an ankle complaint and did not take part in training on Wednesday or Thursday.

If the Poland international is to sit Saturday’s match out, he will join Oriol Romeu, Ryan Bertrand and Will Smallbone on the sidelines.

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Romeu has made progress in his return from a fractured ankle, whilst Smallbone looks set for a return in pre-season. Bertrand may have played his last game for Saints after his summer exit was announced yesterday.

Fulham have no fresh injury concerns after their loss to Burnley on Monday but could welcome former Saints man Harrison Reed back into their matchday squad after his return to training.

Predicted Saints line-up

Alex McCarthy; Kyle Walker-Peters, Jack Stephens, Jannik Vestergaard, Mohammed Salisu; James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong; Theo Walcott, Nathan Tella; Danny Ings, Che Adams

Fraser Forster had a great game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday but Ralph Hasenhuttl has said that he wants to give game time to both his goalkeepers as we head towards the end of the season, so Alex McCarthy could be given another start here.

Jan Bednarek’s injury means that he is a doubt for Saturday but Saints have defensive alternatives ready with Jack Stephens and Mohammed Salisu. Theo Walcott and Nathan Tella may come back into the line-up to replace Nathan Redmond and Takumi Minamino.