It was refreshing to see us fully deserve our 2-1 win over Everton, however it was fortunate that we faced a Toffees side without several of their key players.
Luckily for us, that could be the case once again this week, with it looking like Southampton may be significantly weakened ahead of our trip to St Mary’s on Friday night.
Danny Ings was one of THREE Saints players to be forced off in their 4-3 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
It’s emerged this morning that their top scorer has NOT suffered serious damage to his knee – despite fears it was a bad one – however it’s being reported that the Newcastle game could come too soon for the striker given his injury history:
Considering he’s been one of the best strikers in the Premier League over the past 18 months and involved in 7 goals in 7 appearances so far this season, it would be a welcome boost for Bruce should he miss out.
Elsewhere, first choice centre back Jan Bednarek was forced off after landing awkwardly, with left-back Ryan Bertrand also limping off late on with a hamstring issue.
Southampton went on to concede three goals in the final half an hour after both were withdrawn and had kept THREE clean sheets in their last four when both had started, so the Saints could well be weakened at both ends of the pitch when we meet on Friday night.
With Hasenhuttl’s side unbeaten in five and up to 4th after Sunday’s win, we may need all the help we can get!
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