With kick off at St Mary’s only a few hours away, it’s feels like a good time to look at the side that could start against an in-form Southampton side tonight.
Keeping form and fitness in mind, here’s the team I can see Steve Bruce going with come 8pm:
Predicted NUFC XI (5-3-1-1): Darlow – Murphy, Schar, Fede, Clark, Lewis – S Longstaff, Hayden, Almiron – ASM – Wilson.
OUT – Hendrick
IN – Hayden
He’s rarely done it this season, altering systems five times in seven games so far this season, however I can see Bruce sticking with this 5-3-1-1 formation and making very few changes.
After all, we defended well against the Toffees, competed well in midfield and also moved the ball forward well from time to time, with Longstaff looking sharper than we’ve seen for several months and Almiron’s energy playing a big part in springing counter attacks for Saint-Maximin and Wilson to join.
That said, I can see Isaac Hayden coming back in now Steve Bruce has declared him fully fit and ready to return.
Jeff Hendrick has been a big favourite of Bruce’s since he arrived on a free from Burnley and actually did a decent job last weekend, however Hayden has to be first-choice when fit, with his ball winning skills and ability to cover the ground likely to be key against a high-energy Saints side.
How do you see us lining up tonight? Let us now!
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