I don't think MP2 will consider Bertrand at CB - he had plenty of chances to try this during pre season with Targett and McQueen both available at LB. I think more likely they'll risk Yoshida and bank on a new signing (Hoedt?) being available the week after. Forster Cedric Stephens Yoshida Bertrand Romeu Davis Redmond JWP Boufal Gabbiadini Subs: McCarthy/Taylor, Pied, Bednarek, McQueen, Hojbjerg/Lemina, Tadic, Austin Which feels crazy, to leave out (Virgil,) Targett, Clasie, Long, Hojbjerg/Lemina, Gallagher, Sims from a matchday squad!
Wonder if Pied's omission on Saturday was due to giving too much information to Goal France last week. "at the moment we're 4-4-2" is a bit more than you'd expect to hear in an interview pre-season.
Well this is a nice surprise on a Monday. An official match thread and its the curtain raiser to the season. Wow!!!
Saints' fans have watched since January without seeing Virgil, so can't see that having an effect. The sale of rotten tomatoes will plummet though.
Southampton v Swansea City Referee: Mike Jones Assistants: M Scholes, D Eaton Fourth official: S Martin