The Saints had a really underwhelming season last time around wherein they finished 15th on the Premier League table but Hasenhuttl will be eager to make amends this time around.
Southampton were winless in their last five matches of the previous season and that poor run could continue because they will face Tottenham, away from home this weekend.
Hasenhuttl’s side are the complete underdogs in this tie but the manager will not be losing hope so easily because when the Saints visited London last February, they were actually able to pick up a 3-2 win in that match.
The away side have made a couple of signings during the summer but we don’t think too many of them are going to be included in the starting line because the last thing the manager will want is to dent their and his other players’ confidence by getting hammered by Spurs.
Saints team news and injuries for Saturday:
Livaramento had ligament surgery back in May and the right-back will only be returning to action sometime towards the end of this calendar year.
With the youngster ruled out, Kyle Walker-Peters will start in that role even though he is currently a subject of interest from Chelsea.
The Saints have signed centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap from Bochum but it will be Salisu and Bednarek who will pair up in the middle of defence on Saturday.
Excl: Chelsea are considering many options for right-back position, to be discussed after Cucurella. Kyle Walker-Peters, one of the options alongside Denzel Dumfries 🚨🔵 #CFC
Dumfries top of the list but Inter want to keep him, still no bid.
Walker-Peters, discussed internally. pic.twitter.com/CcuOm33C1C— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
Theo Walcott and Nathan Tella are both nursing injuries and will not be available for selection meaning the Southampton boss will have limited bench strength.
Joe Aribo was the big-name signing for the Saints this summer and the former Rangers man will have an immediate induction into the first XI because there’s no Armando Broja
Che Adams will be the main centre-forward this weekend with Aribo playing as the link between the striker and midfield. This will not only allow the wide midfielders to operate in and around the wings but it is also the ideal counter to Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
Saints predicted line up vs Spurs:
Predicted Starting Line up(4-4-1-1): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Salisu, Bednarek, Perraud; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Elyounoussi; Joe Aribo, Che Adams.
