[ad_pod ]

Southampton will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to an impressive five matches this Friday evening, when they make the short trip to the Vitality Stadium where south coast rivals Bournemouth await.

The Saints were victorious against Sheffield United last time out, and have also managed to pick up a point against Manchester United, a Carabao Cup win over Fulham and three points against Brighton - Ralph Hasenhuttl has done well to banish memories of an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Burnley on the opening day.

Eddie Howe's side will presumably be in good spirits having recently dispatched Everton by a 3-1 scoreline, so here's the XI Hasenhuttl should put out to give his side the best chance of success against the Cherries...

The former RB Leipzig boss has already confirmed that Moussa Djenepo - the match-winner against Sheffield United - will be missing after suffering a recurrence of his previously-troubling muscle injury.

However, when one door closes, another opens, and Hasenhuttl has said that he will make a late check on Nathan Redmond's fitness before the game - the Southampton Twitter account certainly teased his involvement with this video.

Che Adams and Sofiane Boufal started against the Blades, so we think Redmond - if fit - must come in as Djenepo's replacement with James Ward-Prowse dropping to the bench - the academy graduate is yet to score or assist this term.

At the back, the Austrian boss shouldn't change anything other than to bring Ryan Bertrand - who has not been selected for a few weeks now with unnatural options taking his place - back into the fold, with Hasenhuttl himself commenting on the situation.

The England international has had to watch on as Djenepo - a natural forward - has taken to the left wing-back spot, as well as 20-year-old centre-back Kevin Danso - referenced in the article found above this paragraph.

However, with the rapid Josh King - who was awarded with WhoScored's Man of the Match award last time out - down that right flank for Bournemouth, Hasenhuttl should go with the experienced 30-year-old at left wing-back as a measure of contending with the Norwegian.