Southampton predicted lineup vs Brentford: Several PL Debuts
By Evan Curnew
Predicted Backline: James Bree (RB) – Duje Caleta-Car (RCB) – Mohammed Salisu (LCB) – Romain Perruad (LB)
It was a hot topic Tuesday when Nathan Jones started with a back five against Newcastle. It quickly became apparent that it was not working when Sean Longstaff bagged a brace in the first half, being unmarked on both goals. At half-time, Lyanco was yanked off for left-back Romain Perraud. For the remainder of the game, Southampton looked much more organized at the back after the switch.
It would be a bit of a shock if the formation on Saturday did not contain a back four.
James Bree looks set to make his Premier League debut as Kyle Walker-Peters was subbed off last match for precautionary reasons. Nathan Jones has stated that it is a tight hamstring for Walker-Peters and while he may not be ruled out for this fixture, it’s unlikely with the quick turnaround from Tuesday he will start. James Bree joined from Jones’ former side, Luton Town for merely £750k with the fullback being out of contract in the summer. He also made his Southampton debut against Newcastle in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Duje Caleta-Car will be in prime condition to come back into the squad after not appearing in the EFL Cup second leg against Newcastle. Armel Bella-Kotchap remains out and Lyanco’s performance on Tuesday will likely send him to the bench for Brentford.
Mohammed Salisu has started all but one matches this season for Southampton in the Premier League and will assume his position in defence.
Romain Perruad will slot back into the starting line-up in a hot run of form. The French fullback scored twice including the match-winner against Blackpool in the FA Cup last weekend.