PREM: Southampton v Hull preview

Southampton v Hull preview

Southampton manager Claude Puel is expected to make changes to the team that on Tuesday lost 4-2 at Chelsea as he continues with his favoured rotation policy when they host Hull.

He has been boosted by the return to fitness of Sam McQueen, though the left-back is not expected to make an instant return to the Frenchman's starting XI.

Matt Targett and Charlie Austin also returned to training this week, but will not be ready for Saturday's fixture. Virgil van Dijk (foot) and Alex McCarthy (hamstring) remain absent.

Hull manager Marco Silva is boosted by the availability of striker Oumar Niasse after the striker had his suspension rescinded.

Niasse was shown a straight red card in the win over Watford, but it has been subsequently overturned following an appeal from the club, and the striker is likely to retain his place in the side.

Defender Omar Elabdellaoui remains absent with a back problem and may not play again this season, while Ryan Mason, Moses Odubajo and Will Keane remain absent with long-term injuries. 

Teams

Southampton (from): Forster, Taylor, Cedric, Martina, Pied, Yoshida, Stephens, Caceres, Bertrand, McQueen, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Davis, Clasie, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Boufal, Redmond, Rodriguez, Long, Gabbiadini.

Hull (from): Jakupovic, Marshall, Robertson, Davies, Dawson, Maguire, Ranocchia, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Evandro, Maloney, Henriksen, Grosicki, Hernandez, Diomande, N'Diaye, Clucas, Markovic, Niasse, Mbokani.