EPL: Bournemouth v Southampton preview

Bournemouth v Southampton preview

Southampton will look to build on their recent form when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on local rivals Bournemouth.

While the Saints have lost three of their last four matches, their performances in their last two games have pleased the club’s fans.

Sceptics had started to doubt Mauricio Pellegrino before the 4-1 win over Everton but striker Charlie Austin proved his worth up top.

The Saints were desperately unlucky in midweek as they lost 2-1 to Manchester City, with Raheem Sterling’s goal costing the visitors in the dying seconds.

Austin was rested in the defeat to the Citizens but he is expected to come in for Shane Long as he faces a late test on  a calf problem. Right-back Cedric Soares is definitely out due to a hamstring problem but that issue is not thought to be serious ahead of a busy few weeks.

While Southampton’s performances have improved, Bournemouth have failed to kick on since back-to-back wins at the start of November.

A draw to Swansea was followed by a defeat to Burnley and boss Eddie Howe will be under pressure to get more out of his team at home.

Winger Junior Stanislas may be recalled if he passes a fitness test, but defenders Brad Smith and Tyrone Mings remain on the treatment table with respective hip and back problems.

Bournemouth have won one and lost five of their last eight meetings against the Saints, with all of Southampton’s league wins at Bournemouth finishing in a 3-1 scoreline.