EPL: Southampton v Huddersfield preview
Southampton v Huddersfield preview
Southampton host Huddersfield on Saturday with both sides desperate for a win that would lift them further away from trouble.
Southampton are without a win in five - their last success being a 4-1 demolition of Everton at the end of November - and although look relatively safe in 12th, they are only three points above the relegation zone heading into the weekend.
Their opponents are one place and three points above them having overcome a sticky November, in which they lost 4-0 to Bournemouth and 5-0 to Arsenal, to register wins over Brighton and Watford in two of their last three games.
The 4-1 win at Watford last weekend prompted boss David Wagner to say Premier League survival for his side was now a "belief" rather than a "hope".
The reverse fixture at the end of August was a disappointing goalless draw.
Cedric Soares is Mauricio Pellegrino's only big injury worry after he came off injured against Chelsea last weekend following a nasty collision with the advertising boards.
Ryan Bertrand also limped off during Southampton's 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge but could still feature against Huddersfield on Saturday.
Huddersfield's emphatic 4-1 win over Watford last weekend came at a cost as Elias Kachunga misses out due to a knee injury sustained in the game while Jonathan Hogg is suspended following his red card.
Also unavailable for selection are Phillip Billing (ankle), Jon Gorenc Stankovic (knee) and Michael Hefele (Achilles) but Chris Lowe could be available despite coming off last weekend with a foot injury.
Their opponents are one place and three points above them having overcome a sticky November, in which they lost 4-0 to Bournemouth and 5-0 to Arsenal, to register wins over Brighton and Watford in two of their last three games.
The 4-1 win at Watford last weekend prompted boss David Wagner to say Premier League survival for his side was now a "belief" rather than a "hope".
The reverse fixture at the end of August was a disappointing goalless draw.
Cedric Soares is Mauricio Pellegrino's only big injury worry after he came off injured against Chelsea last weekend following a nasty collision with the advertising boards.
Ryan Bertrand also limped off during Southampton's 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge but could still feature against Huddersfield on Saturday.
Huddersfield's emphatic 4-1 win over Watford last weekend came at a cost as Elias Kachunga misses out due to a knee injury sustained in the game while Jonathan Hogg is suspended following his red card.
Also unavailable for selection are Phillip Billing (ankle), Jon Gorenc Stankovic (knee) and Michael Hefele (Achilles) but Chris Lowe could be available despite coming off last weekend with a foot injury.