Southampton predicted XI: £9m-rated ace comes in for crocked defender as young forward replaces rested Ings

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With just pride, and league positions, left to play for, Southampton will be looking to continue their good form as they take on relegated Fulham this weekend.

The south coast outfit earned a much-needed win this Monday as they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at St Mary’s Stadium thanks to a brace from Danny Ings and a goal from Che Adams.

They take on the Cottagers who are still coming to terms with their relegation after their disastrous performance at home to Burnley sent them down with a whimper.

In terms of team news, Danny Ings was initially ruled out for the remainder of the season after injuring his hamstring in the loss to Tottenham Hotspur towards the end of April. So, he could be rested to avoid a recurrence of the issue especially with the forward hoping to make England’s squad for the European Championships this summer.

Meanwhile, Ryan Bertrand, for whom it was confirmed on Wednesday will be leaving the club at the end of this term, continues to be out.

As a result, the defence should feature the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, who has become a fan-favorite recently, Jannick Vestergaard, the £9m-rated Mohammed Salisu, who will fill in for Jan Bednarek after his injury against the Eagles, and Jack Stephens.

James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Armstrong have been an almost consistent pairing at the heart of midfield, starting 35 and 29 Premier League games respectively. Takumi Minamino has been in and out of the team since arriving at the club and has never started two games since the start of March. Therefore, Theo Walcott should join Nathan Redmond in featuring either side of the central players.

The attacking duo upfront is a pretty straightforward decision for the Austrian coach after Ings’ relatively quick return from a hamstring injury. After his goal on Monday, Adams would partner Michael Obafemi, who has been the preferred striking option off the bench since his return from a long-term injury.

Southampton predicted XI (4-4-2): Forster; Walker-Peters, Salisu, Vestergaard, Stephens; Walcott, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong, Redmond; Obafemi, Adams.