Three changes Southampton should make after the international break

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Trial Hojbjerg and Clasie as a central midfield duo

Little and large partnerships are most associated with striking duos and mostly went out of fashion around a decade ago. However, Southampton have the opportunity to put together a partnership of mixed height right in the middle of the pitch, pairing the lanky Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with the diminutive Jordy Clasie.

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Dutchman Clasie spent a lot of his first season at St. Mary’s on the treatment table, but by the end of 2015/16, he was showing himself to be a tenacious but assured presence in the centre of midfield.

Hojbjerg represented somewhat of a coup for Saints in the summer and was one of Bayern Munich’s most promising young talents before his £12 million. His eye for a pass and sensible positional play could perfectly complement the energetic Clasie in midfield.

Puel may opt for more bite in the shape of Oriol Romeu for the trip to the Emirates, but for the future, Clasie and Hojbjerg have the potential to be a very exciting pair.