Southampton v Middlesbrough: match preview

Southampton v Middlesbrough: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

It has been an awful week for Southampton. A heavy defeat at Crystal Palace was followed by elimination from the Europa League and a serious injury to Charlie Austin, the only player who has scored regularly for the club this season. Middlesbrough have lost only one match away in the league this season and will feel confident of adding to Claude Puel’s woes. Paul Doyle

Kick-off Sunday 2.15pm

Venue St Mary’s

Last season n/a

Referee Stuart Atwell Name

This season G3, Y7, R0, 2.33 cards per game

Odds H 4-6 A 6-1 D 3-1

Southampton

Subs from Taylor, Soares, Yoshida, McQueen, Romeu, Rodriguez, Redmond, Sims, Clasie

Doubtful Boufal (match fitness), Rodriguez (match fitness)

Injured McCarthy (hamstring, Dec), Targett (hamstring, Dec), Pied (knee, Jun), Austin (shoulder, unknown)

Suspended None

Form DLLDWL

Discipline Y23 R0

Leading scorer Austin 6

Middlesbrough

Subs from Guzan, Ayala, Leadbitter, Espinosa, Nsue, Downing, Fischer, Stuani, Rhodes, Nugent, De Sart

Doubtful Negredo, Ramírez, Rhodes (all match fitness)

Injured Friend (knee, 14 Dec)

Suspended None

Form DWDLDW

Discipline Y29 R0

Leading scorers Negredo, Stuani 3