Date: 27th August 2016 at 8:40am
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As both teams come off the back of defeats in their last Premier League outings, this weekend’s clash at St Mary’s is already shaping up to be a key fixture in the new season.

The Saints can take heart from their performance at Old Trafford, despite the fact they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United thanks to an outstanding display from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Claude Puel can feel encouraged after the start made by Nathan Redmond this season, as the winger opened his account for the new campaign against Watford and in general has looked solid in a Southampton team still recovering from the losses of Saido Mane and Graziano Pelle.

On the other hand, the Black Cats have already had a tough start under David Moyes having already suffered two losses at the hand of Manchester City and newly promoted rivals Middlesborough.

Sunderland will be hoping that Adnan Januzaj can recapture some of the form he showed while at Manchester United, as fans in the North-East seem to already bracing themselves for a relegation fight.

Team News:

It remains to be seen whether Southampton defender Florin Gardos will be fit for Saturday’s game at St. Mary’s after suffering a set-back to a knee injury.

Ryan Bertrand is also doubtful as a result of a knee problem and is yet to feature for the Saints this season.

Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone picked up an elbow injury in training and is set for a late fitness test ahead of the weekend’s game, while John O’Shea was forced off in the Black Cats’ last outing coming off after 36 minutes with a groin injury.

League Positions: Southampton – 16th; Sunderland – 18th
Last Meeting: Southampton 1-1 Sunderland – (March 5, 2016)
League Form: Southampton – WLWDL; Sunderland – WWDLL
Key Men: Southampton – Nathan Redmond; Sunderland – Adnan Januzaj
Shoot Says: Southampton 3-1 Sunderland

 
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