Puel must give these 3 Southampton players a chance against Hapoel

Maya Yoshida

Although Yoshida is not a part of Puel’s first choice central defensive partnership, the manager will want to know that, if Jose Fonte and/or Virgil van Dijk get injured, he can rely upon the Japanese international to do a job.

As a result, he needs time on the pitch to do so, and should get the opportunity on Thursday.

In the three games Yoshida has started for the Saints this season, they’ve conceded just once, and that was to Watford on the opening day last month.

The 28-year-old has been solid throughout his four years at St Mary’s, but needs minutes on the pitch to be ready to deputise in the Premier League if called upon.