Puel should give these 3 Southampton players a chance against Stoke City

Shane Long

Austin’s absence is a big blow to Southampton, but it gives Shane Long the chance to stake a claim for a first-team spot.

The Irish international started the season ahead of Austin in the pecking order, but didn’t do enough in front of goal to deservedly keep his place – in fact, he hasn’t netted in the Premier League this season.

He had mainly been used as a substitute in recent times, and Jay Rodriguez was actually preferred to him against Middlesbrough on Sunday, although Long did come on for the final five minutes at St Mary’s.

Nonetheless, Long’s energy from the front could be hugely beneficial to the Saints on Wednesday, as Stoke like to keep possession and work from the back.