Puel should give these 3 Southampton players a chance v Hapoel

Jay Rodriguez

It’s likely that Charlie Austin will be rested tonight given his exploits in the Premier League so far, so Puel will need his other forwards to carry his side through to the knockout stages.

Shane Long could come in, but Jay Rodgriuez should also get an opportunity to stake his claim for a first team spot, and indeed play for his future at St Mary’s.

Reports on Tuesday suggest that the 27-year-old is being monitored by three Premier League clubs such is his lack of first team action on the South Coast, but he needs more minutes on the pitch to try and get back to the level that saw him win an England cap in November 2013.

The Saints can’t keep relying on Austin’s goals to get by – it’s time for the other forwards to step up, starting this evening.