Puel should give these 3 Southampton players a chance v Sparta Prague

Shane Long

Puel spoke recently of how others need to step up and take the workload off of Charlie Austin’s shoulders, and Shane Long has proved in the past that he is capable of doing just that.

The Republic of Ireland international scored 13 goals in 34 games last season, but it’s his work for the team and tireless energy upfront which will help the team be competitive on several fronts in this campaign.

Long returned from injury by coming on as a substitute in the Saints’ draw with Liverpool at the weekend, and he could be in line to make his first start since October in Prague.