The 3 key battles as Southampton host Premier League champions Leicester this afternoon

Shane Long vs Wes Morgan

When you’re a bit out of form and hoping for a slightly easier afternoon, the last forward you’d want to be facing is Southampton’s Shane Long.

The former Reading and West Brom striker scored a 92nd minute winner for the Saints in their 1-0 victory over Norwich in the FA Cup midweek, and that was indicative of his never-say-die attitude and desire to keep going until the very end.

It also translates to his efforts on the pitch, as the Republic of Ireland international is often tenacious off-the-ball, doesn’t give defenders time on it, and chases down every lost cause.

And, against a Leicester side that have conceded 21 goals on the road this season, this could spell problems.

Ranieri’s men have been poor at the back so far this season, and captain Wes Morgan will admit that he himself has not been good enough. But he’ll have to be to thwart the threat posed by Long today.

It’s unlikely that Ranieri will play three at the back like he did against Chelsea, and that familiarity and a return to the rigid system that worked so well for them last season could be exactly what they need against the Saints this afternoon.