Mark Hughes is preparing for his first Premier League game in charge of Southampton, one of the clubs he represented in his playing days, and it is their biggest game of the season so far.
He will take the Saints to face West Ham, who themselves are still reeling from the unsavoury scenes that marred their last match, the 3-0 home defeat to Burnley in a match that will go a long way to determining who will survive and spend another season in the top flight next time around.
It is 17th v 18th, with the Hammers two points and a place above their visitors, who enjoyed the “new manager bounce” already by qualifying for the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend with a hard-fought victory over League One side Wigan.
Hughes would love to go to the London Stadium with a full complement of players at his disposal but he might not have that luxury.
Steven Davis and Ryan Bertrand are doubtful for the match, having pulled out of their respective international squads but Charlie Austin could be fit to make a return.
Read on for the latest on the trio, who could make a huge difference to Hughes’ survival bid, as per Premier Injuries…
When was Davis injured?: The Northern Irishman pulled out of the national squad this week with a hamstring injury, which has also kept him out of the Saints’ past five games.
Potential return date: 31/03/18
What the manager said: On 22 March, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s been a wee bit tricky. Davo (Davis) is out. We have to be careful with the players given the time of year it is and the nature of the game.”
Has he been missed?: Davis is a player who does not always catch the eye but his reliable work rate and technique is something that has been missing in a dour Saints side who were sinking without a trace before Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked. Hughes will want him back in contention as soon as possible and will be grateful that O’Neill has been sensible with him.
When was Bertrand injured?: Bertrand was called up to the England squad for the final friendlies before the World Cup final 23 is announced but had to withdraw due to a lower back injury.
Potential return date: 31/03/18
Has he been missed?: Bertrand has fallen slightly short of his usual levels this season, but he is still one of Southampton’s key men. He is one of three players in a fight for the two left-back spots in the Three Lions squad for Russia – alongside Ashley Young and Danny Rose – and will be giving his all between now and the end of the season to make the cut. That can only benefit the Saints.
When was Austin injured?: He picked up a hamstring injury during December’s 1-1 draw with Hudderfield.
What the manager said: On 16 March, Hughes said: “We’ve got a chance of integrating him for short periods next week. With a bit of luck, if we can get him ready for West Ham.”
Has he been missed?: In a word, yes. Southampton have struggled badly for goals – if they are relegated this season, their shotshy attack is will be the reason and Austin tends to bang them in when he’s fit. He can count himself as a proven Premier League goalscorer now and his injury came just as he was starting to show signs of his best form.