Bournemouth vs Southampton preview: Max Gradel pushing for a return as Shane Long looks to continue fine form
A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Vitality Stadium
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It’s a big game for…
Max Gradel: The Ivorian winger is pushing for a return to the starting line-up for the first time since suffering cruciate ligament damage in a 1-1 draw with Leicester on 29 August. Gradel praised the decision of Eddie Howe to allow him to carry out rehabilitation work in his native country and will look to repay his manager’s trust by getting on the score sheet for the first time this campaign. The former Leicester City man needs to replicate the scintillating pace and skill of his early season performances to unlock a resolute Saints defence.
Best stat:
3: Southampton have kept clean sheets in each of their last three away matches and another against their south-coast rivals would represent a Premier League record.
Remember when:
Graziano Pelle celebrated scoring the second in a 2-0 win for Southampton by engaging in a Haka-style celebration with Saints sports therapist Graeme Staddon, whose New Zealand compatriots claimed Rugby World Cup glory against Australia at Twickenham the same weekend.
Player to watch:
Shane Long: Southampton’s in-form striker took his season tally into double digits with a delicate chip over Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois on Saturday, his second goal in as many Premier League games. The Tipperary man is rated 50/50 for the game against the Cherries after suffering a minor hamstring injury at Stamford Bridge, but a successful late fitness test could result in the Saints marksman striking in three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time in his career.
Last three meetings:
Southampton 2 (Davies, Pelle) Bournemouth 0, Premier League, November 2015
Bournemouth 1 (Dalla Valle) Southampton 3 (Barnard, Hammond, Lambert), League One, March 2011
Southampton 2 (Lambert 2) Bournemouth 0, League One, October 2010
Form guide:
Bournemouth: WWLLLD
Southampton: WWDWWL
Vital information:
Kick-off time: 19:45
TV: Live on BT Sports 1, highlights on BBC 1 Wednesday 22:45
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