Southampton continue to be something of an enigma.
Neither an attacking force, nor an assured resilient outfit, we stand on the eve of big investment in Claude Puel’s side unsure of what to expect.
On today’s evidence in the 0-0 stalemate with Hull City, we should perhaps temper our anticipation of big returns from Manolo Gabbiadini.
Producing his third outing without a goal, the Italian was limited to two shots on goal and eventually gave way on 58 minutes. That was the second occasion that he’s been hooked by Puel before the hour-mark since his return from a groin injury.
Those three recent appearances have supplied a modest five shots on goal, with just seven touches in the oppositions penalty area and a single shot on target.
With both Shane Long, Jay Rodriguez and a recovering Charlie Austin as options for the Saints’ boss, we now have to wonder if Gabbiadini will be given the opportunity to deliver on our double Gameweek investment.
Brought into more than 165,000 squads and captained by over 83,000+ of his owners, the Italian was the most sought after Fantasy Premier League asset ahead of Gameweek 35.
Despite being restricted to a single point today, Gabbiadini is already building on his ownership – he is ranked fourth for transfers in so far ahead of his two Gameweek 36 fixtures at Liverpool and at home to Arsenal.
In truth, we have very few alternative paths in the Saints attack, with options in midfield closed off by Puel’s penchant for rotation and indifferent form.
Dusan Tadic epitomised the situation with Saturday’s second-half penalty miss.
He’s been a mainstay in the Saints’ line-up, starting in the last nine Gameweeks and yet the Serbian has produced just a single goal and four assists over that stretch.
Tadic may now surrender spot-kick duties ahead of his double Gameweek fixtures – maybe to Gabbiadini, perhaps even to left-back Ryan Bertrand.
James Ward-Prowse would be one contender to assume that role but took his turn on the bench today and is seemingly locked in rotation with Nathan Redmond and Sofianne Boufal.
Thankfully, Puel seems more settled on his selection in defence, where Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens continue to dangle obvious value ahead of Southampton’s additional fixtures.
In truth, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United three of their four opponents, we surely cannot expect big returns on our investment.
Nonetheless, with the pair seemingly unshakable despite the availability of the experienced Martín Cáceres, they have already found a place in the top five for transfers in with an overnight price rise on the cards.
Erratic at the back, six goals in six matches up front, with a striker struggling to complete an hour and a midfield stuck in rotation, Southampton are hardly the golden ticket but, in a double Gameweek scenario, it seems we’re more than willing to overlook the shortcomings.
