Ronald Koeman has a little bit of thinking to do about whom he plays in the holding role usually occupied by Victor Wanyama.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman has a dilemma on Saturday when he must select a replacement for Victor Wanyama for the trip to Sunderland.

Losing the in form Wanyama is a blow, but the Dutchman has plenty of options to fill his position, but sometimes having options does not make for a simple decision.

It seems likely that Jordy Clasie will continue in the starting position he has occupied for the last two games, but who will partner him to anchor the midfield ?

Prime candidate must be Oriol Romeu, he has looked the part both when he was in the role when Wanyama was having his funny five minutes a couple of months ago and he has also looked impressive in games played since including the victory over Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup.

But he is not the only option, James Ward Prowse looked good in a deeper role a few weeks ago prompting suggestions that this could be his best position, but the truth is that he needs to play alongside a strong ball winner and I only think he will play in this position if he is paired with Wanyama or Romeu and to be blunt I can't see Koeman leaving Clasie on the bench.

Another option could be Steven Davis, but the Northern Irish International has looked good sat in front of the holding two and I can't see Koeman wanting to change things too much at Sunderland.

It should also be remembered that when Saints defeated Sunderland 8-0 last season Wanyama was only a substitute and Jack Cork was preferred, this could influence Koeman in that he might feel that losing Wanyama for this game is not as big a blow as it would have been for say Manchester City away in a few weeks.

So I expect it to be the Romeu/Clasie partnership with a combination of the ball winning skills of Romeu and the ability of Clasie to read the game, intercept the ball and move it quickly to the likes of Tadic & Mane to catch the Mackems on the break.

Photo: Action Images

IWOZTHERE added 23:12 - Nov 5 This isn't a poke at Clasie like some, but I hope RK doesn't mess about to facilitate him. On his performances so far, Romeu deserves to start, whether Clasie, JWP, or Uncle Tom Cobbly start alongside him is beside the point. THAT should be the 'pecking order' until as I hope, Clasie 'catches up' and as I hope, reaches Ron's expectations.
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monkeytennis added 23:46 - Nov 5 Romeu has earned his place in the starting 11. I think his performances have been excellent and he has settled in superbly. He already offers more than Vic. JWP has improved nicely this season and I think deserves to play alongside Romeu. I would rather those two over Vic and clasie. Sadly however I think RK will persist with Clasie and Vic after the suspension no matter how well the other two play.

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Sango123 added 04:59 - Nov 6 Romeu should be the one replacing Vic. Any other combinations without him will be very lightweight. Romeu is also the only true defensive midfielder other than Vic
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SaintPaulVW added 07:41 - Nov 6 Romeu is probably here to replace VW in the medium term, if so, might as well get him set up early.
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schatfield added 08:53 - Nov 6 well it wont be Harrison Reed...
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perazi added 09:19 - Nov 6 I can't see the improvement in JWP that some are suggesting - I would play Romeu and Reed, but RK will probably go with Clasie and Romeu.
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