Saints could be bolstered by the return of Manolo Gabbiadini for the visit of Manchester City.

It seems like he has been out for longer due to so few games being played in the past month or so, but the reality is that Manolo Gabbiadini missed only weeks worth of fixtures ironically three games crammed into that period.

But now according to Claude Puel he could be ready to return on Saturday when Manchester City arrive at St Mary's.

The big question is whether he is fit enough to start the game or whether he will start on the bench ?

The popular vote from the fans would be for the Italian to start, but apart from the fitness issues I would contend that it would be better for him to start from the bench, Saints took 7 points out of 9 in those games and have scored 4 goals in the last 2, the need for him to return is now not so desperate.

That being the case Shane Long deserves to keep his place in the side for his performances in those two games.

It is a squad game and I think after a month out better to keep that competitive spirit in the side for a place as well as bring Gabbiadini back sparingly and perhaps in the second half when City will be tiring, we perhaps need the work rate of Long in the first 60 minutes of the game to run down the City defenders and then bring on Gabbiadini to finish off the job.

Whatever Claude Puel does decide and he will know better than me on the fitness of Gabbiadini, Saints fans will be relived to see the Italian striker back in the squad.

Photo: Action Images

A1079 added 10:25 - Apr 14 Agree with you Nick. I would start with Long. He seems to be a player that improves the more he plays and gains some consistency in being picked. Gabbiadini on the bench to bring on, says to those that did well in that week where we picked up 7 points, you deserve to keep your place to start (injuries etc allowing).
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steve73 added 10:33 - Apr 14 If he's fit enough to start then he absolutely must. For all of Long's endeavour and wholeheartedness he's still distinctly average by comparison. I enjoy his explosive style but his finishing and 'headless chicken' running is so frustrating. Gabbiadini is just class, always seems to be in the right place at the right time; I don't think we've ever had a more naturally gifted striker.

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highfield49 added 11:00 - Apr 14 I'm with the "start on the bench" camp on this and also presuming Gabbiadini is fully fit otherwise it would be ridiculous to have anywhere near a competitive match. However, I think Long could be a real threat to City if they employ their playing the ball out from the back tactic which has cost them on occasion. This looks like a game where pressure on their defence is going to give us opportunities and that always takes a lot of running and energy. On that basis I wouldn't bother having JayRod in the squad and Sims should be selected instead.

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Consigliere added 11:06 - Apr 14 I'm not with you either, Nick. IF Gabbiadini is fit, he should start the match, for the simple reason that he is much the likelier of our strikers to score. If we are a couple up by the hour mark then bring on Shane Long to run the City defence ragged as he does so well.
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patred added 12:07 - Apr 14 in our last few games we have started well and created a lot of chances (which have been wasted). Then we get pushed back and find ourselves fighting as if it were the Alamo. Maybe if Gabbiadini were to be on the end of those early chances, we could kill the game....and save all the desperate defending at the close of the game.
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SanMarco added 14:08 - Apr 14 I'm with Consig and patred. If he is fit play him - if he is not fit then why would he be on the bench. To beat City we will need to score a few goals and looking at all the evidence it is obvious who is more likely to get them...
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TeamCortese added 17:37 - Apr 14 If he's fit Gabbiadini should start. Long and JayRod had a brilliant opportunity to justify leading the line during his absence and they didn't deliver. Jay Rod, for me, was desperately unlucky against Bournemouth. I thought he was our most threatening player on the pitch. While Long is quicker, Jay Rod is a better finisher. He may be coming back to his best but needs more game time to do so. I think we should have loaned him out this season. Perhaps we could give him half a season on-loan till January at a lower club like Burnley or Bournemouth if he wants to stay. Shane Long just isn't a natural finisher. If he was he would effectively be on the same level as someone like Jamie Vardy--when you factor his work rate. He frustrates the hell out of me because you want him to do well but it just doesn't seem to be working out for him. Nevertheless Puel will know better than anyone else who should start Saturday.

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dixiefrog added 21:36 - Apr 14 Cometh the hour cometh the man, gabbi on the bench and Jayrod (who's been getting better and better recently) to score first, Saints then pile forward and attain an unexpected win. COYS.
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Number_58 added 09:31 - Apr 15 "Shane Long deserves to start"? What planet is Nick on? As much as I admire Long's efforts, the poor bloke can't hit a cow's arse with a banjo at the moment. The article would have more credence if Nick hadn't spent the past few weeks slagging off our central defenders who have actually done quite well in the circumstances.
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