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THE MATCH
Middlesbrough vs Southampton
Saturday 13th May, 3pm BST
Riverside Stadium
Premier League
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Saints will look to get back to winning ways after the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday and climb back up the table.
Despite some positive attacking play in the first-half, a goal proved elusive for Claude Puel’s men before goals from Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.
With the hosts relegation confirmed after a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea, Boro will be looking to put on a display for their home support.
TEAM NEWS
Southampton: Claude Puel has hinted that Charlie Austin could be involved in the trip to Middlesbrough this weekend. The boss has no concerns after the midweek clash with Arsenal, but may choose to freshen up his side.
Middlesbrough: Victor Valdes is out with a rib injury, while Gastón Ramirez is also unlikely to be available.
Daniel Ayala has rejoined training for the hosts but it is highly doubtful he will make it.
FORM GUIDE
Southampton’s previous five:
Arsenal (h) L 2-0
Liverpool (a) D 0-0
Hull City (h) D 0-0
Chelsea (a) L 4-2
Manchester City (h) L 0-3
Middlesbrough previous five:
Chelsea (a) L 3-0
Manchester City (h) D 2-2
Sunderland (h) W 1-0
AFC Bournemouth (a) L 4-0
Arsenal (h) L 2-1
TOP PERFORMERS
Jack Stephens has helped Saints to two clean sheets in the last three games with displays beyond his years.
His partnership with Maya Yoshida continues to blossom and his form is timely ahead of the Under-21 European Championships this summer.
Top scorers: Charlie Austin (9), Nathan Redmond (7)
Most assists: Dušan Tadić (7), James Ward-Prowse (5), Ryan Bertrand (4)
Despite a disappointing overall season, Boro’s main attacking threat has come through on-loan forward Álvaro Negredo. The Spaniard has 10 goals in all competitions as well as contributing five assists.
Captain Ben Gibson has also impressed at the heart of defence for his hometown club and earned himself a first senior England call earlier this year.
Top scorers: Álvaro Negredo (10), Cristhian Stuani (5), Marten De Roon (5)
Most assists: Álvaro Negredo (5), Stewart Downing (3), Gastón Ramirez (3)
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
All-time record:
Played: 56
Southampton: 24
Draws: 15
Middlesbrough: 17
Previous four meetings:
December 2016: Southampton 1-0 Middlesbrough (Boufal)
April 2012: Middlesbrough 2-1 Southampton (Sharp)
October 2011: Southampton 3-0 Middlesbrough (Do Prado 2, Connolly)
March 2005: Middlesbrough 1-3 Southampton (Jakobsson, Crouch 2)
DID YOU KNOW?
The Saints, 1-0 winners over Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture, are looking to do a top-flight double over their opponents for the first time since the 1996/97 campaign.
Four of Middlesbrough’s five Premier League wins this season have come at the Riverside Stadium.
NOT AT THE GAME?
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Riverside Stadium. Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.
Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates.
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