Strike duo Charlie Austin and Shane Long will be missing for Southampton's clash with Sunderland at St Mary's.

Their absence will be a big blow to Saints boss Ronald Koeman, who will be looking for a response for his side following their meek display in the south coast derby against Bournemouth in midweek. 

The Dutchman has demanded a change in attitude from his side, with the defeat at the Vitality Stadium coming days after a home defeat to Chelsea - leaving Saints seven points behind Manchester United in fifth.

Sunderland will be out to put a further dent in Southampton's European qualification aspirations, and boost their own hopes of survival in the process.

A late Fabio Borini equaliser against Crystal Palace on Tuesday lifted the Black Cats out of the relegation zone, and Sam Allardyce will be hoping all the turmoil off the pitch will not affect his players' focus ahead of another vital clash.

Team news

Both Austin and Long suffered injuries during Tuesday's defeat to Bournemouth. The former (hamstring) has been ruled out for up to four weeks, while Long (knee) is also absent for Sunderland's visit, although he is expected to be available to face Stoke next weekend.

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Koeman is still without injured duo Jay Rodriguez (ankle) and Florin Gardos (knee).

Sunderland skipper John O'Shea is expected to be fit for Saturday's trip. The 34-year-old limped off during the first half of Tuesday's draw complaining of a tight calf muscle, but scans have shown the damage is not as bad as was first feared and he should make the squad.

However, Lee Cattermole, who was left with concussion and stitches after a clash of heads with Palace's Jordon Mutch, will not, and nor will fellow midfielder Jeremain Lens as he continues his recovery from hernia surgery, while striker Duncan Watmore will be sidelined for some time by an ankle ligament problem.

Opta stats

Sunderland suffered their worst ever Premier League defeat in this fixture away at Southampton last season (0-8).

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The Black Cats have won just one of the last six Premier League games against Southampton (W1 D3 L2).

Sunderland have faced more opposition shots on target than any other team in the Premier League this season (166).

The Black Cats have kept the joint-fewest clean sheets in the Premier League this season (3, along with Norwich City).

Saints have won none of their last 11 Premier League matches where the opposition have scored (D3 L8).

Sunderland have gone 14 games without a clean sheet, the longest run of any team in the Premier League this season.

Southampton have scored the most headed goals in the Premier League this season (11).

Sunderland have scored the joint-fewest headed goals in the top flight (2).

Southampton have fired in a league-high 501 open play crosses this season.

Saints have lost three games that they have been leading in this season; more often than any other Premier League team.

Merson's prediction

I am going for Southampton, even though I thought Sunderland were unlucky last weekend when they lost at West Ham. The Saints are at home and that's why I think they will just sneak this one.

Paul predicts: 2-1 (7/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Southampton are 4/7 to see off relegation-threatened Sunderland at St Mary's, with the visiting Black Cats available at 5/1 with Sky Bet for all three points. The draw is chalked up at 29/10, with a 1-0 home win the 5/1 favourite in the correct score market. Phil Thompson is backing Graziano Pelle to score first at 7/2 in his tips for Sky Bet. Sunderland are in desperate need of the points and are 1/3 to be relegated and the Saints are 66/1 to end in the top four and 13/2 to finish sixth or better.