Southampton boss Claude Puel expecting intense south-coast derby

Southampton boss Claude Puel has described the Saints' south coast rivals Bournemouth as "a good team, with good players and a good philosophy".

Saints head to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday for an eagerly-awaited encounter between two clubs level on Premier League points and separated by just one place. Southampton lie ninth and Bournemouth 10th.

Bournemouth beat champions Leicester three days ago, while Saints drew 0-0 at Stoke earlier this week, and Puel is relishing the derby clash.

"Most important is the quality of the team, because they have good technical players," he told www.southamptonfc.com.

"For every position is a good player, and this is very important in the philosophy of this club. Southampton also try to have that.

"We will play a good team, with good players and a good philosophy. I think it's interesting.

"I think on Sunday we can do a good game against a good opponent, who will try to play. This is interesting for the fans and for the football.

"We know it's important for the supporters. The two places are close. All this gives a good intensity to the game and a good atmosphere.

"Of course, the result is important for the fans, but also for us. We need to show good concentration."

Matt Targett has joined Charlie Austin in being an anticipated long-term Southampton injury absentee.

Targett has undergone surgery on a hamstring problem and is expected to be sidelined for four months, while Austin faces shoulder surgery.

Puel has reported no further injury concerns ahead of Sunday, with Cedric Soares expected to feature after recovering from illness and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy being back in training.

But Oriel Romeu is sidelined due to a one-match ban after recently collecting his fifth booking of the season.