Team News: Jose Fonte again overlooked for Southampton selection

Jose Fonte has again been left on the bench for Southampton in the Europa League ahead of this evening's make-or-break showdown with Hapoel Be'er Sheva at St Mary's.

The Portugal international, heavily linked with a January move to Manchester United, has yet to feature in Europe this term and claimed earlier this week than he has also yet to be offered a new deal.

Fonte's absence means a place in the heart of defence for Maya Yoshida alongside Virgil van Dijk, while further forward Josh Sims is handed his first appearance in the competition.

Charlie Austin retains his place up top, looking to add to an impressive run of six goals in his last six home starts, but Dusan Tadic is only fit enough for a place on the bench this evening, having missed almost a month of action after breaking his nose on international duty.

Manager Claude Puel makes three changes in all from the defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend, with James Ward-Prowse among those to drop out, as the Saints go in search of the win that will confirm their place in the knockout stages.

A goalless draw, matching the result the last time these two sides last met, will also be enough for the hosts, while Be'er Sheva - also making their debut in the competition - will book a place in the round of 32 with a score draw or all three points.

The Israeli side include former Chelsea product Ben Sahar in their ranks - a former teammate of Southampton's Ryan Bertrand, who starts at full-back for the home team tonight.

Southampton: Forster; Cedric, Yoshida, van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Hojbjerg; Sims, Davis, Redmond; Austin Subs: Lewis, Clasie, Fonte, Long, Tadic, Ward-Prowse, McQueen

Hapoel Be'er Sheva: Goresh, Bitton, Vitor, Tzedek, Radi, Nwakaeme, Buzaglo, Hoban, Sahar, Ogu, Korhut Subs: Ghadir, Haimov, Maranhão, Ohayon, Shabtai, Taha, Turgeman

Follow all of the action as it unfolds on the south coast with Sports Mole's live text coverage right here.