Dec 18, 2016 at 1.30pm UK at ​Dean Court
Attendance: 11,113
Bournemouth
1-3
Southampton
Ake (6')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Bertrand (13'), Rodriguez (48', 85')
Boufal (34'), Clasie (76'), Davis (78')

Claude Puel: 'Important Southampton claim bragging rights at Bournemouth'

Claude Puel watches on during the Premier League game between Stoke City and Southampton on December 14, 2016
© SilverHub
Claude Puel wants to see his Southampton players claim bragging rights this weekend when locking horns with south coast rivals Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has urged his players to "stay focused" and pick up victory over rivals Bournemouth this weekend to keep supporters happy.

The Saints have still yet to truly get going this season, failing to win back-to-back games in the Premier League since September and recently exiting the Europa League at the group stage.

Puel knows that victory over south coast neighbours Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this weekend could potentially kickstart his side's campaign for good, but was reluctant to say whether he would delve into the transfer market in a fortnight's time to help bolster his squad.

Asked about replacing injured striker Charlie Austin, the Frenchman told reporters: "It's always the same question! I say it is always important to stay focused on the last game before the end of the season.

"But I know the rivalry between the two clubs [this weekend] - I saw this with many games in France, it's the same in England. We know it's important for the supporters because of the rivalry between the two cities.

"It always gives a good atmosphere. It's important for the fans but it's important to stay with a good consideration about our play and what we can do to win."

Southampton head into Sunday afternoon's match sitting one place above Bournemouth in the standings thanks to their marginally superior goal difference.

Harrison Reed signs a new deal with Southampton on December 15, 2016
Read Next:
Reed signs new Southampton contract
>


Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea17141235112443
2Liverpool17114241202137
3Manchester CityMan City17113336201636
4Arsenal17104338191934
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs1796229121733
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd178632417730
7Southampton176651716124
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom176562321223
9Everton176562121023
10Bournemouth176382328-521
11Stoke CityStoke175661924-521
12Watford176382129-821
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham175481931-1219
14Middlesbrough174671619-318
15Leicester CityLeicester174582329-617
16Burnley1752101628-1217
17Crystal Palace1743102832-415
18Sunderland1742111528-1314
19Swansea CitySwansea1733112037-1712
20Hull City1733111436-2212