Vitesse v Southampton

Southampton will be looking to secure a spot in the Europa League group stages when they travel to Vitesse for the second leg of their qualifying tie.

Southampton will be looking to secure a spot in the Europa League group stages when they travel to Vitesse for the second leg of their qualifying tie.

The Saints are in a commanding position going into the return fixture at GelreDome on Thursday evening, having won 3-0 in the first leg thanks to goals from Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long.

New loan signing Steven Caulker comes into contention this week, but could miss out as he continues to adapt to new surroundings.

Striker Jay Rodriguez made his comeback from a long-term knee injury in Southampton's friendly draw with Espanyol, scoring his side's only goal.

However, manager Ronald Koeman might err on the side of caution and leave the Englishman out of the European tie, with a view to introducing him to competitive action slowly.

Defender Florin Gardos is a long-term injury concern, while fellow new arrival Jordy Clasie is a doubt with a hamstring strain.

Having lost Marko Vejinovic and Davy Propper to Feyenoord and PSV respectively this off-season, Vitesse were not expected to mount any real challenge against the Saints.

However, manager Peter Bosz will be hoping for, at the very least, a more competitive display from his young side in the second leg.

Vitesse will have new loan signing Dominic Solanke available after the 17-year-old signed from Chelsea this week.