Ahead of the upcoming Premier League game against Bournemouth, Saints fan Tom Mason, 20, places himself In the Dugout.

How long have you been a Saints fan?

I have been a fan all my life. My Dad has always supported them, so it just followed from that and I've just supported them ever since.

I’ve owned a season ticket for 12 seasons now and regularly attend away games, although I have recently moved position from my space in the family stand to the Itchen near the away supporters.

What are your pre-match thoughts on the game against Bournemouth?

I expect Bournemouth to provide an incredibly tough test for Saints this weekend, particularly when they have the likes of Callum Wilson and Josh King, who look very threatening.

They are, however, there to be got at, which was evident in their recent 4-0 defeat at Burnley - a side who were struggling.

I also feel that the midfield battle is likely to be key.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Mario Lemina will need to be at their best if Saints are to pick up any kind of positive result following three consecutive defeats in the Premier League.

Daily Echo:

Saints fan Tom Mason

Can it favour Saints going in as underdogs?

This will be one the first times that Saints will go in as underdogs and it's justified due to how both sides have been performing in the last 18 months.

However, it might not be the worst thing for Mark Hughes side because in most other games between the two in the Premier League, Saints have been heavy favourites.

While Saints are underdogs in this one the need for points is huge and being underdogs could favour Saints after a couple of ropey performances on the road in recent weeks.

How would you set the side up for the game?

I would play a 4-2-3-1 formation.

McCarthy; Cedric, Yoshida, Hoedt, Bertrand; Hojbjerg, Lemina; Redmond, Elyounoussi, Gabbiadni; Ings.

I'd make just the one change from the visit of Chelsea last time out, Jan Bednarek coming out for Mohamed Elyounoussi to add more attacking options to really go at the Bournemouth defence.

Who is it a big game for?

I feel that this is a critical match Manolo Gabbiadini, he earned his first Premier League start last time out and largely struggled, but I think his role in the number 10 in this game is huge.

Many of us have been crying out for him to play in this position since the summer and it will be interesting to see how he gets on should Hughes opt to go like this.

It's also a big game for the Italian because he has largely been out of favour since Hughes' arrival.

A strong performance in this match will give the manager plenty to think about and make it difficult to bench Gabbiadini in the future.

Is it a good chance for Danny Ings to shine against his former club?

This is the perfect chance for Ings to perform well against the Cherries.

He only made 30 appearances for Bournemouth, but he will be keen to show his quality as a player having had a frustrating run of injuries in recent seasons prior to his move to Saints.

Ings will also want to make a point to one of his former bosses, Eddie Howe, who he played under in his time at Burnley and will be keen to show his quality.

The striker has gone two Premier League matches without a goal and he will be keen to put that right and help to get the Saints on the right end of a positive result this weekend.

If you want the chance to have your say ahead of a game, contact dan.sheldon@dailyecho.co.uk