FIFA 17: Predicted player ratings for Southampton

Forwards

Long will spearhead Saints’ attack this season

Jay Rodriguez: 77 → 77

Rodriguez was out with injury for most parts of last season but looked sharp on his return. He got only 12 appearances under his belt last season, 9 from the bench. Rodriguez should be able to hold on to his 77 card in FIFA’s latest.

Charlie Austin: 77 → 78

Charlie Austin attracted a lot of interest from PL clubs, following his goal scoring in 2014-15, when his club, QPR, got relegated to the Championship. Southampton bought him in 2015, and after a short spell at the club, he was loaned out to QPR. He scored 10 goals in 12 starts, and that should earn him an increased rating.

Shane Long: 75 → 80

Long was probably Saints’ best striker last season, along with outgoing Graziano Pelle. He scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in EPL last year. He was pretty good at Euro 2016, in Republic of Ireland’s surprising run to the round of 16. Long will spearhead Saints’ attack this season, and is likely to start FIFA 17 with an 80 rating.