Stoke team built in the Mark Hughes mould - Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman believes Mark Hughes has built a Stoke team in his own mould.
Hughes, who Koeman came up against many times during their playing days, was a technically gifted but physical striker who did not give defenders a moment's peace.
While the Welshman has adapted Stoke's style from their time under Tony Pulis, with talents like Bojan, Xherdan Shaqiri and Ibrahim Afellay pulling the strings, Koeman still sees the hallmarks of Hughes the robust player.
Koeman, whose Southampton side host City on Saturday, said: "Mark, as a player, was a tough one. He was always fighting, in an honest way, on the pitch.
"He was always trying to cause problems. He never made it easy to play, he was always pressing, with good movement.
"He was always playing with a high intensity and he is doing that as a manager with his players. They play with a high intensity, they give their opponent really hard work to beat them, and that's a reflection of the coach."
Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk should be fit for the clash despite suffering a knee injury on international duty with Holland.
Shane Long came through his substitute appearance for Ireland against Bosnia-Herzegovina unscathed following five weeks out with an ankle problem and should also be in the squad.
But fellow striker Jay Rodriguez is out with a foot injury which may require surgery.
Hughes sees the trip to Southampton as a good measure of his side's progress.
But the Welshman also believes Saints will be pleased to measure themselves up against the Potters.
Southampton have been lauded for their development since returning to the Premier League in 2012 - and they exceeded all expectations by finishing seventh under Koeman last season - while Stoke have advanced in Hughes' two years in charge.
After a slow start to this season Stoke have started to hit form with four wins in their last six league games, including their 1-0 defeat of champions Chelsea last time out.
Hughes said: "We are playing some good stuff at the moment and are in good form. Southampton are in good form as well, so it is a good match-up. It will be a good test for us both to see where we are in terms of where our seasons are going."
Stoke defender Marc Muniesa remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and sits out the game.
Veteran goalkeeper Shay Given is also still unavailable due to a long-term knee problem but the Potters are otherwise at full strength.
United States defender Geoff Cameron was given an extra day to recover after international duty but is fit and Erik Pieters is in contention despite breaking his nose in two places against Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Source: PAR
