St Mary’s stages a meeting between Tonda Eckert’s side and a resurgent Oxford United, before the international window offers a chance to recover.
Matt Bloomfield’s charges are 22nd in the Championship and fighting to stave off relegation, but have won 10 points from their last 12 available.
Eckert insists he has prepared his team for all tactical possibilities, but after 11 games unbeaten in the league, facing a low block is expected.
Saints head coach Tonda Eckert has lost once at home (Image: Stuart Martin)
Here is the starting lineup we think he will name to unlock it…
Goalkeeper
On-loan Daniel Peretz has five clean sheets in 12 Championship matches, as well as one at Premier League Fulham, and is a real difference-maker.
Defenders
There is no need to complicate things when it comes to the back four. Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens make a good partnership.
James Bree’s performances at right-back have put him in line for a new deal, while free-kick wizard Ryan Manning has looked solid in four-at-the-back.
Ryan Manning is among the most improved players recently (Image: Stuart Martin)
Midfielders
Flynn Downes was withdrawn after 65 minutes against Norwich due to his yellow card and a risk of being sent off, so he will start again today.
Cam Bragg dropped to the bench on Wednesday but may take the place of Caspar Jander, while Finn Azaz will lead in the number 10 role.
Attackers
Neither Ross Stewart nor Leo Scienza will be fit to start, even if one makes the bench as hoped. That means Cyle Larin, at least, is certain to keep his place.
Kuryu Matsuki can play on either side, so he has an edge on his competition, while Sam Edozie is the form pick but may not start two games in a week.
Cyle Larin’s all-round game has helped Saints to success (Image: Stuart Martin)
Full predicted team
(4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Downes, Bragg, Matsuki, Azaz, Edozie; Larin.