Four undisputed names Will Still shouldn't pass upon while crafting his teamsheet for Wrexham.
It's going all "life without one starter" to the other for Southampton, but all these background chit-chats are only until today. Tomorrow, the real Championship deal begins where entering the next June with a broad laugh matters.
But don't sleep on a good start, because that's a season-saver too. For Will Still and the roster, it translates to knocking out high-climbing Wrexham in the Saints backyard.
While the players will aim to avoid disappointing the home crowd, Still should put nothing to doubt as well. Like lineups, where the 32-year-old gaffer can barely do any wrong if he puts these four non-negotiable players on the starting teamsheet.
4 essential players for Southampton to edge the Wrexham test
GK - Gavin Bazunu
Southampton displayed their class by letting the Number 1 remain with Alex McCarthy but being practical is equally needed on matchdays. This Wrexham side has been adding firepower to their front three for weeks, so, it's better to have a younger and more athletic keeper dealing with their goal-threats.
That should be Bazunu. He has commanded the backline well in August which will must compel Still to put faith in the 23-year-old.
DEF - Ronnie Edwards
Saints will be without their best Englishman at the back, when the second-division demands some local-ness inside the box. Jack Stephens can help but why risk things when you have got Ronnie Edwards.
Both his frame and Championship form matches with Harwood-Bellis. Plus, he might guide some headers beyond Wrexham's goal.
MID - Shea Charles
Will Still's most hardworking player of the hour, and Southampton fans can advocate this fact. After two Championship years, Charles isn't a newbie here despite the Welsh visitors being strangers to him like everyone.
Despite that, Saints should look for assists from Charles' boot and potentially an evening-deciding display.
ATT - Adam Armstrong
Armstrong holds the most strikes in the Southampton locker room and even if it wasn't, the Championship just runs in his veins. Scored in his first games at this level in the past two seasons, and he can extend that stat to three in a row.