After facing the third Premier League defeat against Brentford, it was highly likely that Southampton will make some changes to their starting lineup when they will face Manchester United in their next match. Now, after the international break the Saints turn their focus to the home match against Erik Ten Hag's side where they will want to take some points from the match. Young players such as Cameron Archer and Mateus Fernandes are expected to start the game while Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw have also impressed in their limited playing time for the first team this season.
Moreover, first choice forwards Adam Armstrong and new signing Ben Brereton Diaz are struggling to score more goals, and thus, can be rested for this match. Now, speaking about possible lineup changes for the Manchester United match, manager Russell Martin said,
Manager Russell Martin talks about lineup changes against Manchester United
"I think after three defeats there inevitably will be changes. How many you’ll have to wait and see and who. But also it’s such a difficult position because I feel fiercely loyal to some players who helped get us to the Premier League and I’ve been in that position."Russell Martin
While Martin expressed his loyalty towards several players such as Adam Armstrong, Ryan Manning and Alex McCarthy, who played a key role in achieving promotion to the Premier League, he will have to make some changes in order for Southampton to start taking some points in the Premier League after three consecutive league defeats. Further, defensive changes can be made and the Saints can return to their back four defensive formation as well which will provide more tactical balance to the lineup.
New signings such as Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet will also be available for this game, therefore, it remains to be seen that how many changes are made in the lineup as well as whether Southampton can keep a clean sheet in the match.