Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert will have done plenty of head scratching ahead of this afternoon's FA Cup semi-final against Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Saints' young German coach will be without Ryan Manning (suspended) and Flynn Downes (suspended) for today's match. Captain Jack Stephens is doubtful, meaning Eckert will likely task Nathan Wood with stopping Erling Haaland!
Forced changes could present youngster Cameron Bragg with an opportunity to test himself against the Premier League's best again after starting the quarter-final against Arsenal.
Predicted Saints lineup (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s number one has been an ever-present in goal since his arrival in January.
Right back - James Bree:Â Another arrival in January, but instead of a signing, Bree rejoined the squad upon the end of his loan at Charlton Athletic. The Saints have been unbeaten since his return, and will hope to continue this run against City today.
Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: If Southampton are to go through, they’ll need Harwood-Bellis to be at his best. He’s been one of the best defenders in the Championship since the turn of the year and is irreplaceable at the back for Saints. An ex-City academy player, Harwood-Bellis has plenty to prove to his former employers.
Centre back - Nathan Wood:Â In what could be the biggest mismatch since Rocky fought Hulk Hogan, Wood could be tasked with keeping Erling Haaland quiet today. Wood's inclusion will depend on Jack Stephen's fitness. The Saints' captain pulled out of the midweek match against Bristol City minutes ahead of kick-off.
Left back - Welington:Â With Ryan Manning suspended, Welington will probably start at left-back. Short cameos against Blackburn Rovers and Wrexham are unlikely to have been enough to prepare the Brazilian for Rayan Cherki or Antoine Semenyo.
Midfielders
Defensive Centre midfielder - Cameron Bragg:Â Saints' very own future Pirlo has been excellent when called upon by Tonda Eckert. He played the pivot so well against Coventry City and Arsenal that he may be asked to play the same role again today.
Centre midfielder - Casper Jander:Â Jander is in the running for Saints' player of the season and rightly so. He is a Premier League player in waiting and should get the opportunity to do so again at Wembley today.
Centre midfielder - Shea Charles: Charles could be a surprise inclusion in a Southampton side who might expect to be starved of possession today at Wembley. Flynn Downes' suspension could force Eckert into adding 'legs' to his midfield today.
Left midfielder - Finn Azaz: Southampton’s vital cog in their goal-scoring machine at the moment, Azaz is central to what Tonda Eckert wants to do. Withdrawn fairly early against Bristol City, where he looked jaded. Azaz may start on the left ahead of Léo Scienza, who could be saved by Eckert until later in the match.
Right midfielder - Kuryu Matsuki: The Japanese livewire adds a different energy to Tom Fellows, particularly in defence. Fellows will be an option later on if the Saints are chasing the game.
Attackers
Striker - Cyle Larin:Â The Saints setup may steer Eckert towards selecting the Canadian over the Lochness Drogba. Larin's holdup play gives the Saints better options to play to his strengths.
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