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Predicted lineup as Southampton host Norwich City in vital clash at St Mary's

Southampton host Norwich City at St Mary's on Wednesday night, knowing that a win will see the South Coast team climb into the play-off places.
Norwich City v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship - Carrow Road
Norwich City v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship - Carrow Road | Nigel French - PA Images/GettyImages

After Wrexham's defeat at Watford on Tuesday night, Southampton can move above their Welsh playoff rivals on goal difference with a win at home to Norwich City on Wednesday night.

Both Léo Scienza (groin) and Ross Stewart (unknown) are likely to return but only from the bench, placing additional pressure on newcomer Cyle Larin to lead the line again.

Although Tonda Eckert might be tempted to revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation that he has been playing recently, the personnel could change as the manager looks to keep players fresh.

Predicted Southampton lineup (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper and defenders

Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s goalkeeper has been a revelation since signing in January. Despite some questionable distribution at times, Peretz has been a great addition to Eckert’s side. Another fine performance at Coventry City has pushed Southampton to the brink of breaking into the top six.

Right back - James Bree: The English full-back dealt with Ephron Mason-Clark very well on Saturday, limiting the Coventry winger to just a few dangerous crosses into the box. Bree's corner into a dangerous area was bundled in by Matsuki for the winner. Bree will no doubt start.

Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Ten clearances in the match against Coventry speak volumes for his defensive performance. Another good performance in what is turning out to be an outstanding season for the former England international.

Centre-back - Jack Stephens: There could be a surprise in the centre of defence with Joshua Quarshie in consideration. However, we expect Stephens to continue alongside Harwood-Bellis.

Left-back - Ryan Manning: Manning scored in the reverse fixture with a fine long-range strike. As Welington is still unavailable, Manning will continue at left-back.


Midfielders

Defensive midfield - Cameron Bragg: Bragg went about his business quietly against the league leaders on Saturday, allowing Jander and Downes to keep Coventry's midfield quiet. If Eckert sticks with the five-man midfield, Bragg makes an excellent 'quarterback'.

Centre midfield - Flynn Downes: The combative midfielder is free from the cloud of accumulated yellow cards and potential suspension. Having scored at Coventry City on Saturday and been named Sky Sports man of the match, he is virtually undroppable (cue Tonda making a surprise selection - Barnaby Williams)!

Centre midfield - Shea Charles: Charles might just get the nod in an effort to keep Caspar Jander fresh for the visit of Oxford United at the weekend. Selection will be as much about rotation during the run-in as much as simply naming the best eleven.


Attackers

Right winger - Tom Fellows: This could be the right time to bring Tom Fellows back into the team, keeping Kuryu Matsuki fresh for the weekend.

Left winger - Finn Azaz: As he has done for the Republic of Ireland, Azaz played on the left side of the midfield against the Sky Blues and did an outstanding job. Moved further forward and central in the second half, Azaz has proven his flexibility and importance to the team.

Striker - Cyle Larin: Larin did what he does best against Coventry, allowing Saints to play directly at times. He will be required to do the same job against Norwich City, with Stewart providing reinforcements from the bench if necessary.

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