Tonda Eckert made five changes to his team ahead of the draw with Millwall, and he is likely to do something similar at Middlesbrough on Sunday.
The Head Coach said that he was “very happy“ with the second clean sheet of his 12-game tenure, which suggests that he is unlikely to change his system at Boro.
After playing the full ninety minutes against Millwall on New Year's Day, Cameron Bragg may have to sit out the trip to Middlesbrough. Young Brandon Williams may be in contention for a full debut, although Downes and Jander are expected to get the nod ahead of him.
Tom Fellows, Finn Azaz, and Adam Armstrong are all expected to be recalled to the starting eleven as Eckert freshens things up yet again.
The Head Coach could spring a surprise on the left side. Ryan Manning looked tired on New Year's Day, so Welington could get the nod ahead of the Republic of Ireland international.
Whether Léo Scienza will start will depend on how he reacts to being withdrawn against Millwall on Thursday. If he is left out, Jay Robinson could come in. The Millwall match will have taken a lot out of Kuryu Matsuki, who may find himself on the bench.
Southampton predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Goalkeeper - Gavin Bazunu: This could be one of Gavin Bazunu's last Championship games for Southampton if Daniel Peretz arrives as expected later this week. The keeper was in good form against Millwall, making a stunning point-blank save that earned his team a point.
Right Centre-Back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Harwood-Bellis was moved into a central position by Eckert for the visit of Millwall, intentionally to give him more time on the ball. One hundred thirty-two touches suggest that the plan worked. Expect him to revert to the right hand side again on Sunday.
Centre-Back - Nathan Wood: Wood had plenty of possession on New Year's Day, but did very little with it apart from going sideways. He's better at heading the ball away and making blocks than he is in possession.
Left Centre-Back - Joshua Quarshie: Jack Stephens has played a lot of games over recent weeks, and Joshua Quarshie could replace his Captain this weekend.
Midfielders
Right Midfield - Tom Fellows: Fellows was Southampton's main threat after he came on from the bench against Millwall. He looks fit. If he is, he could start at Boro.
Centre Midfield - Flynn Downes: Covered less ground than Cameron Bragg on Thursday, so he should be fresh enough to be considered. Bragg may have to sit this one out, having played the full ninety against Millwall.
Centre Midfield - Caspar Jander: Jander is likely to return to the starting lineup against Middlesbrough after being rested against Millwall on New Year's Day.
Left Midfield - Welington: Ryan Manning looked leggy against Millwall and could make way for Welington to return. The Brazilian has been on the fringes of the starting eleven and could get an opportunity to impress the manager at Boro.
Forwards
Left Forward - Léo Scienza: The Brazilian looked out of sorts against Millwall and was correctly withdrawn at half-time. His place in the starting eleven is vulnerable, but Southampton are a poorer team without him.
Centre Forward - Adam Armstrong: The Championship's leading scorer started the match at home to Millwall on the bench. Once he was introduced, Southampton looked like they could go on and win it. Armstrong's run in behind to set up Finn Azaz was one of the few highlights of the match. He should return to the starting lineup on Sunday.
Right Forward - Finn Azaz: Azaz was rested on Thursday but will likely return to the starting eleven on Sunday. His form lately has not been great, and the Saints could do with him recapturing some of the earlier form that he showed under Eckert.