Predicted lineup as Southampton travel to Stoke City

Tonda Eckert is not averse to making changes to his starting eleven. However, given a six day rest, his side should be at it's strongest to face Stoke City today.

Question marks remain over Léo Scienza's fitness, so expect Eckert to revert to type and leave out his injured talisman.

Here's today's predicted team.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Peretz will continue between the sticks at Stoke City. It's a windy place, so expect the Israeli keeper to punch the ball on crosses today.

Right-Back - James Bree: There is no need to drop Bree. He had an excellent game at Fratton Park last weekend. Bree is reliable and adds height to the back four.

Centre-Back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: This could be Harwood-Bellis's last match in a Southampton shirt, if rumours surrounding a Premier League transfer are to be believed.

Centre-Back - Jack Stephens: The obvious choice alongside Harwood-Bellis is the captain and club man, Stephens. Stephens had a decent game at Portsmouth and will keep his place at Stoke City unless Eckert decides to bring Joshua Quarshie back in from the cold. Quarshie could allow the Saints to play with a higher line.

Left-Back - Welington: Welington has been in great form since returning to the starting eleven against Sheffield United. If Eckert continues with a back four, Welington will probably start on the left.

Midfielders

Centre Midfield - Flynn Downes: Downes played on the edge against Pompey, and that may have taken a great deal out of him. However, Eckert trusts the former Ipswich man who will probably start.

Centre Midfield - Shea Charles: A key change could see Shea Charles return to the starting lineup in place of Caspar Jander. Eckert is a big fan of Charles, who can be as useful defending corners as he is on the ball.

Attackers

Attacking Midfield Left - Finn Azaz: The injury to Léo Scienza sustained at Fratton Park last Sunday could rule the Brazilian out. Jay Robinson is yet to rise to the challenge of filling Scienza's shoes, so Eckert may shuffle Azaz out to the left to make room for Kuryu Matsuki to get a second start in a row. Azaz has played this position for his country.

Attacking Midfield Right - Tom Fellows: Fellows must start away at Stoke. If, as expected, Scienza doesn't make the starting eleven, his presence in attacking transitions could prove vital.

Attacking Midfield Centre - Kuryu Matsuki: Matsuki was a shock starter at Pompey. His energy and enthusiasm brought something fresh to the midfield. He could start again today.

Centre Forward - Ross Stewart: Stewart will be preferred to Adam Armstrong, who could well be moving to pastures new if transfer speculation is to be believed.