Southampton are heading into their fixture against Queens Park Rangers on the back of a disappointing home draw with Charlton Athletic on Saturday, and will be hoping to be more clinical than they were against Nathan Jones' team.
Six games unbeaten and looking to get back on the verge of the top six of the Championship, Tonda Eckert’s side may be forced to make alterations as two fixtures in four days begin to take their toll.
Southampton predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeepers and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s shot-stopper has been a great addition since joining on loan from Bayern Munich in January, and he is well established in Eckert's side.
Right-back - James Bree: The English right-back is set to continue in the position he has made his own since returning from loan at Charlton. Elias Jelert played well enough against Leicester City in the cup to be considered, but he is unlikely to dislodge Bree.
Centre-back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: The centre back capped by England in 2024 will maintain his place as a staple in Southampton’s backline. An important player in ball progression from the back, Harwood-Bellis will be crucial as ever.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens: Despite injury concerns, prior to the Charlton match, the Saints skipper was in the starting line-up for the Charlton game. The centre back is forming a great partnership with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and is really stepping up as of late.
Left-back Ryan Manning: With Welington out for two weeks due to a muscle injury, Ryan Manning will continue against QPR on Tuesday night.
Midfielders
Central midfielder - Flynn Downes: A stalwart in the Saints midfield, Downes has been revitalised since Tonda Eckert gave him a new role in the side. If fit, he’ll start against QPR. However, much will depend on how much Saturday took out of him and there are others who can deputise if required.
Central midfielder - Caspar Jander: The German could return to the side in place of Shea Charles, who played for an hour on Saturday. Southampton have the luxury of rotating between three midfielders, all of whom would get into any Championship team and could well make use of the squad depth tonight.
Attacking midfielder - Finn Azaz: A player Tonda Eckert is clearly very keen on, Azaz has started most games under the German. It will be yet another chance for the Irishman to boost his impressive numbers in the league, in a game that his side are favourites to win.
Attackers
Left winger - Leo Scienza: Southampton’s best player was rested for half an hour at the end of Saturday's match against Charlton and should start against QPR tonight if fit enough to do so. Sam Edozie is on hand if required.
Right winger - Tom Fellows: Fellows has lacked output in recent weeks, and that could impact his inclusion tonight. Expect him to start ahead of Kuryu Matsuki.
Striker - Ross Stewart: Ross Stewart will continue as the number one striker until performances start to suggest a replacement is in order. Stewart is remaining fit and looking sharper game by game. Scored an excellent headed goal against Charlton on Saturday.