Southampton are heading into their fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on the back of an encouraging home win against Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, and they will be hoping for more of the same as they face the bottom club.
Seven games unbeaten and looking to continue their charge towards the top six, Tonda Eckert is likely to make three changes to the team that started against the R's on Tuesday night.
Southampton predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeepers and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s shot-stopper kept his fourth clean sheet since joining on loan from Bayern Munich in January. The eccentric Israeli will start.
Right-back - James Bree:Â After making the Sky Bet Championship team of the week for his performance against QPR on Tuesday, the English right-back is set to continue.
Centre-back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis:Â The centre-back had a mammoth 111 touches against QPR on Tuesday night. He hit the post with a header and had a pot shot from distance in the dying minutes, which illustrated Southampton's dominance.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens:Â Doubtful for the QPR game, Stephens will continue alongside THB if he is fit. Tonda Eckert gave no indication to the contrary, so the captain is expected to start on Saturday.
Left-back Ryan Manning:Â After a shaky first half, Manning was influential in the second period against QPR. He was also included in the Sky Bet Championship team of the week. With Welington still out, Manning should continue at left-back.
Midfielders
Central midfielder - Flynn Downes:Â Another dominant performance from Downes against QPR gave his side the platform to express themselves going forward. Downes is back to his best and, barring injury, should start against Wednesday.
Central midfielder - Shea Charles:Â Caspar Jander may feel aggrieved if he loses his place after a very good performance against QPR on Tuesday night. However, Charles is ahead of the German in the pecking order, and Eckert has pledged to put a strong side out. Charles may face his younger brother, Pierce, who keeps goal for the Owls.
Attackers
Right winger - Kuryu Matsuki:Â The Japanese attacker is bang in form, and his two goals against Wednesday showed why the boss has kept faith in him. Tom Fellows hasn't been able to find the end product lately, but could get the opportunity to impress from the bench.
Attacking midfielder - Finn Azaz:Â Azaz is not everybody's cup of tea, but he showed on Tuesday why he is so important to the team. It would be a surprise if he doesn't start at Hillsborough.
Left winger - Leo Scienza: Eckert might consider giving the Brazilian a rest at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. He started slowly against QPR before showing his class in the second half. Sam Edozie could be in line for a starting place if the German decides to give Léo a rest.
Striker - Ross Stewart:Â Another player who could miss out on Saturday is Cyle Larin. The Canadian put himself about well against QPR, leading the line with strength and showing his experience. However, Ross Stewart is proving himself to be one of the best strikers in the Championship, and it would be a huge surprise if he didn't start ahead of Larin.