Tonda Eckert has hinted that there may be changes to his starting eleven and team shape ahead of the visit to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
In Thursday's press conference, the Head Coach insisted again that he was not wedded to any particular formation. But there has been no evidence of him deviating from his 3-4-3 formation since the start of his tenure.
“We have the opportunity to become a little bit more flexible also in the shape that we play. That doesn't mean that we go directly into a back four.“
With Elias Jelert and Ross Stewart available to play, Eckert may use Saturday's cup tie to give fringe players and those returning from injury some minutes.
Expect to see the likes of Cameron Bragg, Brandon Williams, Nicholas Oyekunle, George Long, and Kuryu Matsuki in and around the starting eleven.
The predicted lineup today shows eight changes from the side that took the field against Middlesbrough.
Southampton predicted lineup: (4-3-2-1)
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Goalkeeper - George Long: It seems obvious that Gavin Bazunu has played his last match for Southampton. Daniel Peretz' arrival earlier in the week has opened the door for George Long to become his understudy. Peretz may be given more time to adjust to his surroundings, meaning today could be the day that Long is handed an opportunity to impress.
Right Centre-Back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Harwood-Bellis is a mainstay of Eckert's defensive unit and will start on the right of the defence. His place is well-earned.
Centre-Back - Nathan Wood: Wood has done little to earn his place, but given Doncaster's penchant for crosses, he could be needed today.
Left Centre-Back - Joshua Quarshie: This has been a toss of the coin call for weeks now. Perhaps it is time to give Quarshie a run in the side. Today's selection could be indicative of the future direction of travel in this position.
Midfielders
Right Midfield - Elias Jelert: Jelert will probably be given the nod, as there is no need to risk Tom Fellows today. The Dane needs minutes and will probably get 75 on the clock today.
Centre Midfield - Barnaby Williams: This could be the ideal game to bring the youngster back into the fold. Williams was on the bench for the Millwall match, but he could feature from the start today. Did well when he came on against Sheffield Wednesday in Tonda Eckert's first home match in charge.
Centre Midfield - Cameron Bragg: After a fine performance on New Year's Day, 'Braggy' could feature from the start at Doncaster. A solid 60 minutes could see Bragg remain in contention for a start against Hull City and Sheffield United.
Left Midfield - Welington: Ryan Manning looked in need of a rest against Millwall and Boro. He 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 Donny.
Forwards
Left Forward - Jay Robinson: The youngster hasn't pushed on as much as many Saints fans thought he might so far this season, and a cup tie could be the perfect opportunity to give him a good opportunity to impress.
Centre Forward - Cameron Archer: Archer's call-up to the Jamaica squad will be a tonic for him, and he looked lively in the early stages against Millwall. His equaliser at Birmingham City showed his ability to get in the box and convert chances. Today could be another start for Archer.
Right Forward - Kuryu Matsuki: Matsuki was busy against Millwall, but did not do enough in possession to keep his place. An unused sub in the defeat at Middlesbrough but may get another opportunity today.