Tonda Eckert may rest Finn Azaz for tonight's home match against Blackburn Rovers, who have gone five matches unbeaten since losing to Oxford United in March.
Azaz picked up a knock against Derby County on Saturday and could be ruled out of contention as the Saints hope to close the gap on Ipswich Town to three points.
Predicted Southampton lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s best goalkeeper in years has helped transform the club's fortunes. Saints may need another big performance from the Israeli keeper, who has a fine record of keeping clean sheets at home.
Right back - James Bree: The English full back has been brilliant since returning from his loan at Charlton, and suits the profile Tonda Eckert needs on the right-hand side. Bree was excellent against Derby County and should continue his run in the team.
Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis:Â The first defender on the team sheet, Harwood-Bellis scored the winner against Derby to complete the comeback win.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens:Â Jack Stephens showed his passion on Saturday by being the first to celebrate with the crowd against Derby. 'Stevo' has continued his return to form this season and will probably start tonight ahead of Nathan Wood and Joshua Quarshie.
Left-back - Welington:Â Welington could return tonight, replacing Manning, as Southampton begin to prepare for the FA Cup semi-final and the run-in. Manning has been in good form but could be in need of a rest and Welington needs the minutes.
Midfielders
Centre midfield - Cameron Bragg:Â Cameron Bragg would love the opportunity to banish the nightmare he had at Ewood Park under Will Still. His hashed clearance led to Rovers' winner, but Bragg has come a long way since. Tonight could provide Eckert with a chance to rest Flynn Downes.
Centre midfield - Shea Charles:Â Came on late in the game to replace Finn Azaz on Saturday. He may continue in midfield, as Caspar Jander may benefit from reduced minutes tonight.
Attackers
Right attacking midfield - Tom Fellows:Â The English winger was withdrawn relatively early on Saturday to keep him fresh for tonight's visit of Blackburn. With Azaz still a doubt, Fellows may start two matches in a row for the first time since February.
Central Attacking midfield - Kuryu Matsuki:Â Depending on Azaz' fitness, Matsuki could start in a central attacking midfield role. Expect the Japanese player to start the match after being rested for the majority of Saturday's encounter with Derby County.
Left attacking midfield - Léo Scienza: Scienza was in blistering form against Wrexham and scored an exquisite goal on Saturday. Fitness may impact his minutes, and Saints fans should expect to see Sam Edozie warming up from about the 60th minute.
Striker - Cyle Larin:Â Cyle Larin was excellent starting against Wrexham and coming on against Derby on Saturday, and his hold-up play allowed the Saints to counterattack quickly. Deserved his goal. However, Ross Stewart is the greater goal threat, and he is fancied to come on at some point for the Canadian. Much will depend on Stewart's fitness, and Eckert will be conscious of overplaying the 'Loch Ness Drogba' in light of what happened to him earlier in the season at Derby.
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