Tonda Eckert will rotate his squad again for the visit of Derby County today. The Saints boss has made a habit in recent weeks of springing surprises, and in a busy month, he is expected to do so again today.
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 will need another big performance from the Israeli keeper.
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 Wrexham and will continue if fit.
Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis:Â The first defender on the team sheet, Harwood-Bellis captained the side against Arsenal and gave a strong performance at Wrexham. He is fast becoming the best centre-back in the Championship.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens:Â Jack Stephens returned to action against Wrexham and looked calm and composed on the ball. Struggled to deal with Keiffer Moore, but there's no shame in that because everybody does!
Left-back - Welington:Â Welington could return today for 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.
Midfielders
Centre midfield - Flynn Downes:Â Flynn Downes will be essential for the crucial six-pointer against Derby County today. Finished with aplomb for his goal at Wrexham in midweek. Another big performance from Downes could be the difference-maker for Southampton.
Centre midfield - Caspar Jander:Â Jander was rested at Wrexham and will play today ahead of Shea Charles, who may be benched for this one.
Attackers
Right attacking midfield - Tom Fellows:Â The English winger may have done enough against Arsenal to keep his Japanese teammate Kuryu Matsuki out of the team today, but Eckert does not select his team merely on form.
Central Attacking midfield - Finn Azaz:Â Eckert's teams rarely start without Finn Azaz in the starting eleven. Azaz's inclusion is a given.Â
Left attacking midfield - Léo Scienza: Scienza was in blistering form against Wrexham and proved that he deserves a shot at the Premier League. 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 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.