SAINTS travel to Champinship Swansea in the FA Cup third round without at least six of their first-teamers, on Saturday, January 8.
Kyle Walker-Peters has a fresh COVID case, while Che Adams and youngster Thierry Small – who could have been set to make a Saints debut – are also out with the virus.
Tino Livramento and Will Smallbone both remain out injured and finally Mohammed Salisu is serving a one-match suspension for his sending off after two yellow cards versus Spurs.
Saints welcome Brentford to St Mary’s just three days later so anticipate a number of changes for manager Ralph Hasenhuttl where possible.
Hasenhuttl usually opts for a 4-2-2-2 against opposition Saints should beat, so here’s how we think he will line his side up:
Goalkeeper
Willy Caballero signed a new contract to keep him at Saints until the end of the season today, and will be given an opportunity to start in the cup competition. Fraser Forster will return to the net for Tuesday.
Defence
With both right-backs out, Yan Valery will be given another start. Similarly, it means Romain Perraud is a shoo-in for the left-hand side. As for the centre-backs, expect rotational pair Lyanco and Jack Stephens to start with Jan Bednarek and suspended Mohammed Salisu in for Brentford.
Midfield
Captain James Ward-Prowse tends to retain his place even in the cup competitions, and could be partnered alongside Frenchman Ibrahima Diallo.
In the attacking midfield positions, Nathan Tella – who signed a brand-new contract this week – will be given another chance from the start. Partnering him, I’m going with Moi Elyounoussi who scored a hattrick in South Wales this season when Saints demolished League Two Newport County in the EFL Cup
Attack
Up front, Shane Long should be rewarded for his performance versus Spurs with a second consecutive start, while it makes sense to opt for Adam Armstrong – who was prolific all season versus Championship opponents last year.
Full predicted Southampton FC team vs Swansea:
Caballero; Valery, Stephens, Lyanco, Perraud; Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Tella, Elyounoussi; Long, Armstrong.
Subs to watch out for: Simeu, Olaigbe, Chauke.
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