RALPH Hasenhuttl has decisions to make when it comes to picking the first Saints team back from the international break.

They welcome Everton to St Mary’s on Saturday, October 1, and once again it feels like the pressure is back on the Austrian and his team.

Back-to-back dull defeats in the Midlands have scuppered what looked like a promising start, with seven points now amassed from the first seven games.

Everton, under manager Frank Lampard, are a team supporters will feel they have to beat. But they are becoming reasonably hardened.

They are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions and have conceded just twice in that time, including a 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby.

Meanwhile, Hasenhuttl has his own conundrum in the middle of the park and in the winger positions. Here is how we think he could line up…

Formation: 4-2-3-1/4-3-3.

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu is learning just how tough the Premier League is but has the full support of Hasenhuttl and will retain the number one spot.

Defenders

The defence is likely the only part to remain unchanged, although Duje Caleta-Car awaits his Saints debut since a deadline day transfer.

Kyle Walker-Peters and Romain Perraud should start at full-back, while Mohammed Salisu and Armel Bella-Kotchap both made their respective international debuts.

Daily Echo: (Pic: Matt Temple)(Pic: Matt Temple)

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse will be part frustrated and part anxious as he did not feature at all for Gareth Southgate’s England side in the final break ahead of the World Cup.

He will be raring to go for Saints but will not be 100 per cent sure who his midfield partner is. With Romeo Lavia injured, it could remain Ibrahima Diallo.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles did not even make the squad last time at Villa Park but I would expect him to be an option. Moi Elyounoussi surely could finally lose his place in the team – but to whom? Stuart Armstrong?

Attackers

Joe Aribo did not go with Nigeria during the international break, instead preferring to work with the coaches at Saints. He will start, leading the attack on the right.

Che Adams is the other shoo-in at striker, and could have Adam Armstrong supporting him from the left with Samuel Edozie as an option.

Daily Echo: (Pic: PA)(Pic: PA)

Full predicted XI:

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud; Ward-Prowse, Diallo, S Armstrong; Aribo, A Armstrong, Adams.