SAINTS manager Ruben Selles will always find the task of picking his team easier when the weekend before harboured success.

The Spaniard will not be keen on making too many changes after the St Mary’s side beat Leicester City 1-0 to secure a second win and clean sheet in his three league matches as boss.

There was an element of luck involved as striker Kelechi Iheanacho had an off-day in front of goal and Harry Souttar headed onto the crossbar with the last touch.

Selles will also be wary of overloading his young squad – as the previous managers have fallen foul to – with Charly Alcaraz having picked up a minor knee tweak.

Daily Echo: Carlos Alcaraz's first half winner handed Southampton a lifeline as they secured a crucial three points in a 1-0 win over Leicester

Saints now visit Manchester United’s Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Red Devils hammered 7-0 by Liverpool last weekend and involved in a European tie on Thursday evening.

Saints have not beaten United since 2016 but have managed seven draws in the 14 meetings that have followed – including a 1-1 draw there last campaign.

Here is how we think Selles will line up his team to face Erik ten Hag’s…

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu how now kept two clean sheets in three matches and – although Leicester did not manage a shot on target on Saturday – he will retain his starting position.

Defenders

It makes sense for Selles to stick with the same back four that started last weekend’s match, with Kyle Walker-Peters and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the wings.

Jan Bednarek is not the most popular player with supporters but will remain as Selles’s starting centre-back and will partner Armel Bella-Kotchap in the four.

Midfielders

Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse have struck an effective double-pivot and although Selles wants more from the duo, they are his clear top choices.

Charly Alcaraz was substituted after 50 minutes on Saturday due to a minor knee injury during his goal celebration. Scans have cleared him of a major concern but he has missed a few days of training.

Moi Elyounoussi was his replacement on the day, although he was booed on by a small section of supporters, and against top-four opposition might be the best shout for his industry.

Attackers

Theo Walcott and Kamaldeen Sulemana are set to retain their places as the inside forwards supporting the number nine, and it will be the former’s first back-to-back starts since August 2021.

Che Adams got the assist for Alcaraz’s winner last time out with a clever turn and slip and should take the starting role again. Sekou Mara and Paul Onuachu provide options from the bench.

Full predicted team: 

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