SAINTS welcome Crystal Palace to St Mary’s in back-to-back games in front of the home supporters, looking for an improved result.

Last time out, Manchester City ran out 4-1 winners thanks to a brace from goal-machine Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, substitute Sekou Mara scored for Ruben Selles.

The Spaniard needs to pick up points and fast if his dream of being a Premier League manager is to avoid meeting a premature end.

There are only eight games left of the season and Saints are four points adrift of safety ahead of the visit from Roy Hodgson’s Eagles.

READ MORE: The three big questions facing Southampton ahead of Crystal Palace

With fixtures against the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United still to come, anything less than three points here will see time begin to run out.

Here is how we think he could line up…

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far and will remain the number one for the rest of the season.

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap are the guaranteed starters when fit but it is the next position where we could possibly see change.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles started last time out against Man City and could retain his place, while Romain Perraud offers a slightly more attacking option.

Midfielders

Romeo Lavia went off with an injury towards the end against City but has recovered in time to train this week and should partner James Ward-Prowse.

Selles tends to favour a 4-2-2-2 in these sorts of games and it could see Charly Alcaraz moving to a wide midfield role, alongside Moussa Djenepo after his positive impact.

Attackers

Che Adams will start if he is fit but he is not pictured in the training gallery ahead of this match, leaving Kamaldeen Sulemana and one of Sekou Mara or Theo Walcott.

With this personnel, the team shape doubles up as a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 as well as 4-2-2-2. Alcaraz and the versatility of the forwards allow this.

Daily Echo:

How do you want Saints to line up on Saturday?