NEW manager Russell Martin will name his first Saints starting lineup at 7PM tonight as the St Mary’s side visit Sheffield Wednesday.

Saints have been given the honour of kicking off the Championship campaign in front of the Sky Sports cameras following relegation from the Premier League.

Pre-season ended with back-to-back defeats versus AFC Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar – with the test against the Eredivisie side revealing what could be Martin’s preferred XI.

Here is how we think Saints will line up for the first match of the Championship season at Hillsborough…

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu played 90 minutes more than Alex McCarthy during pre-season, with the former Reading man completely absent from the final friendly versus AZ Alkmaar.

Although Bazunu, a Republic of Ireland international, struggled and was dropped as number one in the Premier League, he will likely regain his shirt on Friday.

Daily Echo: Southampton manager Russell Martin and Gavin Bazunu during the pre-season friendly match between Southampton and AZ Alkmaar at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Defenders

Tino Livramento is set for a move to Newcastle United and Kyle Walker-Peters should start at Hillsborough with Ryan Manning in the left-back role.

Jan Bednarek missed the conclusion of pre-season through injury but has been declared fit and could beat new signing Shea Charles to partner Jack Stephens.

Midfielders

Will Smallbone has impressed manager Martin during pre-season and might just edge out Romeo Lavia, who is set to leave Southampton this summer.

Captain James Ward-Prowse will play for as long as he is a Saints player and Argentine youngster Charly Alcaraz is likely to complete a midfield three.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Will Smallbone during the pre-season friendly match between Southampton and AZ Alkmaar at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Attackers

Nathan Tella is another facing strong transfer interest from the Premier League but he should start on the right of a three, with Sam Amo-Ameyaw fighting Sam Edozie for a starting berth.

We think the youngster, who turned 17 years old just two weeks ago, could win out. Adam Armstrong will likely start in the number nine role.

Full predicted team

Saints: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Manning; Smallbone, Ward-Prowse, Alcaraz; Tella, Amo-Ameyaw, A Armstrong.