ALL the pressure is on Saints as they visit bottom-of-the-table Middlesbrough knowing they must end a run of three consecutive defeats.

Losses to Sunderland, Leicester City and Ipswich Town – scoring just one and conceding 10 – have highlighted just how far the team is from walking the Championship.

Manager Russell Martin himself has come under fire from some sections of supporters due to the manner of the defeats but he will not deviate from his principles.

He will likely only opt to make a couple of changes as he looks for consistency. Here is how we think Martin could line his team up at Riverside…

Daily Echo: Southampton manager Russell Martin during the Championship match between Southampton and Ipswich Town at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu’s performances have been steadily growing this season but he will want to land that first clean sheet sooner rather than later.

Defenders

The back four that ended the game versus Ipswich Town will almost certainly be the one that starts, with Jan Bednarek making a positive impact on his return.

That means Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ryan Manning will complete the defence alongside the Poland international.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Jan Bednarek during the Championship match between Southampton and Ipswich Town at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Midfielders

Shea Charles has made his point that holding midfield is probably where he is most effective and he should be given a chance there.

Martin previously told the Daily Echo he believes Flynn Downes can play further forward and he could support Adam Armstrong in a midfield three.

Attackers

Sam Edozie has seen his minutes managed in the last two and it should mean he’s fresh enough to start again, with Ryan Fraser on the opposite wing.

Kamaldeen Sulemana’s fitness is building and he may be afforded a first start, though. Che Adams will surely lead the line again despite missing Tuesday night’s biggest chance.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Che Adams during the Championship match between Southampton and Ipswich Town at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Full predicted team

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Charles, Downes, A Armstrong; Fraser, Edozie, Adams.