MANAGER Russell Martin has settled on a selected squad, but that could be tested against Huddersfield as Saints embark on their first of 10 games in 37 days.
Southampton head up north in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run, kickstarted by a win over Huddersfield rivals Leeds.
They will however be without their manager, who is serving a one-game touchline ban.
Huddersfield on the other hand have only recorded one win in their last 10 games, but have achieved five draws during that period.
Here is how we think Martin will line up his Saints team to face the Terriers at the John Smith's Stadium upon their return to league action...
Goalkeeper
Gavin Bazunu impressed on international duty for the Republic of Ireland and was named their player of the match in a 1-0 defeat to Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands.
He should keep his place between the sticks for Saints as he has done throughout the season.
Defenders
Right back Kyle Walker-Peters has played every minute of the season so far and his starting streak should continue. James Bree should start on the other side.
Mason Holgate could find himself unlucky not to keep his place in the starting XI after his performance against West Brom as we predict Martin will stick with the Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek partnership.
Midfielders
Will Smallbone didn’t feature for Ireland during the international break due to injury. Martin made no indication that he will miss this afternoon’s game and he has been pictured in full training.
He should join Flynn Downes and Start Armstrong - who scored and assisted for Scotland during the break - in the middle of the park.
Forwards
Club top goalscorer Adam Armstrong hit a hattrick last time he played against Huddersfield (for Blackburn Rovers) and will retain his place up front.
Martin has a slew of options to accompany the skipper in attack and we predict that Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ryan Fraser will play either side of the 26 year old.
Charly Alcaraz could also start in the attack with A Armstrong instead shifted out to the right-hand side, however, we think Fraser has had a big enough impact to convince Martin to hand him a start.
Full predicted team:
Bazunu, Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bree, Downes, Smallbone, Armstrong, Fraser, Kamaldeen, Armstrong.
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