THIS afternoon's game against Queens Park Rangers will mark the halfway point of the Championship season for Saints.

They will be hoping to round out the first half of the season by doing the double over QPR to extend their unbeaten run to 15 games.

Russell Martin isn't one to make wholesale changes to his Southampton team, particularly after a strong result.

However, Sekou Mara made a strong impact off the bench and could force his way into the starting lineup.

Here's how we predict Southampton will line up at Loftus Road this afternoon...

Goalkeeper and defenders

Gavin Bazunu has started every Championship game for Saints this season and that's unlikely to change after his clean sheet last Saturday.

Defender Kyle Walker-Peters is another who has started every game and will likely continue that trend.

Daily Echo: Kyle Walker-Peters has played every minute for Southampton this seasonKyle Walker-Peters has played every minute for Southampton this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

He could stay remain out at left-back with James Bree keeping his place at right-back following an impressive display against Blackburn.

Jack Stephens' return to fitness has added some doubt around Saints centre-back pairing, but neither Jan Bednarek nor Taylor Harwood-Bellis deserve to lose their place. 

Midfielders

Flynn Downes' importance to the midfield was highlighted against Rovers and he will keep his place.

Daily Echo: Loanee Flynn Downes has become a key man for SouthamptonLoanee Flynn Downes has become a key man for Southampton (Image: Stuart Martin)

Internationals Stuart Armstrong and Will Smallbone have both provided a goalscoring edge from midfield and could score their fourth goals of the season in the capital.

Forwards

The first attacker on the teamsheet will undoubtedly by Adam Armstrong. Although the forward hasn't scored for three games, he has recorded two assists during that time.

Who accompanies Armstrong will be the key decision. Sam Edozie is looking bright once more and has grabbed goals in back-to-back games.

Daily Echo: Sam Edozie scored his first senior goal against QPRSam Edozie scored his first senior goal against QPR (Image: Stuart Martin)

As mentioned, Mara received high praise from Martin for his performance against Blackburn, but so did Joe Aribo.

We predict that the Nigerian international will make his fourth consecutive start.

Full predicted team

4-3-3: Bazunu; Bree, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Walker-Peters; Downes, Smallbone, S Armstrong; Aribo, Edozie, A Armstrong.