SAINTS welcome Leicester City to St Mary's on Saturday for what many have dubbed a 'must-win' game.
Russell Martin played down the significance of must-win games, insisting Saints look to win every game they play.
However, with both sides recently promoted and near the bottom of the table, three points could alter Southampton's season.
Saints are without a win after seven games and sit on just one point - earned from their 1-1 draw with fellow promoted side Ipswich Town.
Southampton's options have been boosted by the return of Will Smallbone and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
However, Ross Stewart is unavailable after he was forced off against Arsenal at the Emirates last time out. Here's the XI we predict Martin will select at St Mary's on Saturday...
Goalkeeper
Summer signing Aaron Ramsdale may have conceded 13 goals in five games since joining Saints but will keep his spot between the sticks.
Martin has gone on record with his belief that Ramsdale has been unlucky with the number of goals he has conceded so far.
Defenders
With Jack Stephens still serving a suspension, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek should be nailed on to start at centre-back.
Yukinari Sugawara did not play a single minute for Japan during the international break and should keep his spot. Kyle Walker-Peters could start on the left.
Midfielders
Much like last season, Flynn Downes is one of the first names on the team sheet and that should continue on Saturday.
Matters are made more difficult by Smallbone's return to fitness but Mateus Fernandes has earned a starting berth. Adam Lallana should partner him.
Forwards
Tyler Dibling has been passed fit after withdrawing from England's under-19s squad earlier this month and is ready to start against Leicester. Cameron Archer should return through the middle.
Ryan Fraser had been set to start at Arsenal but missed out through illness and therefore is likely to return at St Mary's.
Full predicted team
(4-3-3) Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Downes, Fernandes, Lallana; Dibling, Fraser, Archer.
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