SAINTS visit reigning champions Manchester City as they look to avoid matching their longest winless run to begin a Premier League season.

Russell Martin's side have earned just one point from their first eight league games after a disastrous collapse against Leicester City last time out.

Their task only gets harder with a trip to Etihad Stadium, where Saints are yet to beat a team managed by six-time champion Pep Guardiola.

A potential injury in the backline could force Martin to reshuffle but his last two starting teams have performed better than their in-game replacements.

READ MORE: Martin hints at Bella-Kotchap's decision not to play for Saints under-21s

Here is how we think Saints will line up for Saturday's clash... 

Goalkeeper 

Aaron Ramsdale has conceded 16 goals in six Premier League appearances for Saints but nobody is blaming him - he will keep his place indefinitely.

Aaron Ramsdale is still hunting his first Saints clean sheetAaron Ramsdale is still hunting his first Saints clean sheet (Image: Stuart Martin)

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek are all likely to start again but full-back Yukinari Sugawara is a doubt through injury.

Captain Jack Stephens is available again after five matches suspended and could be re-called to an inside left-back role if the Japanese is ruled out. 

Stephens has not featured since a red card against Man UnitedStephens has not featured since a red card against Man United (Image: PAWire/Andrew Matthews)

Midfielders

Flynn Downes has been a mainstay in Martin's side since joining last summer while Joe Aribo has had to re-earn his rightful starting spot.

Mateus Fernandes, 20, has been a bright spark in the team despite only completing 90 minutes once in seven Premier League appearances.

Aribo reacts after Southampton's defeat to LeicesterAribo reacts after Southampton's defeat to Leicester (Image: Adam Davy/PA)

Attackers 

Martin insists teenage Tyler Dibling is ready to keep going and should continue to support Cameron Archer, who has scored in back-to-back games. 

Ryan Manning has started the last two, setting up a goal against Leicester, and could be asked to drop back into a five-man defence at wing-back again. 

Manning's inclusion would be key to double up on the City right wingManning's inclusion would be key to double up on the City right wing (Image: Stuart Martin)

Full predicted team

(4-3-3/5-3-2): Ramsdale; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bells, Bednarek, Stephens; Downes, Aribo, Fernandes; Dibling, Manning*, Archer.