SUPPORTERS are expecting a reaction from the Saints squad after their 5-0 thumping at Leicester City on Tuesday evening.
After that defeat, Russell Martin outlined that he will pick a lineup of players he feels are prepared to give everything against Stoke City this afternoon.
With that in mind, here is how we expect Southampton will line up for their last home game of the regular season...
Goalkeeper
Despite conceding five goals on Tuesday evening, Alex McCarthy will keep his spot between the sticks.
Martin's decision to promote the former England international to the number one spot ahead of Joe Lumley was a gesture which demonstrated who he favours.
Defenders
Changes are to be expected at the back when you have conceded seven goals across your last two games.
Although they dropped off in the second half, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek did enough before the break to keep their place.
Martin felt Saints would not have conceded as many had skipper Jack Stephens been involved, meaning he will likely come into the starting lineup.
That leaves one more full-back position and three players who were poor at Leicester to fill the gap. We expect Kyle Walker-Peters to get the nod.
Midfielders
Martin's update on Flynn Downes' fitness gave mixed messages. The boss said that playing Downes would not be a fitness risk while also suggesting he could come on from the bench.
With that in mind, Shea Charles may get a chance to showcase himself again as Downes is kept in cotton wool ahead of an all-important May.
With Joe Rothwell being ruled out from starting and Stuart Armstong out for the rest of the season, that leaves Martin with only two more midfield options - Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo.
Forwards
In keeping with Martin's admission of starting players who are willing to give maximum effort, Che Adams and Adam Armstrong are expected to keep their place.
The manager sang the praises of Sam Edozie after his cameo at Leicester. He could be introduced from the start to add much-needed pace in the final third.
Full predicted team:
McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens; Charles, Smallbone, Aribo; A Armstrong, Edozie, Adams.
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