In their attempt to extend their winning streak to six games in the Championship, SAINTS welcome Birmingham City to St Mary’s.
With this match marking the end of a further three-game week and after a 2-2 draw with Preston North End on Wednesday, manager Russell Martin has alluded to changes.
Prior to this run, Saints had lost their previous four games in a row. However, since defeating Leeds United at St Mary’s, they have taken 11 of the 15 available points. Following the dismissal of John Eustace, Birmingham’s new manager Wayne Rooney has seen his team finish in the top six, but they have lost both of their opening two games.
This is our prediction for the Saints’ lineup against the Blues today:
goalkeeper
Before halftime, Gavin Bazunu made a spectacular save to commemorate his 50th Saints appearance. In the final moments of the game at Deepdale, he also saved the match by going up for a corner kick.
defender
Since Ryan Manning was also suspended that evening, Taylor Harwood-Bellis was not available on Wednesday. Martin will be hoping to have him available.
The duo will join Kyle Walker-Peters and Jan Bednarek to recreate the settled back four we had previously seen during this unbeaten run.
Midfielders
Flynn Downes has settled fully into his holding midfield role and is unlikely to be pushed out of there by any of the competition at Saints.
The former Swansea City man will anchor for Will Smallbone and Stuart Armstrong to create and get supporters out of their seats on home turf.
Attackers
Adam Armstrong has played the second-most minutes of the outfield players and, with the armband, will certainly start in the front three again.
Kamaldeen Sulemana and Charly Alcaraz could be welcomed back to the starting lineup after a midweek rest, with Ryan Fraser making a difference from the bench.
Full predicted team:
Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Smallbone, S Armstrong; A Armstrong, Kamaldeen, Alcaraz.
