Southampton are back in action on Friday afternoon as they prepare to play host to Middlesbrough at St Mary’s.
Russell Martin‘s side have been written off by many in this incredible automatic promotion race but with two games in hand on Ipswich Town and Leeds United, with both still to play, they have every chance of a top-two finish.
Saints endured a tricky patch in February but leading up to the international break, they put together two wins on the bounce and were free-scoring.
Martin has had to contend with key injuries in recent weeks but as we head into the final 10 games of the campaign, two crucial players have returned from the treatment table.
Southampton team and injury news
There were concerns among Saints supporters during the international break that David Brooks had picked up an injury having been withdrawn not long after being subbed on for Wales.
Rob Page confirmed that he hadn’t been training due to illness and his inclusion was a gamble.
Martin noted in Thursday’s press conference that both he and Jan Bednarek had been feeling under the weather but are available for Friday’s game.
Speaking on Thursday morning, the Saints boss said: “Janny (Bednarek) took a kick in the first game and managed to get through Wales as long as he could. They both weren’t feeling well either, they have been assessed and are both available and involved.”
He also confirmed that Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Fraser will be available for selection, which is a huge boost for the south coasters.
Southampton predicted XI v Middlesbrough
In goal, Gavin Bazunu is expected to retain his place with a back four in front of him consisting of Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and Ryan Manning.
Jack Stephens will certainly feel hard done by if he is indeed dropped but Walker-Peters simply has to re-enter the eleven, he’s quite comfortably one of the best players in the division.
Moving into the midfield it’s unchanged from the Sunderland clash, with Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Stuart Armstrong retaining their places.
Brooks has been deemed fit for the fixture, despite coming off in Wales’ clash against Poland on Tuesday evening.
He’ll assume his position out on the right with Che Adams playing the focal point through the middle and Adam Armstrong operating wide left.
Southampton (4-3-3): Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Smallbone, Downes, S Armstrong; Brooks, Adams, A Armstrong.