Southampton return to Championship action this weekend as they travel to Ewood Park to face relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers.
The South Coasters were dealt a dagger blow on Monday, as Ipswich Town scored a 97th-minute winner to move 13 points clear of Russell Martin‘s side.
Southampton, admittedly, have two games in hand on The Tractor Boys but the gap is now nearly insurmountable given the stage of the season we are at.
In order to give themselves any chance of a top-two finish, they need to win their remaining eight games, which would move them to 97 points.
They must return to winning ways away at Blackburn on Saturday afternoon.
Southampton injury news v Blackburn Rovers
Ross Stewart and Juan Larios are the only expected absentees for the trip to Lancashire, as they continue to recover from long-term injuries.
Martin was able to provide a positive update on Stewart, speaking to the media last week: “Big Ross Stewart is back on the grass doing light work and will slowly be reintegrated back into the group.
“As I’ve said before, we shouldn’t expect too much from him. It’s great to have him back in amongst things.”
The latest on Larios came back in February, with Martin saying: “He is here, he is back in the building and it has been lovely to have him back for the last few weeks. He is building up nice and slowly now but nicely, and we will look to integrate him back into the squad fully in the next three to four weeks.
Southampton predicted XI v Blackburn Rovers
Gavin Bazunu, despite a poor display against Ipswich, is expected to retain his spot in between the sticks.
In front of the Irish shot-stopper, we could see a back four consisting of Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and Ryan Manning.
James Bree is suspended after picking up a straight red card in the defeat to Ipswich, so naturally, Walker-Peters will return to the line-up after his controversial exclusion.
Jack Stephens wasn’t poor by any means at Portman Road, but Martin may feel a more attack-minded full-back would be beneficial against a team fighting to survive.
The midfield could stay unchanged, with Joe Aribo, Flynn Downes and Stuart Armstrong making up the three. Although, perhaps Joe Rothwell may be given his third league start against his former club.
Up front, the forward line of Adam Armstrong, Che Adams and Ryan Fraser looked dangerous at Portman Road, so that may well stay as it is.
Southampton (4-3-3): Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Aribo, Downes, S Armstrong; A Armstrong, Adams and Fraser.