Southampton will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints have now lost three in a row, and four of their last five, in all competitions.
As a result, Russell Martin‘s side have now dropped to 4th in the Championship table, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
The pressure is therefore on Southampton as they make the trip to St Andrew’s to face Birmingham City this weekend.
For their past, the Blues are 18th in the standings, three points clear of the relegation zone.
They too, will therefore need the win when these sides go head to head later on.
Latest Southampton team news
It is something of a mixed bag for Southampton when it comes to their team news going into this one.
Kyle Walker-Peters was forced off in Wednesday night’s FA Cup defeat at Liverpool. While that injury is not thought to be serious, it is expected to keep him out against Birmingham City.
There is better news on Flynn Downes, with the on-loan West Man midfielder in line to return. The 25-year-old has missed the last five games with an injury picked up in the win over Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s last month.
Striker Ross Stewart, winger Ryan Fraser and defender Juan Larios remain long-term absentees for Southampton.
How Russell Martin could line up v Birmingham City
Having made changes in midweek for the FA Cup, we could see Martin revert to a more familiar starting XI for this one.
Gavin Bazunu should return in goal, having been an ever-present in the league this season.
With Walker-Peters out, James Bree may be needed to fill in at right-back. He only returned from his own injury layoff against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis could then return to the starting XI alongside Jan Bednarek, with Jack Stephens dropping out. Ryan Manning could then continue at left-back.
In midfield, Downes’ importance means he could come straight back into the Southampton side. Stuart Armstrong could also return given how important his experience is, after he sat out the trip to Anfield.
Shea Charles impressed in midweek, so could keep his spot in the lineup in the centre of the park.
Upfront, Saints’ top scorers this season, Adam Armstrong and Che Adams, ought to start in such an important game. Having also looked bright against Liverpool, Kamaldeen Sulemana could keep his place in the side on the left of that front three.
Here’s how we think Southampton will line up against Birmingham City:
Bazunu (GK)
Manning
Bednarek
Harwood-Bellis
Bree
S.Armstrong
Charles
Downes
Sulemana
Adams
A.Armstrong