Southampton will go in search of another three big points in their quest for Championship promotion on Wednesday night.
The Saints are set to host Preston North End at St Mary’s, knowing they may need a win to remain within touching distance of the top three.
On Saturday, that dramatic 4-3 win at Birmingham City ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions for Russell Martin’s side.
However, they are still 4th in the Championship table, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
As a result, they still cannot afford any slip ups, if they want to guarantee a immedate return to the Premier League.
That though, may not be easy for Southampton against Preston North End. Ryan Lowe’s side come into this one unbeaten in their last seven league games, and just three points adrift of the the play-off places.
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Having been forced off in the Saints’ FA Cup defeat at Liverpool last week, Kyle Walker-Peters was absent from the weekend win over Birmingham City.
Martin has since confirmed he is unlikely to feature on Wednesday night either. However, he could return for Southampton when they host Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
Elsewhere, on-loan Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser remains on track to return after the March international break.
Striker Ross Stewart and defender Juan Larios are both still long-term absentees for Southampton.
How could Russell Martin line up against Preston North End?
There were plenty of Southampton players who impressed enough at Birmingham City, to keep their places in the side for this one.
Gavin Bazunu has been an ever-present in the league this season, so should start in goal again here.
With Walker-Peters out and James Bree still just returning from a long injury layoff himself, Taylor Harwood-Bellis may operate on the right-hand side of defence once more.
That could then see Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek link-up at centre back, with Ryan Manning on the left of the back four.
Will Smallbone made something of a point with two assists for Southampton on Saturday. That could see him keep his place in the XI, alongisde Flynn Downes. The West Ham loanee made a welcome return from injury at the weekend.
Having come off the bench to score that dramatic stoppage time winner at St Andrew’s, Joe Aribo could be in line for a start here. Should that be the case, Stuart Armstrong may drop to the bench.
In attack, Che Adams, David Brooks and top scorer Adam Armstrong were all on the scoresheet for Southampton at the weekend.
That could ensure Martin keeps faith with them on Wednesday night at St Mary’s.
Here is how we think Southampton could line up against Preston North End:
Bazunu (GK)
Manning
Stephens
Bednarek
Harwood-Bellis
Aribo
Downes
Smallbone
Adams
A.Armstrong
Brooks