Southampton will be looking to make it back to back wins on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints ended a run of three straight defeats last weekend, with a dramatic late win at Birmingham City.
Russell Martin‘s side then saw Wednesday night’s clash with Preston North End postponed, due to a fire next to St Mary’s Stadium.
As a result, Southampton remain 4th in the Championship table. They are however, now eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
Next up for the Saints is Sunderland, who are set to make the trip to St Mary’s on Saturday.
With the Black Cats having lost each of their last five games, it feels vital that Southampton pick up three more points this weekend.
Latest Southampton team news
The Saints will again be without Kyle Walker-Peters for Saturday’s match with Sunderland.
The right-back missed last weekend’s win over Birmingham City after been forced out of the FA Cup clash with Liverpool the week before through injury.
Martin has now decided not to risk him against Sunderland, to ensure he will be available for the rest of Southampton’s run-in.
Meanwhile, striker Ross Stewart, winger Ryan Fraser and defender Juan Larios all remain longer-term absentees for the Saints.
How could Russell Martin line up v Sunderland
With the postponement of Wednesday night’s game giving his side a break, Martin may not feel he has to change too much here.
Gavin Bazunu has been an ever present between the posts this season, and should retain that role on Saturday.
The ongoing absence of Walker-Peters could mean Taylor Harwood-Bellis continues at the right of defence.
Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek would then make up the central defensive pairing, with Ryan Manning on the left of the back four.
Will Smallbone answered his critics with two assists at Birmingham City. That could see him keep his place in midfield alongside the influential Flynn Downes.
Joe Aribo could round out the trio in the centre of the park, earning himself a place in the XI, after coming off the bench to net the winner for Southampton last time out. Should that be the case, Stuart Armstrong may be the man to drop to the bench.
David Brooks, Che Adams and top scorer Adam Armstrong all also found the net against Birmingham City. That may be enough to ensure that they are again the Saints’ attacking three in this one.
Here’s how we think Southampton could line up against Sunderland:
Bazunu (GK)
Manning
Bednarek
Stephens
Harwood-Bellis
Aribo
Downes
Smallbone
Brooks
Adams
A.Armstrong