Southampton were held to a score draw last time out, as Middlesbrough netted a 90th-minute equaliser to dent their automatic promotion hopes.
Russell Martin‘s side need to bounce back with a win on Monday if they are to fulfil their aspirations of a top-two finish.
It’s certainly still attainable, as they reside nine points adrift of second-placed Leeds United with two games in hand.
They also have the West Yorkshire outfit still to play on the final day of the season in what could be a thrilling decider.
Notwithstanding that, they can’t afford to drop any more points, really, and may have to win eight of their last nine games.
That winning run has to start on Monday evening, as they travel to promotion rivals Ipswich Town, who are sitting pretty at the summit of the Championship table.
Southampton injury news ahead of Ipswich Town clash
The South Coasters were handed a huge boost over the international break as Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Fraser both returned to fitness.
That leaves just two possible doubts for the clash at Portman Road, with Ross Stewart and Juan Larios both expected to miss out.
Stewart has been plagued by injuries all season and has been limited to just 17 minutes of league football this term but Martin confirmed that he’s back in light training.
Larios, meanwhile, hasn’t played a single minute due to a number of injury setbacks, though, he too is nearing a return to action.
Predicted Southampton XI v Ipswich Town
Gavin Bazunu has been an ever-present in goal and that isn’t expected to change, here.
The back four could be unchanged, although, we’ve gone with Jan Bednarek replacing Jack Stephens at the heart of defence.
Bednarek came back from international duty with Poland under the weather and was an unused substitute in the draw against Boro.
Moving into the midfield, a three consisting of Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Stuart Armstrong is likely, with Ryan Fraser, Adam Armstrong and Kamaldeen Sulemana as the attacking trio in front.
David Brooks is perhaps a little unlucky not to return to the line-up but Martin seems keen to play Sulemana into form.
The obvious exclusion is Che Adams, who endured a nightmare display on Friday having missed multiple big chances.
Dropping the 27-year-old may give him a real point to prove heading into the business end of the incredible promotion race.
Southampton XI (4-3-3): Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bree; Smallbone, Downes, S Armstrong; Fraser, A Armstrong, Sulemana.