Southampton will be looking to bounce back from their opening-day defeat against Newcastle United when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Despite falling to defeat against 10 men Newcastle, as Alex McCarthy’s mistake gifted Joelinton a goal, Southampton did show promising signs against the Magpies.
Russell Martins’ men dominated 78% of the ball but were unable to convert any of their 19 shots on goal, as the Saints lacked a ruthless edge in the final third.
Martin will be hoping for a completely different story at home to Nottingham Forest, who recorded a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last weekend.
For Southampton to remain in the Premier League, these are the sort of games the South Coasters have to be winning and Paul Merson thinks they will, predicting a 1-0 home victory.
- READ MORE: Paul Merson issues ‘massive’ verdict in score prediction for Southampton vs Nottingham Forest
Southampton team news ahead of Nottingham Forest
The Saints will have one new face to add to their matchday squad after signing 20-year-old midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon on a five-year deal.
Fernandes, who describes moving to England as a ‘dream come true’, is unlikely to start this match but could feature from the bench.
As for their injuries, there are no fresh concerns following their defeat at St James Park but first-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is expected back in late October while Adam Lallana could return in early September following a muscle injury.
Kamaldeen Sulemana is also a doubt for the contest but luckily, Martin is currently using a system that requires wing backs instead of natural wingers.
Here’s how the Saints could line up against Forest…
Southampton predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest
McCarthy dropped a huge clanger last weekend that cost his side at least a point but Southampton only have Joe Lumley to select from as backup, meaning he’s unlikely to be dropped.
Martin fielded a back three of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek last time out. There’s no danger of that trio being replaced as they looked solid against Newcastle.
As for his wing-backs, the Southampton boss did substitute right wing-back Yuki Sugawara at half-time for Samuel Edozie against Newcastle but that was a tactical decision to give his side extra attacking thrust.
Sugawara should therefore keep his place on the right flank after impressing as an attacking outlet while Kyle Walker-Peters will continue offering energy and dynamism on the left.
Martin started with a flat midfield three of Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo in his side’s opener. That is unlikely to change however, Lesley Ugochukwu and Fernandes will be breathing down their necks for a place in the XI.
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The biggest call likely to be made is who to start at striker. Ben Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong lead the line last weekend but Cameron Archer was introduced 20 minutes from time.
The ‘extraordinary’ Diaz as well as Armstrong should keep their place but now Archer has had a full week to train, don’t be surprised to see him start in place of the Chilean.
Southampton (3-5-2): McCarthy; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Downes, Smallbone, Aribo; Brereton Diaz, Armstrong.