Opinion

Southampton predicted XI, team and injury news vs Ipswich Town as gem handed rare chance

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Russell Martin will likely make changes to the side that beat Everton in the EFL Cup.

Southampton will look to get their first points on the board in the Premier League as they welcome fellow promoted side Ipswich Town to St Mary’s.

Russell Martin’s side will hopefully build on the improved first half performance against Manchester United, which saw his side dominate possession and actually create chances, particularly through Tyler Dibling, who earned the Saints a penalty.

However, the spot-kick appeared to be the decisive moment in the game as Cameron Archer was unable to convert, leaving the away side to capitalise on Southampton’s misfortunes.

The Saints came away with a win against Everton in the EFL Cup, which was eventually decided on penalties, and Martin will be hoping that his side take the positives from the eventual win and take that to the game against Ipswich Town.

Everton v Southampton - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images

Southampton injury news ahead of Ipswich Town clash

Gavin Bazunu once again looks guaranteed to be absent from the squad that will face Ipswich Town in the Premier League, with him set to miss the first half of the season due to an Achilles injury sustained in April.

Kamaldeen Sulemana is also unlikely to feature after picking up an injury pre-season.

There is the likelihood that Ross Stewart will be involved this weekend after he was utilised from off the bench against Manchester United, as well as featuring against Everton in the EFL Cup.

Southampton FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images

Southampton predicted XI vs Ipswich Town

With the long-term injury sustained by Bazunu, it is guaranteed that new goalkeeper signing Aaron Ramsdale will continue in goal for Martin’s side.

As for the defence, Southampton will be without Jack Stephens as he faces a three-match suspension following his red card against Manchester United, which would likely see Taylor Harwood-Bellis return to the side alongside Jan Bednarek at centre-back.

Southampton’s midfield will likely be unchanged when compared to the previous Premier League tie, with Flynn Downes and Lesley Ugochukwu likely to get the nod.

It is likely that Dibling will once again start for Southampton after he was tactically dropped to the bench for the EFL Cup tie against Everton in order to preserve fitness for the 18-year-old winger.

Mateus Fernandes also impressed against Manchester United, and it will be likely that he keeps his place.

However, Martin may have to make big decisions on both Ben Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong, who have both had a poor start to the season.

It is likely that Armstrong will be dropped from the side that started against Everton, in place of Archer, despite him not providing much of a clinical edge as well.

If Brereton Diaz misses out on a place, it could be a case that Ryan Fraser gets brought into the side.

Here is how we think Southampton will line up against Ipswich Town…

Ramsdale (GK)

Sugawara

Bednarek

Harwood-Bellis

Walker-Peters

Downes

Ugochukwu

Dibling

Fernandes

Fraser

Archer