Southampton FC predicted team lineup vs Plymouth Argyle - Championship

Russell Martin's side are currently five points off the pace in the race for the coveted automatic promotion places.  

A win over Plymouth - which would extend their unbeaten run to 17 games - will ensure they keep the pressure on second-place Ipswich.

Here's how we predict Southampton will line up against the managerless Plymouth...

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Gavin Bazunu has kept a clean sheet in his last four home games and will be hoping to make it five against the current League One champions. 

Club captain Jack Stephens surprised many by starting at right-back against Martin's former side Swansea City on Tuesday afternoon.

He earned praise from his boss who noted "he can play anywhere". Ryan Manning should keep his place on the other side.

Stephens at right-back would mean Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek continue their formidable partnership.

Midfielders

Loanee Flynn Downes should be the first midfielder on the teamsheet. Joe Aribo will likely partner him fresh off scoring his first goal of the campaign last time out.

Scottish international Stuart Armstrong wasn't at his most impactful against Swansea, but he would help provide the right balance of creativity in the middle.

Forwards

Ryan Fraser scored twice and provided an assist from the bench as Saints thumped Swansea 5-0 on Boxing Day.

The Scot has regularly made an impact from the bench without being rewarded with a starting berth.

That could continue as Sam Edozie looks equally dangerous and should start in the front line alongside Adam Armstrong.

If Stephens is to keep his place at right-back that should mean Kyle Walker-Peters continues to play on the wing.

Full predicted team

Bazunu; Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Aribo, S Armstrong; Walker-Peters, Edozie, A Armstrong.