SAINTS face League Two opposition for the second time this season as Walsall visit St Mary's for the FA Cup third round.

Manager Russell Martin is expecting a better performance than in August's 3-1 defeat at Gillingham, which spelled the end of a Saints career for some. 

The boss has hinted at the rotation of the squad after four intense Championship games within 10 days saw Saints take an impressive 10 points.

Now is a chance for those heavily involved to recharge ahead of a potentially historic meeting with Sheffield Wednesday next week. 

Here is how we think Saints will line up... 

Daily Echo: Saints manager Russell Martin will hope to see his side go 19 unbeaten in all competitionsSaints manager Russell Martin will hope to see his side go 19 unbeaten in all competitions

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu has played every minute for Saints in the league this season but new number two Joe Lumley should step in for his club debut here.

Daily Echo: Joe Lumley is yet to make his Saints debut but has usurped Alex McCarthy on the benchJoe Lumley is yet to make his Saints debut but has usurped Alex McCarthy on the bench

Defenders

Mason Holgate remains at Saints for now and can give Kyle Walker-Peters an afternoon off, with captain Jack Stephens stepping into centre-back.

Jan Bednarek was suffering with illness at Carrow Road and that could mean Taylor Harwood-Bellis goes again with a first start for academy ace Jayden Meghoma. 

Daily Echo: Saints captain Jack Stephens will likely lead his side out at St Mary'sSaints captain Jack Stephens will likely lead his side out at St Mary's

Midfielders

Shea Charles will return to the starting lineup to give Flynn Downes some rest with the West Ham loanee also reeling from recent illnesses. 

Charly Alcaraz is yet to fulfill his potential this season, starting just half of his 22 league appearances. He could play alongside Tyler Dibling in an exciting midfield. 

Daily Echo: Tyler Dibling has been targeting this match as a potential opportunityTyler Dibling has been targeting this match as a potential opportunity

Attackers

Sekou Mara has not started a fixture since September but has been making steady substitute appearances and will be given a full go today.

Super sub Ryan Fraser is also likely to make a rare start with starlet Sam Amo-Ameyaw making a first senior appearance since August on the opposite flank.  

Daily Echo: Sekou Mara, 21, is looking for his second goal of the seasonSekou Mara, 21, is looking for his second goal of the season

Full predicted team:

Lumley; Holgate, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Meghoma; Charles, Alcaraz, Dibling; Amo-Ameyaw, Fraser, Mara.