Southampton FC predicted starting team lineup vs Sunderland

It meant rest and recovery and a Thursday of training pitch work for the promotion chasers ahead of Sunderland. 

St Mary's has been given the all-clear to host the match, a reverse of a 5-0 drubbing that was Southampton's first loss of the season.

With Ryan Fraser and Kyle Walker-Peters on the sidelines, here is how we think Russell Martin will line his side up... 

Goalkeeper 

Gavin Bazunu will likely play every game left this season following elimination from cup competitions.

Gavin Bazunu (Image: Stuart Martin)

Defenders 

With Walker-Peters ruled out, Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be tasked with playing to the right of captain Jack Stephens again.

Jan Bednarek and Ryan Manning will complete the left side of defence with James Bree ready and waiting from the bench. 

Jan Bednarek (Image: PA)

Midfielder

Flynn Downes returned to the starting team last weekend at Birmingham and Martin will be hoping he does not leave it again. 

He will sit behind Will Smallbone and a recharged Stuart Armstrong, who will look to provide the creativity in the opposition half. 

Will Smallbone (Image: PA)

Attackers

Adam Armstrong was back to his most involved best at St Andrew's and Martin has confirmed he will not bench his number nine again.

Che Adams and David Brooks were also on the scoresheet in the Midlands and assured of a start to make the starting team unchanged. 

Adam Armstrong (Image: PA)

Full predicted team

Saints: Bazunu; Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Smallbone, S Armstrong; Brooks, A Armstrong, Adams.