SAINTS will need to lick their wounds from the shocking defeat at Man United ahead of their trip to Premier League high-fliers Nottingham Forest.

Nuno Espírito Santo's side will draw level on points with second-place Arsenal with a win while Saints are still attempting to reach double figures. 

Forest were comfortable 1-0 winners when they visited St Mary's earlier this season thanks to a second-half goal from Morgan Gibbs-White.

Here's the starting team we think boss Ivan Juric will select at the City Ground...

Goalkeeper

Alex McCarthy started the previous game between these two sides this season but it will be Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks this time around.

Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA) Defenders

Juric will likely stick with his favoured back three of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and James Bree despite the three goals conceded at United.

Ryan Manning should return on the left, where Kyle Walker-Peters struggled on Thursday. The former England international can then go across to the right.

Saints defenders watch as Manuel Ugarte scores own goal.Saints defenders watch as Manuel Ugarte scores own goal. (Image: PA) Midfielders

Saints looked weaker after Joe Aribo departed at Old Trafford and he should therefore keep his spot.

Neither Flynn Downes nor Will Smallbone impressed off the bench and Lesley Ugochukwu will likely continue to partner with the Nigeria international.

Lesley Ugochukwu (centre) celebrates Southampton's goal at Man United.Lesley Ugochukwu (centre) celebrates Southampton's goal at Man United. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA) Forwards

Mateus Fernandes has been pushed even further forward under Juric and is continuing to thrive in the Premier League. He will join Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Tyler Dibling is a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury and shouldn't be risked. Paul Onuachu could be Juric's next favoured option. 

Saints forward Kamaldeen Sulemana.Saints forward Kamaldeen Sulemana. (Image: PA)

Full predicted team:

(3-4-3) Ramsdale; Walker-Peters, Bree, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Ugochukwu, Aribo; Fernande, Kamaldeen, Onuachu.