NATHAN Jones has already been given a number of problems to solve with very little time to solve them ahead of a relegation fight in 2023.

This year ends with a trip to Marco Silva’s Fulham, who are red-hot in ninth after promotion to the Premier League this season.

Aleksander Mitrovic is the most dangerous of a team full of threats, and the Serbian scored a hattrick against Jones’s Luton last campaign.

After Brighton & Hove Albion spoiled the festive spirit at St Mary’s on Boxing Day, with a comfortable 3-1 win, Saints supporters are increasingly anxious.

READ MORE: Saints interested in signing Nigerian international striker in January window

Jones lamented injury concerns he has had ever since taking over in November and he is not clear of them yet, either.

Daily Echo: Nathan Jones watches Saints against Sheffield Wednesday (Picture: Stuart Martin)

With what he has to choose from, this is how we think Jones will line up for his third Premier League match as manager of Saints.

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu’s position as number one is under contention for the first time this season. The youngster’s two errors in defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion are not the first.

There is plenty of belief within Saints that the summer signing from Manchester City will go on to big things but this might be the first time in his career he has been under fire.

Alex McCarthy missed out last time out due to a rolled ankle and if he is not fit, it leaves only Willy Caballero as competition. Bazunu could get another chance at Fulham.

Daily Echo: AFC Bournemouth v Southampton in Premier League season at Vitality Stadium. Gavin Bazunu..Picture by Richard Crease.

Defenders

Saints have one of the worst defences in the Premier League despite a list of defenders that should not give you any real concerns.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Mohammed Salisu and Romain Perraud are likely to be assured of their places but Armel Bella-Kotchap could come in for Lyanco.

The German international was benched versus Brighton as Jones cited sharpness issues, but could come back in for this one.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap during the pre-season friendly match between Southampton and AS Monaco at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin..

Midfielders

Romeo Lavia was all but ruled out for the trip to Craven Cottage by Jones and after Ibrahima Diallo was hooked at half-time, it should leave Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The Arsenal loanee will likely be supported by captain James Ward-Prowse, who is struggling himself, and Moi Elyounoussi.

Daily Echo: James Ward-Prowse claimed Southampton's consolation in a resounding Boxing Day defeat to Brighton

Attackers

Samuel Edozie has written himself on the team sheet with an impressive first Premier League start, winning the penalty for the consolation goal amongst other positive involvements.

He will look to make things happen for lone striker Che Adams, who is becoming increasingly frustrated on the pitch with having to venture all over for touches of the ball.

The final attacker could be Stuart Armstrong, who was left on the bench after missing a day of training last week ahead of the Brighton game, for Moussa Djenepo, with Joe Aribo used as a substitute central midfielder by Jones.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Stuart Armstrong scores Saints equalizer during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin..

Full predicted team

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud; Maitland-Niles, Ward-Prowse, Elyounoussi; S Armstrong, Edozie, Adams.

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