SAINTS head out on the road for the second time in the Championship this campaign with a trip to newly promoted Plymouth Argyle. 

The Pilgrims are also renowned for their free-flowing football and it could be a clash of similar styles at Home Park for the televised 12:30PM kick-off.

Russell Martin has some transfer and injury absentees to consider but much of his best XI is now completely settled until further additions are made.

Here is how we think he will line up for the third test of the Championship season…

Goalkeeper

Daily Echo: Southampton manager Russell Martin and Gavin Bazunu during the pre-season friendly match between Southampton and AZ Alkmaar at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Gavin Bazunu retains the number one shirt after a passionate defence from Martin and particularly impressed supporters during this week’s opening training session at St Mary’s.

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Manning remain the standout options at full-back while captain Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek will start – despite defensive troubles last time out.

They conceded four to Norwich City at home with some individual errors to blame but it will not have affected Martin’s faith in the quadrant.

Midfielders

With no James Ward-Prowse or Romeo Lavia, while Will Smallbone is set for some time on the sidelines through injury, the midfield becomes slightly more refined.

Shea Charles impressed Martin in both fixtures last week and could get a first start as we await the arrival of Flynn Downes, while Stuart Armstrong and Charly Alcaraz complete the midfield.

Attackers

Daily Echo: Southampton's Adam Armstrong scores Saint’s 4th goal from a penalty during the Championship match between Southampton and Norwich at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.

Nathan Tella might be the only player who starts in the same attacking role as last time out, with last season’s Championship winner still hunting a first official goal.

Adam Armstrong could be moved out to the left to cover Samuel Edozie’s hamstring tightness and facilitate a first league start of the campaign for in-demand Che Adams.

Full predicted team 

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Manning; Charles, S Armstrong, Alcaraz; Tella, A Armstrong, Adams.