Southampton FC predicted team starting lineup vs Preston

A fire in the industrial estate outside the stadium put paid to any hopes of hosting Ryan Lowe's side in March.

The last few weeks have not been kind on Preston, who are now eight points off the playoff places with just four games left. 

Saints, meanwhile, must win each of their last five to stand a strong chance of finishing inside the automatic promotion places.

READ MORE: Every word Martin said on promotion race, rotation and fans ahead of Preston

Here is how we think Russell Martin will line up his Saints team for this one... 

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu was beaten too easily again against Watford but remains Southampton's number one and is unlikely to lose his place.

Gavin Bazunu (Image: Stuart Martin)

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters and Jack Stephens will likely keep their places in a back four that sees some rotation for fitness reasons.

Jan Bednarek and Ryan Manning, regulars earlier in the season, could come in to replace Taylor Harwood-Bellis and James Bree.

Ryan Manning (Image: PA)

Midfielders

Flynn Downes and Will Smallbone both started on the weekend and played 100 and 80 minutes respectively - but they handled it well.

Joe Aribo, on the other hand, looked a little bit tired after an hour and Stuart Armstrong should get a chance to find some rhythm again. 

Will Smallbone

Attackers 

Adam Armstrong and Che Adams are nailed-on starters for the biggest matches of the season and continue to deliver goals and assists.  

The third forward position is up for grabs and David Brooks could make way for Ryan Fraser, who had a goal disallowed for offside on Saturday.

Adam Armstrong (Image: PA)

Full predicted team

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Smallbone, S Armstrong; A Armstrong, Fraser, Adams.