Southamptonvs.Brentford

Downes missed the trip to Crystal Palace last weekend, where the Saints lost 2-1, but a decision has not yet been made about whether he will be included in the team this weekend.

It will be a huge boost if Downes makes it, considering that Will Smallbone is not yet ready to return, while Mateus Fernandes will miss the match after picking up a one-match suspension in midfield.

Jack Stephens will also miss the match with a knock, while Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart and Juan Larios are out for a little longer.

With Bazunu out for the season, Aaron Ramsdale's place is safe in goal, but the summer signing has not covered himself in glory since returning from injury, and was culpable for Palace's equaliser last weekend, failing to claim a cross from a corner.

Despite the recent change in manager, Southampton are still lining up with three centre-backs, and with Stephens currently out, Armel Bella-Kotchap was called in from the cold by Juric last week and named in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time this season last week.

The new manager has also utilised Paul Onuachu in attack, preferring the six-foot-seven striker over Cameron Archer, with Adam Armstrong and last week's goalscorer Tyler Dibling either side.

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Bree, Ugochukwu, Downes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Onuachu, Armstrong

Written by

Andrew Delaney