Southamptonvs.Brighton

The Saints were without six players for their 3-1 home loss to Bournemouth last week, but Flynn Downes and Jack Stephens are now available once more after shaking off knocks.

However, neither Taylor Harwood-Bellis nor Adam Lallana are fit to return just yet, while Ryan Fraser and Ross Stewart are also out of contention for the basement boys.

Stephens's return could spell danger for Nathan Wood's spot in the backline, as the experienced former bids to join Jan Bednarek and James Bree in front of number one Aaron Ramsdale.

Juric also confirmed that he had held "really good" talks with Downes following previous cracks in their relationship, but the midfielder may have to wait a bit longer to be brought back into the first XI, even though it was his equaliser that stole a point for the Saints in a 1-1 draw at the Amex earlier this season.

Instead, Lesley Ugochukwu could return to the middle of the park - most likely in place of Will Smallbone - while Yukinari Sugawara should also anticipate a recall over new signing Welington on the left.

The much-coveted Tyler Dibling was only a substitute against Bournemouth and will likely be restricted to a second-half cameo again, as Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana combined for the latter to strike against the Cherries.

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Bree, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Aribo, Ugochukwu, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Sulemana, Onuachu

Written by

Ben Knapton