Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Southampton could line up for Sunday’s Championship playoff final against Leeds United.
Southampton boss Russell Martin is expected to be working with an identical group of players for Sunday’s Championship playoff final against Leeds United at Wembley.
The Saints overcame West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final to reach their first-ever playoff showpiece event, but Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Juan Larios (hamstring) and Stuart Armstrong (hamstring) will not be involved.
Ryan Fraser was also unable to go the distance in the West Brom beating, coming off on the 66-minute mark for Ryan Manning, who won the penalty that Adam Armstrong converted for the Saints’ third of the night.
However, there is no suggestion that Fraser will not be fit to take his place in the first XI on Sunday, where David Brooks and 23-goal striker Armstrong should join him in the attacking trident.
Before Armstrong struck twice against the Baggies, Will Smallbone curled home a delightful opener and will also take to the pitch from the opening whistle on Sunday, alongside Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo in the middle.
A backline brimming with Premier League experience will also be seen from the off, as Kyle Walker-Peters and Jack Stephens take up right and left-back duties respectively, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek form the central shield.
As Bazunu watches on helplessly, Alex McCarthy – out of contract this summer and apparently a target for Liverpool, Newcastle United and Celtic – will act as the Saints’ last line of defence.
Southampton possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Aribo, Downes, Smallbone; Brooks, Armstrong, Fraser
> Click here to see how Leeds could line up for the playoff final
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