Southampton are ready to field their first surprise lineup as they prepare to take on Newcastle at St Mary's this evening. Ralph Hasenhuttl will really show his pedigree as a manager tonight if he can come away with three points despite the absence of three key players.

Star man Danny Ings is set for six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Ryan Bertrand and Jan Bednarek also look set to miss out after picking up thigh and head problems respectively.

It will be a difficult decision for Hasenhuttl, who has seen success unfold with his consistent choice of lineups. With that being said, Football FanCast has predicted how he will field his squad against the Magpies...

Southampton's decision to sign Kyle Walker-Peters continues to prove to be a stroke of genius. Both Jake Vokins and Sam McQueen are currently injured, leaving no recognised senior left-backs to take the place of Bertrand. But luckily for Saints fans, KWP boasts extreme versatility and is comfortable playing on either side of the defence.

With the former Spurs man occupying the left flank, it opens up the opportunity for outcast Yan Valery to return to the starting lineup. The 21-year-old hasn't featured for the senior squad this season, so he will be relishing his chance to potentially change Hasenhuttl's mind.

With Bednarek out, Jack Stephens is the only man who can fill the slot. Mohamed Salisu is still not ready to be deployed for his new club.

Into the midfield, stalwarts Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse will do all they can to keep the engine room fires burning. They may be missing Ings, but the captain's presence in front of goal this campaign could help to make up for his absence.

Another man who will be hoping he can fill Ings' shoes is club veteran Shane Long. Phased out by younger model Che Adams, the £2.5million-rated 33-year-old has been limited to mere cameo appearances this season. His chance to start against Newcastle and work together with Adams will be a huge boost for his career if he can make an impact.

In the wide areas, Theo Walcott and Stuart Armstrong will likely remain the first choice options. Nathan Redmond's run of disappointing form will mean that he still doesn't get a look in. Should he want to rectify his recent performances, he must do so from the bench.

In other news, Che Adams could prove worth with important display against Newcastle...