Southampton would have outlined this fixture as a potential chance for three points at the start of the season, but on current form, there are few more feared at the moment than AFC Bournemouth.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and now travel to a side yet to lose under interim manager Gary O’Neill.

Since their 9-0 drubbing to Liverpool in late August, the Cherries have gone six unbeaten and will fancy their chances here against the wounded Saints.

With games having been played at the weekend there could be some added rotation, plus another underwhelming display will leave the Austrian manager with plenty to think about.

With that in mind, here’s the Southampton XI we’re predicting for tonight's encounter…

From the weekend’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United, Hasenhuttl can be expected to make three changes.

Gavin Bazunu will likely start in goal behind a back line only slightly tweaked.

Armel Bella-Kotchap was forced off during their clash with the Hammers following a dislocated shoulder, so Duje Caleta-Car will be recalled to sit beside Mohammed Salisu.

Although the German has impressed, replacing him with a player who his manager dubbed a “big presence” should allow him to fill in nicely.

Goal scorer Romain Perraud will also continue at left-back, with the ever-present Kyle Walker-Peters taking up the right flank.

Similarly, it can be assumed there will be just one added change again in midfield as Ibrahima Diallo returns for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. His work rate might just be what Hasenhuttl needs to enforce his will upon the opposition and gain some control on the road.

He will partner James Ward-Prowse, who will sit just behind Joe Aribo.

The final change will see the underwhelming Adam Armstrong - who has scored just once all term - drop out of the starting lineup, replaced by Sekou Mara. Although the goalless Frenchman has also disappointed, his pace on the break could offer more than the former Blackburn Rovers forward.

Che Adams will spearhead the attack, further supplemented by Mohamed Elyounoussi.