A new era is well underway at Saints, with Mauricio Pellegrino now at the helm following Claude Puel’s departure last month.
The Argentine will have had two weeks of training with his players by the time Saints kick off on Saturday, however some of the most crucial members of Pellegrino’s squad only returned last Friday, due to international commitments.
St Gallen will provide a steady test for Southampton and Pellegrino on Saturday. They finished 7th last season and are sure to be keen to impress.
They also took part in the 2013/14 Europa League and faced Premier League outfit Swansea City, along with Valencia and Kuban Krasnodar.
Pellegrino will most-likely field two separate sides for first and second half, as he looks to get his players back up to match fitness, following nearly eight weeks out of action.
Without further ado, here is the team I think that will start the game against St Gallen on Saturday afternoon.
Fraser Forster
Forster is likely to get the nod in goal as Pellegrino assesses his goalkeeping options.
Jeremy Pied
Pied will start the game at right-back, with Cedric still on holiday following his participation in the Confederations Cup.
Maya Yoshida
The Japanese international will slot in at centre-back.
Florin Gardos
Gardos is likely to get the nod ahead of Alfie Jones for the first-half, at least.
Sam McQueen
McQueen and Ryan Bertrand are likely to both get minutes in this one.
Jordy Clasie
Clasie is likely to get the nod initially, with the likes of Oriol Romeu waiting in the wings.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Hojbjerg could partner Clasie in the heart of midfield, with Steven Davis and Oriol Romeu replacing the pair in the second half.
Nathan Tella
Tella looks to be a hugely promising player, and we reckon Pellegrino will give him the nod.
Callum Slattery
Slattery’s earned his chance to impress for the first-team, and we think Pellegrino will play him in the hole.
Sofiane Boufal
Boufal is likely to get the nod on the left hand side.
Sam Gallagher
Upon his return to the club, Gallagher is likely to start up top.