Southampton have been largely disappointing so far this season and currently lie just two points away from the bottom three in 15th place.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side claimed a vital victory at the weekend as they beat relegation rivals West Brom 3-2 at the Hawthorns to move out of the drop zone for the first time in weeks.
Saints have really struggled to find the right formula and formation at times this season with there being a whole host of changes every game, which must be unsettling for the players.
With just 12 games left of the season, it’s really now starting to reach the crunch point of the campaign where every point holds even greater merit than usual.
Saints face Liverpool and Burnley in their next two league games so will be keen to keep up the way they’re playing after going six games unbeaten in all competitions.
So, take a look at what I think Southampton’s strongest starting line-up is when every player is fit and available, in the 4-2-3-1 formation…
GK: Alex McCarthy
The Saints keeper has come in from the cold in the last couple of months but has been really impressive in every match and is deservedly holding his start at present.
RB: Cedric Soares
The Portuguese international has been brilliant at times this season and is an important player to the side and they really miss him when he isn’t available. One of the first names on the team sheet.
CB: Jack Stephens
The young defender has been brilliant this season and, in particular, recently as he has nailed down a place in the team with some top quality performances. He has also been a goal threat, netting in each of his last three matches in all competitions.
CB: Wesley Hoedt
The summer signing has been growing into a top class player in recent weeks and is starting to look at home in a Saints shirt. He looks like the long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement.
LB: Ryan Bertrand
Much like Cedric, Bertrand is crucial to the Saints side and has even captained the team in recent weeks with Maya Yoshida and Steven Davis both out of the side. His quality is clear for all to see and he’s been brilliant this season.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
The Spanish midfielder is so key to the Saints team, breaking up the opposition’s play and getting Saints on to attacks. He has missed just one league game so far this season which highlights his importance to the side.
CDM: Mario Lemina
The Gabon international has been a brilliant signing for the club and his performances have been out of the top drawer this season. He put in a stunning performance at the weekend helping to secure Saints all three points with a brilliant goal at West Brom
RM: James Ward-Prowse
The Saints academy graduate has grown into his potential this season and has played a vital role in Saints’ season. He has started adding regular goals and assists to his game, which was always the concern over the 23-year-old.
CAM: Dusan Tadic
The attacking midfielder hasn’t quite hit top form this season but Saints are a much better side when he plays which just points out his importance to the team. He will play a vital role in making sure that Saints retain their Premier League status.
LM: Sofiane Boufal
The Morrocan is key to Saints and they are noticeably a much better side with him in it. His skill and creativity is second to none but he just needs to add more goals to his game to become the complete player.
ST: Guido Carrillo
The January signing made his first start on Saturday and although we are yet to see too much of him, I think that he is the best striker at Saints’ disposal.