Saints predicted team to visit Preston as two changes refresh the forward line

It has propelled them to within three points of the Championship's top two, with a trip to bottom side Preston North End to finish the run of games.

But it is Tonda Eckert's side's third game in a week, including a taxing 1-1 draw at West Brom on Tuesday, and there are varying physical conditions.

Tonda Eckert ahead of Preston (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Here is how we think he will line up at Deepdale...

Daniel Peretz has the best save percentage in the league with 77.4 per cent, and the xG data says he has prevented almost four goals on his own.

Daniel Peretz ahead of Preston (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

James Bree and Keven Schlotterbeck are the two defenders who are nailed on to start this game at right-back and centre-back, respectively.

Jack Stephens and Ryan Manning should complete the back four, but there is more doubt there, with Nathan Wood and Welington in the wings.

Flynn Downes is one yellow card away from a ban but will likely still start here, alongside James Ward-Prowse, with Caspar Jander injured.

Cam Bragg was unused on Tuesday, so it is possible he comes in, but we'll stick with a double pivot and Finn Azaz in front of them for this one.

Finn Azaz ahead of Preston (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Leo Scienza has been passed fit and looks set to start, with Lewis Dobbin up front. These two would be changes from Tuesday night's team.

A third change could come in the form of Kuryu Matsuki being rested, but there are not many suitable replacements, so we think he may start.

Full predicted team

(4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Stephens, Schlotterbeck, Manning; Ward-Prowse, Downes, Matsuki, Azaz, Scienza; Dobbin.