How we think Saints could line up to face Aston Villa on the road _(Image: PA)_
SAINTS manager Russell Martin will not be able to believe his luck when he picks his side to take on Aston Villa after the midweek struggles.
His unavailable players almost reached double figures on Wednesday, when Saints were beaten 5-1 by Chelsea in front of their supporters at St Mary's.
With a trio of starting stars returning from suspension in addition to a potential injury boost or two, Martin's squad should look healthier at Villa Park.
The boss will be without skipper Jack Stephens, set to be suspended for four matches after his second red card of the season, requiring a defensive switch.
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Here is how we think he will line up his starting side this afternoon...
**Goalkeeper**
Joe Lumley did okay on his first Premier League appearance but his second against Chelsea was a difficult watch - if **Alex McCarthy** is fit, he might get the nod.
Alex McCarthy has missed the last two matches with knee issues _(Image: Stuart Martin)_
**Defenders**
**Taylor Harwood-Bellis** and **Kyle Walker-Peters** are guaranteed starters and they could flank the returning **Jan Bednarek**, if he is passed fit.
The Pole is said to be "touch and go" but could be risked. **James Bree** impressed the boss and can play two different positions with **Ryan Manning** on the left.
Jan Bednarek could feature for the first time since an injury on international duty _(Image: PA)_
**Midfielders**
Like Harwood-Bellis, **Flynn Downes** has now served his one-match suspension and will be rested and ready to return - potentially with the armband.
Joe Aribo is unlucky to miss out but he will partner **Mateus Fernandes** in a midfield two, with a supporting cast of forward-thinkers flanking them.
Flynn Downes scored the equalising goal in the 1-1 draw at Brighton _(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)_
**Attackers**
**Tyler Dibling** offers Martin flexibility in a couple of different shapes but in a 5-4-1 he would start on the right with **Adam Armstrong** on the left.
The same personnel could all be reshaped to allow the number nine to partner **Cameron Archer** in a front two, with Paul Onuachu likely injured.
Cameron Archer was heavily involved without scoring against Chelsea _(Image: Stuart Martin)_
**Full predicted team**
_(5-4-1) McCarthy; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Manning; Dibling, Downes, Fernandes, Armstrong; Archer._