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Predicted team as Saints visit Fulham amid managerial appointment

Saints predicted team to face Fulham. _(Image: Stuart Martin)_

IT'S unclear if Simon Rusk will be in the dugout on Sunday at Fulham but the interim boss has prepared Sainst for their visit to the capital.

The 43 year old called for belief at Craven Cottage as Southampton continue to search for only their second win of the season.

But Saints hope to complete the appointment of former Roma manager Ivan Juric in time for the 2pm kick-off.

Marco Silva's Fulham, who sit eighth, will be without right-back Kenny Tete and Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira due to injury and suspension respectively.

Southampton hope to have Kyle Walker-Peters in contention after he missed Wednesday's game against Liverpool with a knock. Here's how we expect them to lineup at Fulham...

Southampton lost 2-1 to Liverpool last time out. _(Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)_ **Goalkeeper**

Rusk did not confirm that Aaron Ramsdale is in contention to face Fulham with the status of his finger injury still unclear.

Therefore, **Alex McCarthy**, who wore the captain's armband against Liverpool, will likely retain his spot between the sticks.

Alex McCarthy slipped for Liverpool's first goal on Wednesday. _(Image: Stuart Martin)_ **Defenders**

**Yukinari Sugawara** delivered an impact against Liverpool and should come back into the starting lineup. **Ryan Manning** will start on the left.

**Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis** and **Nathan Wood** will likely remain as a back three with Rusk keen to make Saints "hard to beat".

Ryan Manning tackled by Liverpool's Tyler Morton. _(Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)_ **Midfielders**

Although he left the field early on Wednesday, **Flynn Downes**' position in the team is not under threat. **Joe Aribo** will likely partner him in the middle unless Adam Lallana is fully fit.

**Tyler Dibling** and **Mateus Fernandes** can both operate centrally and outwide. Their energy and endeavour will offer flexibility and creativity.

Joe Aribo tackles Liverpool's Harvey Elliott. _(Image: Stuart Martin)_ **Forward**

There was a lot to like about **Cameron Archer**'s performance against Liverpool, not least his thumping goal to cut the deficit. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana had an impact from the bench, as did Paul Onuachu, but both are unable to play long minutes due to their recent injuries.

Cameron Archer has scored five goals this season for Southampton. _(Image: Stuart Martin)__**Full predicted team:**_

(5-4-1): McCarthy; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood, Manning; Dibling, Downes, Aribo, Fernandes; Archer.

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