Manager Ruben Selles revealed he is familiar with the work of Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi and his spells at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Selles knows he probably will not be at St Mary’s next season and these are likely to be his last two team selections as a Premier League manager for some time.
The Spaniard did hint at squad inclusions for academy trio Dom Ballard, Kami Doyle and Sam Amo-Ameyaw – while Tino Livramento has been cleared to make his return.
READ MORE: Who is Russell Martin? Everything about Southampton’s manager target
Just how much rotation Selles makes given the game is ultimately meaningless is yet to be seen but he will be keen to end the season on a positive for his own prospects. Here is our prediction…
Goalkeeper
Alex McCarthy has started the last four games during the relegation run-in but Saints lost all four and conceded 10 goals in the process.
The results also confirmed the club’s relegation meaning Selles might as well look forward with his starting XI and that is why we have predicted Gavin Bazunu to return.
Defenders
Kyle Walker-Peters and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have been the first choice full backs since Romain Perraud was injured and they could start together again.
Jan Bednarek and Lyanco could finish the defence and it could be that the pair remain in the Championship next season – but there is interest elsewhere in the pair.
Midfielders
James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia will again sit in the double pivot – Saints fans are encouraged to enjoy watching the duo as their futures have become uncertain following relegation.
The two 10s are much harder to predict but we are going to take a punt on Theo Walcott and Moussa Djenepo, with youngsters ready to come off the bench and replace them.
Attackers
Charly Alcaraz reportedly has interest from Brighton and some Portuguese clubs but it is no surprise as the 20 year old Argentine has scored four goals in 16 Premier League appearances since signing.
He could partner Paul Onuachu – still searching for his first notch following an £18million move from Belgian side Genk, who have fallen apart without the Nigerian.
