Rothwell snubbed, 4-3-3: The predicted Southampton XI to face Swansea on Saturday | OneFootball

Highlights

Southampton have gone unbeaten in the league since September.

That is a remarkable achievement and they won't be short of confidence following their 4-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

The Owls may be in the relegation zone - but they have looked good under Danny Rohl and that's what makes this scoreline so impressive.

They will be the favourites coming into tomorrow's game against Swansea City too, with the Saints hammering the Swans in the reverse fixture.

However, they can't afford to take anything for granted and will need to be on top form to give themselves the best chance of taking three points away from South Wales.

The south-coast side will be boosted by the arrival of Joe Rothwell on loan from AFC Bournemouth, with the Saints building on their productive summer window by making an excellent addition this month.

It remains to be seen whether he will be in the starting lineup straight away - but we have predicted the first 11 that Russell Martin will put out at 12:30pm tomorrow.

GK: Gavin Bazunu

Bazunu has been one of the first names on the teamsheet under Martin.

And with this in mind, it would be a surprise if the Republic of Ireland international doesn't start.

LB: Ryan Manning

Manning is a round peg in a round hole at left-back, which is ideal.

Performing well at Swansea under Martin, he will be looking to make a difference against his former club tomorrow.

CB: Jan Bednarek

Bednarek will be desperate to guide his team back to the Premier League after experiencing relegation at the end of last term.

If he doesn't manage to return to the top tier with the Saints, he will feel he has unfinished business at St Mary's.

Harwood-Bellis, who is currently on loan from Manchester City, will be hoping to put himself in the shop window ahead of the summer.

And if he can play well enough and guide the south-coast team to the top level, St Mary's could be the ideal permanent destination for him.

RB: Kyle Walker-Peters

One man who probably deserves a return to the top level at some point is Walker-Peters.

Promotion isn't guaranteed and that will make him hungrier to perform as well as he can, either to secure a top-tier return or seal a summer move if he doesn't move on this month.

CM: Flynn Downes

Downes is another former Swansea player who will be looking to play an influential role in beating his old side.

He's another player who's on loan and will be hoping to impress ahead of a potential permanent move in the summer.

Smallbone will be glad that he's been an important first-teamer this term, having been loaned out to Stoke City last season.

However, he's potentially one player in danger of losing his place to Joe Rothwell, although Smallbone should probably start ahead of him at the moment considering Martin doesn't have a reason to take him out.

CM: Stuart Armstrong

​​​​​​​Martin doesn't have a reason to take out Armstrong either, so Rothwell could be snubbed in favour of an unchanged midfield three.

LW: Ryan Fraser

​​​​​​​Fraser, who has plenty of top-flight experience under his belt, could play a big part in securing promotion for his loan team.

Already making a decent impact at St Mary's, he will be looking to fend off others to retain his starting spot.

RW: Adam Armstrong

​​​​​​​Armstrong should be one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit and on top form, with the forward a proven goalscorer at this level.

Able to operate out wide, his versatility has allowed Che Adams to play in a central role.

ST: Che Adams

​​​​​​​Adams has endured a fairly mixed season - but it's clear that he can be a game-changer at this level.

He will be wanting to get himself on the scoresheet in South Wales.