I can cut and paste virtually every opening paragraph of the Game Preview for the rest of the season, "This one is a big one we must get something out of if preferably 3 points" this one is a little more, we have to win.
Ruben Selles has a few decisions to make for this game both tactically and also in personnel, but the good news is that he has a full squad to choose from.
So first up does he stick to the 4-4-2 formation that he has favoured in his two Premier League games so far, those arguing for would say that this is a formation that best suits the players, they know it and they feel most comfortable with it.
If he does go with this formation again though, he does need to change some of the personnel.
Personally this would be my team
Bazunu.
Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Bella-Kotchap- Walker Peters
Sulemana, Lavia, Ward Prowse, Alcaraz.
Adams, Onauchu.
This is a solid line up that has a blend of experience, youth and pace.
There will be some contention in my selection in goal, but my view is the biggest part of this problem is noy Gavin Bazunu, but who is in front of him, if you have a young keeper you have to have a consistent solid defence in front of him and he has never had that, whoever goes in goal will have the same problems.
At the back we have perhaps the first back four in the history of football that consists of players with double barrelled names, for me this is the best choices, some will make a case for Romain Perraud, and say square pegs in round holes, but in this case KWP although a right back, is a better left back than Perraud, on the right Maitland-Niles has put in a couple of decent games at right back.
In midfield no one would argue with Lavia & JWP in the centre, im looking at a bit of pace on the wings and I think Sulemana & Charly Alcatraz will give us that.
Up front Che Adams is best when playing off a central striker rather than being the main man himself, pairing him with Tall Paul could reap benefits.
But if Ruben Selles does want to try and change things then perhaps 3=5-2 or a variation on that could pay dividends, I don't see this as 5 at the back, but something that lets us be fluid.
If so then my line up is
Bazunu
Bella-Kotchap, Caleta-Car, Salisu
Maitland-Niles, Lavia, JWP, Sulemana, KWP
Adams Onauchu
Not a big change on personnel but a little tweak, that enables us to push the wing backs forward a little more and utilise Tall Paul with his aerial prowess.
That is the tactical part of the preview out of the way, the second point is a lot more simple, we have to go out and win a game of football at home, the fact that we are still in touch with safety is down to our away form, but we have some toughies away from home coming up, we now have to win a few at home.
Today is a pivotal day, potentially we could score a psychological advantage on those above us if we win, we would jump above Bournemouth if they lose at Arsenal, above Everton as they don't play till tomorrow when they travel to Nottingham Forest and if Leeds lose at Chelsea we will only be a point behind them.
In relegation battles it is often the side that comes from the back of the pack that stays up, there is always one and that could be us.
This afternoon I am not going to call for the crowd to be behind the team from the kick off etc, just not to be on the teams back, if you cant say something good then say nothing, after Wednesday evening it is down to the team to show us something we can get behind, although the truth is only perhaps two players who started Wednesday would be in my starting line up.
We need the side to go out and show the fans they can keep us up, then we need to show them that we want them to, be 100% behind them and keep them going.
We need to keep this relegation battle wide open, that means beating the Foxes and sending them home looking over their shoulders at us only 3 points behind them, likewise Wolves who host Spurs and West Ham who go to Brighton.
A big big day for Saints, but that is going to be the situation in every game from now on!