Looks like Saints have a lot of options for this one.

With over 24 hours to go before the game its hard to predict accurately the possible side for the visit to South East london, firstly there are the possible inclusion of one of the two new signings Lee and Falque, then there is the return of the prodigal son Jason Puncheon and to add to that Lambert back from suspension and Lallana hopefully from injury, so the first question is how many of those five will start or play a part in the game.

To start with the two newbies, I would expect Falque to start the game and be given a second chance whereas Lee wont be anywhere near match fitness due to the J league finishing almost two months ago, however with him it wouldnt surprise me if they put him on the bench with the view to a quick run out near the end to blow off the cobwebs especially with the fact that you can name seven subs in the FA up.

But with the other three im not sure that they will be risked for a full game with such a big fixture coming up on Tuesday night, perhaps Jason Puncheon will start, however i would expect the other two to be on the bench for second half cameos.

But the big worry is at centre half, Hooiveld is not fir to play with his hamstring and although Fonte is back training, again I would think he would be wrapped in cotton wool till Tuesday, but that leaves a big dilemma on who to play alongside Aaron Martin, the obvious option would be Jack Cork as he has played in this position before, but Adkins mioht gamble with playing Danny Fox there as the left back didnt look out of place when he filled in on Monday night, looking a good organiser and a little more mobile than both Martin and Hooiveld.

Usually Adkins would throw in a few youngsters as he did at Coventry, but this will be a tougher game and after the poor showing against Leicester, perhaps the manager will be keen (and i certainly hope he is) to keep shape and give a few players who will figure on Tuesday a chance to get some confidence back.

Personally I would go for this team.

Bialkowski

Richardson Cork, Martin, Fox

Puncheon Hammond Schneiderlin Holmes

Guly De Ridder

Subs Davis, Ward Prowse, Lee, Butterfield, Lambert, Harding, Reeves

A combination of possible starters for Tuesday plus Youth

Photo: Action Images

saintgus added 09:48 - Jan 27 Falque is cup tied and cannot play
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Fordy added 10:31 - Jan 27 I can't see Cork at CB to be honest. He looked OK at right back until he got horribly exposed against Forest. He's not a defender. If no other options I would expect Fox to play there. I can't really see Lambert on the bench either. He hasn't played for three games so why stick him on the bench?
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SaintNick added 11:30 - Jan 27 Cork has played centre back before for us, in his first loan spell and indeed at Crystal palace in the league cup earlier this season so he is an option With Lambert he has only been out for three weeks as you say and has trained during that time so doesnt lack match fitness, this being the case i wouldnt risk him from the start, I would keep him fresh for tuesday with perjhaps a cameo off the bench if needed

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tiptop added 11:52 - Jan 27 As far as Na is concerned this is a useful training match that we want and should win aswell. Just who is returning to fitness is the next question?? NA gave the imppression they were all on the way back! Fox at centre and Harding at lb. I expect to see Lee for definate. Maybe from the bench. As saintgus pointed out Falque is tied. Chappers sounded like he'd be fit according to NA. 45 mins for him and Puncheon. I'll go: Biakowski Richardson Martin Fox Harding Puncheon Hammond Cork Holmes Lambert Connolly Bench: Davis, Lee, Chaplow, Schneiderlin, Ward Prouse, de Ridder, Fonte *Puncheon has not been given a squad number yet what ever this may mean!

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saintwiz added 12:39 - Jan 27 Puncheon - Squad number 42.
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tiptop added 13:06 - Jan 27 thanks saintwiz.. couldn't see it on saintsfc/profiles
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tiptop added 13:41 - Jan 27 just watched the interview with NA on 'saints player'. I get the impression he is pleasantly surprised at TL's skills. But wouldn't you know all of those before signing some one? hmmm He was also saying that behind the scenes the chairman has put us in a great position to go on and complete another signing..fingers crossed. For all those who think he's just at some positive spinning watch this space i guess.

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