Southampton host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday looking to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the managerial role at White Hart Lane.
The Saints have failed to win in five games, but three points against Spurs would see them overtake their opponents in the Premier League table.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino could recall midfielder Adam Lallana after his performance from the bench in last weekend's draw with Newcastle United.
Spurs caretaker boss Tim Sherwood is expected to remain in charge for the game at St Mary's Stadium, and he has expressed his desire to take the job on a full-time basis.
Sherwood will have defender Michael Dawson available after suspension, but Paulinho will serve the second of a three-game ban.
Winger Andros Townsend will also be missing with a hamstring injury.
Recent form
Southampton: WLLLDD
Tottenham Hotspur: DWWWLL
Possible starting lineups
Southampton: Gazzaniga; Chambers, Shaw, Lovren, Hooiveld; Ward-Prowse, Davis, Schneiderlin, Lallana; Osvaldo, Rodriguez
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Walker, Rose, Capoue, Dawson; Dembele, Lennon, Sigurdsson, Chadli; Defoe, Adebayor
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Darren Plant
