Southampton head into this weekend's match against Hull City with the knowledge that three of their players have been called up by the England national team for two upcoming friendlies.

Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana have been named in Roy Hodgson's squad, while teammate Jay Rodriguez has also been rewarded for his efforts for the Saints at the start of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are currently sixth in the Premier League table after taking points off the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Hull sit four places below this weekend's opponents, and have just returned to winning ways in the form of a 1-0 win over Sunderland last weekend, following a brief dismal period.

However, manager Steve Bruce has confirmed today that striker Sone Aluko is unlikely to return to action until the New Year after suffering a torn Achilles in training.

Recent form

Southampton: WWWDWD

Hull City: WWDLLW

Possible starting lineups

Southampton: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Lallana, Rodriguez, Lambert

Hull City: Harper; Rosenior, Figueroa, Davies, McShane; Huddlestone, Livermore, Elmohamady, Boyd, Meyler; Sagbo

Sports Mole says: 2-1