Southampton go into their final Europa League group match tonight knowing that a 0-0 draw or victory will secure them a place in the last 32.

Claude Puel’s side have picked up seven points from their five games, and face Israeli champions Hapoel Be’er Sheva at St Mary’s this evening for a place in the knockout stages.

Hapoel are level on points with the Saints having twice beaten Inter Milan in this season’s competition, but their inferior goal difference means that they sit third in the table going into tonight’s match.

The two drew 0-0 in a dour game in Israel back in September, but the same scoreline at St Mary’s would see Puel’s men through because of their superior goal difference, as the head-to-head record would be equal.

Nonetheless, the Saints would love to pick all up three points and build some momentum after an inconsistent few weeks.

They have lost three of their last five Premier League games, but did beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last week to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup.

Puel made several changes to the side that lost 3-0 at Crystal Palace on Saturday, and with a home game against Middlesbrough coming up on Sunday, he will need to rotate his squad once again this evening.

Thus, here are THREE Saints players who deserve a chance tonight…

Sam McQueen

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Sam McQueen has broken into the Southampton first team at times this season, and has shown to be hugely adept at playing at a high level.

The 21-year-old made his Saints debut off the bench against Burnley in October and performed well, before starting away at Inter a few days later, again performed admirably.

He has been in and out of the side since then, making eight further appearances, but he has just signed a new contract at the club, and will be buzzing to celebrate that with an excellent performance on the pitch.

McQueen started the win at Arsenal last week, and should get a place in the starting eleven tonight.

Dusan Tadic

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

If Dusan Tadic is fit enough to return to the side following a broken nose he sustained on international duty with Serbia, then he should go straight into the starting eleven.

The attacker suffered a broken nose following a hefty challenge by Wales’ Neil Taylor in their 1-1 draw last month, and hasn’t featured in Puel’s side since.

The 28-year-old has been a key part of the Saints team since his arrival on the South Coast in 2014 and, although he has recorded just one goal and no assists this season, he helps make the tick in the final third.

With Puel expected to ring the changes and keep his squad fresh for the home game against Middlesbrough on Sunday, Tadic may be set for a return to the team.

Jay Rodriguez

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

It’s likely that Charlie Austin will be rested tonight given his exploits in the Premier League so far, so Puel will need his other forwards to carry his side through to the knockout stages.

Shane Long could come in, but Jay Rodgriuez should also get an opportunity to stake his claim for a first team spot, and indeed play for his future at St Mary’s.

Reports on Tuesday suggest that the 27-year-old is being monitored by three Premier League clubs such is his lack of first team action on the South Coast, but he needs more minutes on the pitch to try and get back to the level that saw him win an England cap in November 2013.

The Saints can’t keep relying on Austin’s goals to get by – it’s time for the other forwards to step up, starting this evening.