Southampton know that victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday could see them qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League.

The Saints are second in Group K having picked up seven points from their first four matches, and know a victory in the Czech capital, alongside Hapoel Be’er Sheva failing to beat Inter Milan in the other game, will see them through to the knock-out stages.

Puel’s men beat Sparta 3-0 back in September in what was his first win in charge at St Mary’s, and has since then overseen three Premier League victories, as well as a sensational 2-1 win over Inter Milan in their last European match.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

However, Southampton haven’t won any of their last four league games, with the Inter win one of just two successes in their last seven matches.

Puel’s men sit 11th in the table having picked up 14 points from their first 12 games, and with a crucial league game against Everton coming up on Sunday, Puel may make a few changes to his side against Sparta.

Thus, here are THREE players who deserve a chance on Thursday…

Jack Stephens

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Defender Jack Stephens netted for the England Under-21’s over the international break, and could be in line to get a rare opportunity in the Saints first team on Thursday.

The 22-year-old has appeared only once for the club this season – in their 1-0 win over Sunderland in the EFL Cup in April – with the likes of Maya Yoshida, Virgil van Dijk, and captain Jose Fonte in front of him in the pecking order.

However, Fonte has not travelled with the squad to the Czech capital, so Stephens may get a chance to star at the back for Puel’s side on Thursday.

Shane Long

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Puel spoke recently of how others need to step up and take the workload off of Charlie Austin’s shoulders, and Shane Long has proved in the past that he is capable of doing just that.

The Republic of Ireland international scored 13 goals in 34 games last season, but it’s his work for the team and tireless energy upfront which will help the team be competitive on several fronts in this campaign.

Long returned from injury by coming on as a substitute in the Saints’ draw with Liverpool at the weekend, and he could be in line to make his first start since October in Prague.

Jay Rodriguez

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Puel’s comments can also be applied to forward Jay Rodriguez, who hasn’t netted in his last six appearances for the club.

The former Burnley forward looked set to go on and become a regular England international back in 2013, such was his great goal-scoring form, yet a few injuries have put pay to that.

Unsurprisingly, Rodriguez hasn’t quite hit those heights since then, yet the striker is slowly building up his fitness, having started four times for Southampton this season, and needs more minutes on the pitch to get him back near his 2013 level.