Southampton players and Nathan Jones are reportedly in conflict over a planned change of formation.

The Lowdown: Bad start

Jones got off to a bad start in his first Premier League game in charge at St. Mary's Stadium, losing 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day.

The result has left them bottom of the top-flight table, and Jones has a huge job on his hands to keep them up come the end of the season.

The Latest: Formation conflict

As per Football Insider, Jones is 'at odds' with senior Saints stars over a planned change of formation.

He wants the team to change to a new system with three central defenders, but the squad is resisting the tactical switch-up and have made it clear they want to stick to an orthodox back four.

Southampton set up in a 4-2-3-1 for what was Jones’ second game in charge, following a six-week gap from his first, a 3-1 loss at Liverpool.

Previous manager Ralph Hasenhuttl started this campaign using a 3-5-2 system after working on it during pre-season matches, but he scrapped the three-man defence just two league matches in, and got the sack in November.

The Verdict: Worth a go again?

The Saints have clearly been struggling to get results playing their four-back system, so it is worth a change again to try and change their fortunes around.

They face Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Aston Villa, and Brentford in their next five fixtures in the Premier League, which gives them a great opportunity of getting enough points on the board to drag them out of the relegation zone.

Jones needs to make his own stamp on the side after being appointed, and the January transfer window provides an opportunity for him to get his own players in that would suit his new proposed system.