Paul Tisdale's men had not played since a 5-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday but he refused to be downbeat, saying: "We will always continue to attack and there's nothing really to criticise the players for."
Striker James Norwood will not feature after joining non-league Eastbourne on a one-month loan deal.
Goalkeeper Artur Krysiak had been sidelined by flu but returned to the bench for the trip to St Mary's. He will be in Tisdale's thoughts after `keeper Paul Jones conceded four.
Midfielder James Dunne also missed training time last week through illness but was included among the substitutes and may feature against the Seagulls.
Strikers Jamie Cureton and Richard Logan are the club's joint-top scorers with eight goals apiece and will be key to the Grecians resuming winning ways.
Source: PA
Source: PA