Mauricio Pellegrino will field the strongest side available to him for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Watford, believing that momentum is more important than resting players ahead of a crucial top flight double header.

Saints take on the Hornets at St Mary’s in the last 16 before facing relegation rivals Brighton on Wednesday night, and then second bottom West Brom three days later.

There could be a temptation for Pellegrino to rest players, but given Saints’ improved recent performances he wants to keep the bandwagon rolling.

Pellegrino said: “I think if we do some changes it’s because they are not physically 100 per cent.

“Obviously we have another three games in seven days but I will try to put our best on the pitch.

“For us it’s really important for us to keep going and we’re physically prepared to play these three games. If something happens then ok but for now we keep going and thinking about the first one.

“In some positions we have more possibilities than others but now the best thing in the squad now with Maya (Yoshida) coming back and just Charlie (Austin) outside – Sam (McQueen) will be back soon training with us.

“The rest of the team I think are ready.”

Shane Long is available again after sitting out the Tottenham game with the flu, though Ryan Bertrand is among those now suffering symptoms, while Maya Yoshida has recovered from a hamstring injury.