Saints boss Claude Puel says he doesn’t know whether Saints go into tonight’s make or break Europa League clash with Hapoel Be’er Sheva as favourites to make it through Group K.

A win or goalless draw would be enough for Saints against a team considered as European minnows.

However, Puel tried to deflect a little of the pressure away from his side.

When asked whether Saints would be considered favourites to make it to the last 32 he said: “I don’t know. The two teams with the possibility to make this final it’s important.

“It’s an opportunity for Be’er Sheva but it’s an opportunity for Southampton because we play at home, we can do a very good game without always what we deserve but it’s important now to consider all the possibilities and opportunities for the qualifying.

“I am sure it is the same for the opponent.

“It is a very strong game and an opportunity for the fans to see this game and we want to give all.”

Puel’s rotation policy has worked so far, but there is a clamour from supporters for him to name his strongest team.

That would surely include the likes of Charlie Austin, Jose Fonte and Oriol Romeu, who were all left of the starting line-up for the defeat at Sparta Prague last time out in the competition.

However, Puel was sticking to his guns.

“Every time I repeat the same thing, I don’t know my first team because we can win or lose with different teams,” he insisted.

“For example, we lost the last game with the same team against Everton. It was a strong game against Everton and an interesting game against Crystal Palace.

“After with many young players we can play also a very good game against Arsenal and qualify for the semi-final.

“It is important every time to consider the group, and the squad, and to play a strong team against Be’er Sheva.

“It’s important and we have always some players with recovery and it’s my team is perhaps not the first team for you.”