RUSSELL Martin will name his first Saints EFL Cup starting lineup at 6:45 PM tonight as they visit Gillingham.
Southampton got the 2023-24 season underway with a 1-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday.
Now they travel to Priestfield Stadium to take on League Two opposition in the opening round of the league cup.
Here is how we think Saints will line up when they take on Gillingham this evening…
Goalkeeper
Gavin Bazunu started and garnered praise from Russell Martin in Southampton's win at Hillsborough last week.
Alex McCarthy, who missed Saints' final pre-season friendly against AZ Alkmaar, was amongst the substitutes and could be handed the role of cup goalkeeper.
Recent signing Joe Lumley, who only joined on Monday, will likely not have been at the club long enough to make a start.
Defenders
In keeping with the theme of cup rotation, James Bree and Lyanco should be handed an opportunity to impress their new manager.
Martin revealed on Friday that Jack Stephens will wear the armband in the absence of regular captain James Ward-Prowse – a cup tie against League Two opposition could present the perfect opportunity for a test run as skipper.
With Romain Perraud missing Saints’ pre-season games youngster Jayden Meghoma is the most likely to replace Ryan Manning at left-back.
Midfielders
While he received most of his pre-season minutes at centre-back, Shea Charles was signed to play in midfield and is the favourite to start alongside Will Smallbone, who continues to acclimatise to Martin's system.
The number 10 role offers the biggest selection headache for Saints. Charly Alcaraz' inclusion on the weekend will likely see him miss out, leaving Stuart Armstrong and Joe Aribo to battle over the final midfield spot.
We think the Nigerian international will win out, with Armstrong instead being saved for the weekend.
Forwards
Sam Amo-Ameyaw, who recently signed his first professional contract, impressed during pre-season and could make his first competitive start, while Moussa Djenepo should also get a run-out.
Che Adam’s late winner against Sheffield Wednesday could have earned him a starting berth for Saturday’s game against Norwich City, which could see Adam Armstrong favoured for the cup.
Full predicted team
Saints: McCarthy; Bree, Lyanco, Stephens, Meghoma; Smallbone, Charles, Aribo; Amo-Ameyaw, Djenepo, A Armstrong.
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