Southampton predicted team vs Cardiff City 2024/25 Carabao Cup

Martin has selected the same starting lineup in both Premier League fixtures so far and admitted the Carabao Cup will be a chance for others to impress.

Injured trio Kamaldeen Sulemana, Adam Lallana and Ross Stewart have all been touted for a return - but it is unclear if they are in contention to do so.

Saints will be looking to avoid an early exit from the competition following last season's disappointing defeat at Gillingham.

After correctly predicting 11 out of 11 for the first two league fixtures, here is how we think Saints will start in the Welsh capital...

Goalkeeper

With Alex McCarthy currently the designated number one goalkeeper, Joe Lumley should be given an opportunity in cup action.

Lumley is currently the only senior backup option, however, Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow could be handed a debut if his move from Feyenoord is completed in time.

Joe Lumley is yet to make his league debut for Saints (Image: PA)
Defenders

Saints have operated with a back five in the Premier League, but Martin may want to see how his side perform with a back four against goal-shy Cardiff.

James Bree could be given minutes at right back, while summer signing Charlie Taylor impressed off the bench on Saturday and deserves a start.

Fellow summer signings Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards are yet to feature in the league - with both being left out of the squad against Forest - and should make their competitive debuts in Wales.

Southampton's Ronnie Edwards ahead of facing Eastleigh (Image: Stuart Martin)
Midfielders

There is no need to risk Flynn Downes' fitness in an early round Carabao Cup tie and therefore Lesley Ugochukwu should join the raft of debutants.

Mateus Fernandes looked sharp on his first Premier League outing and should be joined by Tyler Dibling after his impressive cameo against Forest.

Lesley Ugochukwu has joined on loan from Chelsea (Image: Stuart Martin)
Forwards

Sam Amo-Ameyaw was one of Southampton's best performers in pre-season and should join fellow teenager Dibling in the starting lineup.

Cameron Archer has so far been used as a substitute - Wednesday's cup tie is a perfect chance to see what he can do from the start.

Winger Sam Edozie will likely round out the front three - although Saints are hopeful Ghana international Kamaldeen will be fit for the trip to Cardiff.

Cameron Archer could make his first start at Cardiff City (Image: Stuart Martin)
Full predicted team

(4-3-3) Lumley; Bree, Wood, Edwards, Taylor; Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Dibling; Amo-Ameyaw, Edozie, Archer.