Southampton's Russell Martin makes Brentford selection hint

Saints head to London off the back of a thrilling 5-3 Carabao Cup victory in the Welsh capital on Wednesday evening hoping to earn their first Premier League point.

Summer signings Cameron Archer and Mateus Fernandes got off the mark for Saints in Cardiff having started for the first time.

Speaking ahead of their trip to the Gtech community stadium, Martin said: "I think two or three of the players really staked a claim.

"Of course, there is that discussion about Brentford away, but I think if we feel they've done well enough and if they're ready to play then they should be able to play anywhere.

"I think two or three were outstanding. There were a lot of good performances on the pitch and a lot of things to be happy about. A lot of them were playing their first game for us.

"Two or three players have really staked a claim and could make a difference for us on the pitch tomorrow for sure."

Mateus Fernandes and Cameron Archer scored against Cardiff (Image: PA)
Brentford away has been a tricky fixture for Southampton in recent seasons - their last two visits ended in 3-0 hammerings.

This will be the first time Martin has faced the Bees in his managerial career. Any points won would also be his first in the top flight.

The retired defender admitted Brentford are the "blueprint" club for promoted sides and is well aware of the threats they pose - even without Ivan Toney.

"They have lots of really good players," he continued. "I know one or two of their players have been wanted by other clubs because it shows the talent they have.

"They have some real power and pace at the top end of the pitch. They're really well organised, they hunt the ball, they work really, really hard.

"They're evolving all the time as a team, in possession and trying different things. They play with tempo and intensity. The way they do things is really ingrained and it runs throughout the club.

Brentford lost 2-0 at Liverpool last weekend (Image: PA)
"They have a real threat from set-pieces, they're big, they're strong. So, it's going to be an interesting challenge for us.

"I think they're all going to be different, they're all going to be interesting, but the challenge for us is to be the team we want to be always. 

"That's whether we're at Brentford, whether we're at Manchester City or whether we're at home I love that challenge for the players.

"The biggest challenge for us is to remain true to who we are and to adapt and work our way without losing what we are and what's got us here in the first place. This game is no different in terms of that."