Southampton must be aiming to end their three-game winless streak when they take on Everton in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park on Tuesday.
The Saints, who progressed to this stage of the competition after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 in the last round in August, are without a victory since their 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace. A draw against Brighton in the Premier League was followed by a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool before newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers beat them 2-0 on Saturday.
Manager Mark Hughes must turn things around at the earliest and the cup tie against Marco Silva’s Toffees provides them with the perfect opportunity to do so.
Ahead of the game, let’s take a look as to how the Saints might take the field at Goodison in the midweek fixture.
The only major absentee for Southampton is forward Shane Long, who is ruled out with a toe injury.
The summer signing from Manchester City must start in the cup tie on Tuesday, just like he did in the last round against Brighton.
The 24-year-old Englishman should step in at right-back for his fourth start of the 2018/19 campaign, with Cedric Soares expected to make way.
The veteran Japanese international has made just one appearance in the last round of the Carabao Cup. Should get another go on Tuesday night.
The young centre-back is another who has found game time sparse this season but should be given an opportunity against Everton in the cup game.
At left-back, academy graduate Matt Targett should be in line to start for the Saints in place of first-choice defender Ryan Bertrand.
The Spanish defensive midfielder has found himself warming the benches more often than not this season. Must look to make a strong impression if provided with an opportunity at Goodison Park.
The summer arrival from Scottish champions Celtic is yet to make a mark for his new club. A strong performance against the Toffees on Tuesday should set the tone for a solid debut campaign for the midfielder.
The 23-year-old midfielder has the quality to hurt oppositions should he get going but he needs to add consistency to become a regular fixture in Hughes’ setup. Must be given a chance to impress on Tuesday.
The club captain is behind the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Mario Lemina in the pecking order but he should be handed a start for this one.
Having arrived from Basel in the summer, the 24-year-old is yet to score or assist a goal for the Saints but he should attempt to change that against the Toffees.
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The Italian centre-forward should receive a rare chance to lead the line for Southampton, with Hughes likely to rest Danny Ings and Charlie Austin.
