Russell Martin is expected to make a number of changes to his Southampton side for the Carabao Cup tie against Everton on Tuesday night.
In the 5-3 win over Cardiff City in the last round Russell Martin changed all 11 players from the side that had started against Nottingham Forest days earlier.
It is quite feasible that Southampton repeat the trick against Everton, although the squad is expected to contain more experience than the one that beat Cardiff to set up the third round clash at Goodison Park.
Adam Armstrong was dropped from the side for the 3-0 defeat against Manchester United but will get a chance on Tuesday, as should the likes of Joe Aribo, James Bree and Maxwel Cornet.
Martin has also confirmed that Ross Stewart will feature off the bench after his long-awaited comeback on Saturday.
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Whether Armel Bella-Kotchap starts for Southampton vs Everton will hint at future plans
Another player who could be involved for Southampton is Armel Bella-Kotchap.
The centre-back spent last season on loan at PSV and looked to have secured a move to Hoffenheim this summer before the transfer collapsed due to a problem picked up in the medical.
That means Bella-Kotchap remains a Southampton player until at least January and whether he starts against Everton or not could provide real insight into whether Martin plans to reintegrate the Germany international.
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Martin has left the door open for the likes of Bella-Kotchap, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu – all of whom were expected to move on this summer – but Bella-Kotchap’s involvement against Everton could be telling as to just how open that door is.
Bella-Kotchap will be Southampton best centre-back if Martin reintegrates him
Bella-Kotchap has had a torrid time with injuries over the past two years which is perhaps the only reason he remains a Southampton player.
However, after shoulder surgery last season the 22-year-old will hope his troubles are now behind him.
With Jack Stephens suspended after his red card against Manchester United and Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards both inexperienced, Bella-Kotchap called be called upon at Goodison Park.
If he is focused on Southampton after a failed exit in the summer, Martin will have a real asset on his hands with former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl describing the youngster as a “one-on-one monster.”
The Austrian went on to add: “Very strong in one-on-one situations and he’s very fast. You can defend well with him. He plays good passes into the final third, even over longer distances.”
If Bella-Kotchap starts it would not be a surprise to see him quickly climb the pecking order at Southampton as Martin looks to find solutions to his leaky defence.