Russell Martin is expected to ring the changes for Southampton as they travel to face Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
It has been a difficult start to the season for Southampton, losing both of their matches so far 1-0 to kick off their Premier League return.
Both those defeats – against Newcastle United and then Nottingham Forest – have seen Russell Martin name an unchanged starting XI, but that is expected to change against Cardiff.
With another crucial game in the league against Brentford on Saturday, Martin will make a number of changes to his side in the Carabao Cup.
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Those that come in will be keen to impress and Martin will be hoping for more success in the final third as Southampton hunt for their first goal of the new season.
Tyler Dibling must seize Southampton chance v Cardiff City
One player who will be desperate to show he should be in the Martin’s league XI is Tyler Dibling.
Despite being just 18, Dibling was the standout performer in pre-season with his displays from midfield showing maturity way beyond his years.
With Southampton searching for a goal in both Premier League fixtures so far this season, Dibling has been introduced from the bench.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin already knows he has a ‘special’ solution to Southampton issue exposed vs Forest
Arguably, despite playing just 15 minutes, Dibling was Southampton’s best performer against Nottingham Forest and Martin has now spoken on the youngster ahead of Cardiff.
Speaking to the media in his pre-Cardiff press-conference, Martin said: “I don’t want to build him up to you guys and create pressure but we love Tyler.
“He is probably unlucky not to be starting after his pre-season, he is a beautiful footballer. He is a special talent and needs to play well tomorrow.”
Dibling could be answer to Southampton creativity struggles
Despite being so young, Dibling has shown at every opportunity he has been given that he can excite supporters.
His ability to run with the ball combined with his fearlessness make Dibling a really exciting proposition and another positive display against Cardiff could see Martin forced to throw the talent into the XI for Brentford.
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So far, Southampton have managed just five shots on target this season – with just one of those coming at home against Forest – so clearly something needs to change in order to create chances.
Dibling will be joined in the Southampton side by Mateus Fernandes after the 20-year-old signed from Sporting and it could well be that whichever player impresses most in South Wales will be handed a first Premier League start on Saturday.