The Carabao Cup could represent a welcome reprieve from Premier League action for Russell Martin and Southampton as they travel to face Everton on Tuesday.
Southampton have lost all four of their Premier League games so far this season, with the latest being Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Russell Martin made four changes to the side that also lost to Brentford, as well as changing from a back three to a back four, but it was ultimately unsuccessful despite a strong start.
The only game the Saints have won so far this season was in the Carabao Cup as a completely rotated side beat Championship Cardiff City 5-3 in the second round.
Whilst staying in the Premier League is the obvious priority this campaign, a cup clash away at Everton gives Southampton an opportunity to secure a confidence-boosting win over a relegation rival.
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Ross Stewart will be involved in Southampton vs Everton
After starting the same 11 players in the first two league games of the campaign before Aaron Ramsdale became the first player to be brought in against Brentford, Martin now looks far less clear on his best side.
Lesley Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes, Tyler Dibling and Cameron Archer came into the side against Manchester United, with youngster Dibling in particular impressing.
Martin is expected to again rotate his side to face Everton, with the home match against Ipswich Town on Saturday the priority.
One point of note from Saturday’s 3-0 loss was the long-awaited return of Ross Stewart.
Southampton signed Stewart for £10 million in summer 2023 but he has made just four appearances off the bench due to injury issues and missed the entirety of pre-season.
The 28 minute cameo against United was a welcome boost for a misfiring attack and Martin has confirmed that Stewart will again come off the bench against Everton.
Russell Martin confirms Adam Armstrong will get Southampton chance after Man Utd axing
Another striker who will be hoping for a positive performance against Everton is Adam Armstrong after last season’s top scorer was dropped against United.
Armstrong did not even come off the bench against the Red Devils after struggling to make an impact so far this season and journalist Alfie House reported on X that Martin has confirmed that Armstrong will get a chance to fight for his place against Everton.
House posted: “Russell Martin said Ross Stewart will come off the bench again at Everton in the Carabao Cup tomorrow as he continues return.
“Added will be ‘an opportunity’ for some players he dropped at the weekend, including Adam Armstrong. Was ‘hardest’ part of his job last week”
Martin is paid to make the big decisions and dropping a player who scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists last season was certainly one of those.
However, question marks around Armstrong’s ability to perform in the Premier League remain and he will get the opportunity to show he can score against top flight opposition on Tuesday night.