Southampton have endured a tough start to their Premier League return, losing 1-0 to Newcastle United and then by the same scoreline to Nottingham Forest.
This is Russell Martin‘s first experience of the Premier League as a manager, having played in the competition for Norwich City during his playing days.
Southampton finished fourth in the Championship last season before being promoted via the play-offs, but worryingly have seen only two new players in the starting line-up so far this season despite 11 signings.
That is likely to change on Wednesday night, as Martin looks set to use the Carabao Cup tie away at Cardiff City as an opportunity to give new signings, academy talents and fringe players an opportunity.
- READ MORE: Three Southampton players who can seize chance to break into Russell Martin’s XI vs Cardiff City
With the Saints yet to score a goal this campaign, they will be hoping for greater success against Championship opposition.
Southampton creativity struggles show Russell Martin he should not sell Carlos Alcaraz
To say Southampton have looked blunt in the final third in their two games so far this season would be an understatement.
Despite playing 62 minutes plus stoppage time against ten men against Newcastle on the opening day Southampton managed just four shots on target.
Worse still, against a Nottingham Forest side expected to battle with Saints to avoid relegation, Martin’s side mustered just one shot on target.
- READ MORE: Micah Richards says what Southampton must do as ‘alarming’ issue raised in Nottingham Forest defeat
Given this lack of creativity, it is strange that Southampton look set to sanction the departure of Carlos Alacaraz, with Flamengo and Lazio both pushing for the enigmatic Argentine’s signature.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a positive start to life at St Mary’s after signing for £12 million from Racing Club in January 2023, shining in a poor Southampton side who were relegated that season.
However, Alcaraz found himself out of favour under Martin last season before securing a surprise loan to Juventus in January with an option to buy for £42 million.
After struggling to make his mark at Juve, the Italian giants decided against triggering their purchase option, leaving Alcaraz with an uncertain future.
Whilst he may not completely suit Martin’s style of play, Alcaraz is an obvious talent who makes things happen whenever he plays.
His flair seems to be exactly what Southampton have been missing in their efforts to break down Premier League defences and Martin should therefore reconsider letting Alcaraz leave before Friday’s transfer deadline
Mateus Fernandes must step up for Southampton should Alcaraz be sold
In pre-season it looked as though Alcaraz could be reintegrated into the Southampton squad, with his performance against Lazio in the penultimate friendly of the summer showing just how good he can be.
Alcaraz was sent off in that friendly after a bust-up with Lazio players, but the red card he received for sticking up for a team-mate did not take away too much from a dazzling display.
However, with Southampton signing attacking midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Sporting it would appear Martin has made the decision to sell Alcaraz.
- READ MORE: Who is Mateus Fernandes? The ‘complete’ £16m gem set to become Southampton’s 11th summer signing
This leaves Fernandes with a creative burden to fill that many Saint supporters feel could have been perfect for Alcaraz and the 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder may have to hit the ground running to ease the concerns of supporters.
He should get his first meaningful opportunity to do that against Cardiff on Wednesday night and a strong showing could see him step into the starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford.