Saints take on Wolves in what is the first meeting between the two clubs in nine seasons, hoping to march on to the next round of a competition we nearly won last year.

Although Mauricio Pellegrino has already stated that he is taking the League Cup very seriously and will be putting out a side to win the game, the reality is that he has to balance making sure key players are fit for Saturday's visit to Huddersfeld as well as giving some of those that havent made the starting line up so far a game.

That means that there will be changes for the game against Wolves this evening, but when you consider that the likes of Jeremy Pied, Sam McQueen, Jan Bednarek, Matt Targett, Sofiane Boufal, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, Shane Long, Charlie Austin, Jordy Clasie & Josh Sims have all yet to start a game and in some cases even get on to the field, Pellegrino does have a few options.

That is why I would expect to see a side that has plenty of experience, but has a few changes from Saturday but with firepower in reserve on the bench.

I would therefore expect to see Alex McCarthy in goal, Jeremy Pied at right back with Jan Bednarek partnering Maya Yoshida with Matt Targett at left back.

In midfield I think it could be Hojbjerg and Clasie anchoring with Boufal in front then Long and perhaps Josh Sims out wide with Charlie Austin up front, that would see virtually the entire side changed but still a decent line up.

The manager is in a situation where he really wants to win the game but it is also important to make sure everyone is fit for Saturday, that is why I think that perhaps 6 or 7 of the 10 outfield players I have named will start, although a couple more like Romeu, Davies might come in to keep some foundation.

This perhaps highlights the strength of the squad these days and with the recent additions of Lemina and Hoedt, it can get stronger still.

Wolves themselves are expected to make changes so Saints should have a fair chance of winning.

So although fans shouldnt expect to turn up seeing a full side out, these days second string is still high quality and not a case of a few promising youngsters, so still plenty to turn up for.

Saints need to win to get a good run going in this competition, not just from a perspective on the pitch but off it as well, they need to dispel the perception many had of last season and get enthusiasm and optimism back into the supporters who are feeling a little shell shocked at the summer of discontent with Virgil Van Dijk.

A new era is starting at St Mary's, there is every reason to believe the next four years can be as good as if not better than the last four.

Photo: Action Images

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