Ronald Koeman has a nice problem to have this season and that is a lot more seasoned professionals to keep happy than he had a year ago.

Ronald Koeman's squad has a lot more seasoned pro's in it this year and that creates the problem of keeping them all sharp and match fit, something that he cannot do in the Premier League alone.

That is why its essential that Saints have a good run in cup competitions to enable the manager to rotate his squad a little and he has indicated that this is what he intends to do.

Although he still sees it a case of using first team players rather than youngsters, the standard of those on the fringes of a regular first team place is a lot higher than it was last season.

Therefore although it will still be essentially an experienced side rather than one packed with youngsters as some teams do at this stage of the competition, it will be the likes of Shane Long, Juanmi, Jay Rodriguez and Steven Caulker coming into the side rather that some of the academy players.

Of course having a stronger squad has it drawbacks in that it can block the progress of the up and coming kids which is why loan moves for some of them are likely to become more prevalent that they have in the past.

Speaking ahead of the match Koeman said.

“That can be, one or two more changes than normally we did last year but that’s all about the competition that we have in the squad.

“Everybody is working hard to get the chance to play, it’s all about maybe some little injuries to protect a player and to have everyone available and have everyone 100 per cent.”

He added: “It’s not changing because you like to change, I like to go on in this tournament and to put a strong team to beat them.

“It’s always opportunities for players who are maybe not very involved in the last few games "

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