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Martin admits selection dilemmas

2024-25/Matchdays/20240917 Everton vs Southampton Carabao Cup/MW_Everton_Southampton_CarabaoCup_162_w3l7eo

Southampton manager Russell Martin admitted Tuesday's victory at Everton in the Carabao Cup has given him "food for thought" ahead of Saturday's return to the Premier League.

In a flashback to last season's Championship promotion battle Ipswich Town are the visitors to St Mary's Stadium this weekend.

Despite still looking to get on the board in the league Martin has said his Saints side will bring confidence from their victory on Merseyside in midweek, giving him and his coaches much to discuss.

"Everyone’s come through unscathed, there will be a couple of guys training with the U21s tomorrow night," said the manager. "Tuesday was a big progression from the Manchester United game and has given us a lot of food for food in terms of selection.

"We will pick the best team and the best squad we have available to win the game. I really like the environment we have, we’re really process driven.

"I think we had our best moments off the back of tough moments last season. You learn through that and you grow through that. Everyone is feeling frustrated at the results, but is so pleased at aspects of the performances.

"Even after four defeats they train so hard whilst feeling the disappointment about certain bits. Everyone in the building really believes in what we’re doing. On Tuesday night we were better, now we have to be even better on Saturday.