Ralph Hasenhüttl has indicated that there is likely to be more rotation in Saturday's matchday squad, as Saints prepare to face Frank Lampard's Derby County in the FA Cup.
The manager was clear that the history of the competition bears weight with him and his coaching staff, but also aware that last night's trip to Stamford Bridge, where Saints made eight changes and claimed a hard-earned point against Chelsea, was energy consuming.
Hasenhüttl will be pleased to welcome full-back Matt Targett - who missed the Chelsea trip - back to the fold, but expressed his disappointment at losing Maya Yoshida to January's Asia Cup commitments, especially after such a resilient defensive display against the Blues.
"It means we'll look to rotate again, and to bring in fresh players," the Austrian confirmed. "We want to keep the tempo at a high level and therefore we need fresh players.
"It's not about young or old, I decide based on fresh or tired. The last fight against Chelsea was a huge one, and it cost energy.
"Matt Targett was rested and he'll come back I think. We also have to substitute Maya Yoshida, who will be playing for Japan.
"I guarantee I will send a team on the pitch who is well prepared, focussed, with a willingness to win."
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