Mauricio Pellegrino has a raft of defensive injury problems, but believes Saints can use the FA Cup to get back to winning way.

Pellegrino will have to do without Cedric Soares, Jeremy Pied and Wesley Hoedt, as well striker Charlie Austin for the third round trip to take on Championship side Fulham at Craven Cottage.

After the demoralising midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, Saints desperately need to try and build some momentum.

Pellegrino said: “We have to think about the first game and obviously it will be a difficult situation because every team is different and every experience you have to live this.

“Fulham is a good team with good principle and good football and on their pitch is really difficult.

“I want to use this game to improve, to move one step forward in all different aspects.

“I will try to use my best 11 to win this game.”