SAINTS manager Russell Martin plans to take two teams to Oxford United as pre-season preparations step up a notch on home soil.
The boss suggested that his next team selections and those players who feature regularly will indicate his chosen squad for the Premier League.
Saints have won all three of their friendly fixtures so far, beating Eastleigh 7-1 and recording 3-2 and 3-1 wins over Bordeaux and Montpellier in Spain.
Martin's side return to the UK with four more matches in two weeks, before their Premier League season opener at Newcastle United on Saturday, August 17.
Previewing Wednesday's trip to Oxford, Martin said: "I think we'll take two 11s and then the minutes will be a bit different to how they have been so far.
"Over the two games, most will get on the pitch. I think it will become apparent and evident which ones are probably going to be involved more than others.
"We'll see. There are always things changing in football with injuries and illness - Adam Armstrong was not involved Saturday because he was not feeling well.
"We put Tyler Dibling in a different position and we've done really well - I was really pleased with that," Martin continued.
"So things change, but the team and squad that starts to take shape over the next few games, I'm sure is the one that we want to be with moving forward."
After the 7:30pm trip to Kassam Stadium, Saints take on Millwall at The Den on Saturday, August 3 in a 1pm kick-off and last away friendly.
They then host Italian giants Lazio at St Mary's on Wednesday, August 7 (7:30pm) and Spanish outfit Getafe on Saturday, August 10 (2pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel