The clear priority is delivering in the Championship with the hunt for a place in the top six still on, but head coach Tonda Eckert is building momentum.
He is relishing the test against Fulham, who have had half the time Saints have had to prepare after a Premier League loss to West Ham on Wednesday.
A place in the quarter-final of England’s premier cup competition, in the 50th anniversary of the club’s only success, is up for grabs this afternoon.
Tonda Eckert is likely to name a full strength side (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA)
Here is how we think Saints will line up for the match…
Goalkeeper
Against Premier League opposition, Eckert probably has to name his number one goalkeeper in Daniel Peretz, with George Long as his only back-up.
Defenders
James Bree scored the winner in the previous round and should start again, while Ryan Manning is needed at left-back with Welington still out.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been one of the side’s best performers in recent months, while Jack Stephens is the most likely to be rested at the back.
James Bree is in the scoring form of his life (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA)
Midfielders
Flynn Downes was given a full rest at Hillsborough last week, so he should start, and Eckert might want a double pivot against top opponents.
That means Shea Charles will partner with the Englishman, while Finn Azaz is one of the players with the most minutes under this head coach.
Attackers
Tom Fellows was talked up by Eckert during the pre-match, and it makes sense for him to come back in after losing his place to Kuryu Matsuki.
Leo Scienza will probably start and be substituted early. Ross Stewart has been ruled available but should be used sparingly, giving Cyle Larin the shot.
Cyle Larin missed two big chances last weekend (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA)
Full predicted team
(4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Downes, Charles, Fellows, Azaz, Scienza; Larin.