Southampton expecting changes for FA Cup replay with Watford

The likes of Joe Lumley, Jayden Meghoma, and Tyler Dibling all started the initial tie, and with a busy fixture list to come - rotation may once again be the order of the day.

If Saints can progress to the fifth round to face Liverpool at Anfield, it will mean they will play eight games in February.

Gill emphasised the importance of the period for the club as they try to achieve promotion while balancing a cup run.

He insisted: "It’s important that all the lads are up to speed and ready to contribute. It is a huge month coming up and beyond.

Assistant Matt Gill (Image: PA)

"We made a few changes for the second game because we felt it was right to do that. There will more than likely be changes tomorrow night from Saturday’s game.

"We learn lots from every game. That’s the way we work really. It's an interesting game.

"I think it’s important that we are now at home. We have not played them at home yet and we’ve been really good at home."

Saints earned a replay thanks to a late equaliser from Stuart Armstrong, who along with fellow substitutes Ryan Fraser and Adam Armstrong contributed to the better second-half showing.

The 43 year old feels some improvements can be made from the 1-1 draw last month and a fast start is vital.

Gill added: "We need to start the game probably a little bit cleaner than we did in the away game.

"It was to be expected. There were lots of new players on the pitch who were playing together for the first time. It was a little bit messy.

"I think we went in at half time with 70% of the ball or something like that so to say it was messy, it wasn’t particularly.

"We would like to be cleaner and better in attack. We need to start the game better tomorrow night and go from there."

Premier League leaders Liverpool are awaiting the winners of the tie with a fifth-round match-up scheduled for Wednesday, February 28 at Anfield.