Claude Puel believes there is an element of unpredictability surrounding Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie between Sunderland and Southampton.
Both sides are expected to make changes and rest key players, with Saints battling to a hard-fought draw at Manchester City on Sunday and the Black Cats hosting Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Despite this, both Puel and David Moyes have stated their desire to progress with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs.
But the Saints boss admitted it is a tough game to prepare for due to the changes both teams will inevitably make.
“It's a difficult game to prepare,” said Puel. “You don't know the Sunderland team because they also change their team to prepare for their game on Saturday against Arsenal.
“But it's the same for the two teams. We play at home, with all our supporters, and it's important to make a good result, with good play and a good feeling.”
He continued: “It's important to stay with a good concentration and focus on this game, which is a difficult game, because you don't know the team of Sunderland at the start, and every time young players can play – it’s the same for us.
“They want to play a good game, it's the beginning of their career and it's very important, so they have a good spirit and a good attitude, and for us it will be the same.”