Sunderland manager David Moyes believes progressing in the EFL Cup can help the Premier League's bottom club find form.
The Black Cats, who visit Southampton in the fourth round, have taken just two league points from the 27 available since Moyes took charge.
"I want to get through in the cup, I really do, but if possible I'd like to probably leave out John O'Shea, Jermain Defoe and Steven Pienaar," said Moyes.
Saints boss Claude Puel says record signing Sofiane Boufal will not start.
The midfielder, signed for £16m from Lille in the summer, is recovering from a knee injury and is likely to make his third substitute appearance of the season.
Puel's side have lost just once - to Inter Milan in the Europa League - in nine matches but will again be without the injured Shane Long, Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares.
Sunderland reached the final of the League Cup in 2014 then managed four wins in their final six matches of the season to retain their Premier League status.
Asked whether he thinks a similar run in the competition will kickstart the Black Cats' league form, Moyes replied: "Yes, I think it can.
"But our league position means that I do have to be careful with some of the players, and especially while we haven't got a lot to select from."
Despite completing Saturday's defeat by West Ham, full-back Patrick van Aanholt and midfielder Jack Rodwell are expected to be absent with minor injuries.
Sunderland host Chelsea in Saturday's early kick-off while Southampton have an extra 24 hours to recover as they entertain Arsenal on Sunday.
Match stats
- Sunderland equalled their record defeat at Southampton in 2014, losing 8-0. They have lost to Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Watford by the same margin since being formed in 1879.
- That scoreline is the only time in the past 16 meetings between the clubs that a victory has been achieved by more than a single goal.
- Sunderland are the only team in the top five leagues in England yet to win a game.
- Southampton have conceded just three goals in nine matches.Sunderland manager David Moyes believes progressing in the EFL Cup can help the Premier League's bottom club find form.The Black Cats, who visit Southampton in the fourth round, have taken just two league points from the 27 available since Moyes took charge."I want to get through in the cup, I really do, but if possible I'd like to probably leave out John O'Shea, Jermain Defoe and Steven Pienaar," said Moyes.Saints boss Claude Puel says record signing Sofiane Boufal will not start.The midfielder, signed for £16m from Lille in the summer, is recovering from a knee injury and is likely to make his third substitute appearance of the season.Puel's side have lost just once - to Inter Milan in the Europa League - in nine matches but will again be without the injured Shane Long, Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares.Sunderland reached the final of the League Cup in 2014 then managed four wins in their final six matches of the season to retain their Premier League status.Asked whether he thinks a similar run in the competition will kickstart the Black Cats' league form, Moyes replied: "Yes, I think it can."But our league position means that I do have to be careful with some of the players, and especially while we haven't got a lot to select from."Despite completing Saturday's defeat by West Ham, full-back Patrick van Aanholt and midfielder Jack Rodwell are expected to be absent with minor injuries.Sunderland host Chelsea in Saturday's early kick-off while Southampton have an extra 24 hours to recover as they entertain Arsenal on Sunday.
Match stats
- Sunderland equalled their record defeat at Southampton in 2014, losing 8-0. They have lost to Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Watford by the same margin since being formed in 1879.
- That scoreline is the only time in the past 16 meetings between the clubs that a victory has been achieved by more than a single goal.
- Sunderland are the only team in the top five leagues in England yet to win a game.
- Southampton have conceded just three goals in nine matches.