Claude Puel says this is a defining week for Southampton's season

Manager Claude Puel believes Saturday's FA Cup third-round meeting with Norwich signals the start of a defining week in Southampton's season.

Saints go into the contest at Carrow Road on the back of a hectic festive schedule which saw them play three Premier League games in the space of 117 hours.

Puel's side lost each match and now head into a week which could make or break their hopes of domestic cup success.

Saturday's trip to Norfolk is followed by the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at home to Liverpool, before they return to league duty with a tricky game at Burnley.

After bemoaning the fixture congestion which has left Southampton 10th in the table, Puel is expected to make plenty of changes for the clash with the Canaries.

And the Saints boss now wants the matches to keep coming as he knows how pivotal the FA Cup tie, and the subsequent two games, could prove to be at the end of the campaign.

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"It's an important week because it's the future of our season," Puel told the club's official website.

"We've got to play three games in a week in different competitions. I think at the end of this week we will know the calendar and I hope it is full, with many games, and that we can continue to play every three days.

"Sometimes that is difficult, like over Christmas, but for the squad, for the team and players I think it's important to continue many games and continue to improve."

While Virgil van Dijk returns from suspension in time for the game, he could be rested as Puel looks to utilise his squad against Alex Neil's inconsistent Norwich.

Fellow defender Jose Fonte may also find himself on the sidelines after the Saints skipper requested a move away from St Mary's on Thursday.