The Premier League Cup, formerly known as the Under-21 Premier League Cup, has changed shape as of late, featuring under-23 teams and will emulate the format of the Champions League.
Saints now know their fate, avoiding Portsmouth in Group B but featuring Blackburn Rovers who they famously defeated in the final of 2014/2015. Which players could make an impact for Saints then?
Southampton were victorious three seasons ago in the U21 PL Cup, with Saints goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, current full-back Matt Targett, and loanee midfielder Harrison Reed featuring in the cup-winning side.
Jack Stephens impressed during last season’s tournament, scoring the winner against Spurs, and has since been rewarded for his efforts with a first team call-up.
The rules state that each team is allowed three players over the age of 23 within their ranks, therefore technically if Gazzaniga does not leave for Tottenham, then he could well reappear for Saints U23’s.
Richard Bakary is a Benin international full-back at just 19-years-old, and could play a strong part in the U-23 team this term. Alfie Jones is another influential defender who likes the ball at his feet, and notably won Young Player of the Year Award in 2015/2016. Ollie Cook – who stands at six-foot tall – has impressed with his defensive qualities at both academy and U-23 level, earning himself a professional contract in 2015/2016.
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But what about going forward? Unfortunately, Southampton will be missing Olufela Olamola while he continues his successful loan spell at Yeovil Town. ‘Fela’, as he often goes by, scored seven times in sixteen outings last season, and also contributed two further goals in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Ryan Seager has also gone out at loan, aged 21, who provides a goal-scoring threat too. He signed a deal with MK Dons during the summer. Seager has already played first-team football for Saints during an FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace, and as a substitute in the Premier League against Swansea City.
However, Marcus Barnes could be a contender for a place upfront, having proven his prolific goalscoring prowess during his first season with the club, scoring 13 times in 26 games at under-18 level. He suffered a serious injury blow that put him out for the entire season the following campaign, therefore if he is to play a key part again, he will need to stay fit.
One to watch will be Josh Sims, who played a part in the U-21 Premier League Cup success in 2014/2015. The winger was nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Season Award in the season gone past, having an outstanding season at U-23 level. He found the net on six occasions from 14 matches, and will definitely give Saints an added boost going forwards.
The club has a playmaker in Armani Little, who refers to Paul Scholes as a player he aspires to be. He has captained the Under-18 squad during his Saints career. He joined the Under-21’s in 2015/2016, bagging just the one goal. He says he would like to add pace to his game, however, he may be needed for his goals as well.
Southampton were in action Monday night away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, before their Checkatrade Trophy campaign kicks off against Peterborough United. Premier League and Championship outfits are allowed to field U-23 sides in the tournament consisting of League 1, 2, 3, and Vanarama Conference competitors.