Brighton vs Southampton: Saints looking to kick-start their campaign in the Carabao Cup
By Marc Walker
Southampton get their Carabao Cup campaign underway on Tuesday evening as they travel along the South Coast to face Brighton.
Although changes to normal starting line-ups will be likely, the competition provides an extra match to boost early season form and includes a Wembley final at its conclusion; an occasion that Saints have experienced recently.
Both sides come into this match after losses in the Premier League, with Mark Hughes’ Saints defeated 2-1 by Leicester and the Seagulls beaten by a solitary goal away to Liverpool on Saturday.
Southampton’s run to the League Cup final 18 months ago provided a high point in a difficult spell for the club, but they were knocked out at this Second-Round stage by Wolves last season whilst Chris Hughton’s men reached only the Third-Round themselves.
This game gives Saints the chance to win for the first time this season following a draw and two losses in their first three league clashes. Brighton’s 3-2 victory over Manchester United has been the highlight of their opening matches and proved their ability to compete again in the coming year.
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Why Southampton will win
It could be that a number of first-team regulars are left in for this one by Mark Hughes because of the inconsistent performances so far this campaign.
Players such as Maya Yoshida and Manolo Gabbiadini could see some game-time, but others that haven’t reached their optimum performance levels in the past games could be given the chance to change that at the AMEX stadium.
This cup game could provide a much-needed boost for his side and return the winning feeling that they need to return; a similar thing happened for Saints during Ronald Koeman’s first season with the club when a 2-0 victory over Millwall seemed to kick-start a run of form.
Why Brighton will win
The start of this season has looked to a lot smoother for the Seagulls than their opponents for this game as they come off of the high of securing their Premier League status last season.
Taking things a step further could see them go all out in a cup competition and try to go as far as they can to provide more excitement for the AMEX home faithful.
Being at home for this tie will also see them play in the familiar surroundings in which they beat Manchester United recently, so another good performance in front of their fans isn’t out of the question.
Predicted line-ups
Brighton
Goalkeeper: David Button
Defenders: Bruno, Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy, Gaetan Bong
Midfielders: Anthony Knockaert, Davy Propper, Dale Stephens, Pascal Gross
Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Jurgen Locadia
Southampton
Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn
Defenders: Cedric, Maya Yoshida, Jannik Vestergaard, Matt Targett
Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu, Stuart Armstrong, Sam McQueen
Forwards: Manolo Gabbiadini, Charlie Austin