Predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool in the EFL Cup quarter final

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Tonight, it's the biggest fixture of Southampton's season so far. So, here is the predicted Southampton lineup to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup quarter final.

Southampton have not had a brilliant season. However, with a change of management, the Saints hope that they can inspire a change of momentum between now and the end of the season.

Not much should raise the confidence levels more than being involved in the EFL Cup quarter final. Tonight, they will face the EFL Cup champions Liverpool and the Saints will hope to prove a point.

The two sides have faced each other already this season. In the Premier League match, the Saints were ahead of Liverpool but defensive mistakes saw the Reds claw it back and win the game.

Predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool

GK - Aaron Ramsdale. Starting off between the sticks, Aaron Ramsdale is expected to come back into the fray for the Saints. It will come as a welcomed boost to the Saints, who have missed his impeccable presence between the sticks.

RWB - Yukinari Sugawara. Had a brilliant start to the season. He might have fallen off slightly when the Saints did but he's one player who could benefit from the change in direction.

CB - Kyle Walker-Peters. The always professional KWP is best-placed to start in this game. He has played in a back-three before, so he can slot into this position to form a strong core for the Saints.

CB - Jan Bednarek. Games like this call for experienced players such as Jan Bednarek. He has played in many important games for the Saints, so this is another day at the office for the Poland international.

CB - Taylor Harwood-Bellis. THB will undoubtedly feel dejected after Russell Martin left. However, he should aim to do his former mentor proud with a solid performance against the league leaders.

LWB - Ryan Manning. Didn't look great against Tottenham (but then again, who did?). However, Manning will almost certainly keep his place, after only playing just over an hour at the weekend.

CM - Lesley Ugochukwu. It's unlikely he'll be a Saint beyond January but Ugochukwu has already made three starts in the EFL Cup this season, so he should start again for Southampton.

CM - Mateus Fernandes. In a season of ups and downs, Fernandes has been one of the most consistent performers. Southampton need to start him, no ifs or buts.

CM - Tyler Dibling. Had an excellent performance against Liverpool when he last played them, so he will be eager to build on the momentum there.

ST - Paul Onuachu. Tall Paul should look to build on his Southampton stature post Martin. He can be a staple player and he oozes individual quality, so let's hope for a bright display from him.

ST - Adam Armstrong. Southampton need to rely on a goal-scorer and if last season is anything to go by, then Adam Armstrong can be that guy. He just needs to find his lucky boots.


Predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Dibling; Onuachu, Armstrong