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Predicted Southampton line-up to face Sheffield United in EFL Cup tie

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton is challenged by Declan Rice of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton is challenged by Declan Rice of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Southampton are back in EFL Cup action on Tuesday evening and will be looking to get past the stern test provided by Sheffield United.

This was a Premier League fixture last season and Saints claimed two straight-forward victories but Ralph Hasenhuttl will be putting his management skills to the test against Slavisa Jokanovic instead of Chris Wilder this time around.

The Blades are currently in a mid-table position in the Championship and Saints are yet to find a league win so both could benefit from some momentum gained from a cup run.

It remains to be seen how many changes will be made by the respective teams for the midweek clash but Saints will be keen to give some of their second-choice group a go.

Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Southampton could hand starts to Broja, Tella and Lyanco

After a tough game against Manchester City on Saturday, Ralph Hasenhuttl could switch things up to keep his team looking fresh and competitive.

Fraser Forster could be given a start in goal with Alex McCarthy clearly the number one at the moment and Yan Valery could also come back in after fairly heavy game time for Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters in the recent past.

Romain Perraud could start as the left-back, whilst Jan Bednarek could retain his place in the team and be partnered by Lyanco at centre-back. James Ward-Prowse is probably due a rest but will be needed in central-midfield, with Ibrahima Diallo fresh having not started recently.

Nathan Tella and Moussa Djenepo were also unused at City and they could take the two number 10 roles with Armando Broja’s recent showings earning his place alongside Che Adams upfront.

Given that this game will be a step up in opposition, some other players could keep their place in the starting line-up but one eye will also be on a big home clash with Wolves on Sunday.

Predicted Saints line-up

Fraser Forster; Yan Valery, Jan Bednarek, Lyanco, Romain Perraud; James Ward-Prowse, Ibrahima Diallo; Nathan Tella, Moussa Djenepo; Armando Broja, Che Adams

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