The countdown to Wembley is well under way with fan frenzy building ahead of one of the biggest matches in Saints’ 132-year history.

Claude Puel’s men will take to the Wembley turf on Sunday to take on Manchester United in the League Cup final, with fans ready to descend in their tens of thousands to the capital.

Fans are gearing up for Saints’ first major final in 14 years by buying new kit at the St Mary’s stadium shop ahead of their journey to Wembley.

Alan Galpin, 37, a health insurance worker from Shirley has his ticket and will be travelling down on Sunday morning with partner Kitty.

Alan said: “I’ve been a Southampton fan all my life and this is one of the greatest days I’ve been a fan for. My father and brother are season ticket holders and I used to be up until a few years ago.

“It would mean so much to everyone connected with the club to bring home a trophy, and I’m thinking it will be 2-1 to the Saints.”

With around 30,000 tickets allocated to the club, thousands more fans are expected to travel despite not being lucky enough to secure a ticket.

Other supporters will be glued to their televisions, eager to see Saints secure their first major trophy since the FA Cup in 1976.

Gareth Barnes and his son Lewis will be two of those fans cheering on their side from in front of the TV.

Gareth, 42, from Bitterne said: “I wasn’t fortunate enough to get my hands on a ticket. We’ll be watching at home, hoping the club can update itself a little bit and get some silverware.

“It’d be nice to win a trophy and move the club on.”

Lewis, 11, said: “I think it will be 1-0 to the Saints – Gabbiadini to get the winner!”

Fans from outside of the city will also be cheering on the side against United in the sold-out final.

Dane Spencer, 26, is from Portsmouth, but has been a life-long Saints fan after his father was born in the city.

Dane, a sales worker said: “It would mean everything to win, I’m so excited for Sunday, I just can’t wait.

“None of my friends are Southampton fans being from where I’m from, but I don’t care now, it’s just friendly banter.

“I remember the build-up to the 2003 FA Cup final and that was also just crazy. I’m hoping for a 1-0 score line. If we can get an early goal, hopefully we can protect it just like we did against Liverpool.”