Saints know they will face a Premier League side if they can make it through to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup after an evening devoid of shocks.

Regardless of tomorrow night's result against Liverpool at St Mary’s, the last four of the competition will be an all top flight affair after Manchester City, Everton and Stoke all won through in routine fashion.

The biggest winners of the evening were City, who followed up their 3-1 home victory over Saints with a 4-0 win over Championship side Hull at the Etihad Stadium.

They looked in control throughout after Wilfried Bony gave them a 12th minute lead.

They sealed the tie in the second period with Kelechi Ihenacho bagging a goal and Kevin De Bruyne a brace inside the final ten minutes. Andrew Robertson bagged a consolation.

Everton and Stoke also beat Championship opposition, both notching up 2-0 scorelines.

The Toffees scored twice in the space of eight first half minutes to set up their victory away to Middlesbrough.

Gerard Deulofeu got them on their way on 20 minutes before Romelu Lukaku gave Roberto Martinez’s side a comfortable cushion to defend for the remainder of the game.

It was also serene progress to the last four for Stoke, who defeated Sheffield Wednesday at the Britannia Stadium.

Ibrahim Afellay set them on their way on the half hour mark, before Phil Bardsley added another in the second half.

The semi-final draw takes place after the conclusion of tonight’s game between Saints and Liverpool.