Southampton FC predicted lineup vs Sheffield United EFL Cup

The Blades are by no means an easy walkthrough, but they had started their league season off in difficult fashion.  

Seven points from their last three results have seen them turn that around, with crucial victories over Peterborough and Hull City sandwiching a point from Preston North End midweek seeing them rise from the relegation zone to mid-table.

But Saints have had difficult games since the international break with two 0-0 draws, and there is no doubt Ralph Hasenhuttl will want to rotate as he did in the second round 8-0 demolition of League Two Newport County.

Moi Elyounoussi (right) scored a hattrick in the second round of this year's EFL Cup (Pic: PA)

With Wolves up next on Sunday in the Premier League, an injury to Jack Stephens means we could see a Saints debut handed out to someone who has already cut themselves a popular figure.

Saints’ team vs Manchester City was difficult to predict as imagined but I was correct in saying Hasenhuttl would revert back to his usual 4-2-2-2, and that will remain the case again in Sheffield.

Here’s our full predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper

Cup keeper Fraser Forster will get another go inbetween the sticks, after Alex McCarthy has started every league game of the season. The ex-Celtic giant was not particularly busy against Newport and may have a bit more to do in contest with the Blades.

It looks as though Fraser Forster's Premier League career with Saints is coming to an end (Pic: PA)

Defence

As mentioned, Stephens’ injury means Hasenhuttl has three centre-backs to choose from and I’m opting with heart over head and saying we’ll be treated to a Lyanco debut. The Brazilian joined from Torino in the summer and it’s a perfect opportunity to give the “long-term project” a taste of what’s to come. After Mohammed Salisu didn’t start against City, despite being subbed on early, I think that indicates that he will partner him – although Jan Bednarek started the last cup game.

The full-backs will be rotated, meaning Yan Valery and Romain Perraud will get a start, after the Frenchman was dropped to the bench in favour of Kyle Walker-Peters on Saturday.

Defender Lyanco hasn't made it off the bench since his summer arrival (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse became only the ninth player in history to make 100 consecutive Premier League appearances at the weekend, and he will follow that up again another competition with the armband. Impressive youngster Ibrahima Diallo will give Oriol Romeu a chance to rest alongside the captain.

The wingers are a bit tricker to choose, always, but I am going to opt for Moi Elyounoussi again after his hattrick vs Newport – despite starting all games since, along with a return for Moussa Djenepo, who was dropped for the City contest for the first time in the league this season.

Moussa Djenepo didn't feature at the weekend (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Attackers

Nathan Tella was given a start vs Newport and I expect him to get the same opportunity again, but perhaps in a more advanced role this time. Nathan Redmond started in the last round but has played plenty since and hasn’t really impressed. Armando Broja deserves Saints minutes and will get some from the off again in the cup, looking to follow up on his debut brace.

Armando Broja has impressed fans in his limited game time, and will want to make another mark in the EFL Cup (Pic: Stuart Martin)

How do you think Saints will line up? Tell us in the comments below...

FULL TEAM