SAINTS are just 90 minutes but at least one goal versus the best defence in the country away from a return to Wembley Stadium for the first time in nearly two years.

Nathan Jones’s side travel to Newcastle United on Tuesday, January 31 – the same day as the transfer deadline day – in the EFL Cup semi-final’s second leg.

Joelinton scored the only goal of the game in the first leg to give the Magpies a lead to defend, while goalkeeper Nick Pope has kept 10 clean sheets in succession.

Jones was able to rest the majority of his first team at the weekend thanks to a home FA Cup tie with Championship strugglers Blackpool, but Eddie Howe’s charges did not have to play at all.

Here is how we think Saints will line up at St James’ Park…

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu is likely to retain his spot as Jones’s number one but Willy Caballero was impressive on the weekend versus Blackpool. If this one heads to penalties, expect to see the Argentine.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Gavin Bazunu during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin..

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters was rested on Saturday and is going to return to the defence, along with Mohammed Salisu.

Duje Caleta-Car was not rested deliberately but rather suspended on Saturday but is due to re-enter the side, leaving just one point of deliberation.

Romain Perraud scored twice versus the Seasiders to win the game but could see himself benched for Lyanco, if Jones wants to return to a back-four he seems to have settled on. James Bree could also make a debut.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin..

Midfielders

Another selection clue was Romeo Lavia’s 86 minutes at the weekend, leaving the door open for a midfield trio of Ibrahima Diallo, Charly Alcaraz and James Ward-Prowse.

All three were rested at the weekend, with the captain out of the squad for the first time since August, and will give Jones the energy and balance he wants.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Ibrahima Diallo during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin..

Attackers

Samuel Edozie has made himself a regular starter and not only due to his raw, direct attacking, but rather due to his tactical versatility and discipline. He’ll be trusted to go both ways.

The final two players are likely to be Che Adams and Adam Armstrong, both rested again and will offer Jones hard work – they just need to fins a finishing touch.

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Full predicted team: 

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