Southampton’s ideal XI following the January window

Southampton produced another excellent display to deservedly beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield on Wednesday and in turn reach the League Cup final.

The Saints led 1-0 from the first leg thanks to Nathan Redmond’s goal, and they once again produced a solid and energetic defensive performance to thwart Jurgen Klopp’s men at Anfield.

The only goal of the game came on the break when substitute Shane Long rifled home from just inside the box, sending the 3,500 Southampton fans who made the long trip up to Merseyside into raptures at the prospect of the club’s first major final since 2003, and only the second League Cup final in their history.

Claude Puel’s men will await the winners of the second semi-final between Hull and Manchester United this evening, but for now they turn their attentions to the FA Cup this weekend, where they host Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, whom they knocked out in the League Cup back in November.

Nonetheless, although things are going well for the Saints at the moment, they did suffer a few frustrating defeats over the festive period, and many feel that Puel needs to strengthen his squad in the winter window in an attempt to record a fourth successive top half finish in the Premier League.

And, having been linked with many players in recent weeks, here is what the IDEAL Southampton XI could look like come the end of the month…