Southampton host Liverpool in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, and will be desperate to pick up a positive result after a disastrous few weeks.

Claude Puel’s side haven’t won since a trip to Bournemouth on 18th December, and saw Steven Naismith snatch a late equaliser at Carrow Road in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Saints have not reached the final of the League Cup since the 1970s and picked up their last major trophy in 1976, when they won the FA Cup.

With the last addition to their trophy cabinet being the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2010, the St. Mary’s faithful will be desperate to see a strong side named against Jurgen Klopp’s men, who were held to a 0-0 draw on the south coast earlier this season, in the hope of turning their fortunes around.

The Saints boss has already confirmed that wantaway defender Jose Fonte will not be involved on the night as speculation around his future continues to rumble on.

With that in mind, here are TWO players who should be dropped by the Frenchman on Wednesday night and the TWO who should replace them…

OUT: Harrison Reed

The young midfielder has shown promising signs once again this season, however, in a game of such magnitude and with the side in such poor form, he should sit out this one.

The Englishman was hauled off at half-time in the final win at Bournemouth, replaced by Steven Davis who changed the game in Saints’ favour.

IN: Oriol Romeu

Aside from Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, the former Chelsea man has been the Saints’ best player this season, holding everything together in the middle and providing excellent cover for the back four.

That cover will be vital against the attacking force of Liverpool, with the Southampton back line currently unsettled in the wake of Jose Fonte’s transfer request.

OUT: Shane Long

There are few strikers who work harder for their side than Shane Long.

The former Reading and West Brom man is the fastest recorded player in the Premier League this season, however, he is not in form this season.

The Ireland international notched his first goal of the season on New Year’s Eve, a header against West Brom, and whilst the whole side have been struggling in front of goal this season, Claude Puel will need someone more assured.

IN: Jay Rodriguez

The injury plagued Saints striker looked to have turned a corner with a brace in the win over Bournemouth and, with Charlie Austin still sidelined, is the most confident option the south coast side have to lead the line.

If the former Burnley man can show the desire and drive he displayed after his first goal against the Cherries then the Liverpool back line will have something to think about.