Southampton travel to Arsenal in the EFL Cup quarter-final on Wednesday evening as they look to book a place in the semi-final for the first time since the 1986-87 season, where they lost to Tottenham, who were eventually beaten by Saints opponents on Wednesday in the final.

Claude Puel has already taken his side to The Emirates once this season, where they were beaten by a controversial late penalty after a spirited performance in North London.

The south coast side go into the EFL Cup tie off the back of a surprisingly comfortable win over fromer manager Ronald Koeman and his struggling Everton side, thanks to a goal from Charlie Austin after just 41 seconds.

With his side still fighting on all fronts, with a crucial Europa League clash against Iraeli outfit Harpoel Be’er Sheva to consider next Thursday, after a visit to Crystal Palace in the league, Puel will be consideing changes to his side for the ecounter with Arsene Wenger’s side.

However, there are many arguments as to why the Saints need to go all out to win the EFL Cup this season, and here are THREE of them…

Stay in Europe

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The Saints are thoroughly enjoying their time in Europe this seaosn, which is a refreshing sight consideing that they are playing in the Europa League, a competition often frowned upon by so many.

However, should they want to be playing in Europe again next season, the way the league is currently set, they’re going to have to either win it and earn a spot in the Champions League, or lift the EFL Cup, and – no disrespect – the latter is far more likely.

Well overdue

Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

The south coast side, whose last piece of silverware is the 2010 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, are well and truly overdue a cup run.

They came close in 2003 when Arsenal beat Gordon Strachan’s Southampton side 1-0 in the FA Cup final in Cardiff, however that was the last real run in a major cup for the St. Mary’s faithful. It’s about time another came along.

Symbol of progress

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The Saints have been on an incredible rise over the last six years, from the doldrums of League One in 2009 to European football at St. Mary’s two seasons on the trot, technically.

Despite their remarkable rise, the fans on the south coast will desperate want something tangible to show for it, some silverware to celebrate. A League Cup win could be the start of a real successful spell for the Saints.