League Cup finalists Southampton host Arsenal this evening (5.30pm kick-off) in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Claude Puel’s side completed a sensational semi-final victory over Liverpool in midweek by winning 1-0 at Anfield, with Shane Long’s late goal sending the Saints through 2-0 on aggregate.

It means that they will play Manchester United in the final after Jose Mourinho’s men got the better of Hull on Thursday night, although both have key games to worry about before the Wembley showpiece.

The Saints return to cup action this evening when Arsene Wenger’s Gunners visit St Mary’s, with the two already having met in a domestic cup competition this season, with Puel’s men winning 2-0 at the Emirates in the League Cup quarter-final.

With both teams having won their last few matches, it should be an intriguing cup tie on the South Coast this evening, and thus we’ve analysed the THREE key battles that could decide who progresses into the last 16…

Jay Rodriguez v Laurent Koscielny

Jay Rodriguez scored his first goal of 2017 in Southampton’s 3-0 win over Leicester last weekend, and then produced a solid display upfront in their stunning victory at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Puel has placed his faith in the England international having seen Charlie Austin dislocate his shoulder last month, with Rodriguez regularly preferred to Irish striker Shane Long.

And, despite Long’s fine goal in the win at Anfield on Wednesday, you’d expect Rodriguez to keep his place in the side for the visit of Arsenal, which means that he’ll likely pit his wits against Gunners captain Laurent Koscielny.

The French international has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League over recent seasons, and has continued his fine form at the back this season alongside Shkodran Mustafi.

Wenger often makes changes for the cup competitions, but with Southampton on a high and having already beaten the Gunners this season, the Arsenal boss should name a strong line-up at St Mary’s, so expect Koscielny and Rodgriuez to battle it out tonight.

Ryan Bertrand v Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott looks set to return from injury against his former club this evening, and he’ll hope that he can get back to his dizzy heights from earlier in the campaign.

The England international, who missed out on selection for the European Championships last summer, netted eight goals in 16 Premier League games prior to injury, with his latest goal coming in the 2-1 win over Manchester City on December 18.

He hasn’t played for the club since then, yet is expected to return to the starting eleven this weekend which could see him face fellow England international Ryan Bertrand.

The former Chelsea man has been in great form for the Saints this season, and has been a regular part of the Southampton backline that has conceded just 26 goals in the league thus far.

With Walcott’s pace always a massive threat, it’ll be interesting to see how much Bertrand decides to get forward as, although he himself is quick, he cannot be giving Walcott a head-start on the flanks.

The same can be said of Walcott, who will have to do his defensive duties well to help out Hector Bellerin, as Bertrand does enjoy getting forward and getting crosses into the box.

It’ll be a fascinating battle between the two this evening.

Maya Yoshida v Olivier Giroud

With Virgil van Dijk ruled out through injury, Maya Yoshida will be the senior centre-back in the Saints defence this evening.

And that means that he’ll have to take the lead by marking and thwarting in-form Olivier Giroud at St Mary’s.

The French striker has scored five goals in his last six appearances for the Gunners, and has done enough in Wenger’s eyes to push Alexis Sanchez further back into midfield, as opposed to the more advanced role he played earlier in the season.

Giroud is excellent in the air and will chase down lost causes, so it’s imperative that Yoshida, who has started all seven of Southampton’s games in 2017, is composed and well aware of Giroud’s movement in the final third.

Winning this battle will be key in deciding the outcome tonight.