Southampton manager Claude Puel takes his side to Anfield on Wednesday night for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

The Saint take a 1-0 first leg lead to Merseyside thanks to a well executed finish from Nathan Redmond, although the former Norwich man could have easily bagged a hat-trick.

The French manager, who watched his side dispatch champions Leicester 3-0 at the weekend, will know that if they avoid conceding more than one then a place in the February final at Wembley is theirs.

Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to see his side turn the tie on it’s head, having lost in the final to Manchester City in his first season at the club.

Both sides have had packed schedules in the last two months, with FA Cup replays, the League Cup and Premier League to handle.

With that in mind Puel has been chopping and changing from game-to-game, and that is likely to continue at Anfield.

Here are THREE Saints players the Frenchman should drop on Wednesday night…

Dusan Tadic

The Serbian completed a rare 90 minutes against the champions on Sunday, scoring a late penalty to put the game out of the reach of Ranieri’s side.

With Claude Puel seemingly of the opinion that the former FC Twente man can’t often complete a full game, expect to see the playmaker on the bench at Anfield.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

The summer signing worked hard in the middle against Leicester, but missed a succession of chances firing wide when he had the chance to go for goal.

The Denmark international will be keen to change that but may well find himself on the bench as Puel opts for the more conservative Jordy Clasie against Liverpool.

Jay Rodriguez

The one-time England international bagged the Saints’ second goal of the afternoon against the Foxes at St. Mary’s on Sunday, but may be sacrificed on Wednesday evening.

The former Burnley man could fall out in place of the hardworking Shane Long, who could be utilised to harry the Liverpool midfield and back four when they’re on the ball.