Liverpool fans here in the Tavern seem to be a happy bunch right now but after this week’s draw against Plymouth Argyle in the cup, it’s clear some improvement is needed in their ranks going forward.

Jurgen Klopp selected an extremely inexperienced side for the game against the League Two leaders and after the game, came under fire for his weakened team selection on the day.

The likes of Alexander-Arnold, Ojo, Ejaria and Woodburn were all given starts against the Pilgrims but struggled to breakthrough their sturdy defence on the day, despite their monumental amount of possession on the day.

But the Reds are back in cup action this week and this time, they’re coming up against Southampton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

There’s been plenty of debate in the pub amongst the fans as to who should start the game, especially after the struggles this week.

So with that in mind, here’s our Liverpool XI that we think think will demolish Southampton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday…

GK: Loris Karius

Loris Karius started the game against Plymouth earlier this week and manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed the young German will start the game on Wednesday evening against Southampton.

He had very little to do against the Pilgrims but he’ll be looking to produce another strong display in order to push his way back into Klopp’s first-team plans.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

A number of the squad came in for some pretty hefty criticism after the 0-0 draw with Plymouth Argyle, but one of the better performers on the day was young right-back Trent Alexander-Armstrong.

He’s got a hefty yard of pace going down that right-hand side and has a decent delivery from set-pieces too.

Deserves to keep his place in the side.

CB: Ragnar Klavan

Estonian international Ragnar Klavan was left on the bench for the game against Plymouth but we’re expecting Liverpool to face a much sterner test against the Saints on Wednesday evening.

Klavan has filled in well when required this season and he’s going to be a strong choice to slot in at centre-halve for the game against Southampton.

CB: Lucas Leiva

Brazilian veteran Lucas Leiva was the oldest member of the Liverpool side for the game against Plymouth, and after deflecting some age-related jokes that were running around the pub, most people got over the fact he was one of the better players on the pitch.

He brings bags of experience to this Liverpool side and say what you like, he’s normally pretty consistent wherever he plays on the park.

LB: Alberto Moreno

Cup action has given Jurgen Klopp the chance to rest James Milner after his busy start to the campaign and in the Spaniard, they have a decent left-back option when things are getting hectic.

He came in for his fair share of criticism earlier on in the campaign but seems to have tightened up his defensive game over the past couple of months.

CDM: Emre Can

In Jordan Henderson’s absence, Emre Can has come into the side and done a pretty decent job.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man is pretty solid in the middle-of-the-park and gives the defence good protection, especially when the forward players in the side race forward.

He’s got a little bit of work to do to hone his game but the signs are looking promising for another strong season ahead.

CDM: Georginio Wijnaldum

Former Newcastle man Georginio Wijnaldum has really come into his own in the past couple of months, and we can now see why Liverpool paid so much to secure his services from the Toon this summer.

He had his fair share of criticism when he first joined the club but he now looks like a seriously solid cog in Jurgen Klopp’s new-look midfield.

RM: Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino will more than likely come back into the side for the game against the Saints, after taking a place on the bench for the tie against Plymouth.

The Brazilian has been at the heart of lots of Liverpool’s good play this season and his creativity going forward has caused plenty of team’s problems already this campaign.

CAM: Adam Lallana

Another man we’re expecting to return to the first-team side for the game on Wednesday evening, Adam Lallana is another Liverpool man who has been superb so far this season.

The punters here in the pub think he’ll be relishing a tie against his former side and we have to agree- getting one over on your former employers is never a bad thing in the slightest.

LM: Sheyi Ojo

One of the more “senior” youngster Liverpool are trying to push through into the senior side this season, the potential Sheyi Ojo is displaying is making plenty of Reds fans here in the Tavern seriously excited indeed.

The academy starlet has an extremely bright future ahead of him and watching his continued development is exciting stuff indeed.

ST: Divock Origi

Belgian striker Divock Origi is doing everything he can to impress manager Jurgen Klopp, and it’s clear that he’s going to be a big player in the German’s squad this season.

He’s packed on quite a bit of muscle since joining the club last season and is looking a better player week-after-week.

A couple of goals in the game against the Saints would do his confidence no harm in the slightest.