It’s been a season of ups and downs for our resident Saints fans in the Transfer Tavern, whilst their league and European form has been inconsistent, their domestic cup for has been exceptional and Claude Puel’s men will be looking to continue this against Arsenal come Saturday.

With the loss of Jose Fonte to West Ham, our Landlord believes the south coast club will rally as they do every time they seem to lose a key member of their squad and Arsenal will have to be wary of a resurgent Saints side.

They meet a Gunners side that they have had recent success over in the EFL cup with first half goals from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand knocking the Gunners out, however, with Arsenal’s recent history in the FA Cup – the Gunners will not be taking this game lightly.

With that said, Arsene Wenger’s men will have to wary of this Southampton XI come Saturday…

GK: Harry Lewis

The young goalkeeper played both games against Norwich in the last round and will more than likely keep his place here.

RB: Cuco Martina

Martina has been backup to Cedric Soares for most of the season but should get his chance in the cup, having scored a wonderful goal against the Gunners in his career.

Needs to prove he’s far more than that.

CB: Maya Yoshida

Yoshida has enjoyed a run in the Saints’ first team of late following Fonte’s departure and looks increasingly assured in central defence, despite some reasonably shaky performances over the years in red and white.

CB: Jack Stephens

The young CB is the latest product of Southampton’s prestigious academy and should play here as the Saints won’t be able to rely on key man, Virgil van Dijk, who picked up an injury in the 3-0 win v Leicester last weekend.

He sure has big boots to fill, though the Saints’ academy players usually come through.

LB: Ryan Bertrand

The England left-back scored last time these two sides met and should retain his place, such is his importance in providing the Saints with balance up and down the left flank.

CM: Jordy Clasie

Clasie has found himself being rotated with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in recent weeks and will be looking to emulate his goalscoring performance against Arsenal in the EFL Cup, though needs to offer far more to prove he’s worth a regular starting berth.

CM: Harrison Reed

Puel will look to rest regular Oriol Romeu which may open the door for Harrison Reed in the Saints’ midfield. Things have stalled for the midfielder since his debut almost two years ago, though there is little doubt he boasts a huge amount of quality.

CM: James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse has shown his worth to Claude Puel’s side this season with a string of impressive performances and he will look to make an impact against Arsenal. Wonderful from set-pieces, the England U21 skipper will be tasked with unlocking the Gunners’ defence.

RM: Josh Sims

The young 19-year-old will continue his development by playing in these early cup fixtures for the Saints. With Arsenal likely to push up the field, the youngster (who recently penned a new deal with the club) can use his searing pace to catch the Gunners on the break.

ST: Jay Rodriguez

Following his goal against Leicester last weekend, Rodriguez will be looking for a run of games in order to prove his goal scoring worth to Claude Puel. Seems to be improving with every passing game, he’ll be looking to continue his recovery from a horrible injury.

LM: Dusan Tadic

An important player to Southampton’s attacking prowess, though Tadic scored in the 3-0 win v Leicester, he has been a shadow of the form our Saints fans in the Transfer Tavern are accustomed to.