The ardent Southampton supporters have gathered here in the Transfer Tavern this morning to fill themselves with ale ahead of the Saints’ eagerly anticipated EFL Cup Final against Manchester United.

It is several years since the club from the south coast have taken their place in a major final and their loyal supporters are going to enjoy their day in the Tavern regardless of whether the team wins or loses the game.

United will be firm favourites for the contest but in dispatching Liverpool in the semi-final, Southampton proved that they can mix it with the better sides in the Premier League.

A younger Saints fan is sat playing on the games machine whilst sinking his fourth pint of the morning and he believes that today will be the proudest moment in his life as a Southampton supporter and he is determined to relish the occasion.

Ahead of the game Lee Clarke looks at two players who should be used as impact subs by Claude Puel.

Jay Rodriguez

The forward has had a somewhat disjointed campaign when it comes to regular first-team football and he could be forced to take a place on the bench at Wembley this weekend.

That said, Rodriguez is a talented individual and although he might not start Sunday’s game, he could certainly make an impact on the tie, particularly if the Saints are still in the contest going into the last half an hour.

Shane Long

The Republic of Ireland international didn’t start the second leg win over Liverpool at Anfield, although he still came on and scored the winner to seal the Saints’ Wembley date with Manchester United.

Long is a quality finisher and some Saints fans here in the Tavern believe that he should start the game, although many concede that he probably won’t.

One Southampton supporters is necking a cheeky shot of tequila and he believes that Long should start every game for the club given his quality, although he concedes that he is likely to be on the bench for Sunday’s massive fixture.