Fresh off their semi-final victory over Liverpool in the League Cup in midweek, the Southampton fans here in the Transfer Tavern are absolutely buzzing with excitement.

Shane Long’s late goal put the seal on a 2-0 aggregate win for the Saints, and it was no more than they deserved over the two legs.

A trip to Wembley is now on the cards, but this weekend, attention turns to the FA Cup, where Claude Puel’s men must take on an always impressive Arsenal side.

Much of the talk over at the pool table around this game has bene if Puel will make any changes to the midweek winning team over Liverpool, or whether he could freshen it up.

Our landlord thinks Puel could give a couple of players a starting berth this weekend, and we agree.

With that in mind, here are TWO players we think Puel must start against Arsenal today…

Shane Long

The Irishman came off the bench at the halfway mark and was impressive in the second half for the Saints.

He got his reward late on, netting the crucial goal which gave Southampton an unassailable 2-0 lead over the two legs, and sent them on their way to Wembley.

Long deserves to get the nod this weekend, where he will be hoping to carry his momentum from midweek into the game.

Oriel Romeu

A man of the match performance against Liverpool means Romeu simply must be in the team once again this weekend.

The Spaniard has been an inspirational signing for Southampton, following a poor spell at fellow Premier League team Chelsea.

He is now one of the first names on the team sheet, and simply must start once again this weekend when the Saints take on the Gunners.