With games coming thick and fast for Premier league teams at this time of the year, the first legs of the EFL Cup take their turn.

Hull City travel to Manchester United, while Southampton welcome Liverpool.

The saints will be without captain Jose Fonte after he handed in a transfer request last week. Fellow Captain, Jordan Henderson is out with a heel problem for Liverpool.

Yet a big plus for Jurgen Klopp is the return of Philippe Coutinho, after nearly seven weeks out with injury.

After Liverpool’s line up against Plymouth in the FA cup being unimpressive, it is unlikely many youngesters will get another chance in this game.  Looking ahead though to the weekend, Klopp will have Man United in his mind when picking his team. The likes of Alberto Morena and Emre Can are likely to feature and possibly Daniel Sturridge.

Southampton will want to take advantage of being at home and are likely to mix first teamers with youth.

 

Manchester United face Hull in what seems a one sided game.

Marco Silva has taken  over at Hull and won his first game in charge at the weekend, beating Swansea 2-0 in the FA cup, but will struggle to take anything into the second leg.

The squad at Jose Mourinho’s finger tips to choose from will demonstrate the gap between the clubs.

Wayne Rooney keeps his place, after equalling the all time scoring record for the club. Paul Pogba returns and Juan Mata features.

Mourinho will want to finish the tie of in this first leg knowing the tough fixture schedule of late.

With no other silverware likely at the moment, Man United will go for this with a strong line up and plenty of depth on the bench.

Hull City, likewise will field a strong side simply due to the lack of depth the squad has.

Robert Snodgrass will the danger man having scored in the previous round against Newcastle.

Predictions:

Southampton 1-1 Liverpool 

Man United 2-0 Hull City