Preview: Sheffield United vs. Southampton

Sheffield United will attempt to capitalise on Southampton's poor run of form when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals of the League Cup on Tuesday evening.

The home side will enter the match having lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions, with Saturday's 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town in League One leaving the club in fifth spot in the table.

Sheffield United were surprisingly knocked out of the League Cup by Burton Albion last season, but wins over Mansfield Town, West Ham United, Leyton Orient and MK Dons have booked their spot in the quarter-finals this time around.

Southampton, however, enter the match off the back of four straight defeats. A strong start to the season moved the Saints up to second in the Premier League, but they have since dropped to fifth.

At the weekend, Ronald Koeman's side lost 1-0 at Burnley, with that defeat perhaps the most disappointing during their recent run. Southampton have already beaten Arsenal in the League Cup this season, however, and will expect to advance into the final four.

Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough could make changes from the clash against Fleetwood, but Michael Higdon, who hit a double in the previous round against MK Dons, is expected to lead the attack once more.

Jose Baxter is also expected to start, but Mark McNulty will have to make do with a place on the bench.

Southampton boss Koeman, however, is not expected to make too many changes. Jake Hesketh is unavailable after picking up an injury against Burnley, but James Ward-Prowse is ready to return to the XI.

Leading scorer Graziano Pelle could be given the night off, with Shane Long starting in a central position. There could also be a change between the sticks, with Kelvin Davis due to start ahead of Fraser Forster.

Sheffield United:

Form in League Cup: LLWWWW Form in all competitions: WDDLWL

Possible starting lineup: Howard; Flynn, McCarthy, McEveley, Harris; Wallace, Doyle, Basham, Murphy; Baxter, Higdon

Southampton:

Form in League Cup: WWLWWW Form in all competitions: WDLLLL

Possible starting lineup: Davis; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Bertrand; Ward-Prowse, Davis, Wanyama; Mane, Long, Tadic

Sports Mole says: 1-3