SAINTS supporters will await team news for their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool with interest amid a change of manager.

Russell Martin was sacked following Sunday's 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and under-21s coach Simon Rusk has been placed in interim charge.

With an opportunity to reach the final four of a major competition, Rusk is likely to name as strong a side as possible against Arne Slot's depleted Reds.

But Rusk - whose only previous senior management spell was with National League Stockport County - taking control introduces the unknown.

READ MORE: Saints manager latest: What we know about hunt for new boss

It is anyone's guess, so leave yours in the comments, but this is how we think the 43 year old will line up his Saints side for the first time...

Interim manager Simon Rusk will name a strong teamInterim manager Simon Rusk will name a strong team (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)

Goalkeeper

Summer signing Aaron Ramsdale said last week he hopes to be fit for this one but if it still comes too early, Alex McCarthy should deputise.

Aaron Ramsdale has been out of action since the November international breakAaron Ramsdale has been out of action since the November international break (Image: Adam Davy/PA)

Defenders

Rusk has typically deployed a four-at-the-back system with the youth team so Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek should be chosen.

Kyle Walker-Peters was extremely poor against Tottenham but is a starter and Ryan Manning was a Martin signing but the club's best left-sider.

Kyle Walker-Peters endured a difficult evening against SpursKyle Walker-Peters endured a difficult evening against Spurs

Midfielders

Rusk played a three with two attacking midfielders last time out in Premier League 2 but will likely choose a more conventional double-pivot.

Flynn Downes is nailed on, Adam Lallana could be an important on-pitch conduit for the dugout and Joe Aribo offers something a bit different.

Adam Lallana was back in the squad on SundayAdam Lallana was back in the squad on Sunday (Image: Stuart Martin)

Attackers

Adam Armstrong is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the competition, meaning Cameron Archer should be restored to the lineup.

Paul Onuachu is still returning from injury but could start. If he doesn't, Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes could be given wide roles.

Tyler Dibling has become the side's chief creatorTyler Dibling has become the side's chief creator

Full Saints predicted team

(4-2-3-1) Ramsdale; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Lallana, Dibling, Aribo, Fernandes; Archer.