The most popular narrative that surrounds the EFL Cup these days centres around one man and one man alone, Jose Mourinho. While the competition has a history long preceding the arrival of the self-proclaimed 'Special One' on these shores, we so often hear about just how much he loves it.

And why not? It represents an early chance to bank some silverware in the English footballing calendar, building momentum for the rest of the campaign. In fact, even United's recent history with it has been a positive one, with the 2006 final against Wigan widely regarded as the coming of age for Sir Alex Ferguson's last great team, as a young double act of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney impressed.

[ad_pod id='now-tv' align='centre']

Still, with so much talk about the Portuguese's affinity for the League Cup, it's easy to forget they actually have a game against a side who've proved so impressive in it this season. Indeed, Southampton's indifferent league form has been put on the back burner in this competition, a realm in which the Saints have proved entirely dominant.

Yet to concede and having only played Premier League teams, they've been formidable on their run to Wembley, culminating in a famous win at Anfield sure to live long in the memory.

As important as this game is for Mourinho in his rebuild of the Red Devils, Sunday's showpiece is vital for those on the south coast. Jamie Carragher recently spoke of the need for Tottenham - now managed by former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino, of course - to win a trophy in order to truly celebrate what is an exciting period at White Hart Lane. Well, that's the same at Southampton.

An example to clubs around Europe, their rise up the leagues has been a joy to watch for many, largely conducting their business in the right fashion despite an annual gutting in the summer transfer window. They're a nice club, inoffensive and indicative of how teams can see success over a sustained period when relying on a world class academy system, as well as some astute additions.

However, to truly consolidate their meteoric progress in the last few years, they need a trophy. That's not to say the club would crumble with a loss. Not in the slightest. They've been too good for too long for that to happen, though if they are to hit the next level, lifting the League Cup at Mourinho's expense would be the best platform to build upon.

Hitting a glass ceiling in the Premier League is a very dangerous game indeed. Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Swansea City have all failed to embark on the kind of upward trajectory that strong Premier League seasons at various points had positioned them for, only to fall further down the league until they were deeply entrenched in the treacherous waters of relegation battles.

Again, Southampton are in no danger of being relegated this season. Probably not next, though hitting the wall brings with it a sense of fear. Which is exactly why they need this as much as United.

As good as they've been in this competition (in fact, their formidable record should be celebrated far more than it currently is), Puel is yet wholly to convince in Hampshire. Granted, he's had a ludicrously busy season laid at his door during his first season managng outside of France, though the constant tinkering with team selection and rather feeble Europa League exit represent sources of frustration.

Clearly, it's not as if he's under any immediate danger and perhaps it seems strange to criticise a man who could become only the second Saints boss in history to win a major trophy, though Claudio Ranieri will tell you all about the kind of time even the most sensational succes stories can bring.

There's a reason why Jose Mourinho loves the EFL Cup. It's because winning it can bring even more success further along the road. Losing, though, would see Southampton blow their best chance of sealing the best period in their recent history with a genuine trophy. This is not a free hit.

[ad_pod id='Shoot-Xmas-Survey' align='left']

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']