Can you believe it is that time of the season again already? That's right, it is trophy time and the silverware parade begins this weekend as Manchester United face Southampton in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Formerly the Worthington Cup, the Carling Cup, the League Cup and god knows whatever else over the years (next season it is to be called the Carabao Cup of all things), it has often been dubbed unfairly as the 'mickey mouse' trophy for English clubs. However, the list winners over the past few seasons suggest otherwise, clubs are always keen to bring home the first trophy of the domestic season.

Last season's winners were Manchester City, before them were Chelsea, who took City's crown off them in 2015. In 2013 it was Swansea, and the year before Liverpool. Mickey mouse cup? Not exactly.

The final this year will be an interesting bout between two sides who have both had somewhat hit-and-miss seasons. United, who are now finding their feet under Jose Mourinho, would have been hoping for better than sixth place at the start of the season given their heavy summer investments, though a domestic trophy may just save the Portuguese's bacon.

Southampton again have impressed following the loss of a number of their key players and manager Ronald Koeman, yet have been wildly inconsistent under new boss Claude Puel. Again, a domestic trophy this season would be considered a great success.

All is set for an interesting duel, with both sides desperate to bring home some silverware. Here are the three key battles for the final ...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. Maya Yoshida

Southampton had, until recently, one of the most revered centre-half partnerships in English football in the form of Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk. That, however, is existent no longer.

With Fonte having left for West Ham during the January transfer window and Van Dijk now injured for what is likely to be the rest of the season, the Saints have had to look elsewhere for their defensive soldiers.

Maya Yoshida has been the man to step to the challenge so far, and has generally not disappointed, though will come up against his biggest task yet this weekend in the form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The talismanic Swede will cause trouble all afternoon for the back four of Southampton, and if he is up to his usual tricks, he is likely to find the scoresheet too. Yoshida will have to put in the performance of a lifetime to keep Ibra quiet.

Manolo Gabbiadini vs. Eric Bailly

While United have Ibra, Southampton have found themselves their own talisman at the forefront of their attack too in January signing Manolo Gabbiadini.

The Italian forward - who joined from Napoli at the end of last month - has had a brilliant start to his Saints' career, scoring three times in his opening game making him, ironically, the first player to do so for their new club since Zlatan Ibrahimovic who did the same at the beginning of the season for United.

The nifty striker could be the key to Southampton's success this weekend, and will give United defender Eric Bailly a lot to think about at Wembley.

His clever movement and slight footwork could prove to be too much for the Ivorian defender who has a tendency to dive into what some would call rash (others would call outrageous) challenges.

Juan Mata vs. Oriel Romeu

The two former Chelsea men will produce one of the most subtle, yet interesting battles of this weekend's final.

Mata has been to United's rescue this season far more often few would have imagined considering his history with Mourinho, and his fine form recently means he is likely to be the lynchpin in United's midfield for the final.

Keeping him quiet, especially in front of goal, is no easy feat, though it is his former Blues team-mate Oriel Romeu who is likely to have the unfortunate task of doing so.

It is extremely difficult to mark a man who goes about his business so deftly, so Romeu will have to be at his best throughout the ninety minutes if he is to stop the little Spaniard from influencing the game as he does so often.