Who Should Replace Fonte Against Liverpool ?

The big question amongst Saints supporters is who should replace the injured Jose Fonte for the important cup tie against Liverpool.

Jose Fonte has been an integral part of the Saints central defence since their return to the Premier league in 2012, he has had many partners, but he has been a constant in the side.

Now he is set to miss the important Capital One Cup game against Liverpool and the big question is who does Ronald Koeman bring in to replace him.

A week ago it might have been more clear cut, Yoshida would have been the obvious choice from the point of view he has had game time, but at Manchester City the forgotten man of St Mary's came in and put in a display that must surely put him in line for a place in the starting line up.

That man is Steven Caulker who strangely has rarely played since joining on loan from QPR in the summer, Caulker had spent the previous 3 seasons as a regular in the Premier League for Swansea on loan, Cardiff and then QPR, in the last two seasons he was a virtual ever present.

That form had earned him an England cap and he looked to be continuing that form at St Mary's, but strangely it didn't happen and despite some promising performances early in the campaign he disappeared from view for two months before returning in the last round of the Capital One Cup against Aston Villa.

Since then he had 1 minute up at Sunderland before coming on at Manchester City ten minutes before half time for Fonte, he put in a strong performance and perhaps now is the time to let him show what he can do.

There must have been an off the field reason for his absence, but Yoshida for all his loyalty is not the answer and Saints need a strong defence on Wednesday night.

Caulker can provide that as he showed in the previous 3 seasons in the Premier League.

Ronald Koeman will have to change the back four against Liverpool, the first change from Saturday should be Caulker for Fonte, the second change should be Cedric Soares for Yoshida, I don't think there are many Saints fans who would disagree with that assessment, even before Saturday's game I think most could not see why Koeman keeps preferring Yoshida to Soares.

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