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EFL Cup final tactics: Danny Higginbotham previews Manchester United v Southampton

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Danny Higginbotham analyses the key tactical trends in Sunday’s EFL Cup final between Manchester United and Southampton

Manchester United take on Southampton in the EFL Cup final live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon, but where will the game be won and lost?

Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated Wembley encounter, Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham has provided his expert tactical preview of the game.

The former defender explains how Manchester United could exploit the gaps behind Southampton's defence, with the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford running beyond Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Higginbotham also discusses the role of United's "unsung hero" Antonio Valencia, whose overlapping runs on the right will make life difficult for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand.

As well as analysing United's attacking threat, Higginbotham also assesses Southampton, with a particular focus on new signing Manolo Gabbiadini, who has netted three goals in his first two appearances for Claude Puel's side.

Live EFL Cup Final

"There are a lot of tactical battles that will unfold during the game," said Higginbotham. "I do fancy Manchester United to win it, but you just never know on the day."

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Watch Danny Higginbotham's tactical preview above and tune in to the EFL Cup final from 3.45pm on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday.

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