Southampton players train ahead of their EFL Cup final showdown with Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon

SOUTHAMPTON’S stars have been training hard ahead of their EFL Cup final showdown against Manchester United on Sunday.

One player who looked particularly sprightly was Manolo Gabbiadini – who looks set to start the clash at Wembley, despite not featuring in any of the previous rounds.

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The former Napoli man, 25, only joined Claude Puel‘s Saints in the January transfer window, making two appearances for the club – both in the Premier League.

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The Italian forward has already made an instant impact, netting three times in those two games – including a double in the 4-0 away thumping of Sunderland.

Southampton will need Gabbiadini to be in fine form if they are have any chance in the match.

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The south coast club will be hoping nerves don't get the better of them, having not won a major piece of silverware since winning the FA Cup in 1976.

Saints finished runners-up in the League Cup final three years later, but are yet to win a title that isn't the league since a 2010 Football League Trophy victory.

That day, Southampton saw Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana both score, as well as Michail Antonio.

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Jose Fonte, who only recently swapped St Mary's Stadium - for West Ham - was also present on that day at Wembley under the leadership of Alan Pardew.

Elsewhere in training, stars such as Ryan Bertrand, Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse were put through their paces as game-time rapidly approaches.

The EFL Cup final takes place on Sunday February 26 at 4.30pm.