Arsene Wenger has praised the Southampton production line as he prepares his Arsenal side to go up against Saints in their EFL quarter-final clash (7.45pm).

The academy at Southampton has been producing top talent for a number of years, with the likes of Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana and Theo Walcott all progressing through the ranks.

The latest graduate to make an impression is Josh Sims, who was named man of the match on his first-team debut as Southampton beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday.

The 19-year-old could play some part at the Emirates Stadium tonight as both sides look to put their name into the hat for the two-legged semi-finals.

And Wenger knows better than most just what quality can come from years in Saints' set-up, having poached three players from the club over the last decade.

"They have certainly been the most prolific producers of top talent in England in the last 15 years," he said.

"They have not only produced talent, but top talents. We have some examples at our club with Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers.

"But don't forget they've also produced top quality players like Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana and of course others. They do not only produce quality players, they scout very well as well because they scouted players like Sadio Mane."

Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain both started in the Gunners' 3-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Sunday and could be rested for the EFL Cup game, while Olivier Giroud is likely to sit it out having picked up a slight groin injury in the win.

One man who Wenger has confirmed will start the game is Carl Jenkinson, who had been deputising for the injured Hector Bellerin at right-back in recent weeks.

The England international started four games out of six before the visit of Bournemouth, when he dropped out of the squad completely as Wenger handed a surprise recall for Mathieu Debuchy.

It was a gamble that backfired as Debuchy was forced off with a hamstring injury after just 16 minutes, but Wenger defended his decision to leave Jenkinson out after he had just returned following a serious knee problem.

"Carl Jenkinson will play," the Gunners boss said.

"I rested him completely against Bournemouth because he played two big games (against Manchester United and Paris St Germain) and I felt he needed a breather.

"Sometimes, mentally three games in a week demands a lot. Carl's back in ...and we'll put Gabriel in the centre, and then we will see for Saturday.

"You forget that it's a big ask. Carl is very conscientious and it takes him time to play completely with freedom.

"He needs a run of games to play with freedom, so the fact that he can get another game [tonight], I think we'll already see a different Carl."

Emiliano Martinez is likely to start in goal after the third-choice goalkeeper signed a new deal last week, while forward Lucas Perez could also be involved after overcoming an ankle injury.

Wenger is likely to once again try and strike the blend between youth and experience, much like he did in previous rounds against Nottingham Forest and Reading.

Southampton have had a double injury boost as Sofiane Boufal and Steven Davis will be available, while Ireland's Shane Long is in the provisional squad.