Liverpool v Southampton Betting Tip Draw half time – 25 January 2017

Could be a tense night at Anfield

Sports Betting Tips

Wednesday 25th January 2016 Kickoff: 2000hrs Liverpool v Southampton Football – England – EFL Cup The second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final takes place at Anfield on Tuesday with Southampton bringing a slender one goal lead to Liverpool with them. A Nathan Redmond goal was the difference between the two teams a fortnight ago but with another 90 minutes to play in front of what is likely to be an electric home support it’s likely this tie has plenty left in it as the two teams battle it out for a trip to Wembley next month.

January has not been a great month for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managing to win just one of their six games played to date. The loss to Southampton at St Mary’s two weeks ago is not fatal with the upcoming second leg but it was further indication that they are not performing to the same level they were earlier in the season. What has been more damaging at this point is their results in the league with Saturday’s 3-2 loss at home to Swansea their third straight game in the Premier League without a win, causing them to slip into fourth spot and now 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea. At the moment you would suggest it is unlikely that the Reds can bridge that gap, particularly in their current form, meaning attention may switch to both cup competitions and ensuring a top four finish for Champions League football next season. The EFL cup, as it’s known now, provides an excellent opportunity for them to win their first trophy since 2012 but to do that they will have to be at their best to get the better of a resurgent Southampton team who have shown how difficult they can be to break down.

It has certainly not been a vintage first season for Claude Puel at Southampton but he is in line to be the club’s first manager in over a decade to take them to a major final. Getting a result at Anfield remains a big hurdle they need to overcome, of course, but there were signs in the first leg that this competitions allows them to play with a bit more freedom than they have done in the league. Sunday’s 3-0 win at home to Leicester will certainly add to the confidence and was reminiscent of the Southampton we have come to expect in recent seasons. That win brought an end to a run of four straight defeats in the league and will ensure they travel to the north west for this match in good heart. The only slight negative from the match two weeks ago was that the Saints were unable to turn their superiority into more goals and the number of chances that they passed up may well come back to haunt them if they do no progress after tomorrow. Nevertheless, what has been a frustrating and at times disappointing campaign could be turned into a very good one should they finish the job on Wednesday.

Liverpool v Southampton Betting Tip

These big occasions at Anfield under the lights are normally ones to savour and the energy and drive of the home crowd can make such a difference to the outcome. Considering the circumstances that surround this one, particularly Liverpool’s recent slump, the hosts will need their supporters to stick with them as they try to cancel out Southampton’s first leg lead. Just as they did after they got the lead at home two weeks ago, the Saints will no doubt get numbers behind the ball and look to hit their opponents on the break. It’s a style I think suits them and with Virgin Van Dijk in exceptional form at the moment he will look to lead by example by turning in another masterful defensive performance.

Klopp has big decisions to make in terms of his line-up, especially up top where he has chopped and change with personnel for much of the campaign. Roberto Firmino scored both goals in the defeat against Swansea and that may just tip the balance in his favour but whoever starts will have to do a better job at moving the Southampton defence around to create space – something they struggled with in the first leg.

Second legs are usually a bit more open due to the urgency but as there is only one goal in it, there is no huge rush for Liverpool to get the early goal and Klopp will be reluctant to go all out to level the tie leaving themselves open at the back, particularly as the defence has been struggling in recent weeks. Southampton will be well organized and it’s a night I think the home team will have to be patient in. The bet I like here is for the game to be a draw at half time, setting the second half up perfectly for some drama.

Draw at half time 11/8 @ Bet365