Wednesday 2nd December Kickoff: 1945hrs
Southampton v Liverpool
Football – England – League Cup
St Mary’s will play host to the final League quarter-final, on Wednesday, when Southampton entertain a rejuvenated Liverpool side. Manchester City, Stoke and Everton have already qualified for the semi-finals – which will be played over two legs in January. The Saints last reached that stage in 1987, whilst the Reds were knocked out by Chelsea in last season’s semi-final.
Southampton’s Premier League campaign has been a little stop-start as they try to build on last season’s seventh placed finish. Ronald Koeman – now in his second season in charge – has had to contend with the loss of key players so it was bound to take some time for the team to make that transition. It took them until their fourth game of the campaign to record their first win in the league which was the start of a run of one defeat in nine games. Things have taken a slight dip recently, however, and they come into this game on the back of two straight defeats – losing at home to Stoke and away at Manchester City. Koeman will be hoping the change of competition will bring with it a change of luck.
Sunday’s win over Swansea means it is now six wins in the last seven for Jurgen Klopp’s men. Those wins have came in three different competitions – including this one – and although some of the games have not been the most attractive to watch, there are definite glimpses of the way in which the former Borussia Dortmund manager wishes his team to play. That was no more evident than the demolition job they inflicted on Man City at the Etihad a fortnight ago, and it is that sort of football that the Liverpool supporters have been crying out for, recently. Those supporters will again be out in force as they hope to shout on their team to a possible third League Cup semi-final in five seasons.
The Saints powered past Championship club MK Dons, winning 6-0 away from home, before edging past Aston Villa in the last round in order to get to the quarter final. It was at this stage last season when they exited the competition – losing 1-0 at Sheffield United, so they will be determined to to one better this time around. Koeman clearly sees it as a good opportunity for potential silverware and entry into Europe as he has tended to play a very strong team in the previous rounds and that will certainly be the case again on Wednesday.
This was the last trophy that Liverpool have won when Kenny Dalglish led them to victory against Cardiff back in 2012. With the league and Europa League, and FA Cup still to coms, it is unlikely the League Cup is seen as the main priority for Liverpool, but when it gets to this stage there will be no question that all concerned will be looking to win this game and look to reach Wembley next March. Their progress to the quarter final has been less than impressive (particularly when needing penalties to get by Carlisle) but it would be dangerous to write them off as anything other than potential winners considering the strides they have made under Klopp.
Southampton v Liverpool Betting Tips
These two only met each other in the league at the end of October when Southampton held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. It was a very evenly matched game and I expect a similar encounter when the two clash tomorrow.
The 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke last month was Southampton’s first defeat at St Mary’s since September, having won three and drawn one during those losses. Liverpool have not lost on the road since that second half capitulation at Old Trafford so will be in buoyant mood as they bid to stretch it to seven away games unbeaten.
Both managers may well look to some changes to their starting eleven’s, but I don’t envisage many as neither will want to go out at this stage so will want to give themselves every opportunity to advance. Liverpool have shown how lethal they can be on the break so the hosts will have to ensure they retain possession to try and counter that threat. It’s a match-up I think will lead to a few goals, particularly being in the cup and as both teams have plenty of attacking talent at their disposal. I was surprised to see that over 2.5 goals was odds against, and think that represents good value on this occasion.
Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10 @ Betfred
