EFL Cup Preview: Southampton vs Liverpool – Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Southampton prepare for life after Russell Martin as they host Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night at St. Mary’s Stadium. The Saints, currently rock-bottom of the Premier League table, are under interim management following Russell Martin’s dismissal after a devastating 5-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur. 

The Saints will need to summon the spirit of 2017, when they beat Liverpool over two legs (2-0 on aggregate) in the semi-finals, to have any hope of toppling the reigning champions. 

The Reds, 10-time winners and current Premier League leaders, pose a daunting challenge despite potential squad rotations.

Southampton Open a New Chapter

Simon Rusk steps in temporarily after Martin’s tenure ended amid mounting criticism. Heavy home defeats to Chelsea and Spurs, including a calamitous first-half capitulation against Spurs last time out – where the Saints were 3-0 down within 14 minutes and trailed by five at the break – were the final nails in Martin’s coffin.

Southampton’s poor Premier League form has left them nine points adrift of safety, with just three wins in 16 matches. However, their cup run offers a rare bright spot, having scored nine goals in victories over Cardiff City, Everton (on penalties), and Stoke City. After a first-round exit to Gillingham last season, Southampton now aim for their second semi-final appearance in three years (after 2022-23).

The Saints may see Aaron Ramsdale return in goal, offering a potential improvement over Joe Lumley and Alex McCarthy, who have struggled in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Jan Bednarek is back from a knee injury, though Jack Stephens serves the final game of his suspension.

Simon Rusk faces a dilemma regarding squad selection, as Premier League survival remains the club’s top priority. However, a strong lineup is expected to lift spirits and provide a much-needed boost in morale.

Liverpool Eye Another League Cup Trophy

Arne Slot has continued Liverpool’s dominance in the competition, following Jurgen Klopp’s success in winning two of the last three EFL Cups. The Dutch manager’s team cruised past West Ham and Brighton despite fielding heavily rotated lineups, making Liverpool clear favorites for the trophy.

The Merseysiders edged Southampton 3-2 at St. Mary’s just last month in a thrilling Premier League encounter. However, the Reds arrive with minor frustrations, having drawn their last two top-flight matches. A 2-2 stalemate with Fulham on Sunday, despite being reduced to 10 men early on following Andy Robertson’s dismissal, highlighted Liverpool’s resilience.

While Robertson remains suspended, Liverpool will welcome back Alexis Mac Allister, who has served his suspension. However, Diogo Jota, who scored the late equalizer against Fulham, remains doubtful after experiencing discomfort post-match.

Liverpool’s depth will be tested in defense, with Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, and Conor Bradley all sidelined. Tsimikas has just returned to team training and the coming League Cup quarter-final would come too soon for the Greek left-back. 

Moreover, the congested schedule would likely see captain Virgil Van Dijk rested with Gomez and Quansah both starting in Liverpool’s back four, while Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to replace Alisson in goal.

Possible Starting Lineups of Southampton and Liverpool 

Southampton: Aaron Ramsdale – Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Nathan Wood – Yukinari Sugawara, Mateus Fernandes, Flynn Downes, Kyle Walker-Peters – Tyler Dibling, Paul Onuachu, Cameron Archer. (3-4-3) 

Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher – James Norris, Wataru Endo, Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez – Trey Nyoni, Tyler Morton – Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott – Darwin Nunez. (4-2-3-1) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

Despite the anticipated rotations, EveryGame lists Liverpool as firm favorites at -189, reflecting their superiority and attacking firepower. Southampton, despite their struggles and manager departure, are priced at +425 to pull off an upset, while a draw is available at +360.

The Saints will hope for a new-manager bounce, but Liverpool’s quality and depth make them overwhelming favorites. Goals seem likely, as evidenced by the five-goal thriller at St. Mary’s in the Premier League last month. Despite Southampton’s cup success so far, Liverpool’s superior firepower and experience should see them through to the semi-finals.

Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome And Both To Score – Liverpool and Yes +150 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units