Southampton vs Liverpool Preview

• Liverpool to progress within 90 minutes
• Both teams to score

Southampton host Liverpool in the EFL Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s Stadium as the Saints look to find some much-needed respite amidst a torrid Premier League campaign.

While Southampton begin life under caretaker manager Simon Rusk after Russell Martin’s dismissal, Liverpool aim to continue their dominance in a competition they have historically thrived in.

Southampton: A Chance for Respite Amid Turmoil

Southampton’s nightmare season hit rock-bottom on Sunday with a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham, leading to the dismissal of manager Russell Martin.

The result left the Saints rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just five points from 16 games (W1, D2, L13), highlighting their struggles at both ends of the pitch.

Simon Rusk, stepping up from his role as Under-21 manager, has been tasked with leading the Saints into this daunting clash.

Although Southampton reached the semi-finals of this competition two seasons ago and were runners-up in 2016/17, replicating that success seems a tall order. Their recent head-to-head record against Liverpool is grim, with 12 defeats in the last 14 meetings (W1, D1).

Encouragingly, Southampton ran Liverpool close in a 3-2 defeat here just last month, and talisman Adam Armstrong played a starring role despite his missed penalty.

The Saints will hope for similar intensity and a morale-boosting performance against the competition’s most successful team.

Key Player: Adam Armstrong

Armstrong scored and assisted in their recent meeting with Liverpool and has netted in two successive home games against the Reds. His ability to create and convert chances will be crucial for any Southampton upset.

Liverpool: Eyeing Another EFL Cup Triumph

Liverpool remain the team to beat in this competition, having lifted the EFL Cup a record ten times, including two triumphs in the last three years.

While the Reds have impressed in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, recent performances have been less convincing.

A 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday marked a second successive league stalemate, during which Andy Robertson’s early red card and Arne Slot’s touchline booking highlighted Liverpool’s growing frustrations.

Despite those hiccups, Liverpool remain formidable in the EFL Cup. A 3-2 away victory over Brighton in the previous round demonstrated their resilience, and they’ll aim to repeat that feat on the south coast.

Even without Slot on the touchline due to his ban, Liverpool’s strength in depth should give them the edge.

Key Player: Cody Gakpo

Gakpo has been prolific in this season’s EFL Cup, scoring two second-half goals in each of Liverpool’s two games so far. His composure in front of goal and knack for stepping up in this competition will be key for the visitors.

Tactical Battle

Caretaker manager Simon Rusk may opt for a pragmatic approach, prioritising defensive solidity and aiming to frustrate Liverpool.

Southampton will look to exploit set-pieces and counter-attacks, where Adam Armstrong’s pace and tenacity could trouble the Liverpool backline.

For Liverpool, possession and control will be central to their game plan. Slot is likely to rotate his squad, but the Reds’ attacking depth—featuring Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, and Harvey Elliott—should prove too much for a fragile Southampton defence.

Liverpool will also look to capitalise on second-half opportunities, a pattern in their previous EFL Cup games this season.

What’s at Stake?

• Southampton: This match offers a welcome distraction from their Premier League woes and a chance to lift morale by pulling off an unlikely upset.
• Liverpool: With a record 11th EFL Cup title in their sights, the Reds will be determined to move one step closer to Wembley and defend their crown.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Liverpool have won 12 of the last 14 meetings against Southampton (W12, D1, L1).
• Southampton’s last win over Liverpool came in January 2021 (1-0).
• Cody Gakpo has scored four goals in two EFL Cup games this season, all in the second half.

Prediction

While Southampton’s fans will hope for a revival under interim boss Simon Rusk, Liverpool’s depth and quality make them overwhelming favourites. The Saints’ defensive frailties are likely to be exposed by Liverpool’s relentless attack, particularly in the second half where Gakpo thrives.

Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Liverpool

As Southampton seek redemption and Liverpool look to continue their EFL Cup dominance, all eyes will be on St Mary’s Stadium. Can the Saints rally under new leadership, or will the Reds cruise into another semi-final? This quarter-final promises plenty of intrigue and action.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Carabao Cup draw, Final date, results, fixtures, stats, rules – The English Football League