Liverpool have a one-goal deficit to overcome when they face Southampton at Anfield Road in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The Saints won the first leg 1-0 thanks to a goal from Nathan Redmond, extended their unbeaten streak against Liverpool to three matches in all competitions. Earlier this season the two sides produced a goalless draw at St Mary's in the Premier League, while last season Liverpool have fond memories of a 6-1 away victory in the League Cup.
Liverpool have to bounce back ahead of the Premier League weekend after falling to a surprising 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Swansea on Saturday. They have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions, and that was the scrappy 1-0 victory at Plymouth in the FA Cup. Sadio Mane is still at the Africa Cup of Nations and won't be able to play in this match, but Joel Matip is available again. Jordan Henderson picked up a knock during last weekend's match but he should be able to recover before Wednesday's game.
After three consecutive Premier League defeats during the festive period, Southampton recovered pretty well and recorded three wins out of five in all competitions. Last weekend they eased past Leicester City 3-0 at St Mary's, while their FA Cup run also continues after a 1-0 victory over Norwich. However, defender Virgil Van Dijk picked up an injury during the victory over Leicester and might be out for a while. Sofiane Boufal also picked up an injury on international duty, while Charlie Austin remains out of contention along with Alex McCarthy and Matt Targett.
Probable line-ups:
Liverpool: Karius - Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner - Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana - Firmino, Sturridge, Coutinho
Southampton: Forster - Soares, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand - Hojbjerg, Romeu, Clasie - Redmond, Long, Tadic
My prediction: Liverpool to win 3-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Liverpool win - 1.50
Draw - 4.50
Southampton win - 7.50
02/13/17, 02:02:59 AM
