Defending champions Liverpool can move a step closer to their first silverware under new manager Arne Slot on Wednesday when they take on Southampton in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
The cup tie marks a showdown between the Premier League’s top-ranked group and the bottom-of-the-table occupants, who will play their first game since sacking manager Russell Martin on Sunday. It is a bit of a surprise that Liverpool are the big favorites in this tie, so the onus will be on them to live up to the label and clinch a place in the semi-finals.
A practically perfect start to the generation at Anfield has become much more complicated for Slot and company, who have two draws in their last two Premier League games. Their defensive resilience was nowhere to be seen in their recent effects, a 3-3 match with Newcastle United and a 2-2 draw against Fulham. However, the top game has been hit by Andrew Robertson’s 17th red card, meaning he is suspended for Wednesday’s cup tie at Southampton.
However, even without Robertson, Liverpool would have plenty of players available to secure a time-out at St Mary’s Stadium. The usual cast of characters will be involved on Wednesday, including this season’s top scorers Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo. Slot will also have the advantage of Alisson and Diogo Jota, who returned from injuries in the final and then spent around two months on the touchline. Taking into account the opponent and the calendar packed with festive Premier League matches, some rotation is expected from the reigning champions.
Here’s what you know before you tune in.
Tracking methods and probabilities.
- While: Wednesday, December 18 | Hour: 3 pm Eastern Time
- Location: St Mary’s Stadium – Southampton, England
- They are living the flow: Supreme+
- Odd: Southampton +600; Draw +450; Liverpool -244
Projected Liverpool Lineup
Kelleher, Quansah, Gomez, van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Jones, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Núñez
Prediction
Without reference to the variety of Slot’s group, Liverpool should be able to achieve an easy victory against Southampton. The Saints could change their ways then – their high-risk, high-reward strategy completely failed in the Premier League under Martin – but it may not be enough to keep the Reds’ attack going. Select: Southampton 0, Liverpool 3
