When these two clubs last met in the League Cup, it was at the semi-final stage seven years ago, with Southampton winning both legs 1-0 to get to Wembley. Since, the Saints have won only one of 15 encounters with the Reds, losing 12, so a repeat home win by the South Coast would be a monumental upset.
Southampton vs Liverpool Preview
Will Liverpool's near-perfect season continue? So far in this competition, as the Reds seek to retain their trophy, they've smashed West Ham 5-1 and edged-out Brighton 3-2, with Cody Gakpo bagging a brace in both rounds. Overall, Arne Slot's side have won 19 of 23 fixtures since his arrival on Merseyside, albeit back-to-back Premier League draws have eroded their advantage at the top. On Saturday, given that they were 1-0 down inside 11 minutes, before Andy Robertson was sent off soon after, the Reds actually did well to hold Fulham to a 2-2 draw, with Diogo Jota firing home a late equaliser in front of the Kop. This forthcoming Sunday, Slot's side will visit Spurs for, presumably, another stern examination of their title credentials but, before making the pilgrimage to North London, are firm favourites to reach the EFL Cup semi-finals for the sixth time in 11 seasons.
Southampton meantime, fair to say, do not come into this tie with sky-high confidence. On Sunday night, the Saints found themselves 5-0 down by half time at home to Tottenham, thankfully for the hosts Spurs seemed to agree a second half ceasefire, but this proved to be the final straw for the hierarchy, with Russell Martin sacked mere moments after full time; they might as well have done it at half time! Given that the newly-promoted side are rock-bottom of the Premier League, collecting just a solitary point from their last six fixtures, with only five points on the board overall, it's easy to understand why a change was made.
This means the Saints have still won more EFL Cup games than league outings this season, overcoming Cardiff 5-3 in a thriller, ousting Everton on penalties and then overcoming Stoke 3-2, although their reward is a meeting with the league-leaders. A month ago, Southampton very nearly took points off Liverpool, 2-1 up in the second half but ultimately defeated 3-2 late on, but now, led by interim head coach Simon Rusk, it would require a Christmas miracle for the Saints to march on into the semi-finals.
Southampton vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 120.
- Southampton Wins: 31. Draws: 26. Liverpool Wins: 63.
Southampton Team News
Given this is Simon Rusk's first match in charge, he's expected to shake things up. Although, given that Aaron Ramsdale, Gavin Bazunu, Lesley Ugochukwu, Will Smallbone, Maxwel Cornet, Ben Brereton Díaz, Paul Onuachu and Ross Stewart are all injured, there is little scope to do that. Kamaldeen Sulemana was hooked after just 15 minutes by Russell Martin on Sunday, a decision he was not particularly pleased about, so will he start again? Meantime, Armel Bella-Kotchap has spent the season in the proverbial wilderness, hoping that a change of manager will bring him back into the fold. Fit-again Jan Bednarek returned at the weekend, his first outing since the international break, which we would ordinarily describe as a major boost, although he wasn't able to help much.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Liverpool: (4-3-3): Lumley; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Manning; Fernandes, Downes, Dibling; Armstrong, Archer.
Southampton Player to Watch vs Liverpool
Cameron Archer has four goals to his name this season, including a brace in round two at Cardiff, so could he be the unlikely hero against the holders?
Liverpool Team News
Arne Slot is without Ibrahima Konaté, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas, limiting the amount of defensive rotation he could make; Andy Robertson will be suspended for Spurs on Sunday, so will keep his place, with Jarell Quansah coming in alongside. Caoimhín Kelleher will return in goal, while Alexis Mac Allister will start too, having missed the games against Girona and Fulham banned. The Argentine is likely to be joined in midfield by Wataru Endō and Tyler Morton, both of whom were in the team at Brighton in round four, while Harvey Elliott could start for the first time all season following a broken foot. Lastly, Federico Chiesa has been on the field for a mere 78 minutes since joining from Juventus, but was back amongst the substitutes on Saturday, thereby hoping to add to that here.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Southampton: (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Quansah, Robertson; Endō, Morton, Mac Allister; Elliott, Núñez, Jota.
Liverpool Player to Watch vs Southampton
Darwin Núñez has been in and out of the team this season but, likely to lead the line here, can he add to his three goals so far in this campaign?
Southampton vs Liverpool Prediction
We're sure we're not alone in assuming Liverpool will win this one very easily. The Reds did have to work hard for victory at St Mary's in the league a month ago, with the Saints faithful hoping their side will enjoy something of a new manager bounce, but we just can't see it: Southampton 0-3 Liverpool.
Southampton vs Liverpool FAQs - Carabao Cup
How to watch Southampton vs Liverpool Carabao Cup game on TV channel?
Southampton vs Liverpool Carabao Cup game will be available on the following TV channels:
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports+.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Southampton vs Liverpool Carabao Cup game on live streaming?
Southampton vs Liverpool Carabao Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Southampton vs Liverpool in the Carabao Cup?
Southampton vs Liverpool takes place on Wednesday 18 December 2024, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).