Southampton will host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday evening.
By Matt Smith
The Saints are set to enter a new era with Russell Martin sacked at the weekend, while Liverpool will be hoping to avoid an upset in search of Arne Slot’s first bit of silverware at the club. The last time the two sides met in this competition, Southampton scored a late winner to secure a place in the final, with Shane Long firing them in front in the 90th minute at Anfield.
No fresh injuries for the Saints
Simon Rusk, who has stepped in as interim manager while Southampton search for a permanent successor to Martin, confirmed that there were no fresh injury updates ahead of the game against Liverpool.
First choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has recently been on the treatment table, but it’s unclear whether he’s going to be fit enough to return to action.
Southampton struggling at both ends
Southampton’s form this season, barring a strong run so far in the Carabao Cup, has been incredibly disappointing on their return to the Premier League. The Saints are struggling at both ends of the pitch, with no side scoring fewer goals per game than them, while they also concede 2.3 times per match.
The season stats for the front three who featured in Martin’s final game paint a disturbing picture, contributing just three goals between them during the 2024/2025 Premier League campaign. They are now preparing to face one of the most in-form teams in Europe, so it’s set to be a tough evening for the Saints.
Jota not expected to start
Slot was given a huge boost in the Premier League at the weekend with Diogo Jota making his return to action off the bench, coming on to score a late equaliser.
Slot has confirmed that Jota isn’t expected to start against Southampton as he ‘wasn’t fully fit’ after the game against Fulham. Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to come back into the starting XI, according to the Liverpool boss.
Liverpool’s attack could be too much for the Saints
The Reds have been carving out opportunities at will this season, creating 60 big chances in the Premier League, more than any other side. Containing Mohamed Salah has been an almost impossible task for many, with the Egyptian forward managing 22 goals and assists combined in England’s top flight.
Admirably, Slot has also coached his side superbly defensively, with Liverpool conceding just 0.9 goals per game in the Premier League this season. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer expected goals (xG), so it’s safe to say Southampton and Liverpool have been at opposite ends of the spectrum this term.
Prediction
Considering Liverpool’s phenomenal attacking form and Southampton’s struggles defensively, it’s difficult to see past an away win. The Saints have also found it difficult to hit the back of the net, while the Reds are compact at the back, so a comfortable 3-0 win for Liverpool is our prediction for this one.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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