Liverpool – Southampton : Preview & Prediction
Liverpool will look back on what will be a memorable night at Wembley at the weekend, after a star-studded team overcame adversity to beat Chelsea 1-0 in extra time to win the Carabao Cup. It was captain Virgil van Dijk who scored the decisive goal late in the game, but all praise went to the “Klopp Boys” after no fewer than four academy graduates – all aged 21 or under – came off the bench to contribute to the match.
Not to mention the pair of 20-year-olds, Harvey Elliot and Conor Bradley, who started as starters, and that youthful exuberance will have to pay off again with little time to spare in their quest for another domestic trophy. That’s for their fifth-round clash against Southampton at Anfield, where the Reds have won each of the last six meetings between them.
Southampton will be hoping to take advantage of Liverpool’s hangover by making this trip to Merseyside, especially as they lost their last four FA Cup games to the home side. However, the Saints usually give it their all in their fifth round appearances, having advanced on three of the last four occasions they were in this instance, although the exception was last season’s shock defeat to League Two side Grimsby, which may still be fresh in their memory.
Their recent performance is also a cause for concern, having lost three of their last four games (G1) to fall out of the direct promotion places in the Championship. Perhaps manager Russell Martin will be pleased that this fixture is away from home, with his side losing just one of their last 14 on opposition soil (G7, E6).
Players to watch: Luis Diaz could inspire Liverpool if things get tense as he has scored in the second half in his last three home games. Looking to outshine the Colombian will be Ché Adams, who scored in the ninth minute at Anfield last season, plus three of his four most recent goals were also scored before halftime.
Key stat: Liverpool’s last eight games at Anfield have featured goals from both clubs involved.
Liverpool – Southampton : Betting Tips
Liverpool – Win Odds: 1.65
