Southampton travel to Anfield as they face Premier League leaders Liverpool, in the third round of the League Cup.
The Saints will look to cause a major cupset in Liverpool and get back to winning ways after a poor turn of form in the Championship, which has left them sitting in 19th position after six games.
Last time out for Will Still‘s side, they travelled to Hull City, losing the game three-one, leaving them without a league win since the opening fixture against Wrexham. In the League Cup, however, The Saints have looked strong, beating Northampton and Norwich respectively to make it to round three.
As for the hosts, they come off the back of a vital derby day victory over Everton, winning the game two-one. Liverpool are yet to taste defeat this season, winning all five Premier League games and also winning in Europe against Atletico Madrid.
TEAM NEWS:
Southampton go into this fixture with no new absences from the defeat at the weekend against Hull City.
Flynn Downes may return to the starting lineup after he missed out with an illness; however, Will Still will be happy to go into this match with a full squad.
As for Liverpool, Arne Slott has confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will miss the game, due to rest, after each has started every fixture this season.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST:
Southampton will hold fond memories of midweek League Cup action in Liverpool. Back in 2017, Claude Puel took his Saints side to Anfield with a slender one-nil lead after the first leg at St Mary’s. His side managed to survive a Liverpool onslaught and even nicked a last-minute winner via a Shane Long finish.
The night at Anfield will no doubt be one of the travelling supporters’ favourite memories supporting the club. Could more memories be created tonight under the lights?
PREDICTION:
In my opinion, the game will only go in one direction. Despite Liverpool resting a few key players, their squad depth should comfortably be enough to see them through against Championship opposition.
Southampton may cause a shock, however, with how their season has gone so far, I just can not see it happening.
I am going to go for a smooth and simple three-nil win for Liverpool.
