Southampton are not in great shape coming into this League Cup semi final against Liverpool. Claude Puel’s side have only won two of their last nine matches in all competitions and have lost three of their last four.
Liverpool’s 0-0 draw against Plymouth wasn’t ideal but they rested almost all of their usual starting XI at the weekend with a view to their next two matches. They are the clear favourites although they should be mindful of Southampton’s relatively good home form this season.
Southampton have lost both of their last two matches on home soil but they are only two of three matches they’ve lost at Saint Mary’s all season. They held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw earlier in the season but may not have enough to beat a confident Liverpool outfit over two legs. Naija and Bet
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Southampton – Sofiane Boufal has withdrawn from the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and is expected to miss three weeks with a knee injury.
Jose Fonte handed in a transfer request at the start of the month and may not be picked until his future is resolved, which is a massive blow to their chances of progressing from this tie.
Liverpool – Jurgen Klopp named the youngest starting XI in Liverpool’s history in their draw with Plymouth in the FA Cup third round at the weekend but is expected to recall a number of experienced names for the first leg of their League Cup semi final against Southampton on Wednesday.
With Manchester United to come on Sunday, however, Klopp may be mindful of his choices. Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson are both expected to miss Wednesday’s clash, while James Milner could return and Philippe Coutinho is expected to make his first appearance since November.
Klopp says Loris Karius is ‘likely’ to remain between the sticks for the trip to Southampton.
As at this post Southampton has 3.37 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Liverpool has 2.16 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.25