Liverpool host Southampton in the second-leg of the League Cup semi-final, but will need to overturn the Saints’ narrow lead if they hope to reach the final.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond in action with Liverpool’s James Milner
Liverpool host Southampton in the second-leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and Jurgen Klopp’s men know that they will need to put in a strong display if they hope to make it to Wembley. But can the Reds turn the tie on its head and book their place in the final where they will face either Manchester United or Hull City?
Before you get the chance to vote on who you expect to progress from the last four clash at Anfield as well as on who you think will bag the first goal, here is a look at the state of the tie as well as a look at the main contenders to break the deadlock…
Liverpool go into the rematch 1-0 down on aggregate after a Nathan Redmond goal gave the Saints the victory in their first meeting two weeks ago.
However, it could have been considerably worse for Klopp’s side had Southampton been able to take their chances in a game that they certainly got the better of.
The Reds were handed another couple of wake-up calls over the weekend as they were stunned at home by Swansea City and watched Wednesday’s opponents end their recent run without a Premier League win by thrashing Leicester 3-0 at St Mary’s.
With such a small difference between the two teams following the first leg, the first goal in the second-leg will be hugely significant. But who will score it?
Daniel Sturridge is the competition’s top goalscorer this year with four strikes to his name, while Roberto Firmino scored twice at the weekend and Adam Lallana has scored seven league goals, so it perhaps would not be that much of a surprise to see him score against his former club.
Meanwhile, Southampton will probably be relying on either Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long or their first-leg hero Redmond to make an impact against the Reds.
The momentum is perhaps with Southampton, but Liverpool will surely be the favourites to win the game. But now is your chance to have your say…
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