Southampton vs Liverpool prediction: ENGLAND: EFL Cup betting tips on match 2024-12-17 20:00.
[p]What had long seemed inevitable was finally confirmed on Sunday night, as Southampton dismissed manager Russell Martin after an embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham in which all five goals came before half-time. With the Saints rock-bottom of the Premier League table and having just five points to their name after 16 games (W1, D2, L13), their beleaguered supporters will hope the EFL Cup offers some welcome respite.[/p]
[p]Under-21 manager Simon Rusk temporarily steps into Martin’s shoes, tasked with upsetting the odds in this quarter-final tie against Liverpool. Southampton actually went beyond this stage two seasons ago before being beaten in the semi-finals, while they were also runners up back in 2016/17. Repeating that feat looks difficult here though, as despite running Liverpool close in a 3-2 defeat here last month, it’s hard to find a route to victory considering that was their 12th loss in the last 14 H2Hs (W1, D1). [/p]
[p]While Liverpool remain on top of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, an unconvincing series of performances may offer a piece of hope to the hosts. The Reds were held to a second successive league draw by Fulham on Saturday (2-2) after Andy Robertson was sent off early on, and with manager Arne Slot also booked, he’ll serve a touchline ban on the south coast.[/p]
[p]Liverpool have already emerged victorious from the south coast in this competition, overcoming Brighton 3-2 in the last round, and if the history of the EFL Cup is anything to go by, the Reds are likely to go all the way again as the defending champions boast a competition record ten triumphs, lifting the trophy in two of the last three seasons. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Southampton’s Adam Armstrong missed a penalty, got booked, scored, and assisted when these teams met a couple weeks back. He’ll be looking to score for a third successive home game against Liverpool, while the visitors’ Cody Gakpo has scored twice in each of their two EFL Cup games this season, with all four goals coming in the second half.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in ten of their last 11 matches.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Peter Stavrinou[/i][/p]