Southampton vs Liverpool: Preview & Prediction

Southampton face Liverpool in the final but standout Capital One Cup quarter-final tie at St Mary’s.

Saints, who are in with a chance of winning their first major trophy since the 1976 FA Cup, are aiming to go further than last year, when they suffered a shock defeat to Sheffield United at this stage.

However, they take on a Liverpool side who have won the competition a record eight times and one that has been rejuvenated since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.

The German is unbeaten away from home and has lost just one of his 10 matches in charge, with the 4-1 victory at Manchester City 11 days ago the pick of his six victories.

Ronald Koeman will be determined to put a dampener on ‘Klopp Mania’ though as his side look to bounce back from two defeats on the spin and reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1987.

Before defeats to Stoke and Manchester City, the south coast side, who beat MK Dons and Aston Villa respectively to reach this stage, were enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run.

Liverpool, who most recently lifted the cup in 2012, defeated League Two side Carlisle on penalties and fellow Premier League outfit Bournemouth in extra-time to advance to the last-eight.

The past 11 meetings between this two has seen both sides record five victories, with the most recent ending in a 1-1 draw at Anfield in October.

Team News:

Saints skipper Jose Fonte will miss the clash aftet injring his knee at Manchester City, meaning Steven Caulker or Cedric (Maya Yoshida moving to centre-back) are expected to come in.

Philippe Coutinho could return to the Liverpool side after missing Sunday’s win over Swansea with a hamstring injury, while Adam Bogdan should start in goal after excelling in the two previous rounds.

Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson are also available, while Lucas Leiva returns from suspension.

Former Southampton players Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren are expected to feature against their old club.

Shoots Says: Southampton 1-2 Liverpool