Liverpool take on Southampton in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final at Anfield on Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off), with the Saints 1-0 up from the first leg.

Nathan Redmond’s goal sealed a deserved win for Claude Puel’s side at St Mary’s a fortnight ago, but they really should have had more than the one goal to show for their efforts.

Nonetheless, they are in the ascendency going into Wednesday’s match, with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool knowing that they have got to improve after a sluggish start to 2017.

The Reds have won just one of their five matches since the turn of the year, and lost their last match 3-2 at home to Swansea on Saturday to fall ten points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

With the Saints winning 3-0 at home to champions Leicester on Sunday, it is all set up to be an enthralling contest at Anfield, and here we’ve taken a look at the THREE key battles that could decide the outcome on Wednesday…

Maya Yoshida v Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho’s recall to the starting line-up in the defeat against Swansea last weekend would have been a big boost to Liverpool, and to get 55 minutes under his belt will also be of delight to the Reds faithful.

It would suggest that, not only did Klopp not want to risk injury against the Swans, but that he also wants Coutinho to start against Southampton on Wednesday, and that could pose quite the problem for the Saints backline, most notably Maya Yoshida.

Virgil van Dijk sustained a nasty looking injury in the win over Leicester at the weekend, and with Jose Fonte having joined West Ham, Japanese international Yoshida looks set to be the senior centre-back against the Reds.

The 28-year-old is clearly a good defender, but probably not as good as either Fonte or van Dijk, so Coutinho will probably target his inferior pace and agility as a way of getting past the Saints backline.

If Yoshida can minimise Coutinho’s influence on proceedings, as well as take the lead in the Saints defence, he could well help lead the side to Wembley on Wednesday.

Adam Lallana v Oriol Romeu

Adam Lallana has been exceptional for Liverpool so far this season, but will face a tricky test in minimising Oriol Romeu’s impact in the centre of midfield on Wednesday.

Spaniard Romeu has done a terrific job of marshalling his back four and providing greater defensive stability to Southampton this term, and has arguably been the unsung hero in a team that have conceded just 26 goals in the league this season.

However, Lallana’s energy and willingness to help out in attack will cause Romeu some issues as, alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, the Liverpool midfield three can interchange positions and drag the opposition out of shape.

Being disciplined in the midfield area could be key to both sides’ chances at Anfield on Wednesday.

Jay Rodriguez v Joel Matip

Joel Matip looks set to return against the Saints after FIFA gave him the all-clear to participate for the Reds, despite there being issues with his country Cameroon over his availability for the African Cup of Nations.

And the 25-year-old’s return will be of welcome relief to the Anfield faithful, who have seen their side struggle defensively in his absence.

The Reds conceded three at home to Swansea to take their tally to six goals conceded in the last three games, but it was the game against the Swans that was most concerning, given that Paul Clement’s men had managed just 23 league goals prior to Saturday’s encounter.

Nonetheless, should Matip start, he won’t have it easy against Jay Rodriguez, who is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven ahead of Shane Long.

The Englishman netted his fifth goal of the campaign in the 3-0 win over Leicester last weekend, and was a constant threat to the Foxes backline throughout the contest.

Matip’s lack of match fitness is sure to be something Rodriguez will target on Wednesday, so how well the Liverpool centre-back can start against the striker and thwart his opportunities will be key for the Reds if they want to progress.