Southampton vs Liverpool: A Look Ahead and Predictions for the EFL Cup 2024 Matchup

Uh oh, a football matchup! Southampton vs Liverpool at St. Mary's Stadium on December 18, 2024, 22:00 SAST.

The Saints have fired coach Russell Martin and appointed caretaker Simon Rusk. On the other hand, Liverpool have been faltering a bit in their last two league clashes but are eager to progress to the semis.

Southampton Struggles

The hosts have had a terrible season and are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League after 13 defeats in 16 matches. Their recent dismal performances have resulted in Martin's sacking. The last three results were a 5-1 home loss to Chelsea, a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa, and a 5-0 defeat at home against Tottenham.

However, there were some faint signs of life earlier. After a 10-goal disaster in four straight defeats, they looked better in a hard-fought 1-0 loss against Manchester City. Before that, they managed a 3-2 home win over Stoke City in the Carabao Cup and a 1-0 home victory over Everton in the league.

Southampton's Injury Woes

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is out injured, along with defenders Jack Stephens (suspended) and Will Smallbone, and Spanish left-back Juan Larios. After experimenting with a midfield diamond in the loss to Spurs, caretaker Simon Rusk might switch to a 4-3-3 formation.

Southampton's Boost

The Saints are in dire need of a win to boost morale and, hopefully, reach the semi-finals. The new coach should instill a more pragmatic and realistic approach. Don't expect risky back-passes any time soon.

Liverpool's Shaky Patch

Liverpool have dropped points in their last two league matches, but they had won seven straight before that across all competitions. They edged past Brighton 3-2 in the League Cup and then beat the Seagulls 2-1 in the league before thrashing Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in Europe.

After a 2-0 win against Aston Villa and a dramatic 3-2 comeback versus Southampton, they put up two impressive home performances. A 2-0 victory against Real Madrid was followed by a commanding 2-0 win over Manchester City. However, they conceded in the last minute to draw 3-3 at Newcastle and could only manage a 2-2 draw with ten men against Fulham on Saturday. These results were either side of a 1-0 win at Girona in the Champions League.

Liverpool's Absentees

Defenders Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, and Kostas Tsimikas are unavailable, while Federico Chiesa is still out injured. Alexis Mac Allister is back from suspension, but Curtis Jones is injured. Joe Gomez might fill in at left back with Andy Robertson suspended.

Liverpool's Hunger

Slot's men are playing with confidence. They will attack Southampton, exploiting the Saints' defensive frailties. Liverpool want the trophy and will field a strong XI for this match.

Key Stats

Southampton has lost 13 of their 16 Premier League matches this season and have conceded 36 goals.
Southampton have lost 6 of their last 7 matches against Liverpool, allowing 21 goals.
Liverpool have won 19 of their 23 matches this season and have scored 52 goals.
Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in 10 of their last 11 matches.
Liverpool's Mo Salah has netted 9 goals in 8 league matches.

Betting Tips (For Entertainement Purposes Only)

Liverpool win (-1 handicap) at 2.15
Liverpool win and Over 2.5 goals at 1.95
Mo Salah to score anytime at 1.76

The Saints have recently parted ways with coach Russell Martin and appointed Simon Rusk as caretaker, following a series of disappointing results in the Premier League.
Southampton's latest results include a 5-1 home loss to Chelsea, a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, and a 5-0 loss at home against Tottenham.
Injuries to Gavin Bazunu, Jack Stephens, Will Smallbone, and Juan Larios have further compounded Southampton's struggles.
In an attempt to turn things around, caretaker Rusk might switch from a midfield diamond to a 4-3-3 formation.
Despite their recent stumbles, Liverpool enter the match with confidence, having won seven straight before their last two league defeats.
Liverpool have made a strong impression in European leagues, including a 2-0 victory against Real Madrid and a 2-0 win over Manchester City at home.
Important absences for Liverpool include Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, and Federico Chiesa, while Alexis Mac Allister is back from suspension but Curtis Jones is injured. Joe Gomez might fill in at left back with Andy Robertson suspended. Liverpool are eager to claim the trophy and will field a strong XI for this encounter.