Southampton vs Liverpool Prediction - EFL Cup
As the EFL Cup quarter-finals unfold, Southampton hosts Liverpool at St. Mary’s Stadium on 18 December 2024, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00. With overcast clouds and a temperature of 9°C, conditions seem ideal for a gripping cup clash.
Southampton, currently in turmoil after parting ways with manager Russell Martin, face an uphill battle under interim manager Simon Rusk. Sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table, the Saints have struggled in recent form, as evidenced by their recent 0-5 hammering from Tottenham. Nevertheless, their resilience in the cup could provide a glimmer of hope.
Liverpool, leading both the Premier League and the Champions League under Arne Slot, are the clear favourites. Boasting an unbeaten run in 19 matches and top scorer Cody Gakpo in fine form with 4 goals in this tournament, Liverpool looks set for a comfortable win. The recommended bet is Liverpool -1.50 Asian Handicap, reflecting their b odds.
Be prepared for a thrilling encounter, where history, form, and managerial changes all play a part. Expect Liverpool to secure a decisive victory, continuing their dominant run.
Southampton vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the context of the match and recent performances, our recommended betting tip is:
- Liverpool -1.50 (Asian Handicap)
Liverpool are in formidable form, while Southampton have struggled defensively.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Southampton vs. Liverpool Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Liverpool -1.50 (Asian Handicap) | 1.95 |
- Liverpool’s Dominance: They are unbeaten in 19 matches, showcasing their superiority.
- Southampton’s Defense: Recently conceded five goals against Tottenham, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
- Top Scorer Impact: Cody Gakpo has been prolific, with 4 goals in this tournament.
Expect Liverpool to dominate this quarter-final clash.
Southampton vs Liverpool Odds
The odds for this EFL Cup quarter-final clash heavily favor Liverpool, who are the bookmakers’ clear favorites. Southampton have had defensive issues and recently conceded five goals against Tottenham, making them underdogs in this match-up. Here’s a detailed look at the betting odds for this match:
| Southampton vs. Liverpool Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Southampton | 7.76 |
| Draw | 5.57 |
| Liverpool | 1.32 |
Southampton Team Analysis
Southampton’s form has been concerning, as their recent results suggest:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Tottenham Hotspur | 0-5 (Loss) |
| Aston Villa | Southampton | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Chelsea | 1-5 (Loss) |
| Brighton | Southampton | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Southampton | Liverpool | 2-3 (Loss) |
Southampton Key Players
Southampton will be looking to their standout players to make an impact against Liverpool. Cameron Archer, their top scorer with 2 goals, will be crucial in leading the attack and trying to breach Liverpool’s solid defence. Young talent Tyler Dibling, who has attracted interest from top clubs, could play a significant role in creating opportunities from the wings.
The Saints are expected to field the same lineup as their previous game:
- Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
- Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Manning
- Midfielders: Joe Aribo, Flynn Downes, Mateus Fernandes, Tyler Dibling
- Forwards: Adam Armb, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Jan Bednarek at centre-back will need to step up, especially against the in-form Cody Gakpo. Key individual battles, like Bednarek vs. Gakpo, could determine the game’s outcome.
Southampton Suspensions & Injuries
Southampton has a few notable absences due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Liverpool. Here are the current injuries affecting the team:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Gavin Bazunu | Achilles tendon injury | Mid-January 2025 |
| Ross Stewart | Calf injury | Late December 2024 |
| Will Smallbone | Hamstring injury | Late December 2024 |
| Aaron Ramsdale | Broken finger | A few days |
These injuries particularly impact Southampton’s defensive solidity and goalkeeping options. Gavin Bazunu’s long-term Achilles tendon injury leaves them without a key shot-stopper, and Aaron Ramsdale’s broken finger further limits their choices between the sticks.
Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone’s recoveries are encouraging, but their potential returns come just after the match, leaving Southampton with a thin squad for this crucial fixture.
Southampton Tactics and Formation
Southampton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 5-3-2
- Key Forward: Adam Armb
- Defensive Line: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Manning
- Midfield Trio: Joe Aribo, Flynn Downes, Mateus Fernandes
With a recent string of heavy defeats, interim manager Simon Rusk will likely prioritize defensive solidity against Liverpool.
Southampton’s likely 5-3-2 formation aims to provide extra cover at the back. The central defensive trio of Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, and Manning will be crucial, especially given their recent vulnerabilities.
In attack, they will rely on the pace of Armb and Sulemana to exploit any gaps left by Liverpool’s high-pressing game. Their midfield trio will focus on disrupting Liverpool’s play and creating counter-attacking opportunities.
Liverpool Team Analysis
Liverpool have been in solid form recently, showcasing their prowess in both attack and defence. They’ve managed to stay unbeaten in their last five matches, which speaks volumes about their current momentum. Their average of 2.00 goals scored per game and three clean sheets in their last five outings highlight their balance and efficiency both upfront and at the back.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Fulham | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Girona | Liverpool | 0-1 (Win) |
| Newcastle United | Liverpool | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Liverpool | Manchester City | 2-0 (Win) |
| Liverpool | Real Madrid | 2-0 (Win) |
Liverpool Key Players
Liverpool will rely heavily on their key players to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. Cody Gakpo, with four goals in the tournament, will be a focal point in their attack. His recent form will be crucial in breaking down Southampton’s defence.
Expected lineup for Liverpool:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joseph Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo
- Attackers: Luis Diaz
Gakpo’s battle against Southampton’s centre-backs, Bednarek and Harwood-Bellis, will be one to watch. Additionally, Mohamed Salah’s playmaking abilities could tip the scales in Liverpool’s favour.
Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries
Liverpool has several injury concerns going into the quarter-final clash with Southampton, impacting their squad depth. Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Matip | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Konstantinos Tsimikas | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Knee injury | Late December 2024 |
| Conor Bradley | Hamstring injury | Late December 2024 |
| Impact on Team: |
- Matip’s absence leaves a gap in central defense, a crucial area against potent attackers.
- Konaté’s potential return could bolster the backline, but his fitness remains uncertain.
- Tsimikas’s ankle injury affects depth in the left-back position, adding pressure on Andrew Robertson.
Liverpool Tactics and Formation
Liverpool’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1, although they have switched to 4-3-3 recently.
- Key Forward: Cody Gakpo, who leads the team with 4 goals in this tournament.
- Midfield Trio: Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Jordan Henderson, providing a blend of creativity and defensive cover.
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in their last five games highlight their solidity at the back.
- Notable Strategy: They are likely to press high and utilize the pace of their wingers on the counter-attack.
This approach should help them dominate possession and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities against a struggling Southampton side.
Southampton vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between these two sides reveals a competitive rivalry, with Liverpool having the upper hand.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Liverpool | 2 – 3 |
| Liverpool | Southampton | 3 – 0 |
| Southampton | Liverpool | 4 – 4 |
| Liverpool | Southampton | 3 – 1 |
| Southampton | Liverpool | 1 – 2 |
