Evening Standard
·16 de diciembre de 2024
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·16 de diciembre de 2024
Defending champions favourites to reach final four
Liverpool travel to Southampton later this week to continue their defence of the Carabao Cup.
This was the last trophy Jurgen Klopp lifted while in charge of the Reds and Arne Slot is just a few wins away from defending it.
Liverpool will be strong favourites down on the south coast. They have largely been perfect all season, albeit Slot’s side were held to a 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday.
Saints, meanwhile, lost 5-0 at home to Tottenham last time out - with all the goals coming in the first half - as manager Russell Martin paid with his job.
A new manager is not expected to be in charge for the game, but could there be a reaction under the lights at St Mary’s?
Southampton vs Liverpool is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off time on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton will host.
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
LIVE coverage: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Southampton are still without Aaron Ramsdale, so Alex McCarthy will continue to deputise in goal, and Jack Stephens remains suspended until Boxing Day. But Jan Bednarek returned against Spurs and should start again on Wednesday.
Nathan Wood was drafted into the starting lineup after just 15 minutes on Sunday and performed admirably, all things considered, so could start again, with Adam Armstrong should again lead the line.
Liverpool have Andy Robertson suspended but the Scotland international looked to have been carrying a knock anyway. Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas are all injured.
Federico Chiesa made the bench against Fulham and could feature here. Slot is suspended from the touchline having picked up three yellow cards this season.
Liverpool should rotate, with Spurs to come days after, but whatever team they name should have enough about them to see off Saints.
Without a manager and on the end of a home humbling, Southampton are at their lowest ebb of the season. That may prompt a reaction, but it’s hard where or who from.
Liverpool to win 3-0.
Southampton wins: 31
Draws: 26
Liverpool wins: 63
Southampton to win: 11/2
Liverpool FC to win: 1/12
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.