EFL Cup Semi-Final: Liverpool vs Southampton
Published January 25, 2017 by Sol FH
Liverpool host Southampton tonight at Anfield and need a win to make the final. Check out the action tonight at 20:00 GMT.
Liverpool is down after they lost the first leg of the EFL Cup Semi-Final 1-0 to Southampton. Tonight at Anfield, the Reds need to either keep a clean sheet or win by two goals in order to make the final. Joel Matip is expected to make a return and start for the Reds for the first time in six weeks, which is great news for the team having been approved to play after weeks of confusion over his eligibility.
Southampton might be without one of their key defensemen, as Virgil van Dijk has an ankle injury. The option of playing Jack Stephens may be the Saints' only option, which would leave a weaker defense, something that Liverpool could capitalize on. Down only one goal, Liverpool should be able to make a comeback at home, as it is hard for any team to win at Anfield.
"If we had been down 3-0 we would have to think about a few things but it is only 1-0 and so still everything is possible for us," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp when asked what he thinks about their chances to advance tonight.
Liverpool are no strangers coming back from deficits in the League Cup. On the past two occasions where they have been down, they succeeded in coming back, but this was many years ago. If the Saints hold on to their lead and advance, it will be the second time in the clubs history ever doing so. Southampton have been excellent when playing on the road in the League Cup against top-flight teams, beating Arsenal earlier this year and against Stoke in 2014-15.
Prediction and EFL Betting Markets
It feels like Liverpool will make the comeback and bettors should expect a 3-1 win for the Reds. Bet365 Sports has posted odds in the Reds' favor at 1.50, while Southampton are at 7.50. To qualify, the Reds are at 1.80, while the Saints are at 2.00.
