Southampton has 1-0 edge over Liverpool in League Cup semis

Klopp is confident that Coutinho could play a role during the midweek clash at St Mary’s but is not sure if the Brazil global could then recover to feature in the Premier League against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Southampton players who have joined Manchester United, in Luke Shaw and Morgan Schneiderlin, and Arsenal, in Calum Chambers, since 2014 have failed to replicate their displays from St Mary’s. But don’t underestimate Southampton (or Hull City, for that matter).

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is backing Daniel Sturridge to continue performing well for his side in the coming weeks and months, insisting that his quality is not in question despite the multitude of injury problems he has faced in recent months. Liverpool and tons of other League Cup games with a free 24-hour trial.

“I said to the lads previous year it would not be the last final they would be involved in and this is the first chance to prove this”.

Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, Liverpool were toothless in attack and the eight-time League Cup winners nearly fell further behind in the 43rd minute.

The German has at least started to give compatriot Klopp a decision to make once again, though.

By the grace of the football Gods, we can only anticipate for more of the same from the Reds. It’s always a new day, always a new chance, always a new final. Redmond played wide, in his best position, and could have had a hat-trick but for Loris Karius, the much-maligned Liverpool goalkeeper. “This will be the first chance for us to prove this, so let’s try it”.

“It’s hard to play and have the good concentration with this situation”, said the manager, who has appointed Virgil van Dijk as captain in Fonte’s absence.

The Saints get home ground advantage in the first leg. Moreover, the 22-year-old seemed to be second best in the midfield battle to the impressive showing of Southampton’s Jordy Clasie.

“This game is important and I think my players are ready for the game”.

Liverpool’s superior quality is demonstrated by the fact they lie second in the Premier League, while Southampton are 10th.

Actually, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our more recent FA Cup fixture, I don’t think we can hold it against Plymouth for celebrating a draw at Anfield – Manchester United did the exact same thing – the smaller clubs have to take victories where they can.

The highly-anticipated clash kicks off at 7.45pm tonight.

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