Unavailable: Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez,
Fonte
Liverpool – Sakho, Enriqué, Rossiter, Ings, Gomez, Flanagan
Despite enjoying such a successful first
season at the club last term, there was one major blemish that Ronald Koeman
will want to correct this time round. When Southampton were drawn away to
Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the League Cup last season, it
appeared that the team had been handed a gift of a tie to reach the last four.
Yet how often does what is written on paper actually come to transpire on a pitch.
Southampton were suffering a barren pitch, and the Blades bullied them, and
booked their place in the quarter-finals.
To play Liverpool at St Mary’s is somewhat of
a different proposition though. Saints come into this game as slight underdogs,
and have gone largely under the radar this season as inconsistent form in the
Premier League has left them stumbling around in mid-table. Of course, this is
a perfectly acceptable performance from the team, however it makes cup ties such
as these all the more important. A season in mid-table does not lead the pulse
to jump erratically, but a genuine chance of a trophy could define this
campaign.
How to judge success for the visitors to St
Mary’s is a more challenging question. Jürgen Klopp has surely impressed the
Liverpool hierarchy and the press with immediate prosperity for the club, and
some witty words and actions from the German on the sideline. Yet when will
this honeymoon period end? The disappointing form under Brendan Rodgers before
his dismissal left the Reds languishing in the bottom half, and as such Klopp
had a handicap before taking the hotseat. Achievements in the league can
perhaps wait until next season (within reason), therefore progression to the semi-finals on Wednesday night would
not be sniffed at.
Backed by a full St Mary’s, Saints will stand
up to their opponents though. The team is hurting after two consecutive
defeats, and should be particularly keen to overcome a club that once again swooped
in to purchase further playing personnel from the Hampshire side during the
summer. In the words of Klopp this week, “I hear Southampton and Liverpool are
not the best friends.” Indeed, Jürgen. Beyond that though, it is imperative
that the hosts exhibit some fight and initiative tonight. Their approach play
against Stoke was dull and unimaginative, while they were ripped apart by a
rampant City side in the first half at the weekend.
A large amount of criticism was directed
towards Maya Yoshida who was bizarrely selected to play at right-back – again. Despite
the continued superb form of Cédric Soares, Koeman dropped him completely for
the trip to Manchester in favour of the Japanese international. He can
undoubtedly play one or two games in that position when Soares and Cuco Martina
are unavailable, as displayed by an excellent performance against Aston Villa
in the cup. However, to play him there against a side such as City by choice is
an inexplicable decision that would surely irk Soares, and jeopardise the
Japanese’s confidence.
Yet, if anyone should be allowed to make a
slight error in judgment, it is Koeman, and no doubt the team he picks for
Wednesday’s game should be able to have some joy against the Reds.
Key
Battles
Bertrand
v Ibe: Since
coming back into the side with a decent run of form after injury denied him the
chance to play at the start of the season, the left-back has been somewhat
average of late. His trademark bombing runs down the left-wing have not been
seen a great deal of late, and attacking full-backs should be a key
characteristic of this team. Although, it was his supreme displays from last
season that have prompted some to conclude that his latest form is below his
best. On Wednesday, he will most likely face Jordon Ibe – a speed merchant who
has blossomed since Rodgers gave him an opportunity in the first team. He is a
classic winger who enjoys clipping the touchline with his boots, and will allow
the visitors genuine width if given the nod.
Caulker
v Sturridge: The
centre-back was forced into action after José Fonte hobbled off at the Etihad,
and he put in a composed performance in the absence of the captain. He has had
limited opportunities at the club, but will be keen to impress, as he attempts
to put his career back on track after short stints at a number of clubs. He
should face Daniel Sturridge if the England international is fit enough to
start. His pace and direct play could trouble the Saints backline therefore
Virgil van Dijk and Caulker will have to marshal the team well, with support
from Maarten Stekelenburg behind them.
Possible
Line-ups
Southampton:
Stekelenburg
– Soares, Caulker, Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Clasie – Mané, S. Davis (C),
Tadić – Pellè
K. Davis, Yoshida, Long, Romeu, Martina, Ward-Prowse,
Juanmi
Liverpool:
Bogdán
– Randall, Touré, Lovren, Clyne – Lucas, Henderson (C) – Ibe, Firmino, Lallana –
Sturridge
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