Defending champions Liverpool make their way to the south coast on Wednesday night to face a struggling Southampton side in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
How to Watch Southampton vs Liverpool: TV Channel, Live Stream, and Kick-Off Details
The EFL Cup quarter-final between Southampton and Liverpool will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Football.
Fans can also catch the action via a live stream on the Sky Sports app, although subscription fees will apply for access to the service.
What Time does Southampton Liverpool kickoff?
Southampton and Liverpool will play in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday, 18th December. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT, with both teams eager to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Southampton enter this clash amidst turmoil. The Saints parted ways with manager Russell Martin following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend
Frustration had been building among fans over Martin’s rigid tactical approach, and the board acted swiftly after the loss.
In his place, Under-21 manager Simon Rusk steps into the hot seat to lead the team for this crucial fixture. A win would mark Southampton’s second semi-final appearance in this competition in the past three campaigns, but the task is monumental against a Liverpool team in strong form.
Southampton Form
Southampton’s struggles at the back could prove costly. They’ve been far from solid defensively in recent weeks, and Liverpool will look to exploit this, having scored at least two goals in ten of their last eleven games.
The Saints’ defensive frailties were on full display last month when they faced Liverpool in the Premier League and suffered a 3-2 defeat in a thrilling encounter.
Liverpool Form Guide
For Liverpool, this match represents an opportunity to maintain their dominance in the competition.
The Reds endured a tough outing against Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, going 1-0 down after just 11 minutes and losing Andy Robertson to a red card shortly afterward. Even with the adversity, they managed to rescue a point and hold their position at the top of the league table.
Back to back draws in their last two league matches have narrowed the gap at the top of the table.
This EFL Cup remains special for Liverpool; it was the last domestic trophy won by Jurgen Klopp.
For current manager Arne Slot, the competition presents a chance to claim his first silverware as Liverpool boss. Slot’s tenure has started promisingly, and he’ll be eager to guide his team to Wembley.
Southampton v Liverpool Statistics
The numbers favor Liverpool, with a commanding head-to-head record and a 62.3% chance of victory according to statistical models.
The Saints have a steep hill to climb but could benefit from the unpredictability of a managerial change.
If Liverpool’s attacking firepower and Southampton’s defensive woes are anything to go by, this quarter-final could deliver another high-scoring affair.
The Reds are firm favorites to progress, but Southampton will hope for a spark under their interim manager to pull off an unlikely upset.
Arne Slot will be aiming to make a statement as he continues his quest for a maiden trophy in English football, while Simon Rusk faces a baptism of fire in the Southampton dugout.
