Liverpool comes into this EFL Cup third-round tie having enjoyed an exhilarating 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby. The first half was great, but fatigue crept in during the second half after having beaten Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League just three or four days beforehand. Other than a few lapses defensively, the Reds have been devastatingly potent in the final third, scoring 14 times in six games this season. They have scored in every single one of their last 39 Premier League games, proving their attacking consistency. 

Defensively, however, there are still frailties. Liverpool has given up two goals in a game three times this season, admittedly having blown (or squandered) 2-0 leads against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Atletico Madrid before eventually gaining late wins. That said, Liverpool is still undefeated at Anfield, having won all four of their games there this season. Liverpool is the defending EFL Cup champion for the 2023-24 season and was a finalist during the 2024-25 season, so they look to get started in the same way this season. 

The Saints have had difficulties since returning to the Championship with manager Will Still and were beaten 3-1 in their most recent match against Hull City. They are four points behind the playoff places and have difficult upcoming games against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. 

Their recent history against Liverpool is bleak, having lost twice in the 2024-25 Premier League season, and they could lose for the fifth straight time soon. They have been inconsistent on the road lately, going 1-2-3 in their past six games away from home and giving up eight goals in that time. The Saints have EFL Cup history too, reaching the quarters last year and the semi-finals in 2022-23, but a lot is riding on the current form of their players if they were to upset Liverpool. 

Liverpool's boss Arne Slot confirmed that a number of starters would not be taking part in the EFL Cup match due to tired legs: Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, and Virgil van Dijk. Some key young players and squad players are set to fill the void:

Southampton is likely to implement a back three to lessen Liverpool's attacking threat:

Liverpool's depth of attacking options permits their head coach, Arne Slot, to rotate players while keeping a similar level of talent. Giving young players like Ngumoha an opportunity adds a higher pace and ambivalence on the sides, complementing Isak's duty as striker. The pairing of Nyoni and Endo in the midfield pivot acts as the engine and stability of the side, which will be vital to the amount of possession consumed while capitalising on Southampton's defence weaknesses.

Southampton will depend on a good defensive structure, but they have been exposed defensively in recent weeks. The fact that they conceded eight goals in their last five away games is evidence they are susceptible to fast and incisive attacking play, which will be a serious concern against a Reds side that loves playing on the transition.

Liverpool and Southampton boast a fierce rivalry, having met 123 times in the past. Liverpool has won 65 times, Southampton 31 times, and there have been 26 draws. In recent encounters, Liverpool has held the upper hand:

With this documented history, Liverpool will find confidence and a mental edge heading into the match at Anfield.

The 17-year-old star is emerging as a potential game-changer. After coming on as a substitute, he scored the winning goal against Newcastle United, and he is ready to hit the ground running in a first-team match. He will be instrumental against Southampton, especially in taking advantage of space left by the backline.

Armstrong is Southampton's main attacking threat who can turn limited opportunities into goals. He will be pushed to the test against a Liverpool defence that has been rotated and may be away from home.

For a punter, Liverpool makes an enticing case. The bookmakers offer Liverpool home betting given an 86.7% win prediction, while Southampton is seen far behind away.

With the EFL Cup generally seeing rotated squads, there is some worth to backing Liverpool to win and both teams to score due to Liverpool’s attacking depth and Southampton’s sporadic goals.

Although Liverpool will rotate their squad, and minor injury concerns exist, the Reds should show their attacking quality and home advantage against Southampton.

Southampton will try to frustrate Liverpool, but the gap in quality is obvious. I can see Liverpool winning this competitively, 3-1. 

Liverpool have produced plentiful possession across their most recent matches, whilst Southampton have struggled to turn any of their possession into results.

Liverpool head into this EFL Cup tie as heavy favourites while perhaps rotating their squad somewhat, while their footballing nous should still prove to be evident. Liverpool's depth in attack, record vs. Southampton, and playing at home lead us to suggest that they should take a comfortable victory.