Pre Match: Southampton v Liverpool League Cup Quarter Final Wed 2nd Dec 19:45KO

We travel down to Southampton on Wednesday and are a win away from a 2 legged tie in the Semi-Finals.

The strength of our squad is getting better every week and I think Klopp's got some big decisions to make, as he will want to go as strong as possible here, with a few small changed possible.

I think Hendo will want to start, but Sturridge should stay on the bench and come on like he did against Swansea:

Bogdan

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Moreno

Henderson (c)
Lucas
Emre Can

Coutinho
Lallana

Benteke

Subs: Mignolet; Toure, Enrique; Milner, Allen; Ibe; Sturridge.

I expect Bogdan will come in for Mignolet, he's been good in our Cup games this year and deserves another game.

I wouldn't expect Randall or Toure to start this one, the back four are gelling well together. Enrique has been training but I doubt he will make the squad, let alone start the game. I quite like Enrique, so I wouldn't mind seeing him play some part.

In midfield, it's hard to take Milner out, but I think Hendo could start with Lucas coming back in after suspension, and Emre Can taking his usual position.

Hopefully Coutinho is fit enough to return, I expect him and Lallana to start behind Benteke.

I think this side will be enough to win this game, especially with Milner and Sturridge to bring off the bench.

0-2 to us! YNWA!

** One last note, me and my partner are going for the first scan on our baby tomorrow morning, so that's the reason why i've started the thread a day early!

Hard to drop Milner after that performance. Nothing flashy but did the job. If he is fit, would definitely start him. Lucas and Coutinho are back, that's a big plus. I would probably drop Benteke. Nothing wrong with the big man but the rhythm we had yesterday wasnt the same that we have with the Brazilians and Lallana.

Mignolet
Clyne-Skrtel-Lovren-Moreno
Lucas-Can
Milner-Coutinho-Lallana
Firmino

Subs- Bogdan, Kolo, Randall, Hendo, Allen, Studge, Benteke

You have been a busy boy Olly 

All the best for tomorrow.

Stoke
Sheffield Wednesday
Everton
Hull
Middlesbrough
Man City
Southampton

This is a genuine chance for us to get back to our first final in 4 years and for the manager to get a trophy in his first (not even full) season.

This is the most important game of the week ahead for me and I'd be picking our strongest team because Southampton are a decent side.  I wouldn't even remotely be considering 'resting' anybody.

If we could only win one football match in December I'd be picking this one.

Same team against City please. It's a cup quarter final, Southampton will come out to play and Firmino, Coutinho and Lallana should be able to do the job for us here.

Another half an hour for Hendo and Sturridge to get them fit for Newcastle at the weekend as well would be nice.

I expect a strong team again for this one, Jürgen doesn't do "weakened" teams (check out the Sergi Canos interview in his player thread).

Doubt we'll see Cou start but he'll probably get some minutes, same with Hendo and Studge.  We have no need now to throw players back into the starting 11 immediately they start training after an injury and I like the fact that Jürgen prefers to ease them back in too.  It shows confidence in the team without our "best" players.

As others have said, we're away and they'll want to win it so they're less likely to camp inside their own penalty area, which helps us to play our way.

I've gone for a confident 2-1 win to the Mighty Reds.

Looking forward to this and confident about our chances. Like most are saying, I'd go strong here. No reason not to really.

Bogdan

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Moreno

Lucas
Can

Ibe
Henderson (off after an hour)
Firmino

Benteke

Subs: Mignolet, Toure, Enrique, Allen, Milner, Coutinho, Sturridge.

Phil and Dan both on around the hour mark for some vital match fitness ahead of the trip to the North East at the weekend.

Chats, I think if that happens, we could be looking at a 0:3 score.
Saints will want to play, and if it's an open game as city was, we will dominate 80 % of the game.  Not an easy game, but the hard graft will prevail.

https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/671456258369564672

https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/671456258369564672

Good, will be an upgrade without doubt.

Good, will be an upgrade without doubt.

Finally got your wish mate

We travel down to Southampton on Wednesday and are a win away from a 2 legged tie in the Semi-Finals.

The strength of our squad is getting better every week and I think Klopp's got some big decisions to make, as he will want to go as strong as possible here, with a few small changed possible.

I think Hendo will want to start, but Sturridge should stay on the bench and come on like he did against Swansea:

Bogdan

Clyne
Skrtel
Lovren
Moreno

Henderson (c)
Lucas
Emre Can

Coutinho
Lallana

Benteke

Subs: Mignolet; Toure, Enrique; Milner, Allen; Ibe; Sturridge.

I expect Bogdan will come in for Mignolet, he's been good in our Cup games this year and deserves another game.

I wouldn't expect Randall or Toure to start this one, the back four are gelling well together. Enrique has been training but I doubt he will make the squad, let alone start the game. I quite like Enrique, so I wouldn't mind seeing him play some part.

In midfield, it's hard to take Milner out, but I think Hendo could start with Lucas coming back in after suspension, and Emre Can taking his usual position.

Hopefully Coutinho is fit enough to return, I expect him and Lallana to start behind Benteke.

I think this side will be enough to win this game, especially with Milner and Sturridge to bring off the bench.

0-2 to us! YNWA!

** One last note, me and my partner are going for the first scan on our baby tomorrow morning, so that's the reason why i've started the thread a day early!

nick a win here and the semi is on!!

Just been reading Charlie Nicholas' prediction for the League Cup games, this is what he said about ours (posted for humorous content):

Well this one really is the pick of the draw. Southampton have been a bit disappointing, yes, but they didn't play badly at Manchester City according to Merse. They missed Graziano Pelle and will have him back against Liverpool. Ronald Koeman will be another one thinking why can't we have a go at winning this? They may not have the depth of some teams but they have a very good side.

Then we have the resurgence under Jürgen Klopp and everyone going crazy because they're up to sixth in the Premier League. It was another grind at home against Swansea and they'll probably prefer being able to play on the counter-attack again here. Koeman will say 'we're at home, we'll play our game' and I think they'll win this one.

Charlie predicts: 3-1 with Pelle to score first (66/1 with Sky Bet)

Somebody seems upset that his team got dicked whilst we managed to win ugly The last time we conceded 3 by the way was against Man United back in September and that's after all those ridiculous away games we've had. It's funny that he thinks Southampton will win 3-1 just because Pelle is back and because Koeman will say "we're at home".

I don't see Jürgen going for a weakened team especially as being away from home will really suit our playing style. After seeing JD posting the teams that are still in the cup there's no reason why we can't go on and win this competition. Southampton will obviously be up for this one but that will suit us perfectly. I'd have Henderson and Sturridge both come off the bench. Would also like to see Tex maybe get some game time.


Bogdan; Clyne,Skrtel,Lovren,Moreno; Can,Lucas; Milner,Coutinho,Lallana; Firmino

I don't see Jürgen going for a weakened team especially as being away from home will really suit our playing style. After seeing JD posting the teams that are still in the cup there's no reason why we can't go on and win this competition. Southampton will obviously be up for this one but that will suit us perfectly. I'd have Henderson and Sturridge both come off the bench. Would also like to see Tex maybe get some game time.


Bogdan; Clyne,Skrtel,Lovren,Moreno; Can,Lucas; Milner,Coutinho,Lallana; Firmino

Clyne & Moreno really need some rest. Unfortunately, we've got no suitable replacement ATM.

Just been reading Charlie Nicholas' prediction for the League Cup games, this is what he said about ours (posted for humorous content):

Well this one really is the pick of the draw. Southampton have been a bit disappointing, yes, but they didn't play badly at Manchester City according to Merse. They missed Graziano Pelle and will have him back against Liverpool. Ronald Koeman will be another one thinking why can't we have a go at winning this? They may not have the depth of some teams but they have a very good side.

Then we have the resurgence under Jürgen Klopp and everyone going crazy because they're up to sixth in the Premier League. It was another grind at home against Swansea and they'll probably prefer being able to play on the counter-attack again here. Koeman will say 'we're at home, we'll play our game' and I think they'll win this one.

Charlie predicts: 3-1 with Pelle to score first (66/1 with Sky Bet)

Somebody seems upset that his team got dicked whilst we managed to win ugly The last time we conceded 3 by the way was against Man United back in September and that's after all those ridiculous away games we've had. It's funny that he thinks Southampton will win 3-1 just because Pelle is back and because Koeman will say "we're at home".

Charlie Nicholas is a dickhead, the fact he wears a diamond ear-ring says it all. w**ker!!

Good opportunity this to take a step closer to the final; think Jürgen will be putting a strong team out!

Just keep that Jürgen-naut rolling, let's progress in this cup as well. Winning is infectious so put out our strongest team.

Kenny knew how important a bit of silverware was and got us to the two finals.
Never seen him with tears in his eyes till that game v City in the semi.

If the touchline techno had been about we would have got the second goal against the Chavs in the FA Cup. Could have been a cup double.

The last time we were near a Final was when Villa put us out of our misery before we would have had an embarassing global TV humiliation against the Arse.
We got off lucky.

That as they say is history.

Could have that pot early in the New Year .   


Lets go for this .

The only players I'd like to see rested somehow are the full backs. They've definitely earned their wages this season.

Edit: And somebody in midfield so Tex can get some game time.

Good, will be an upgrade without doubt.

I'm so grateful to the TC.

I would certainly like to see Tex start. In that game (yes, singular - I think) he made the goal. He is certainly a very good footballer so I am not sure why he is not getting few minutes here & there.

Time to see what he can do for our forwards.

nick a win here and the semi is on!!

Nick a win and I'll have a semi on, beat them in the return at Anfield and I'll be fully erect

Working late tomorrow so will miss the game, hate weekday games 

I'll go for 2-0 to us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr7lLPpw29M

Cup quarter final, no time for rest or rotations.
                   
                      Mignolet
Clyne   Skrtel     Lovren       Moreno
           Lucas
Can              Milner
         Lallana      Coutinho
              Benteke
subs Bodgan, Toure, Allen, Sturridge, Firminio.Randall,Henderson

Gotta agree with putting out as strong a side as possible. Might still be a bit too early for Sturridge and Henderson to come back into the XI.

Whatever happened to Origi by the way? Haven't seen him in a while

Clyne badly needs a rest but who can we realistically replace him with?

Gutted because I won't be able to watch it.

Clyne badly needs a rest but who can we realistically replace him with?

He'll probably need to play until the Sion game where we could give Randall a go. No idea how close Flanno is to being fit again.

3-0 to us tho. We have a very decent team now that Hendo and Sturridge are fit again... we've been playing all season without two of our best players.

A long way yet to go but F**k it, I'm gonna say it,
This is our cup to lose, make no bones ppl Jürgen wants this more than 'blood' wants his semi,

I definitely wouldn't F**k about with too many changes, for me same line-up that battered Citeh with the exception of Tex in for Cou,  I'd ease both Henderson and Sturridge in bit by bit, too quickly could F**k us up and seriously dent our title credentials,
I'd go with this..........

                          Bogdan
       Clyne Skrtel Lovren Moreno
                        Lucas
               Milner.          Can
    Firmino.       Texiera.     Lallana


Bench ;   Mignolet, Toure, Randall,  Henderson, 
                Sturridge,  Ibe,  Benteke

We're rising ppl, and just like Phoenix we're climbing slowly,  we are getting better and better as Jürgen implements his ideas and has his players becoming familiar with his mindset,

We are only 6 pts off top, that's F**k all when you think about our fixtures in the new year,  and the continuous improvement we will make, 

I'm like 'blood', getting very excited,  I think we're at the start of a very special era in our clubs history,  so much so I believe there will be a lot of Riga mortise filled pants in the month's to come.


1-3 Mighty Reds



YNWA

It will be a tough game, but we will prevail eventually.

It will be a tough game, but we will prevail eventually.

You expecting extra time George?

YNWA

https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/671456258369564672

Bogdan to start.


Good.

Bogdan to start.


Good.

Because he can count? .

So its   City , the Bitters or Stoke to pick from .

Bring em on .

Whoever.

So its   City , the Bitters or Stoke to pick from .

Bring em on .

Whoever.

Agreed, be nice to smash the bluenoses in the final though that's for sure.

Love that Klopp is taking this serious too, winning mentality.

So its   City , the Bitters or Stoke to pick from .

F**k, just made me realise how close we are.
Now that makes this another must win game, Thats about a million already this season.
Strongest side poss. away from home, they are sure to open up a bit, so we can get at them. Just like we did shity.
I'm beginning to enjoy this season, been very edgy so far, starting to relax a bit now.
 When we're good, we're very very good, and when we're bad, we're still pretty F***ing good !
0 - 3 the red men me thinks.  Cant remember what i put in the prediction league, but 0--3 is how I feel at the mo.

Tough one I think.  It'll be a good game for anyone with a ticket.  I think both teams will try to win it - no faint hearts here.

It could be 1986/89 at Wembley all over again, Everton must be shitting themselves even if it is not the F.A.Cup.

It could be 1986/89 at Wembley all over again,

2012 wasn't bad either!

2012 wasn't bad either!

Good point JD.

Mignolet – Clyne, Škrtel, Lovren, Moreno – Henderson, Lucas, Milner, Coutinho, Lallana –Firmino.

Sturridge after 60mins

Clyne & Moreno really need some rest. Unfortunately, we've got no suitable replacement ATM.

I totally agree that do but who can replace them? Randall could come in for Clyne. Any idea how much longer until Flanagan is back?

We could be doing with a RB and/or LB in next months transfer window if he's still a long time out.

Don't care what's the score and how we performed as long as we win that's all that matters.

2012 was great but our league form dived after winning the Cup We cant do that again. I think we will do well tonight especially being away it suits our team at present.

Pumped for this one. Can't wait. Should be an entertaining tie for the neutral.

Some valuable minutes for Big Ben and Henderson from the start and a cameo for Sturridge should he be able to carry himself off the bench without doing any damage.

Cup quarter final, no time for rest or rotations.
                   
                      Mignolet
Clyne   Skrtel     Lovren       Moreno
           Lucas
Can              Milner
         Lallana      Coutinho
              Benteke
subs Bodgan, Toure, Allen, Sturridge, Firminio.Randall,Henderson

I would agree with this mate, except I might think about changing up Benteke for Firminho. Benteke doesn't have the same pace and movement as Firminho and that might be better away from home when counter attacking football against a passing and neat footballing side like Southampton.

A very small part of me wants Couts to have an extended rest at some point too, this might not be the game but should be soon with the Xmas pile up coming up. Looking at 14/15 stats, comparing him to the only other players in the league of similar type, it doesn't look too bad actually, Couts isn't being overplayed yet, but he's definitely more deserving of a 2 week beach break than that disrespectful little brat.

Games played:  Couts (35), Silva (32), Hazard (38)
Starts: Couts (32), Silva (32), Hazard (38)
Minutes played: (2799), Silva (2699), Hazard (3372)

For an attacking midfielder,

Was confirmed ystdy bogdan was starting, league cup is his.

Good, will be an upgrade without doubt.

I still doubt it mate. Not saying he can't be an upgrade but I think it's remains to be seen if Bogdan is a clear upgrade on Migs.

As much as Simon is struggling I don't think Bogdan is that clear upgrade many seem to see him as.

I still doubt it mate. Not saying he can't be an upgrade but I think it's remains to be seen if Bogdan is a clear upgrade on Migs.

As much as Simon is struggling I don't think Bogdan is that clear upgrade many seem to see him as.

It was the same reaction last year when Brad Jones was played..... until he dived in the completely wrong direction at Old Trafford.

Would be fantastic for us if Klopp leads us to a Wembley final and lifts our first domestic Kupp since Kenny.

Fancy us 2-0 tonight...

I think it will be a hard fought 1-0 to us - perhaps even extra time.

Southampton is a good team with fast forwards. We have to watch out of on the counter.

I cant remember having so much expectation before games as I have done since Jürgen came. You can really see why he is so well thought of and the players have really clearly taken to him and his coaching methods. We just need to do what we have been doing listen to the manager and give everything for the team. A two legged semi final next if we win tonight so its a really important game probably the most important since the FA Cup debacle

I cant remember having so much expectation before games as I have done since Jürgen came.

Probably for 6 months in the 2013/14 season since 2009 have we gone in to games against anyone expecting wins.

Probably for 6 months in the 2013/14 season since 2009 have we gone in to games against anyone expecting wins.

Its the way we seem to have a team that really enjoy playing for each other. 2013/14 Suarez was lethal and having seen him Barca he has to be the best striker in the world . You just feel the lads now relish playing in a red shirt whilst last season and early this it seemed a burden to them. The squad is unbalanced and yet the manager is managing to get the very best out of what is at his disposal. This will be a good game for us tonight and hopefully another sign that things are improving rapidly

I cant remember having so much expectation before games as I have done since Jürgen came. You can really see why he is so well thought of and the players have really clearly taken to him and his coaching methods. We just need to do what we have been doing listen to the manager and give everything for the team. A two legged semi final next if we win tonight so its a really important game probably the most important since the FA Cup debacle

Same mate, that positivity is going strong. We will get tested when we hit a bad patch, but Klopp's been there before. Dortmund were bottom of the league last year until December or something ridicilous like that and still finished 7th. Not what foresee for Liverpool of course, but just to point out that when we inevitably hit a wobble at some point, shouldn't lose faith. Think that's the biggest difference between Bundesliga and PL, we've become so so impatient in this league.

Anyway, back to tonight, I think we might be pleasantly surprised. If defence holds firm and we will get tested because Southampton are a good footballing side, we could find ourselves with plenty of opportunities. 3-1 to us I reckon, putting my balls firmly on the chopping board there...

We've only improved since we played these in the League. We're a better unit and have key players returning and we've come through some tough challenges last week, we're stronger mentally. The belief and expectation that everyone is showing here has to be withthe players now.

I expect a strong side and clinical performance. We gifted them a goal at Anfield, let's not do it again, 2-0 to the Red men. Benteke and Ibe.

Difficult one to predict, their results really are very topsy tervy.

As we speak.

This on TV or Sky?.

This on TV or Sky?.

Pub for me.

So glad I'll be able to watch a mid-week game live! Come on LFC! It would be awesome for Klopp to start his LFC reign with a trophy, so I'm very much looking forward to this League Cup game.

This on TV or Sky?.

its on Skysports1 and 5
there is always stream or pubs for those without sky

its a difficult one this , but confident for us to be in the draw after the match


YNWA

I'm working so it'll have to be 5Live for me and whatever sh*te pundit they have this time.

No team news yet folks?

Twitter saying Sturridge is a starter

waiting for LIVE match thread for a full line-up news

COME ON REDS

YNWA

Think we may struggle for creativity without Coutinho, but hopefully Sturridge can take the chances that come his way.