The League Cup plays host to an all-Premier League clash on Wednesday night as Southampton take on Liverpool in the quarter-finals at St Mary's.
The tie pits record eight-times winners Liverpool against the Saints, who have never won the competition but were beaten finalists in 1979.
Southampton
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Southampton will be looking to use the League Cup as a springboard to revive their Premier League form, which has been inconsistent so far.
Ronald Koeman's side are struggling to hit the heights that they did this time last term, with two wins, two draws and two defeats from their last six summing up their campaign.
The South Coast outfit come into this one off the back of their second league defeat in a row, having gone down 3-1 at title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday.
Having gone two goals behind, Shane Long got on the scoresheet at the Etihad but the Saints could not muster an equaliser before Aleksandr Kolarov finished them off. This, coupled with the disappointing loss to Stoke City a week before, leaves Koeman's men 10th in the standings.
Due to Europa League commitments earlier in the season, Southampton entered the League Cup in round three, where they eased their way to a 6-0 victory over Championship side MK Dons last time out.
They followed that up with a win against Premier League opposition in round four, with struggling Aston Villa defeated 2-1 at home.
Recent form: WDWDLL
Recent form (all competitions): WWDLLL
Liverpool
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Liverpool's last major trophy win came in this competition in 2012 and, although they might be targeting a top-four finish and Champions League football, a cup win would certainly not go amiss at Anfield.
The mood at the club has been lifted since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October, and this competition provides the German coach with the opportunity to claim a first piece of silverware with his new club, particularly with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur knocked out already.
Klopp has lost just one of his 10 matches in charge of the Merseysiders so far and has guided them to memorable away victories to reigning champions Chelsea and Man City.
On Sunday, the Reds moved to within four points of the top four courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Swansea City, with James Milner's second-half penalty proving to be the difference.
The League Cup gave Klopp his first win in charge when Liverpool saw off Bournemouth in round four thanks to a solitary goal from right-back Nathaniel Clyne.
Prior to that, their passage had been far from smooth in round three under Klopp's predecessor Brendan Rodgers, as they needed penalties to overcome League Two Carlisle United following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Klopp stated as he took charge that he is confident of bringing a Premier League title to Liverpool before his time with the club is up, but a League Cup to start off with would not be a bad thing to add to an already impressive CV.
Recent form: DDWLWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWLWWW
Team News
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Southampton defender Jose Fonte is a doubt for the match after suffering a knock on his knee against Man City on the weekend, while Jay Rodriguez remains sidelined until January.
Graziano Pelle missed the trip to the Etihad due to suspension and could reclaim his place up front, with Long moving to a wider position.
Liverpool's England pair of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson returned to the squad for the Swansea game and both came off the bench, which could pave the way for them making starts here.
Philippe Coutinho was rested for Swansea with a hamstring injury, but Klopp has said that he is confident the Brazilian will feature. Lucas, who was suspended on Sunday, could also come in if Klopp decides to shuffle the midfield.
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Stekelenburg; Yoshida, Caulker, van Dijk, Bertrand; Wanyama, Romeu; Long, Ward-Prowse, Davis; Pelle
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno; Milner, Lucas, Henderson; Ibe, Sturridge, Firmino
Head To Head
Liverpool's last visit to Southampton ended in a 2-0 win for the visitors in February, with Coutinho and Raheem Sterling getting the goals.
In October, the Saints denied Klopp a first home win in charge of the Merseysiders as the teams drew 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League.
The last time the pair met in the League Cup was during the 2002-03 campaign - when Liverpool went on to lift the trophy - when the Reds beat Southampton 3-1 at Anfield in the third round.
We say: Southampton 1-2 Liverpool
Southampton are always a tricky side to come up against, but the Liverpool players appear to be understanding Klopp's philosophy better with every game and will be further strengthened by the return of key players. For that reason, they should have just that bit extra in the tank to win this one.
Steven Toplis
