As we go into arguably our most important game in 14 years, Dan takes a look at our chances as we head to Anfield to take on Liverpool.

After Sunday’s much needed win over Leicester City in the Premier League, focus turns to a season-defining clash with Liverpool under the lights of Anfield, an iconic stadium for a game that will hopefully be iconic for Southampton. A 1-0 lead in the semi-final and confidence after last weekend’s results may be a catalyst for Saints reaching Wembley for the first time since the Johnstone Paint Trophy win in early 2010.

Southampton come into the game with much better recent form than Liverpool; a 1-0 win over Norwich and a 3-0 win over Leicester edges Liverpool’s draw with Manchester United and a shock 2-3 home defeat to Swansea. Liverpool lost at home for the first time in over a year which may give Saints more hoping of not only getting a draw but a win in normal time.

Saints need at least a draw on Wednesday night to guarantee a place in the EFL Cup final. They take a 1-0 lead on aggregate after an impressive performance at home in the first leg, however, some may say that after that game the tie should already be won.

Southampton deserve their place in the final already after some of the best performances of the season coming in this competition but they must dispose of Liverpool first to book a memorable day at Wembley. Yet to concede a goal in the EFL Cup, another clean sheet would guarantee a Southampton win.

Liverpool looked non-existent when they visited St.Mary’s two weeks ago and should really be further away from reaching the final than they currently are. Also, a loss to Swansea who had been sat in the relegation zone before the match, at home won’t do them too many favours.

Yes, you could argue that they will be motivated to make a wrong right, but on the other hand you could also say that they will be nervous and having tasted defeat at home for the first time in a year, Saints will have an opportunity to pounce on.

Prediction: I expected the first leg to be very tough, especially when Liverpool put out, in my opinion, their best team (plus Coutinho) but didn’t look up for it and looked like more of a mid-table side threatened by the possibility of relegation than one fighting for the title and EFL Cup.

However, even though their recent results haven’t been great, you have to expect a strong Liverpool side. I do believe that their recent form and results can play to our advantage but a close game will lead to a 1-1 draw, enough to get us through. After their defeat to Swansea I am more confident now though, of getting a win instead of a draw but a draw will be perfect.

My Starting XI: Forster, Cedric, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand, Romeu, Clasie, Davis, Tadic, Rodriguez, Redmond

I know that it’s more likely to find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow than to see Puel not make a single change, especially for a midweek game, so I think there will only be changes in midfield as Clasie and Davis will come in for Ward-Prowse and Hojbjerg.

Also, I don’t know if Virgil will be fit for the game so, even though I hope that he’ll be ready, for now I’ll say Jack Stephens will come in. Puel will know that this game is very important to their season and I hope that he will put out the strongest team available.

If we win on Wednesday, I’ll be happier to play youngsters against Arsenal than against Liverpool. Even though we would love an FA Cup run, this game is more important and must be won as the opportunity to get to Wembley and win a cup won’t be this great for years.

Photo: Action Images

Sanguin added 09:54 - Jan 24 I really hope Davis is fit, we need his work ethic. I'm confident that Long will start this game, we're likely to sit deep, give them possession and play on the counter attack.
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Lazz added 06:22 - Jan 25 Do whatever it takes to win let me at em
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