Liverpool v Southampton Betting: Saints out to end Klopp's cup dream

Liverpool may have a first-leg deficit to overturn in the EFL Cup, but in truth it could have been a lot worse for Jurgen Klopp's side, who were thoroughly outplayed at St Mary's.

Despite that, a return to a venue where they've won eight of their 10 Premier League games this term sees the Reds as 1/2 (1.50) favourites with bet365 to win in normal time.

The draw is a best price 7/2 (4.50) with the online firm - a result that would see Southampton through, of course, and the visitors are 13/2 (7.50) to record back-to-back wins over Klopp's side. That price is also the best available at the time of writing.

In terms of qualification, bet365 go 4/5 (1.80) that Liverpool contest the EFL Cup final for the second time in a row while it's Evens (2.0) that Claude Puel's men make it through to Wembley.

The return of Philippe Coutinho, who has signed a new long-term deal at Anfield, certainly adds to the hosts' impressive array of firepower, but the defensive fragility shown in recent weeks means the 1/2 (1.50) on the home win is not without significant risk.

Excluding the FA Cup meetings with Plymouth, it's just one clean sheet in six matches for Klopp's side, and the alarming showing against Swansea in their 3-2 defeat means goals could be the way to go here.

Southampton haven't been anything approaching prolific on the road but will surely fancy their chances of testing whatever side they're up against, given their thumping 3-0 victory over champions Leicester at the weekend.

GOAL

Liverpool need to force the issue and that could leave them vulnerable to a counter attack from the Saints. Both teams to score is a 10/11 (1.91) shot and certainly not without appeal considering the way this match is poised. Over 2.5 goals is a 3/4 (1.75) chance with bet365, who are certainly anticipating plenty of action a Anfield.

With Liverpool proving tough to trust defensively, they certainly look opposable in some way at the current prices. Perhaps the best option could be to take Southampton +1 on the Asian Handicap at 11/10 (2.10). This will see stakes returned if the visitors lose by just one goal, but pay out in full if they avoid defeat.

The Reds certainly have the potential to breeze into the final if their forward line clicks, but the question marks at the back suggest the value lies in opposing a side who are already trailing in this tie. With away goals not counting until after extra time, a one-goal defeat, which would trigger an extra 30 minutes of action, will see punters' get their stake back in full on this selection.

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