There is a sense of positivity among Liverpool fans, who have started to believe in their team to fight for titles under manager Jurgen Klopp. League Cup is one such title, which the Reds will be eyeing this season as they prepare for their quarter final encounter against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday.
Liverpool have been mighty impressive ever since Klopp took over the reins at Anfield. The Reds have only lost a single game under Klopp, which is a huge improvement as they have gradually improved in all competitions. With good performances under their belt, Liverpool head into the League Cup quarter final with their tails up, but they are also relatively aware of the huge threat from Southampton as they can be commanding in their home turf.
However, Klopp should not be worried about the atmosphere at St. Mary's as they have been performing stupendously on the road. Liverpool have defeated teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea away from home with relative ease.
Along with Manchester City, who have reached the semi finals of the League Cup, Liverpool are one of the favourites for the title. Klopp does not want to think too much ahead.
"The quarter-final is far away from the final. When you are in the final, you have to be prepared to be in a good situation and have a squad in a good run," BBC quoted Klopp as saying.
There is no way Southampton can be taken lightly by Liverpool. Southampton have some world class players in their ranks, which includes great physical players such as Graziano Pelle and Shane Long, who have the tools to make life tough for the Liverpool defenders.
Southampton, though, will be without their skipper, Jose Fonte, who was injured against Manchester City in their last EPL game. Southampton are expected to start with their best 11, which can help defeat Liverpool and clinch the last remaining League Cup semi final berth.
"It's very important because Southampton only have two opportunities to win a title - the FA Cup and the League Cup - so it's important because we want to reach the semi-finals," said Southampton manager Ronald Koeman.
Liverpool under Klopp, have been playing a high pressing game, which has pressurised opponents in making errors. Koeman is aware of Klopp's gegenpressing style and will have a strategy to counter the German.
"It's a great game to play. It's sold out and Liverpool are doing well under a new manager. We know Liverpool like to press and if you beat the press then you have a lot of options and possibilities. We showed that in the second half against Manchester City," said Koeman.
If Pelle is going to be the key man for Southampton offensively, Liverpool will depend on the services of Philippe Coutinho, who could start as he is fit after suffering a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen if Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson, who came back from injuries, will start against Southampton as the duo also featured against Swansea during the second half at Anfield on Sunday.
Where to watch live
Southampton vs Liverpool League Cup clash has been scheduled for 8:45 pm local time (1:15 am IST, 3:45 pm ET, 7:45pm GMT). Viewers in India can watch Southampton vs Liverpool League Cup live on Ten Action and Ten HD with live streaming on tensports.com.
UK viewers can watch the Southampton vs Liverpool League Cup live match on Sky Sports 1/HD and Sky Sports 5/HD with live streaming option on Sky Go.
US viewers can watch Southampton vs Liverpool League Cup live on BeIN Sports USA with live streaming on Bein Sports connect.
Viewers in Australia can watch the Southampton vs Liverpool League Cup live on beIN Sports Australia while viewers in Indonesia can watch the game live on beIN Sports 1HD.
