Anfield prepares for another electrifying night as Liverpool welcome Southampton in the third round of the EFL Cup. The Premier League leaders will be eager to showcase their dominance in front of their supporters, while the Championship side aim to prove they can compete against top-flight opposition. Scheduled for Wednesday, 24 September 2025, this clash represents more than just a knockout fixture; it is a battle of contrasting ambitions, form, and tactical philosophies.
In this comprehensive betting preview, we provide detailed insights into team form, head-to-head records, player performances, and statistical trends. With expert predictions, correct score possibilities, player prop recommendations, and value picks across various markets, we break down everything you need to know before placing your bets on Liverpool vs Southampton.
We take on Southampton tomorrow in the Carabao Cup. pic.twitter.com/iSXBN23Y5W
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 22, 2025
Liverpool’s Relentless Form
Liverpool’s start to the 2025/26 campaign has been nothing short of perfect. They opened the Premier League season with five consecutive wins, coupled with a thrilling Champions League triumph over Atlético Madrid. Their consistency at both ends of the pitch highlights why bookmakers consider them overwhelming favorites in this tie.
At home, Liverpool’s fortress remains nearly impenetrable. With eight wins and two draws across their last ten matches at Anfield, Jürgen Klopp’s side has combined attacking fluidity with defensive solidity. Possession figures averaging over 60% reflect their control of games, while their average of 2.2 goals per match shows how clinical they have been in front of goal.
Key Players Driving Success
- Mohamed Salah continues to deliver, with four goals already this season, proving why he remains Liverpool’s talisman.
- Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a decisive figure, netting three goals in his last five appearances.
- Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai have contributed heavily with assists, ensuring Liverpool’s front line remains unpredictable.
- Alisson Becker, with two clean sheets in his last ten matches, provides security that underpins the team’s balance.
Liverpool’s strength lies in their ability to rotate without compromising performance. Even with changes expected for this cup tie, the quality within their squad suggests Southampton face an uphill battle.
Southampton’s Challenge
Southampton’s season in the Championship has been mixed. While they secured a convincing 3-0 win over Norwich in the previous round of the EFL Cup, their league form has been inconsistent. Their latest setback, a 3-1 defeat to Hull City, exposed defensive weaknesses despite enjoying 71% possession.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Possession-Based Style: Southampton average over 60% possession this season, showing their intent to dominate games.
- Lack of Conversion: Despite controlling possession, their average of 1.2 goals per game highlights inefficiency in attack.
- Key Contributors: Adam Armstrong and Ryan Manning have been among the more reliable performers, while Ryan Fraser’s creativity has produced valuable assists.
- Defensive Issues: Conceding 1.5 goals per match underlines the fragility of their backline, something Liverpool’s front line is well-equipped to exploit.
Against Liverpool, Southampton’s possession game may prove to be a double-edged sword. While it allows them to dictate tempo against weaker opposition, Anfield is unlikely to offer such freedoms, and misplaced passes could quickly be punished.
Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool’s dominance over Southampton in recent years is emphatic.
- Last 10 meetings: 8 Liverpool wins, 1 Southampton win, 1 draw.
- Most recent clash: Liverpool claimed a 3-1 Premier League win at Anfield.
- Current streak: Liverpool have won three in a row against the Saints.
For Southampton, history suggests a monumental task awaits them. For Liverpool, confidence is reinforced by familiarity with consistently outperforming their visitors.
Statistical Breakdown
Liverpool – Last 10 Matches (League & Cup)
- Wins: 6
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 2
- Goals scored per game: 2.2
- Goals conceded per game: 1.5
- Average possession: 60.7%
- Corners per game: 5.9
Southampton – Last 6 Matches (League & Cup)
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 2
- Goals scored per game: 1.2
- Goals conceded per game: 1.5
- Average possession: 61.2%
- Corners per game: 6.2
Tactical Analysis
Liverpool will likely press high from the opening whistle, seeking to disrupt Southampton’s passing rhythm and force turnovers in dangerous areas. Their full-backs, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold, will provide width and overlapping runs to stretch the Saints’ backline.
Southampton’s best chance lies in counter-attacks. If Adam Armstrong can find space behind Liverpool’s high defensive line, opportunities may arise. However, sustained pressure from the home side will make transitions difficult. Expect Liverpool to pin Southampton deep, controlling territory and dictating tempo throughout the 90 minutes.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Southampton (4-2-3-1):
Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Smallbone, Downes; Fraser, Sulemana, Edozie; Armstrong.
While Klopp may rotate certain positions, the depth within Liverpool’s squad ensures quality remains across the pitch. Southampton, by contrast, will field their strongest XI in hopes of competing.
Betting Market Insights
Asian Handicap Prediction
Liverpool are priced at -2.25 @ 1.86. This line requires the Reds to win by three or more goals for a full payout, though a two-goal victory returns half the stake. Considering their home record and attacking firepower, this market presents strong value.
Correct Score Prediction
The 4-0 scoreline at 8.50 stands out. Liverpool’s defensive structure and Southampton’s lack of cutting edge make a clean sheet for the hosts highly probable. Meanwhile, their attack is capable of scoring multiple goals at will.
Goals Market
- Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.50 reflects the expectation of a high-scoring encounter.
- Both Teams to Score – No @ 1.74 is attractive given Southampton’s struggles to convert possession into goals.
Player Props
- Hugo Ekitike Anytime Goalscorer @ 2.05: Ekitike’s recent form makes this one of the best value picks.
- Federico Chiesa Under 0.5 Shots on Target @ 2.20: The Italian has been quiet in recent games, and bookmakers are offering tempting odds for his underperformance.
Corners Market
Liverpool’s recent matches at Anfield suggest they often fail to cover the 7.5 corner line. With Southampton’s fixtures also trending under, Liverpool Under 7.5 Team Corners @ 1.67 appears a strong play.
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Live from Staplewood 🎥
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 22, 2025
Will Still previews our @Carabao_Cup trip to Liverpool: https://t.co/x4BfuQ1wos
Conclusion
The EFL Cup often delivers upsets, but this fixture appears unlikely to provide one. Liverpool’s balance between experience and emerging talent ensures they can compete on multiple fronts. Southampton’s resilience and possession-based play may offer flashes of resistance, but Anfield’s intensity combined with Liverpool’s clinical edge should decide this contest decisively.
For bettors, markets on handicaps, goal totals, and player props provide strong opportunities. With Liverpool expected to dominate from start to finish, confidence in a comfortable home win is well-placed.
