Out-of-Form Southampton Eye Liverpool Cup Upset at Anfield

With one trophy already secured this season, Liverpool’s attention now turns to the FA Cup Fifth Round. The Reds will be preparing to face a tricky test against Southampton, who will be looking to capitalise on Liverpool’s long-list of injuries.

A victory for either side will see them progress into the FA Cup Quarter-Final and within one win of reaching Wembley. The stakes are incredibly high and Wednesday’s game will definitely not be a half-hearted affair.

Today our focus turns to Southampton as we analyse their potential threats that Liverpool’s youngsters face off against.

Recent Form

Despite sitting fourth in the EFL Championship, Southampton actually come into Wednesday’s game in fairly poor form. The Saints have lost three of their last four games, including defeats to Millwall, Hull City and Bristol City. Russell Martin’s side did secure an impressive away win at West Brom in the middle of those games.

Their defence has been incredibly weak lately, too. With ten goals conceded in five games, that could be an area that Jurgen Klopp’s men could look to exploit on Wednesday. Three of those goals were conceded in a thrilling 5-3 victory over Huddersfield Town.

Southampton’s FA Cup Journey

Southampton got their FA Cup journey underway in a routine 4-0 home victory over Walsall at St Mary’s. Goals from Ryan Fraser, Sekou Mara and Che Adams secured the victory to send them into the Fourth Round.

That round would see the Saints face Watford, where they would secure a 1-1 draw away at Vicarage Road. However, Southampton comfortably dispatched Watford in the replay at St Mary’s, with a 3-0 win. Mara and Adams were again on the scoresheet to send the Saints on their way to the Fifth Round.

Key Threats

Adam Armstrong

The Saints striker has been quite phenomenal so far this season, scoring 16 goals and assisting a further 11 in the EFL Championship. His incredible eye for goal will undoubtedly keep Liverpool’s young defence on their toes, with his movement also being hard to mark.

However, Armstrong has barely featured in Southampton’s FA Cup games but after being rested at the weekend, he could be in line for a start.

Che Adams

In the event that Armstrong doesn’t start on Wednesday, it will be Che Adams that leads the line. After impressing in the Premier League over recent years, Adams has come close to securing a move back to the top flight but those moves have never quite materialised.

The 27-year-old has 11 goals and five assists so far this season across all competitions. In the FA Cup, Adams has managed two goals and two assists. Adams is also no stranger to a big away game at England’s top clubs.

Kyle Walker-Peters

The full-back has actually been linked with a move to Liverpool over recent years, but he is now applying his trade in the EFL Championship. Walker-Peters has started all of Southampton’s 34 league games this season and has undoubtedly looked too good for that level.

Walker-Peters has seemingly improved his defensive ability, whilst also maintaining his creative potential under Martin’s guidance. Although he hasn’t featured in the FA Cup yet, the Saints are expected to name a strong squad on Wednesday.

Score Prediction

Despite all of Liverpool’s injuries, I think their mentality and the backing of Anfield will see them through in the end. It will undoubtedly be a tough test, but if there’s anyone who can guide this young squad through it, then it’s Jurgen Klopp.

Both sides may be vulnerable at the back, so goals are expected.

Liverpool 3-1 Southampton