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As it happenedended1485382977

Liverpool vs Southampton as it happened: Shane Long's late strike seals Saints' date at Wembley

Re-live updates on the EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield

Mark Critchley
Wednesday 25 January 2017 17:01 GMT
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Long's strike ensured Southampton reached their first major final since 2003
Long's strike ensured Southampton reached their first major final since 2003

Liverpool host Southampton in this week’s first finely balanced EFL Cup semi-final second leg, and a finely balanced one it is too.

Jürgen Klopp’s side were fortunate to escape from St Mary’s with a mere 1-0 deficit a fortnight ago, when their disjointed display should have been severely punished.

Nathan Redmond’s goal is the difference between the two sides and despite their failure to put the tie to bed on the south coast, Claude Puel's men will still be hopeful of booking their place at Wembley.

Follow live coverage on our blog below...

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off time: 8.00pm on Wednesday 25 January.

Where can I watch it?

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1; highlights on 5 at 10.45pm, Thursday 26 January.

Alternatively, you can bookmark this page, which will convert into The Independent's live blog of Wednesday's match.

It’s a big game for…

Daniel Sturridge: Some Liverpool supporters were disappointed not to see Sturridge play from the off in an all-out-attacking line-up against Swansea City. Perhaps starting quick out the blocks could have prevented that shock defeat?

The truth is, however, Sturridge is desperately short of form, and ahead of next Tuesday’s visit of Chelsea, this match could provide him with much-needed shooting practice.

Remember when…

Southampton’s last win at Anfield came three seasons ago when one Dejan Lovren headed in from one Adam Lallana’s corner to secure a 1-0 victory. Both, of course, now play for Liverpool.

Player to watch…

Jack Stephens: Virgil van Dijk is expected to be absent for the visitors after sustaining an ankle injury at the weekend, meaning Puel may well turn to England Under-21 international Stephens.

The youngster centre-back made his Premier League debut for Southampton in the 3-0 defeat at Everton earlier this month, and now finds himself in with a chance of representing the club on Merseyside again.

Past three-meetings…

Southampton 1 (Redmond) Liverpool 0
EFL Cup, January 2017

Southampton 0 Liverpool 0
Premier League, November 2016

Southampton 3 (Mane 2, Pelle) Liverpool 2 (Coutinho, Sturridge)
Premier League, March 2016

Form guide

All competitions

Liverpool: DDLDWL

Southampton: LDWLWW

Odds

Liverpool to win (in 90 minutes): 12/25

Liverpool to qualify: 3/4

Southampton to win (in 90 minutes): 6/1

Southampton to qualify: 53/50

Draw: 7/2

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Liverpool host Southampton in this week’s first finely balanced EFL Cup semi-final second leg, and a finely balanced one it is too.

Jürgen Klopp’s side were fortunate to escape from St Mary’s with a mere 1-0 deficit a fortnight ago, when their disjointed display should have been severely punished.

Nathan Redmond’s goal is the difference between the two sides and despite their failure to put the tie to bed on the south coast, Southampton will still be hopeful of booking their place at Wembley.

Stick around for build-up, team news and more...

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 18:45
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Team news

Liverpool: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Henderson, Can, Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge.

Substitutes: Mignolet, Moreno, Lucas, Origi, Klavan, Woodburn, Wijnaldum.

Southampton:Forster, Cedric, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Davis, Tadic, Redmond, Rodriguez.

Substitutes: Lewis, Clasie, Long, Martina, Hojbjerg, McQueen, Sims.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 18:50
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Team news time. First out the gates, the hosts...

No Nathaniel Clyne, then. The full-back missed training as he continues his struggles with an abdominal muscle problem. Trent-Alexander Arnold comes into the starting line-up.

There's also a start for Joel Matip, now all that FIFA eligibility confusion is out of the way. A welcome return.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 18:54
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Southampton's teamsheet is in...

In Virgil van Dijk's absence, Jack Stephens steps in to the centre of defence, making only his third Saints appearance.

Jay Rodriguez is once again preferred to Shane Long up front, while James Ward-Prowse starts again having scored in Sunday's 3-0 defeat of Leicester City.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:00
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Who will book their place at Wembley tonight?

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:03
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Attention Liverpool supporters who had a smile on their face while scrolling through their phones this morning, Simon Hughes has a bucket of cold water for you. 

He can't help but see the similarities between Philippe Coutinho's new contract and the one signed by Luis Suarez three years ago.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:05
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The main man himself, ahead of tonight's match... 

Coutinho has, of course, missed much of Liverpool's recent wobble through a nasty ankle injury.

How much is that poor form down to his absence, or are they missing Sadio Mane more?

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:14
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Daniel Sturridge's shirt on the far-right, there. 

It's a big night for the Liverpool striker. He has looked hopelessly out of sorts in recent weeks, but perhaps he's simply in need of some minutes. 

A player for the big occasions, a good performance from Sturridge tonight would help stake his claim for inclusion against Chelsea.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:24
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Our chief sports writer Ian Herbert's coverage on Hillsborough has been routinely brilliant.

His piece today about a new documentary on the disaster was no different.

Settle down with this for five minutes, Liverpool fans.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:30
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 Southampton make their way into Anfield...

Their last League Cup final appearance came in 1979, when they surrendered a 1-0 half-time lead against Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest and ultimately lost 3-2.

Mark Critchley25 January 2017 19:37

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