Liverpool vs Southampton Prediction & Betting Tips (23 September)

Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield on September 23rd for a Round 3 clash in the EFL Cup, with both sides entering the fixture on contrasting trajectories. The Reds, under Arne Slot, have started the season in blistering form, winning five straight matches across all competitions, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Their late-game heroics have become a trademark, with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah delivering decisive goals deep into stoppage time. Slot’s side has shown resilience and attacking flair, though defensive lapses remain a concern. With Alexander Isak still building match fitness and Curtis Jones sidelined, Liverpool may rotate, but their depth—featuring Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Jeremie Frimpong—offers ample firepower.

Southampton, meanwhile, arrive with a more modest record, having drawn three of their last five matches in the Championship. Will Still’s men were held to a goalless draw by Portsmouth in the South Coast derby, a result that underscored their struggle to convert possession into goals. Cameron Archer remains their most potent threat, while new arrivals Leo Scienza and Elias Jelert could be handed debuts to inject fresh energy. Injuries have been relatively kind to the Saints, with only Welington confirmed out and Sam Edozie back in contention. Still’s tactical approach has leaned on a flexible 3-4-2-1 system, but against Liverpool’s high press and late surges, Southampton will need to be both disciplined and daring.

Historically, Liverpool have dominated this fixture, winning eight of their last nine meetings with Southampton. The most recent encounter—a 2-1 win for the Reds in December 2024—mirrored the scoreline we’re predicting again. Anfield has been a fortress, and with Liverpool’s knack for scoring late, Southampton’s challenge will be to hold firm for the full 90 minutes. The Saints have shown they can be compact and frustrate opponents, but their vulnerability in transition and limited goal-scoring options suggest they’ll struggle to keep pace if the game opens up.

Expect a tightly contested match, with Liverpool likely to control possession and create chances through their dynamic midfield trio. Southampton may find joy on the counter, especially if Archer is given space to run at the backline. However, the Reds’ superior quality and depth should see them edge this one 2-1, with a late goal once again proving decisive. It won’t be a walkover, but Liverpool’s momentum and home advantage make them firm favorites to progress.