Southampton v Liverpool combined XI: Who makes our team ahead of EFL Cup semi?
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Southampton (23/10 to win) and Liverpool (23/20) lock horns for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday, January 11th.
In light of this, Coral have picked a starting XI involving both sets of players that are available for the match. That means stars such as wantaway Saints skipper Jose Fonte, Africa Cup of Nations-bound Sadio Mane and injured Jordan Henderson miss out.
So, read on to see who we’ve chosen in our Southampton v Liverpool combined XI…
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster (Southampton)
With Jurgen Klopp still undecided about his number one keeper, as confidence-lacking duo Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have been sharing the gloves, Forster is an easy choice for us.
Despite Liverpool being eight places and 20 points above the Saints in the Premier League, the England goalie has conceded just two goals more than the Reds so far this season.
Right back: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)
Former Southampton star Clyne gets into our side after another solid season, that has seen him be an ever-present in the top-flight.
He also has two assists to his name, and another in the EFL Cup.
Centre back: Dejan Lovren (Liverpool)
We’ve added Lovren to our XI as a late call-up, after his former Saints teammate Fonte was confirmed to be left out of the squad after handing in a transfer request.
The Croat has still showed his worth for much of the season, though, scoring twice in 17 PL appearances.
Centre back: Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)
Fonte’s partner in crime for Southampton, Van Dijk, does make our team, however, despite also being linked away from St Mary’s.
With four goals in all competitions, the Dutchman has arguably been his side’s best player this term.
Left back: James Milner (Liverpool)
Converted wing back Milner, though, has arguably been the best defender all season, netting five times and setting up a further three in all comps.
Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand was unfortunate to miss out having done nothing wrong all term.
Centre midfield: James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
A number of Saints stars have crossed over to Liverpool over the past few seasons, and many have touted young-gun Ward-Prowse to do likewise in future.
Still only 22, the academy graduate has been the heartbeat of his team this season, and will have another chance to show Klopp what he’s made of.
Centre midfield: Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)
With Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson still not fit enough after injuring himself against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, his midfield sidekick Georginio Wijnaldum takes his place.
Like Henderson, the Dutchman’s performances have been largely overshadowed by the Reds’ forwards this term, but their contribution has been vital.
Right wing: Nathan Redmond (Southampton)
There is no doubting that Mane would’ve got into our team in this position but, as he is away at the AFCON with Senegal, he’ll unfortunately miss out.
Redmond, therefore, gets the gig after hugely impressing since his summer switch from Norwich City. He has two assists to his name against Tottenham and Leeds United in the last two rounds of the EFL Cup.
Attacking midfield: Adam Lallana (Liverpool)
Another former Saint, Lallana has arguably had his best season yet, having fired in seven goals and as many assists in the Premier League this term.
He is 2/1 to score against his former club anytime.
Left wing: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Coutinho has been as equally impressive this term as Lallana, having scored six and set up six too – although coming in fewer games.
The in-demand Brazilian has netted once and set up a goal in the EFL Cup, both against Derby County in the third round.
Striker: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Along with Mane, Lallana and Coutinho, Firmino has been a part of Liverpool’s highly impressive attacking quartet this season.
The versatile forward has chipped in with seven goals too, as well as six assists in all competitions.
Don’t forget to check out our football betting tips to keep you in loop throughout this season’s EFL Cup.
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