The Titanic reference in this case has nothing to do with on the field matters for either club or expectations for the match!
Rather it is to mention the historical fact that the Titanic set sail from Southampton on April 15, 1912 and the ship's port of registry was Liverpool.
Who is going to play... Klopp gave no hints other than some injury updates.
So how about this starting XI?
Clyne, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno
Milner, Can, Lucas
Lallana, Firmino, Ibe.
Likely utilized subs:
Benteke, Sturrridge, Henderson.
All the writers at Liverpool Echo seem to think Firmino needs a break, Coutinho will be ready and Benteke should take the front man spot. Apparently, Klopp has already said Bogdan will get the start in goal to give Mignolet a break.
Indeed, if Coutinho is fit, then plug him in for Ibe. Hamstring injuries are tricky things so it could be a game day decision unless he has clearly improved in the most recent training session. And if Firmino is to be rested then Benteke is the logical choice at the top because no one can see Sturridge (fitness for full match) or Origi (talented but still raw for a big match) getting the start at this point.
UPDATE: Well Klopp has made a few interesting moves here with his starting XI!! Both Sturridge and Origi in there making me look clueless. Hopefully, on-the-field results will bear out Klopp's confidence in them. Heh, that is why they pay him the big bucks; suffice to say Klopp is a genius: Sturridge 2 goals and 3 goals for Origi!!!!
Confirmed #LFC team v @SouthamptonFC: Bogdan, Randall, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Can, Lucas, Allen, Lallana, Origi, Sturridge
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2015
And here is the bench, as I suspected, no Coutinho. Those hamstring injuries need to be well taken care of or they become nagging problems. As much as LFC would love to advance in the League Cup they are keeping the eye on the prize of a top 4 finish in the EPL.
Confirmed #LFC subs v @SouthamptonFC: Mignolet, Smith, Milner, Benteke, Firmino, Henderson, Ibe
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2015
UPDATE: Match is on in the USA through BeIn Sport TV and on radio via TalkSport.com where I've checked in periodically to see what is happening. The skinny: LFC surrendered a goal within the first minute but have bounced back to net three goals of which two came from Sturridge! Now, it is half-time and hopefully LFC is 45 minutes away from the League Cup Semi-Finals. Below a screen capture from UK Guardian's live blogging commentary.
LFC under Klopp: 7-3-1 (11 matches)
Last 11 matches of Brendan Rodgers:
3 wins. 6 draws (won the PK shootout with Carlisle). 2 losses.
Essentially the same players but what a difference in the results!
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