8:45 p.m
How did the teams even qualify for this fifth round (round of 16)? Liverpool FC only entered the competition in the third round and eliminated Arsenal FC with two late goals. In the next round, David Wagner’s Norwich finished 5-2 in the FA Cup. The Saints also enjoyed the luxury of only intervening in round three. There was a clear 4-0 win against Walsall, before a decider had to be played against Watford after a 1-1 draw in the first game. Southampton won this 3-0. By the way: if there is a draw after 90 minutes today, there will be extra time and possibly a penalty shootout. The rule with the deciding game. A draw in the FA Cup only lasts until round four. So we will definitely see a winner today.
8:33 p.m
Russell Martin at Southampton is also shaking up his starting eleven. With Aribo, Bednarek and Stephens, there are only three players left in the starting eleven compared to the 2-1 defeat against Milwall.
8:32 p.m
Let’s get to the lineups. In contrast to the League Cup win against Chelsea, Klopp makes six changes: Koumas (debut for LFC), Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Tsimikas, Quansah and Joe Gomez start. The German coach has to do without numerous important players again today: Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jones, Diogo Jota, Thiago, Bajčetić, Doak, Matip and Salah. In addition, former Bayern professional Ryan Gravenberch is missing after a serious foul by an opponent on Sunday, as are Wataru Endo and winning goal scorer van Dijk, who are not in the squad.
20:21
The second division team from Southampton, which was quietly relegated last season after eleven years in the Premier League, has been a bit out of shape recently. From the last four games, only one game was won. Recently there were even two home defeats within four days, which of course is not what the Saints want. Coach Russell Martin’s team is currently in fourth place, which at least qualifies for the promotion playoffs. The change from everyday league life today is quite right and the guests are of course hoping to be able to perform a little miracle at Anfield Road. Because the men from the port city are entering the race as the clear underdogs.
8:07 p.m
Three days after winning the League Cup at London’s Wembley Stadium, Jürgen Klopp’s team moves on to the next cup duel. Although no trophy will be awarded this evening, the German coach still wants to go to the next round on his “farewell tour” as LFC coach. With the FA Cup, Europa League and Premier League trophies, he can still win three more trophies this season. Despite numerous failures, Klopp’s young team defeated Chelsea 1-0 after extra time last Sunday. Klopp said afterwards about the very young players: “We thought we needed fresh legs. And the legs were fresh, but very young. They got the job done.” Today he will again focus on some of these youngsters who are have done so well at Wembley, as numerous stars are still missing due to injury.
7:48 p.m
A nice good evening to the FA Cup round of 16 between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC. Kick-off at Anfield Road is at 9 p.m. and we hope you enjoy this cup duel!