The League Cup third round draw has served up a classic “be careful what you wish for” scenario. Southampton advancing past Norwich only to be rewarded with a trip to Anfield. Yes, the same Anfield where Liverpool seem to turn routine Tuesdays into folklore. For the Saints, this is less a fairy tale draw and more like being asked to box Tyson Fury after winning a regional sparring session.
Southampton’s Form Heading In
Let’s be clear: Southampton are not the pushovers their Premier League relegation season made them look like. Sitting mid-table in the Championship after three games, they’re trying to stitch together an identity that isn’t simply “that team who slipped on every banana peel available.” Their 3-0 win against Norwich showed that when they click, they can play with confidence and flair. The question is whether that flair translates against Liverpool’s chaos machine.
My Take: Saints Need a Miracle
Here’s my honest read: Southampton could hang around, maybe even force Liverpool to play a stronger XI than Jurgen Klopp would prefer. But let’s not kid ourselves. Anfield under the lights is less about atmosphere and more about inevitability. Liverpool don’t just win these fixtures—they suffocate the hope out of teams. Southampton’s best chance might be leaning into chaos: nick an early goal, waste some time, and pray Darwin Núñez leaves his finishing boots at home.
Southampton as the Disruptor?
Still, upsets happen. Just ask Manchester United, who were booted out by League Two’s Grimsby Town in the last round. The League Cup thrives on these weird storylines, and Southampton would love nothing more than to steal headlines with a shocker. Do I expect it? Not really. But football’s fun precisely because occasionally the script gets torn up. And that’s exactly why Southampton’s underdog story still deserves to be told.