By support

25th Jan, 2017 | 6:28pm

John Aldridge predicts Liverpool v Southampton, backs 24-year-old to score

By Harvey Byrne

John Aldridge believes that Liverpool will ease their way through to Wembley on Wednesday evening in their EFL Cup second leg clash against Southampton.

The Reds are preparing to host the south coast side at Anfield where they will be looking to claw back a one goal deficit.

A goal from Saints attacker Nathan Redmond at St Marys in the first leg is the only thing separating the two sides at the moment.

However, ex-Reds forward Aldridge believes Southampton will pose little threat at Anfield and has backed Philippe Coutinho to get on the score sheet.

Coutinho, 24, agreed a new contract with the Merseyside giants on Wednesday after previously being linked with Barcelona.

He could only make a 29 minute substitute appearance in the first leg on the south coast, which marked his first appearance since an injury picked up against Sunderland in November.

However, he has since started two matches and was brought off in the 3-2 defeat against Swansea after just 57 minutes with the midweek fixture possibly in Jurgen Klopp’s mind.

Meanwhile, Southampton will likely be starting with youngster Jack Stephens in their defence due to an injury suffered to star Virgil van Dijk against Leicester on Sunday.

The Holland international will be a big loss for Claude Puel’s side in a match that they will be hoping to defend their lead in.

A draw will be enough to send Southampton through to the final, while a two goal Liverpool win will send them to Wembley.

The victors will then face either Manchester United or Hull in the iconic stadium.

In other Liverpool news, Klopp wants new contract deals for these three Reds players.

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