Southampton must beat Liverpool to lick old wounds and keep European hopes alive

Jürgen Klopp brings his Liverpool side to St. Mary’s off the back of five wins in their last six, with the only blot on their copybook being a 2-1 defeat on the road at Crystal Palace.

While it is only natural for Saints and their supporters to be wary of the resurgent Reds, the success of Alan Pardew’s side should provide encouragement ahead of Wednesday’s cup clash.

There’s a chance for Southampton, a big chance. It’s a chance that they have to take.

Let’s rewind almost exactly 12 months.

It’s a cold, wet and miserable Tuesday evening up at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United.

Ronald Koeman’s side are without Graziano Pellè through suspension, but are favourites to beat the League One outfit and progress to the semi-final stage.

Long story short, Saints lacked creativity, drive and that elusive spark, and were eliminated in a disappointing fashion that left the travelling fans taken over by rage and sadness.

Marc McNulty (now of south coast rivals Portsmouth) scrambled in after Fraser Forster spilled a free-kick, delighting the majority of the 21,000-strong crowd.

That defeat is one that rankles with the club’s support and still prompts much debate when it is called into question.

It’s for this very reason that the encounter with Liverpool on Wednesday takes on added significance.

This isn’t just about trying to do well in the Capital One Cup. It’s about righting some wrongs, pleasing the fans and perhaps, making another push for Europe.

At the 14-game point of the current Premier League season, Saints occupy 10th position and find themselves three points off of opponents Liverpool, and a top six spot.

No side to have started as well as currently league leaders Leicester City have ever finished lower than sixth, and with Chelsea to account for, it’s perhaps looking tougher for Saints to repeat last season’s feat in finishing 7th.

Last season the club qualified for Europe thanks to Arsenal’s own cup triumph. This season, they may just need to lift a trophy themselves if they want a quick-fire return to the European stage.

Southampton are still waiting to make their first major domestic cup final appearance since the 2003 FA Cup Final loss to Arsenal.

Following the success of the likes of Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City over the past decade, the proof is there for all to see.

The Capital One Cup offers a route into Europe, a chance to add some much-needed silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet and, in the process, heal some old wounds.

If Saints are to return to the Europa League at the first possible opportunity, they might just have to seize the moment and win this competition.