Liverpool have endured a difficult week, after being held to a goalless draw against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup at the weekend and losing 1-0 to Southampton in the first leg of the League Cup.

Now needing a massive turnaround in the second-leg in two weeks time, Liverpool face a challenge to reach Wembley for the second consecutive season but may fancy their chances with the Saints having to come to Anfield.

James Milner wore the armband for the Reds on the South Coast in Jordan Henderson's absence but it was an evening to forget for Liverpool. That could be fixed for the second-leg though, as Milner identified poor attacking play as the reason to the defeat.

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Speaking to the club's official website, he said:

“Our build-up play wasn’t too bad and I thought we moved the ball alright, but it was just in the final third when we got into good positions we made the wrong decision and we didn’t create enough, which obviously cost us,”

“They had the better chances in the game as well, so it was disappointing, but it’s only 1-0 and there’s 90 minutes still to go. I think the fact we haven’t played too well and are only one goal behind is a positive."

“I haven’t thought about the second leg at Anfield too much because it was all about tonight and wanting to get a win, but we didn’t do that. They are a good team and it’s a tough place to come. We are at home in the second leg and hopefully we can overturn it and get to Wembley.”

Liverpool face three crucial matches before the second-leg against Southampton, against Manchester United, Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City.

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