Liverpool vs Southampton: Match Preview, Latets Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Southampton Carabao Cup Preview at Anfield

Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup, a fixture steeped in contrasting fortunes for both clubs. The Reds are defending Premier League champions and unbeaten this season, yet memories of their defeat in last year’s Carabao Cup final to Newcastle remain raw. From that very side they lost to, Liverpool secured Alexander Isak in a headline summer signing, and the striker could feature once more as he builds his match fitness.

Southampton, meanwhile, continue their journey in the Championship under new head coach Will Still. Their return to the second tier has been turbulent, with only one league win from their opening six matches. For Still, the trip to Anfield is both a challenge and an opportunity, with squad rotation again on his agenda.

Kick-off details and broadcast information

Liverpool vs Southampton is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off today, Tuesday September 23, 2025. The tie will take place under the floodlights of Anfield, a setting that has long been unforgiving for visiting teams.

In the UK, ITV will broadcast the game live on free-to-air television, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm on ITV1. Sky Sports will also show the match, starting at 7pm on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Online viewers can stream the fixture via Sky Go, while ITVX provides an additional live service. Supporters unable to watch can follow events via Standard Sport’s live blog, ensuring every moment is covered.

Liverpool team news and rotation plans

Manager Arne Slot is expected to ring the changes for this Carabao Cup contest, using the depth of his squad. “Isak could be in line for his second start in a Liverpool shirt, with Arne Slot promising to ring the changes from last weekend’s Merseyside derby win.” The Swedish forward missed pre-season and the opening three games, and is being carefully managed back into peak condition.

Another player poised for a significant step is Giovanni Leoni, who may make his debut in central defence, potentially alongside Joe Gomez. In goal, Georgian international Georgi Mamardashvili is tipped for his first start, offering Alisson Becker a much-needed rest.

Several senior players will not feature, with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai among those rested after a demanding start to the season. It provides an ideal platform for emerging names to gain valuable minutes in front of an Anfield crowd eager to see the squad’s depth.

Southampton’s challenge under Will Still

Southampton’s campaign under Will Still has been inconsistent. The Championship side have managed only one league win but have navigated their way to this stage of the Carabao Cup with victories over Northampton Town and Norwich City, both to nil.

The Saints boss admitted his selection will once again blend youth with experience. He explained: “I think we’ve got a massive squad. Some players need to play, some players need an opportunity, so that’s what’s going to happen, but we’re never going to completely disregard it and put a load of Under-21s in.

“We’ve got a lot of good players, and some good players that deserve this opportunity, but also some players that have done really well considering the lesser results of the last few weeks, so it’s about getting the right mix between those players that need to play and the ones that deserve to play as well.”

Southampton arrive at Anfield after defeat at Hull City at the weekend, but with a relatively healthy squad available. Still will be encouraged by the resilience his side showed in earlier rounds, though he knows the step up in quality against Liverpool will be immense.

Prediction and head-to-head record

Despite their recent struggles, Southampton’s defensive resolve in the Carabao Cup will give them some belief. Liverpool, however, have looked sharp and unbeaten across all six fixtures this season, creating momentum that feels difficult to stop.

Earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup have provided surprises, yet Liverpool’s strength at Anfield suggests another home win. Southampton may test the hosts defensively, particularly with Slot set to field a rotated back line, but Liverpool’s attacking depth should prove decisive.

History also leans heavily towards the Reds. Since May 2017, Liverpool have lost just one of their last 17 meetings with Southampton, winning 15 and drawing once. That run includes victories in both domestic cups last season, alongside home and away triumphs in the league. While Southampton’s fight has been commendable, recent encounters underline how difficult they find the challenge of Anfield.

Liverpool fans will demand progress in this competition, especially after last season’s heartbreak, while Southampton’s followers will look for signs of growth under Still’s management. All signs point to a Liverpool victory, though a spirited Saints side may ensure this tie is more competitive than some expect.