Liverpool XI vs Southampton: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Carabao Cup today

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Evening Standard

·18 December 2024

Liverpool XI vs Southampton: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Carabao Cup today

The holders are aiming to book a semi-final place

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is a doubt for tonight’s Carabao Cup trip to Southampton.

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The Dutchman has used the competition so far to rotate his squad, giving minutes to those who haven’t played much and it could be more of the same on Wednesday night as the holders look to book a semi-final place.

Jota scored during the 2-2 draw with Fulham but has since suffered a minor setback.

Slot also does have somewhat of a selection dilemma on his hands in defence. As red cards are carried over from the Premier League to domestic cup competitions, Andy Robertson is suspended after being sent-off against the Cottagers.

Now, one option is to hand a youngster James Norris a chance or switch Joe Gomez out to full-back with Jarell Quansah partnering Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence with Ibrahima Konate likely to miss out too.

Though, Konstantinos Tsimikas could be in contention at St Mary’s after Slot revealed the left-back was due to return to training after a spell on the sidelines.

“Kostas is coming close,” the Dutchman told reporters. “He’s going to be training with us today, maybe for the first time, so let’s see how that works out.”

Liverpool could welcome back Konstantinos Tsimikas for the Carabao Cup tie.

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If Tsimikas is fit to start, it could mean that captain Virgil van Dijk earns a rest.

Elsewhere, Caoimhin Kelleher will get the nod in between the posts, Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton could get a runout in midfield along with the fit again Harvey Elliott who has made three substitute appearances since recovering from a broken foot.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas; Endo, Morton; Chiesa, Elliott, Gakpo; Nunez

Doubts: Jota, Tsimikas

Injured: Konate, Bradley

Suspended: Robertson

Time and date: 8pm GMT tonight, Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Venue: St Mary’s

TV channel: Sky Sports