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

Liverpool set for Carabao Cup clash with Southampton at Anfield

Liverpool return to Anfield tonight with their Carabao Cup journey beginning against Championship side Southampton. The third-round tie offers Arne Slot a chance to rotate his squad while still fielding a team capable of extending the club’s unbeaten start to the season. The competition may not define the year, but for a squad in transition, it offers a valuable opportunity to build momentum and give minutes to those on the fringes.

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Slot to shuffle the pack

Arne Slot has been clear that changes will come. Alexander Isak, signed for a record fee in the summer, is expected to make his second start for Liverpool. “Isak is still building up his match fitness after missing the whole of pre-season and the first three games of the campaign,” Slot admitted. The striker remains the headline act in what should be a much-altered starting eleven.

Giovanni Leoni could be handed his debut, partnering Joe Gomez in central defence, while goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili is likely to make his first appearance in place of Alisson Becker. Alongside those new faces, senior figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are all set to be rested after relentless schedules.

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Southampton seeking their moment

For Southampton, the game represents more than just another fixture. Manager Will Still has spoken about striking the right balance between squad rotation and respect for the stage Anfield provides. “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,” he said.

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The Saints have endured a tough return to the Championship, with just one win from their opening six matches. Yet victories against Northampton Town and Norwich City have carried them to this point in the Carabao Cup, offering a glimmer of encouragement.

Prediction and head-to-head record

Liverpool have history on their side. The Reds have lost only once in their last 17 meetings with Southampton, a record stretching back to May 2017. That run includes FA Cup, Carabao Cup and league victories, often hard-fought but ultimately decisive. Overall, Liverpool have 65 wins, Southampton 31 and there have been 26 draws.

Form also favours the home side. Liverpool remain unbeaten this season, with the atmosphere of Anfield expected to lift even a rotated squad. Southampton will look to frustrate, but the gulf in quality and momentum is evident. A 3-1 Liverpool win feels a fair prediction, acknowledging both the attacking threat of the hosts and the possibility of the visitors grabbing a consolation.