Preview: Squad Rotation Likely as Liverpool Face Southampton in Carabao Cup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Southampton – Carabao Cup Preview

Date: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

The League Cup returns to Anfield as Liverpool welcomes Southampton in the third round, a competition that saw Arne Slot’s side fall agonisingly short in last season’s final against Newcastle. With a packed schedule and Crystal Palace awaiting in the Premier League this weekend, Slot is expected to ring the changes, offering fringe players and emerging talent the opportunity to impress.

Liverpool’s lofty position at the top of the table doesn’t diminish the importance of this cup. If anything, Slot will be eager to add it to his growing haul of silverware, while also testing the depth of a squad reshaped over the summer.

Southampton Availability

Southampton, back in the Championship after their disastrous relegation last season, see this tie as an opportunity to measure themselves against elite opposition. Will Still’s side has tried to modify its possession-based principles, which scuppered their top-flight survival last year, but pragmatism will be needed against the champions, who are top of the elite division.

Squad rotation is not expected, with Welington listed as the only absentee. Concerning recent form, a 3-2 away loss to Hull City can after a 0-0 home draw with Portsmouth. In the second round of the EFL Cup, Saints won 0-3 against Norwich City. After six games played in the English second tier, only six points have been taken as the struggling outfit sits 19th in the table.

Predicted Southampton Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alex McCarthy

RB: Mads Roerslev

RCB: Nathan Wood

LCB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis

LB: Ryan Manning

ACM: Finn Azaz

CM: Flynn Downes

CM: Caspar Jander

RW: Léo Scienza

CF: Adam Armstrong

LW: Cameron Archer

Liverpool Availability

For Liverpool, heavy rotation is almost certain, with an entirely different XI anticipated from the side that edged Everton in the derby. Slot will use this fixture to spread minutes across the squad, with promising academy players also in contention.

Rio Ngumoha and Giovanni Leoni could both feature prominently, while Alexis Mac Allister,  Mohamed Salah and most senior players are expected to be rested. Alexander Isak may spearhead the attack after coming on against Everton, with Curtis Jones likely to return and provide balance in midfield.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB: Jeremie Frimpong

RCB: Giovanni Leoni

LCB: Joe Gomez

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Curtis Jones

CM: Waturo Endo

ACM: Trey Nyoni

RW: Federico Chiesa

CF: Alexander Isak

LW: Rio Ngumoha

How Will This Contest Play Out?

The dynamic will be dictated by how quickly Liverpool’s rotated XI settles. Against Southampton’s pressing game, composure in midfield will be key, with Jones and Nyoni tasked with dictating tempo. Isak’s movement offers a cutting edge, while the electric pace of Ngumoha can stretch a vulnerable Saints back line.

For Southampton, set-pieces and transitional moments are their best chance of troubling Liverpool, especially if they can isolate Robertson or Frimpong in defensive duels. L

Expect Liverpool’s depth to shine, and with several players eager to prove themselves to Slot, the intensity should remain high even without the more senior stars.

Player to Watch: Rio Ngumoha

The teenager has been carefully integrated into first-team action, and this cup tie could provide a platform to showcase his explosive dribbling and creativity. His link-up with Isak and Chiesa may be decisive.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 4 – 1 Southampton