Jan Molby Previews Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Clash with Southampton – “It’s a Big Opportunity” | OneFootball

Carabao Cup Opportunity for Liverpool’s Fringe Players

Jan Molby has always been a sharp observer of Liverpool’s fortunes, and in his conversation with Trev Downey for Anfield Index, he once again cut to the heart of the matter. As the Carabao Cup third round approaches, with Southampton visiting Anfield, the former midfielder offered insight into how Arne Slot is likely to approach the tie. His words underline both the competitive importance of the competition and the opportunity it presents to those waiting in the wings.

Importance of Carabao Cup for Elite Clubs

Molby made a simple but telling point about the history of this competition. “If you look at the winners of the Carabao Cup, it’s only won by big clubs. All of these clubs take it very serious.” This observation matters, because while the Carabao Cup may not be the ultimate prize, it has consistently acted as a marker of depth, organisation and ambition for sides competing at the highest level.

Slot, fresh from a Premier League title in his debut campaign, understands that Liverpool’s momentum must be sustained on all fronts. With six wins from six in all competitions this season, the rhythm has been set. Maintaining that energy while also blooding players who might not otherwise get starts is part of the delicate balance of modern squad management.

Chances for Fringe and Emerging Talent

Molby emphasised that Slot’s line-up is unlikely to be experimental in the sense of being weak. “You take it serious by using the players that you won’t need for your next Premier League game. You’ve got the likes of Mamardashvili, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson, Endo, Jones and even Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Rio Ngumoha.”

Predicted XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson, Endo, Nyoni, Jones, Ngumoha, Isak, Chiesa

Bench: Woodman, Williams, Bradley, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Danns

This list highlights the blend of senior professionals, recent signings and promising youth who will likely be entrusted with the task. For some, it will be about shaking off rust, for others it could be the only opportunity of the season to prove themselves. As Molby put it, “Some of the players that will start this game, it’ll be their only opportunity to start games unless we have a load of injuries.”

Slot’s challenge is motivational as much as tactical. Molby captured it neatly: “It won’t be hard for Slot to sell it to them. It’s an opportunity to play in front of a packed Anfield, put on a show and if we get into the next round then you can go again.”

Photo: IMAGO

Assessing Southampton and Slot’s Evaluation

While Southampton have pedigree, Molby was blunt about their current state. “I think it’s a pretty straight-forward game against a Southampton side that haven’t lit up the EFL Championship just yet.” That assessment reflects not complacency, but realism about the gap between the two squads.

For Slot, though, the more significant aspect is what he learns about his own players. “There’ll be a few players that Arne Slot isn’t too sure about what they can offer, so he will be looking at whether he can actually rely on some of them in bigger moments.” These moments, when trust is earned or lost, are critical in shaping the manager’s decisions across a long season.

Building Towards Another Season of Success

Liverpool’s perfect start has created a platform of belief, and while the Carabao Cup may not define the season, it adds both opportunities and challenges. Molby’s words remind us that every competition matters, especially when it comes to maintaining hunger and intensity.