Liverpool Starting XI vs Southampton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Slot prepares predicted Liverpool lineup for Southampton tie

Liverpool step into the Carabao Cup with a sense of inevitability about rotation. Arne Slot has made no secret of his intention to give opportunities to those who have waited on the periphery. Against Southampton at Anfield, the predicted lineup looks like a blend of costly new arrivals, established names in need of rhythm and a collection of teenagers eager to prove they belong.

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Youth given a platform

The names missing tell their own story. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to be rested after the intensity of the Merseyside derby. In their place, a new generation may take centre stage. Giovanni Leoni, the 18-year-old centre-half signed from Parma for £26m, could make his debut. Rio Ngumoha, 17, has been pushing for more involvement after scoring the winner last month and is likely to feature again. Trey Nyoni and Jayden Danns are also in contention.

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New signings to step forward

The reshuffle also opens the door for Alexander Isak to start up front. The £125m forward requires minutes to build sharpness and Slot will want to accelerate his integration. Jeremie Frimpong is available at right-back after returning from injury, while Georgi Mamardashvili is expected to take his place in goal. Federico Chiesa, alongside Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez, offers balance in a side that mixes youth with senior squad options.

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Predicted Liverpool XI

The likely lineup reflects Slot’s approach: trust in depth, willingness to experiment, and a clear focus on giving chances to those who have trained in the shadows.

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

The Carabao Cup has often been framed as a proving ground, and for Slot it becomes another stage to underline intentions. The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Anfield, broadcast live on ITV and Sky Sports.