Damion Downs starts: How Southampton should line up against Liverpool in the EFL Cup | OneFootball

Southampton will face Liverpool midweek in the third round of the EFL Cup.

Southampton are in EFL Cup action this midweek when they travel to Anfield to face the Premier League champions Liverpool.

The Saints have made an underwhelming start to the new campaign, with Will Still hoping to guide the club to promotion back to the top flight.

A 3-1 loss in their most recent clash against Hull City last weekend has left the Hampshire outfit sitting just one point above the relegation zone in the Championship table, with six points from a possible 18.

Here we look at the potential lineup Southampton will employ in their trip to face Liverpool on Tuesday evening…

GK: Alex McCarthy

Still is likely to deploy Alex McCarthy in goal, as he did in the previous rounds, ahead of regular first-choice option Gavin Bazunu.

However, the step up in opposition could also see him opt to stick with the Irishman in a real 50/50 call for the manager.

LB: Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning had to wait to come on in Southampton’s opening three league games, but his substitute appearances have earned him a starting role in the subsequent fixtures that he is likely to keep on Tuesday night.

He's already got two goals and one assist to his name in all competitions this season, and could be the one to provide some set-piece quality which may well be Saints' best bet to hurt Liverpool.

CB: Nathan Wood

One area where the Saints have a lot of options in the squad is at centre-back, where we could see some rotation this midweek.

That could give Nathan Wood a chance in the side in place of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the 23-year-old having started both of Southampton's two League Cup games so far this season.

CB: Ronnie Edwards

Likewise, Ronnie Edwards could step into the side, especially after he played in the first two rounds of the EFL Cup already.

The 22-year-old has only played 82 minutes of Championship football so far this term, and so another strong showing in the cup could be his best chance to force his way into Still's regular starting XI.

Mads Roerslev has become an important part of the side since joining Still’s team in the summer from Brentford, and a start at Anfield could now be on the cards as a result.

The 26-year-old Denmark international has struggled somewhat in his early days at St Mary's, with his best performance so far arguably coming in the 3-0 win over Norwich in the previous round.

CM: Shea Charles

Shea Charles has started every game in the season so far in all competitions, and it’s likely he’ll keep his place in the side for the trip to Anfield midweek.

The 21-year-old has been one of the bright sparks of the campaign so far, and could put himself firmly in the minds of Premier League scouts and fans with a strong showing vs Liverpool.

CM: Flynn Downes

Meanwhile, Flynn Downes was dropped to the bench and did not come on in Southampton’s 3-1 defeat to Hull last weekend.

The disappointing result for the team could bring him back into the starting lineup in place of Caspar Jender.

LW: Ryan Fraser

Ryan Fraser is an ever-present part of Still’s side at the moment, and that will remain the case for the clash against Arne Slot’s team midweek.

The experienced winger already has a couple of assists to his name this season, and his Premier League experience could prove vital if Saints are to pull off the upset.

AM: Finn Azaz

Finn Azaz has immediately proven a key figure for the Saints since his move from Middlesbrough in August, starting all three of his league appearances for the club.

He has, however, been substituted off in all of those games, and is yet to find his first direct goal contribution as a Southampton player.

Nevertheless, the Republic of Ireland international will likely remain in the side for a big test away to Liverpool.

RW: Tom Fellows

Tom Fellows has cemented himself as a starter for Southampton since arriving at the end of the summer window, and he is likely to keep his place to take on Liverpool on Tuesday.

The speedy and tricky winger could be a big part of Still's tactical approach, as he should provide a dangerous attacking outlet on the counter-attack.