Liverpool begin their quest for an 11th EFL Cup title at Anfield, where they welcome struggling Championship side Southampton. Arne Slot’s team are flying high with 6 wins from 6 in all competitions, sitting top of the Premier League, but the Dutchman has confirmed he will rotate heavily after a busy start to the season.
Southampton arrives in poor form under Will Still. The Saints are 19th in the Championship with only one win from six league fixtures, and a 3-1 defeat to Hull City at the weekend added more pressure. They have not beaten Liverpool in their last five attempts, and Anfield has been a nightmare ground for them.
Liverpool edged Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby on Saturday, though fatigue showed as they struggled in the second half. Slot will rest stars like Salah, Van Dijk, Konaté, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch, giving chances to youngsters such as Trey Nyoni and new arrivals like Federico Chiesa. Southampton, meanwhile, are expected to use a back three to contain Liverpool’s attack and rely on counterattacks to stay competitive.
Liverpool vs Southampton: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Liverpool 28 wins, Southampton 11 wins, 10 draws
Liverpool: 6 wins from 6 games this season in all competitions
Liverpool: Unbeaten in 8 straight matches
Southampton: Winless in 5 of their last 6 matches
Southampton: Winless in 17 of their last 20 away games in all competitions
In Liverpool’s last 3 home EFL Cup ties, all finished Over 2.5 goals
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) 🔴: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Gomez, Leoni, Robertson; Nyoni, Endo; Ngumoha, Jones, Chiesa; Isak
Southampton (3-5-2) ⚪: McCarthy; Edwards, Wood, Stephens; Roerslev, Fraser, Downes, Charles, Manning; Stewart, Archer
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Trey Nyoni: The teenager tipped for a breakthrough role in midfield
🔹 Alexander Isak: Expected to lead the line in Salah’s absence
🔹 Will Still: Under pressure to get a response after a poor Championship start
🔹 Flynn Downes: Returns to midfield after illness, key to Saints’ balance
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Southampton to win: 13.28
💵 Draw: 7.72
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.34
💵 Isak Anytime Goalscorer: 1.56
Liverpool’s depth will be tested, but Anfield remains a fortress. Southampton are vulnerable on the road, and their poor form suggests this could be another long night. For Slot, it is about giving chances and keeping the winning run alive. For Still, it is about survival and hoping for a cup shock.
