Alexander Isak could start for Liverpool against Southampton. (Image: Getty Images)
Following the excitement of dramatic late winners and intense, rain-drenched derbies, the Carabao Cup might provide Liverpool with a welcome respite on Tuesday evening. Southampton travel to Anfield for the third-round clash, marking the third consecutive campaign that the Saints have met the Reds in cup competition.
Arne Slot is expected to ring the changes extensively for his squad, having already confirmed his intentions. Speaking following the 2-1 triumph over Everton, the Liverpool manager declared: “Yes, there will be a completely changed line-up.”
But which players will he introduce?
Liverpool Echo writers Paul Gorst, Theo Squires and Mark Jones have given their preferred selections.
Paul Gorst
Arne Slot has already revealed his hand for this encounter, confirming that numerous first-team stars will be absent when Liverpool launch their Carabao Cup journey.
Anticipate wholesale changes for this fixture.
The most fascinating aspect will be observing how those on the periphery seize the chance presented by Slot.
In my view, promising Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni partners Joe Gomez in his preferred central defensive role, whilst Andy Robertson leads the team for the first occasion since becoming Van Dijk’s deputy.
Jeremie Frimpong features down the right flank.
In the engine room, Wataru Endo earns a spot alongside Curtis Jones, with Trey Nyoni given his second successive start against Southampton in this tournament. Alexander Isak, valued at £125m, is set to lead the line with Jayden Danns on standby.
This competition is crucial for Federico Chiesa, who isn’t included in the Champions League squad and has Mohamed Salah ahead of him in the Premier League.
Italian forward Chiesa must seize the Carabao Cup opportunity. On the left flank, promising Rio Ngumoha starts, hoping to build on his impressive few months under Slot.
My team: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson; Endo, Jones; Chiesa, Nyoni, Ngumoha; Isak.
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Florian Wirtz did not start against Everton. (Image: Getty Images)
Theo Squires
We expecta complete overhaul for Liverpool‘s match against Southampton, with Arne Slot already confirming that Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai will all be rested. Thus, it’s an excellent opportunity for some of the Reds’ fringe players to gain some valuable game time and demonstrate their abilities.
Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni are both set to make their debuts in this match, with the young Italian paired with Joe Gomez at centre-back. However, there’s no captain’s armband for the England international this time, with vice-captain Andy Robertson selected at left-back and leading the team out for the first time since his promotion to Van Dijk’s deputy.
Alexander Isak is set to make his second start in attack as he continues to build up his fitness, with Jayden Danns ready to step in as the Swede tires. We all remember what happened the last time he came off the bench against Southampton!
Federico Chiesa, who is ineligible for the Champions League and missed out on the matchday squad against Everton, has a golden opportunity to impress against the Saints. He starts on the right, with Rio Ngumoha earning a well-deserved start on the opposite flank.
Florian Wirtz is given the nod at number 10 as he continues to adapt to English football, with Trey Nyoni partnering Wataru Endo in midfield. Curtis Jones is primed to be the first substitute as he recovers from injury following his return in the derby.
My team (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson; Endo, Nyoni; Chiesa, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak.
Mark Jones
The first Carabao Cup tie of the season is always an exciting event, isn’t it?
Well, unless you’re Manchester United that is.
We’re set to see some fresh faces at Anfield this evening, players we haven’t yet seen this season, and Arne Slot has made it clear that he’s not just going to shuffle his pack, but choose a completely different deck entirely.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to make his debut in goal, and following Conor Bradley’s bustling performance against Jack Grealish, the back four seems self-evident – Jeremie Frimpong, promising newcomer Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez and skipper Andy Robertson.
The real conundrum lies in the midfield selection. After much thought, I’d hand Florian Wirtz a starting position after he was benched at the weekend.
He’ll be eager to prove himself, and a solid hour against a skilled team like Southampton could do wonders for him. I’d place him as the No.10 with Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones supporting him, but keeping Trey Nyoni in mind as the first substitute, possibly at half-time.
The logical front three would then comprise Federico Chiesa, Alexander Isak and Rio Ngumoha, with the 17-year-old ready to dazzle Anfield once more and Isak requiring some crucial game time. An hour should suffice, before Jayden Danns is let loose on Southampton again.
My team: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson; Endo, Jones; Chiesa, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak.