Arne Slot is expected to make a number of changes when Liverpool take on Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts after Andrew Robertson was shown a red card during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts after Andrew Robertson was shown a red card during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield (Image: Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Liverpool are back in League Cup action on Wednesday as they travel to Southampton looking to book their place in the semi-finals. And Arne Slot will have to make changes against the Saints.
The Reds will be without Andy Robertson after he was sent off in their 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday, as the Scotland captain serves a one-match suspension. Consequently, Slot will have little room to rotate his defence down on the South Coast.
But with Alexis Mac Allister back from a suspension of his own, Diogo Jota scoring on his return from injury against Fulham, and Federico Chiesa also back in contention, the Dutchman could make full use of his squad elsewhere.
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With a number of his lesser-used players itching for a starting opportunity as we head towards a busy festive period, the ECHO takes a look at the changes Slot could make on the south coast.
Kelleher comes back in
Caoimhin Kelleher could return in goal in place of Alisson Becker, after losing his place following the Brazilian’s return from injury earlier this month. However, Slot has little to play with when it comes to the Liverpool defence.
With Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas not yet ready to return, Jarell Quansah is the only senior option that could replace the suspended Robertson. Joe Gomez would likely move to left-back as a result, though Trent Alexander-Arnold is perhaps an option after recently playing there for England.
James Norris is a more natural alternative at left-back, but the 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Tranmere Rovers, hasn’t played for the Reds first team since coming off the bench late on against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in January 2022.
Elsewhere, 18-year-old Amara Nallo is also an alternative at centre-back if Slot is prepared to hand the teenager, who was named on the bench against Newcastle United earlier this month, a senior debut.
Mac Allister returns in midfield
Mac Allister will likely start against Southampton, having missed Liverpool’s last two matches through suspension. But where he lines up in the engine-room is up for debate.
Ryan Gravenberch will almost certainly be rested, with Wataru Endo a contender to replace the Dutchman at number six. Tyler Morton could start alongside him with Mac Allister used at number 10.
If the Argentina international is used in a deeper role, Harvey Elliott could be handed his first start of the season at number 10. Alternatively, Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai could retain their starting roles, while teenager Trey Nyoni is also an option.
Rotate the attack
Having got an assist off the bench against Fulham, Darwin Nunez will likely return to lead the line against Southampton. Jota could start on the left if Slot considers the Portuguese fit enough to start after his goalscoring cameo against the Cottagers following two months on the sidelines.
Chiesa is an option on the right-wing, though a substitute appearance is potentially more likely given he has not played since September. Mohamed Salah will surely be rested regardless, with Elliott an option on the flank.
Alternatively, Slot could opt to keep Cody Gakpo and/or Luis Diaz in his starting XI as the League Cup holders look to move one step closer to another trip to Wembley.