Liverpool will look to take a step closer to the Carabao Cup final when they take on Southampton in Wednesday’s quarter-final at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Reds are the current holders of the Carabao Cup trophy and will be eager to win two in a row and give Arne Slot his first trophy at Anfield.
Liverpool take on a Southampton side currently bottom of the Premier League table and looking for a new manager after sacking Russell Martin.
TBR Football looks at who Slot could name in the Liverpool starting XI for the game against the Saints.
(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jarell Quansah and James Norris during a training session at AXA Training Centre on December 12, 2024 in Kirkb...
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Liverpool team news v Southampton
Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson will miss the Southampton game due to a one-match ban following his red card against Fulham at the weekend.
Meanwhile, fellow defenders Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate remain unavailable for the trip to St Mary’s through injury.
Kostas Tsimikas is “close” but still out ahead of his training return, and Slot himself will serve a touchline ban during the match.
Slot was praised by Liverpool supporters for his in-game management against Fulham and will be a miss on the touchline.
However, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will be available after serving back-to-back suspensions in the Champions League and Premier League.
Federico Chiesa and James Norris tipped to start
Slot confirmed ahead of the game that Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start in goal for Liverpool.
The Reds boss has some thinking to do with regards to his defence, however, in wake of an injury crisis at the back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez could retain their places from the Fulham game, with Jarell Quansah a candidate to also play at centre-back.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old academy graduate James Norris is likely to come in at left-back for his third Reds senior appearance.
Liverpool youth coach Barry Lewtas previously told Goal.com about Norris: “He’s been a real good performer for us.
“He’s had a real impact. He’s competitive, hates losing, and he sets good standards every single day.”
There could be changes aplenty in midfield, with Slot potentially giving Wataru Endo his third start of the season.
Mac Allister, who is back from suspension, is likely to also feature in midfield, while Tyler Morton could complete the midfield three.
As for the front line, the Liverpool boss could opt for Federico Chiesa on the right after hinting at a potential start against Southampton.
“Federico will make minutes tomorrow, whether he starts, comes in or plays the second half,” said Slot.
Darwin Nunez is likely to lead the line, while Cody Gakpo could remain on the left-hand side.
Liverpool predicted starting XI v Southampton
Liverpool predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Gomez, Norris; Morton, Endo, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Nunez, Gakpo
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