Liverpool faces Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with the hopes of putting their Premier League draw against Fulham behind. The Reds showed incredible character and mentality with their top display to secure a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Saturday.
Arne Slot showed his remarkable tactical genius against in-form Fulham and trust in his starting eleven during the stressful situation. The Reds’ senior players played the majority of the game with 10 men and managed two comebacks during the afternoon.
Slot would make several changes for the Carabao Cup to keep the fitness level of his team at the maximum. At the same time, many players need to shrug off their rustiness and the game against the Saints is perfect.
Southampton vs Liverpool: Their recent form
The Reds have many players who recently returned from their respective injuries and struggle with fitness, requiring significant game time. Liverpool are heading into the game with three victories and two draws in all competitions from the last five games.
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah helped the club beat the Saints in the Premier League fixture on late November.
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah helped the club beat the Saints in the Premier League fixture on late November.
While they defeated Real Madrid and Manchester City, the two draws against Newcastle United and Fulham hurt the point tally. Nevertheless, points do not matter when the Reds face the Saints with the idea of regaining their momentum despite changes.
Meanwhile, Southampton could potentially continue their rotation policy in the Carabao Cup as well, focusing on the ongoing relegation battle. The Saints sacked manager Russell Martin after their 5-0 heavy loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League home game.
Simon Rusk will step in as an interim boss as Southampton have lost four games in the last five matches. One of those losses included the Premier League 3-2 victory for the Reds where the Saints enjoyed some good moments.
Southampton vs Liverpool: The predicted starting XI
Caoimhin Kelleher could make his potential return since his decision-making error against Newcastle cost Liverpool two points. Nevertheless, the Irishman played a crucial role for the club when Alisson Becker suffered a hamstring injury amid fixture congestion.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will start as the right-back as Slot lacks option due to Conor Bradley’s unfortunate injury against Real Madrid. Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah will play as the centre-backs, allowing a much-needed rest to Virgil van Dijk against Southampton.
James Norris will play as the left-back, earning his debut and a big opportunity to prove himself at the club. Andy Robertson’s suspension and Kostas Tsimikas’ injury put Slot in a position where he needs to trust in academy players.
Wataru Endo will receive the much-awaited chance, allowing a well-deserved rest for Ryan Gravenberch after his consistent performances this season. Alexis Mac Allister has served two suspensions against Girona and Fulham, allowing Slot to play him and shrug off rustiness. At the same time, Tyler Morton could earn the first-team opportunity ahead of Curtis Jones, allowing Jones a much-needed rest.
The predicted starting XI for Liverpool against Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The predicted starting XI for Liverpool against Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Harvey Elliott could make his first start for the Reds since returning from his ill-timed foot injury early this season. Federico Chiesa missed the pre-season and spent a lot of special fitness programs to make his much-awaited return for Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota made a heroic return against Fulham but Slot has confirmed that he will not start against Southampton. The Portuguese international’s fitness remains a slight concern for the coaching staff but he will receive some time to play.
Darwin Nunez will play alongside Chiesa, allowing rest to, Cody Gakpo Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. Trey Nyoni could potentially feature and gain good first-team experience under Slot. There is a potential of few surprises for this game as plenty of academy players are vying for an opportunity to impress Slot.
Predicted Liverpool XI- Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Quansah, Norris, Endo, Mac Allister, Morton, Elliott, Chiesa, Nunez
Meanwhile, Southampton have Jack Stephens serving his suspension against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup while Aaron Ramsdale returns to action from a wrist injury. The Saints are facing Fulham on Sunday in the away Premier League game and they will make changes accordingly.
Predicted Southampton XI- Ramsdale, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Sugawara, Taylor, Fernandes, Ugochukwa, Aribo, Fraser, Armstrong, Archer
Liverpool vs Southampton: Scoreline prediction
While the Saints have the home advantage to produce a surprise victory despite the difference in recent form between the two clubs, a lot will depend on the players they will start. Given the rotational changes that the two teams will make, the game will depend on individual errors or a moment of brilliance.
We calculate that Liverpool will secure a close 1-2 victory over Southampton and progress to the semi-finals.