Liverpool have been drawn at home to Southampton in the third round of Carabao Cup, which will be played in the week commencing September 22.
The Reds were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle in the final at Wembley back in February, with the Magpies deservedly ending their long wait for a trophy.
This time out, the Premier League champions have been pitted against Southampton in the third round of the competition, with the match taking place in the week commencing September 22.
Will Still’s side are currently 10th in Championship and made it to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup last season.
Wednesday’s draw took place after Man United‘s remarkable 12-11 penalty shootout defeat to League Two side Grimsby.
Teams competing in the Champions League or the Europa League could not be drawn against each other in the third round, but that will not be the case from now on.
Liverpool have won the League Cup more times than any other club, tasting glory on 10 occasions.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 25, 2024: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrates with the trophy and the Alan Hardaker Trophy for Man-of-the-Match after the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by Peter Powell/Propaganda)
The most recent success came in 2024, when a Virgil van Dijk header in extra time sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the final.
Slot is expected to field a strong side throughout this season’s tournament but it could also provide more opportunities for those in the wider squad.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, Rio Ngumoha, Giovanni Leoni and Trey Nyoni could all feasibly be given game time in the Carabao Cup, while the likes of Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa can provide valuable experience.
Jarell Quansah clocked more minutes than any other Liverpool player in the Carabao Cup in 2024/25, with Cody Gakpo their top scorer and Darwin Nunez leading assist-maker.
Carabao Cup third round draw
PHILADELPHIA - Tuesday, July 30, 2024: Liverpool's Football League Cup trophy. Carabao Cup. Trophy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Port Vale vs. Arsenal
Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest
Lincoln vs. Chelsea
Tottenham vs. Doncaster
Brentford vs. Aston Villa
Huddersfield vs. Man City
LIVERPOOL vs. Southampton
Newcastle vs. Bradford
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Grimsby
Wolves vs. Everton
Crystal Palace vs Millwall
Burnley vs. Cardiff
Wrexham vs. Reading
Wigan vs. Wycombe
Barnsley vs. Brighton
Fulham vs. Cambridge