Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Southampton for September 23

Liverpool enter the Carabao Cup with a balance to strike. Arne Slot has overseen a perfect start in the league and has managed to steer his side through the first hurdles of European competition, but this is a different kind of test. It is the first domestic cup outing of the season, a home tie against Southampton that comes at the sharp end of a relentless September schedule. For Slot, the challenge is simple but delicate: rotate sensibly, keep the standards high, and make sure Liverpool progress without adding to the chaos that has already defined parts of the early season.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Southampton for the EFL Cup Third Round

How Liverpool Have Lined Up Recently

Slot has been faithful to his preferred 4-3-3 shape, even when juggling injuries and rotation. It’s a system designed for control, with a more measured press than supporters had grown used to under Jurgen Klopp. The wingers stretch the opposition, the midfield three are asked to progress the ball forward with purpose, and the full-backs play a more balanced role,  still attacking, but without leaving the back line as exposed.

There have been tweaks when the game situation demands it. Slot hasn’t been afraid to throw on a second striker late on, most notably when pairing Alexander Isak with Hugo Ekitike to change the dynamic in the final third. But the starting point has been consistent: Salah on the right, one central striker, and a structured midfield that looks to control games rather than play end-to-end.

Recent Form

The results have been excellent. Liverpool are unbeaten, with Slot taking maximum points from the opening five games of the league and scraping through a tough Champions League opener. The performances, though, have been a mixed bag. Twice in the Premier League Liverpool have gone two goals up only to let opponents back in, relying on late winners to salvage full points. The Atletico Madrid game in Europe followed the same pattern: two early goals, control lost, and a nervous finish that could easily have ended in a draw.

Salah remains the most reliable attacking outlet, scoring and assisting even on nights when Liverpool as a whole are below their best. Ekitike has impressed with his movement and pressing, giving defenders little time to settle. Florian has shown flashes of his quality, the vision, the quick passes, the understanding with Frimpong when they share the right flank, but he is still adapting to English football and has not yet stamped his authority on games.

Jones has added balance and ball progression in midfield, but the collective issue has been game management. The manager has spoken about the need for calm and composure late in matches, and this tie is a chance to show his side can close things out without the drama.

Liverpool Team News

Slot confirmed after the Everton game that certain names will sit this one out: Salah, Van Dijk, Konate, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai won’t be involved. That opens the door for rotation across the pitch.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start in goal, the EFL Cup is the traditional platform for the No.2 to take charge, and this is where he will get his minutes. Robertson should come in at left-back, with Gomez and Leoni at centre-half and Conor Bradley on the right.

In midfield, Jones, Mac Allister and Wirtz should form the trio. It gives balance, control in Mac Allister, ball retention and tempo in Jones, and creativity in Wirtz.

The front three is where it gets interesting. Isak looks nailed to start as he builds rhythm, Chiesa offers experience and delivery from the left, and Ngumoha brings youthful spark on the right. With Salah rested, the teenager’s directness could be the difference between slow possession and real penetration.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Southampton

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted XI:
Giorgi Mamardashvili; Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson; Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz; Rio Ngumoha, Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa.