Liverpool come into the tie on the back of a 2-1 victory over local rivals Everton on Saturday. They were dominant in the first half but struggled after the break as Everton increased their intensity. Manager Arne Slot admitted his players looked tired, having also faced Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday, a match they won 3-2 at Anfield.
Going forward, Liverpool have been in excellent form, scoring 14 goals in six matches this season. They have also found the net in each of their last 39 league games. The concern, however, is their defensive lapses. On three occasions already this campaign, they have surrendered two-goal leads against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid before eventually finding late winners.
Even with those defensive issues, Liverpool have won every game so far this season, including all four at home. They lifted the EFL Cup in 2023-24 and reached last season’s final, where they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United.
Southampton, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start under new manager Will Still. They suffered a 3-1 defeat to Hull City at the weekend, leaving them closer to the relegation zone than the playoff spots. Despite their position, they are only four points adrift of sixth-placed Coventry City, though upcoming matches against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United promise to be challenging.
The Saints do not have fond recent memories of facing Liverpool. They lost both Premier League meetings last season and have been beaten in each of their last four encounters with the Reds. Their current form offers little encouragement either, with just one win in their last six matches. In that run they have lost twice, conceded eight goals, and managed only two draws. Away from home, they have won once in their last four outings.
Southampton have shown they can make an impression in this competition, reaching the quarter-finals last season and the semi-finals the year before. However, they will need a significant improvement in form if they are to cause an upset at Anfield.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Arne Slot has confirmed that several key players will sit out Tuesday’s match. Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk have all featured in every game so far this season and will be given time to recover.Their absence opens the door for others to step in. Highly rated teenager Trey Nyoni could be handed an opportunity in midfield, potentially partnering Wataru Endo in a double pivot, while Federico Chiesa may take up a role on the right wing. In goal, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni likely to form the central defensive pairing in front of him.
Southampton, meanwhile, are expected to set up with a back three in an effort to limit Liverpool’s attacking threat. Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood and Jack Stephens are all in contention to anchor the defence at Anfield. Midfielder Flynn Downes, who missed the weekend defeat to Hull through illness, could return to the side as he looks to regain full match sharpness.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson; Nyoni, Endo; Ngumoha, Jones, Chiesa; Isak
Southampton possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Edwards, Wood, Stephens; Roerslev, Fraser, Downes, Charles, Manning; Stewart, Archer
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 3-2 Southampton
Southampton may try to exploit Liverpool’s defence, particularly with experienced figures such as Virgil van Dijk unavailable for selection. Even so, the strength in depth of the home side should give them the edge, and it would be no surprise if they extended their winning run to seven matches this season.
