Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Nine Changes as Liverpool Face Southampton | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction: Changes Galore as Liverpool Face Southampton in Carabao Cup

After an absolutely thrilling start to their Premier League campaign, Liverpool’s attention now turns to the Carabao Cup as they travel to face Southampton in the quarter-final tonight. With a huge clash against Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon, Arne Slot will have to juggle fitness with competitiveness when selecting his starting lineup for this one.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for tonight’s clash…

Four Changes at the Back

Caoimhin Kelleher will come into the side for Alisson Becker, with the Brazilian nailed on to return at the weekend. With Andy Robertson suspended and Kostas Tsimikas still an injury doubt, academy graduate James Norris filling in at left-back.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold will both be rested, as Jarell Quansah and another academy graduate in Amara Nallo will partner each other at the heart of the defence. Therefore, Joe Gomez will shift across to right-back and will likely captain the side.

Verdict: Kelleher, Gomez, Quansah, Nallo, Norris

Time to Shine

Alexis Mac Allister is back from suspension but will likely not be rushed back for this one, despite his last appearance being two weeks ago. Instead, Wataru Endo will start at the base of the midfield, who I’m sure will be really hoping to impress Slot. He will be partned by Tyler Morton, who could even put himself in the shop window ahead of the January transfer window.

Photo: IMAGO

17-year-old Trey Nyoni will come into the side to make his full senior debut, after a number of impressive cameos last season and in pre-season. This would allow all four first-choice midfielders (Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai) to be fresh for the upcoming Premier League games.

Verdict: Endo, Morton, Nyoni

Elliott’s Return?

Harvey Elliott will return to the starting lineup on the right-wing, allowing a rest for Mohamed Salah. Cody Gakpo will start the game on the opposite side, and will likely be rotated with Federico Chiesa at some point to allow the Italian to receive some crucial first-team minutes.

Photo: IMAGO

Darwin Nunez will start as the central forward, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Jayden Danns feature in this game depending on the state of the game.

Verdict: Elliott, Nunez, Gakpo

Starting XI: Kelleher, Gomez, Quansah, Nallo, Norris, Endo, Morton, Nyoni, Elliott, Nunez, Gakpo

Bench: Jaros, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Mac Allister, McConnell, Jones, Diaz, Chiesa, Danns