Liverpool Set to Clash with Southampton: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool commence their Carabao Cup campaign at home this midweek, welcoming Southampton to Anfield for the third round clash.
These sides encountered each other three times during the previous season throughout the Saints' disastrous 2024–25 run, clashing in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals alongside their pair of Premier League encounters. Remarkably, Southampton proved competitive against the eventual title winners in all three matches yet suffered defeat each time.
They have subsequently appointed Will Still to assist their return to the Premier League with greater stability, though the talented former Reims and Lens manager has experienced a challenging beginning on the south coast. A 3–1 loss to Hull City over the weekend places Southampton 19th in the Championship table, still seeking their first league victory since the opening gameweek.
Liverpool, conversely, have enjoyed nothing but success at the campaign's outset, though Arne Slot's squad has yet to deliver a commanding full 90-minute display. It appeared they might break that pattern during Saturday's Merseyside Derby, establishing a 2–0 advantage, but they permitted Everton a pathway back into the match and had to hold on desperately for maximum points.
The Reds reached the Carabao Cup final previously, falling to Newcastle United at Wembley to cap off one of their rare disappointing periods in 2024–25. Nevertheless, no club has claimed this trophy more frequently than Liverpool (ten occasions). Southampton, conversely, are twice runners-up but have never secured the silverware.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Merseyside derby.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Southampton Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Southampton Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Southampton |
|---|---|
Liverpool 2–1 Everton - 20/09/25 | Hull 3–1 Southampton - 20/09/25 |
Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid - 17/09/25 | Southampton 0–0 Portsmouth - 14/09/25 |
Burnley 0–1 Liverpool - 14/09/25 | Watford 2–2 Southampton - 30/08/25 |
Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal - 31/08/25 | Norwich 0–3 Southampton - 26/08/25 |
Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool - 25/08/25 | Southampton 1–2 Stoke - 23/08/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Southampton on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video |
United Kingdom | ITVX, Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, STV Player, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Disney+ Premium Mexico, ESPN3 Mexico |
Liverpool Team News
Slot may implement 11 alterations to the lineup that began Saturday's derby, and the Liverpool manager will almost certainly feature academy prospects Rio Ngumoha, who has already created a notable impact at senior level, and Trey Nyoni in Tuesday evening's starting eleven.
Alexander Isak featured as a substitute against Everton, and might receive additional playing time here as he continues building match sharpness. Additional summer signings Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni could also secure starting positions.
Slot will provide rest for the Reds' key players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, though only Stefan Bajcetic will be absent from the cup fixture due to injury.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Southampton
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Southampton (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson; Nyoni, Endo; Chiesa, Jones, Ngumoha; Isak.
Southampton Team News
The away side predominantly utilized a three-defender system last campaign, and Still has alternated between formations during his early tenure. A back three appears probable here, nevertheless, considering their recent struggles with a four-man defense.
While the Saints possess an opportunity to achieve a remarkable upset at Anfield, they will likely make changes from Saturday's loss at Hull, with Still potentially withdrawing players like Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Shea Charles from his starting formation.
Samuel Edozie is expected to be unavailable with a minor injury, while Welington is dealing with an ankle problem. Flynn Downes may return to action after recovering from illness that sidelined him from Saturday's match.
Southampton Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Southampton predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (3-5-2): McCarthy; Edwards, Wood, Stephens; Roerslev, Fraser, Downes, Jander, Manning; Stewart, Archer.
Liverpool vs. Southampton Score Prediction
Southampton's spirited battles with the champions were unusual anomalies in their otherwise catastrophic 2024–25 season, and the current campaign's beginning indicates Still faces considerable challenges in healing the wounds from last term's disasters.
They enter Tuesday night with nothing at stake, and such an approach could make them a challenging adversary for the rotated Reds.
Several significant surprises have occurred in the tournament already, but a struggling Southampton won't be creating history on this occasion. Liverpool will secure victory with relative ease.