Southampton vs Liverpool: Salah, Van Dijk to Miss? How Reds can Lineup for EFL Cup Clash

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Southampton vs Liverpool: The EFL Cup quarter-final between Southampton and Liverpool on Wednesday, December 18, promises to be a key fixture for Arne Slot’s side as they continue their unbeaten run this season.

With Southampton struggling after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham, interim manager Simon Rask faces a monumental challenge at St Mary’s Stadium. Meanwhile, Liverpool's impressive form across all competitions makes them favourites to advance further in the competition.

However, Slot will have to carefully rotate his squad to manage workload, with a crucial Premier League fixture against Tottenham looming on December 22. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are expected to be rested for the EFL Cup tie, giving opportunities to fringe players. Injuries in defence and midfield will also influence the starting lineup.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Arne Slot’s likely starting 11 and the reasoning behind each selection.

Goalkeeper: Caoimhín Kelleher

Caoimhín Kelleher is set to continue between the sticks, with Alisson Becker nearing full fitness but unlikely to be risked. Kelleher’s recent performances have been outstanding, including his heroics in Liverpool's Champions League win over Real Madrid, where he denied Kylian Mbappe’s penalty.

Slot has repeatedly praised Kelleher for stepping up in Alisson’s absence, and with the Brazilian expected to return later this month, this game provides Kelleher another opportunity to showcase his quality, given that he is being rumoured to leave before the end of this season.

Defence: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez

Liverpool’s defence faces a reshuffle due to injuries and suspensions. Andy Robertson is out with a one-game ban, while Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined. This leaves Arne Slot with limited options.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are automatic selections, providing leadership and stability. Jarrell Quansah, who has impressed in recent appearances, will slot alongside Van Dijk at centre-back. Joe Gomez will likely take the left-back role out of necessity.

Slot might consider academy player James Norris for left-back, but Gomez’s experience makes him the safer option. While the defensive lineup is makeshift, it should still hold firm against Southampton’s struggling attack.

Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones’ resurgence this season makes him a certain starter in Liverpool’s midfield. His impressive form, combined with two goals and two assists in the Premier League, has solidified his position. Jones’ energy and creativity will be crucial for Liverpool to dominate possession.

Alexis Mac Allister’s inclusion adds balance, offering composure and control in midfield. Slot is likely to give Wataru Endo a rare start, as he has seen limited minutes in the Premier League. Endo’s defensive solidity and work rate will provide Liverpool protection against counterattacks.

While Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are regular starters, Slot will most likely choose to rest the pair, ensuring they remain fresh for the Premier League fixture against Tottenham.

Attack: Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez

With Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz expected to be rested, Arne Slot will turn to Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez to lead Liverpool’s attack. Chiesa, despite persistent injury issues, could be handed a rare start. Slot will hope the Italian forward can prove his worth after playing just 18 minutes in one Premier League appearance.

Cody Gakpo is the natural choice for the central role, offering versatility and sharp finishing in front of the goal. Darwin Nunez’s pace and physical presence on the left flank will trouble Southampton’s vulnerable defence.

Diogo Jota, who would have been an ideal starter, remains a doubt after missing training sessions due to fitness concerns. Slot hinted Jota might feature from the bench, but his starting chances are slim.