Liverpool will begin their pursuit of an 11th EFL Cup crown on Tuesday evening when they welcome Championship side Southampton to the iconic Anfield stadium. The Reds, under the stewardship of Arne Slot, have made a blistering start to the 2025–26 campaign, collecting a perfect 15 points from their opening five Premier League fixtures and establishing themselves as early title contenders. Their dominance has been built on a potent attacking philosophy, relentless pressing, and a deep squad capable of absorbing the rigors of domestic and European competition. In contrast, Southampton arrive in Merseyside languishing in 19th place in the Championship, having accumulated just six points from their first six league outings. The gulf in form and quality between the two sides is stark, but as history has shown, the EFL Cup is fertile ground for surprises, and the Saints will be desperate to defy expectations and reignite their season with a statement performance.
Liverpool’s most recent outing—a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby—showcased both their brilliance and their vulnerability. The first half was a masterclass in control and creativity, with the Reds carving open Everton’s defensive lines through fluid movement and incisive passing. However, the second half told a different story. Fatigue began to creep in, and Everton’s intensity unsettled Liverpool’s rhythm, forcing them into reactive defending and hurried clearances. Slot acknowledged the physical toll on his players, citing the midweek Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid—a thrilling 3-2 win—as a contributing factor. The congested schedule has tested the squad’s endurance, and Tuesday’s cup tie presents an opportunity for rotation and experimentation, especially with several key players set to be rested.
Despite the physical demands, Liverpool’s attacking output has remained prolific. With 14 goals scored in six matches across all competitions this season, the Reds have demonstrated an ability to dismantle defences with clinical precision. Their streak of scoring in 39 consecutive Premier League games is a testament to their consistency and tactical clarity in the final third. Whether through the direct running of Federico Chiesa, the intelligent movement of Hugo Ekitike, or the creative spark of Curtis Jones, Liverpool possess a multi-dimensional attack that can adapt to different defensive structures. However, their defensive record has raised eyebrows. On three occasions this season, they have surrendered 2-0 leads—against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Atletico Madrid—only to rescue victories through late goals. These lapses suggest a fragility in game management and concentration, particularly when opponents increase tempo and apply pressure in the second half.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s results have been impeccable. They remain unbeaten in all competitions, and their home form has been formidable, with four wins from four at Anfield. The fortress-like aura of Anfield continues to intimidate visiting teams, and the Kop’s roar often serves as a catalyst for late surges and dramatic comebacks. The EFL Cup holds special significance for Liverpool, who lifted the trophy in the 2023–24 season and reached the final again in 2024–25, only to suffer a narrow 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United. That loss still lingers in the minds of players and supporters alike, and Slot will be eager to guide his side back to Wembley and reclaim the silverware that slipped through their fingers.
Southampton, meanwhile, are enduring a turbulent start to life under new manager Will Still. The Saints were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Hull City on Saturday, a result that compounded their early-season struggles and left them perilously close to the relegation zone. Still, a manager known for his analytical approach and emphasis on structure, has yet to find the right balance in his squad. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of cohesion have plagued Southampton’s performances, and the trip to Anfield represents both a daunting challenge and a potential turning point. Despite their lowly league position, the Saints are only four points adrift of sixth-placed Coventry City, who occupy the final playoff spot. With tough fixtures against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United looming, a spirited display against Liverpool could galvanize the squad and inject much-needed belief.
Historically, Southampton have struggled against Liverpool, particularly in recent years. The Reds defeated the Saints twice in the Premier League last season and also eliminated them from the EFL Cup at the quarter-final stage. A defeat on Tuesday would mark Southampton’s fifth consecutive loss to Liverpool, underscoring the psychological hurdle they must overcome. Their recent form offers little encouragement—just one win in their last six matches, with eight goals conceded in that span. Away from home, they have drawn two and won only once in their last four outings, suggesting a vulnerability that Liverpool will be eager to exploit. However, the EFL Cup has provided moments of promise for the Saints in recent seasons. They reached the quarter-finals last term and advanced to the semi-finals in 2022–23, demonstrating an ability to navigate knockout football with resilience and tactical discipline.
Arne Slot has confirmed that several first-team regulars will be rested for the cup tie, including Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, and Virgil van Dijk. These players have featured heavily in Liverpool’s opening fixtures and are being preserved for upcoming league and European commitments. Their absence opens the door for emerging talents and fringe players to stake their claim. One such prospect is teenager Trey Nyoni, who is highly regarded within the club and could be handed a start in midfield alongside Wataru Endo. Nyoni’s composure, passing range, and tactical awareness make him a compelling option in a double pivot, especially against a Southampton side likely to sit deep and absorb pressure.
In attack, Federico Chiesa is expected to feature on the right flank, bringing pace, creativity, and a direct threat to Liverpool’s forward line. Chiesa’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous crosses could be pivotal in breaking down Southampton’s defensive block. Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal, offering Slot a chance to assess the Georgian international’s shot-stopping and distribution under competitive conditions. He will likely be protected by a central defensive pairing of Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, the latter potentially making his debut. Gomez’s experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding Leoni through the match, while the full-back positions may be occupied by Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson, providing width and overlapping support.
Southampton are expected to deploy a back three in an effort to contain Liverpool’s attacking threats and protect their penalty area. Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, and Jack Stephens are the likely candidates to form the defensive trio, with wing-backs tasked with tracking Liverpool’s wide players and preventing overloads. The midfield will be anchored by Flynn Downes, who missed the Hull game due to illness but could benefit from minutes against Liverpool to regain sharpness. Downes’ energy and ball-winning ability will be vital in disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and launching counter-attacks. Will Still may also turn to Adam Armstrong to lead the line, hoping the striker can capitalize on any defensive lapses and provide a focal point for transitions.
Tactically, the match is expected to be a clash of philosophies. Liverpool will dominate possession, press aggressively, and seek to create chances through intricate passing and positional rotations. Southampton, conversely, will prioritize compactness, defensive organization, and quick transitions. The key battleground will be midfield, where Liverpool’s youthful pairing of Nyoni and Endo must assert control and dictate tempo. If Southampton can disrupt Liverpool’s build-up and force turnovers, they may find joy on the counter, particularly through Armstrong and the wing-backs. However, Liverpool’s depth and quality should allow them to adapt and overcome resistance, especially if Chiesa and Jones can exploit spaces between the lines.
The psychological dimension of the fixture cannot be overlooked. For Liverpool, the match is an opportunity to maintain momentum, blood young talent, and reinforce their status as cup specialists. The absence of senior players may reduce individual brilliance, but it also fosters collective responsibility and tactical discipline. For Southampton, the game is a test of character and resilience. A positive result could transform their season, while a heavy defeat may deepen the malaise and raise questions about Still’s tenure. The atmosphere at Anfield will be electric, and the pressure will be relentless. How each side responds to adversity will shape the narrative of the evening.
In conclusion, Tuesday’s EFL Cup clash between Liverpool and Southampton is more than a routine third-round fixture. It is a convergence of ambition, form, and opportunity. Liverpool, buoyed by their perfect start and rich cup pedigree, will aim to assert their dominance and progress with minimal fuss. Southampton, desperate for a spark, will hope to channel the unpredictability of knockout football and defy the odds. The tactical nuances, individual battles, and emotional stakes promise a compelling contest, one that could illuminate the depth of Liverpool’s squad and test the resolve of a struggling Southampton side. Whether it ends in a routine home win or a dramatic upset, the match will offer valuable insights into the trajectory of both clubs as they navigate the complexities of the 2025–26 season.
