Southampton welcome Liverpool to St Mary’s Stadium for a high-stakes EFL Cup quarter-final clash. The Saints will be navigating this encounter under interim boss Simon Rusk following the dismissal of Russell Martin, while Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, are aiming to advance towards yet another domestic trophy. Both sides are expected to field competitive lineups despite their contrasting fortunes in their respective leagues.
Southampton will look to stabilise after a poor run of form in the Premier League, while Liverpool, though likely to rotate, have the depth and quality to overcome most obstacles. Here's a detailed look at the predicted lineups for both teams in this intriguing cup tie.
Southampton Team News
Simon Rusk is expected to name a relatively strong lineup to inspire confidence after a difficult period. Aaron Ramsdale, who is nearing a return, could start in goal, providing much-needed stability.
In defence, Jan Bednarek is likely to return alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with Kyle Walker-Peters and Yukinari Sugawara potentially occupying the full-back positions. Jack Stephens remains suspended for this match.
In midfield, Joe Aribo and Lesley Ugochukwu could offer a combination of physicality and composure, with Mateus Fernandes providing creativity. Up front, Southampton might field a front three comprising Tyler Dibling, Paul Onuachu and Adam Armstrong to exploit Liverpool’s potential defensive vulnerabilities.
Saints Predicted Lineup to Face Liverpool
Ramsdale; Sugawara, Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Aribo, Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes; Dibling, Onuachu, Armstrong
Here is how the side last lined up
Liverpool Team News
Arne Slot is expected to rotate his squad but maintain a competitive edge. Caoimhin Kelleher is likely to replace Alisson between the posts, while a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, and Joe Gomez should provide defensive cover. With Ibrahima Konaté and Kostas Tsimikas sidelined, Slot’s defensive options are somewhat limited.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister returns from suspension and could join Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones. The attacking trio is likely to include Harvey Elliott, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota, who is regaining form after injury.
Reds Predicted Lineup to Face Southampton
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Endo, Jones; Elliott, Jota, Nunez
Southampton 
Liverpool 
