Southampton v Liverpool Weds 18th Dec Carabao Cup QF 20:00 Kick Off

A chance for us to rotate a few, Mac will be back following his suspension, expecting him to start. Both Slot and Robbo are suspended for this one. Kostas may be back if not expect Norris to take his place on the bench.

Kelleher

Alexander-Arnold (Tsimikas/Gomez to RB)
Quansah
van Dijk (c)
Gomez

Endo
Mac Allister (Jones)

Salah (Chiesa)
Elliott
Gakpo (Diaz)

Nunez (Jota)

Subs:

Jaros (GK)
Nallo
Tsimikas (Alexander-Arnold)
Gravenberch
Szoboszlai
Jones (Mac Allister)
Diaz (Gakpo)
Jota (Nunez)
Chiesa (Salah)

Injured:

Bradley
Konate

Suspended:

Slot
Robertson

Slot will be in the stand as he was booked for third time. Apparently had the wrong type of coat on...Harrington.." booked..Illegal coat.."

Will be a mix of youth and experience. Not overly bothered. Distraction from the serious stuff.

This might not seem like a game of high importance to the fans but I'm sure Arne will see it a lot differently and will want to book our place in the SF, with a view to getting his first bit of silverware banked in his first season.

There maybe 2 or 3 kids involved but certainly no more than that. Think we could see a change in formation given how few fullbacks/defenders we have available.

Kelleher
Quansah Virgil Gomez
Morton Endo Mac
Harvey
Chiesa Jota Gakpo

I'd like to see Nyoni/Ngumoha given a start but more likely to see them off the bench, if at all.

This might not seem like a game of high importance to the fans but I'm sure Arne will see it a lot differently and will want to book our place in the SF, with a view to getting his first bit of silverware banked in his first season.

There maybe 2 or 3 kids involved but certainly no more than that. Think we could see a change in formation given how few fullbacks/defenders we have available.

Kelleher
Quansah Virgil Gomez
Morton Endo Mac
Harvey
Chiesa Jota Gakpo

I'd like to see Nyoni/Ngumoha given a start but more likely to see them off the bench, if at all.

Underestimate anyone in the prem at your peril.
Get the game won, then make changes if need be.

I am thinking g kids only take what comes .

NB: Team no longer available

I would play a fluid line up. Morton as a makeshift left back.

I would rest Allison, Gomez, Gravenberch, Szosboslai, Diaz, Gakpo and Salah. I would not push hard on Jota too.

I would take a very strong bench but play as necessary.

Don't think Tyler morton has ever played at left back

Might have to watch for the backlash from tonight, currently being put to sword by Spurs 4-0 after 25 mins

Udogie going off injured for spurs, with the next league game in mind

Kelleher

Gomez
Quansah
VVD
Morris

Endo
McConnell
Nyoni

Chiesa
Nunez
Gakpo

Could be manageless this lot before we play them
Kelleher
Quansah
Gomez
VVD
Trent
Endo
Macallister
Elliott
Chiesa
Jota
Nunez

Underestimate anyone in the prem at your peril.
Get the game won, then make changes if need be.

That's true, although you have to the term "anyone in the prem" loosely with Southampton.

Chelsea are hot on our trails and we look like we need a rest. You're playing a team in disarray and they just sacked their manager. We have a day of rest advantage on them and at this point they have to rest for the league, else they get relegated. They will rotate this game, as should we.

Rest Grav, Salah, Sobo, Diaz, Gakpo, Jones, etc.

Go with Quansah, Cheisa, Harvey, Endo, Morton, Etc. Macca will be available for this game and should prolly play.

The league is priority and we have guys whose role for the squad is literally this competition. Use them and give the superstars a night off.

Chelsea are hot on our trails and we look like we need a rest. You're playing a team in disarray and they just sacked their manager. We have a day of rest advantage on them and at this point they have to rest for the league, else they get relegated. They will rotate this game, as should we.

Rest Grav, Salah, Sobo, Diaz, Gakpo, Jones, etc.

Go with Quansah, Cheisa, Harvey, Endo, Morton, Etc. Macca will be available for this game and should prolly play.

The league is priority and we have guys whose role for the squad is literally this competition. Use them and give the superstars a night off.

Think this is where I'm at.

Plenty of guys need some game time as you mention and this is the week we can rest some of the played who've played virtually every game like Salah, Gravenberch etc

Saints got Battered by Spuds, and manager sacked. Will we feel the backlash, or are they there for another battering ?

                    Kelleher
Gomez - Quansah - Virgil - Robbo
                      Endo
              Elliott   -   Jones
      Chiesa  -   Jota   -   Darwin

Perfect game to rotate. Maybe only VVD (and Alisson) should keep their starting place.

Don't think Tyler morton has ever played at left back

We will have plenty of possession and will play as an additional midfield.

Danns , Nyoni , Morris and Nallo are not in the U21’s this week so a fair chance they will be in the squad

I personally don't like the idea of using VVD for this game, he is tooooo important to the potential success of our season.  We can't play him in all competitions like this.  He should only be playing in the League and Champions League.

I personally don't like the idea of using VVD for this game, he is tooooo important to the potential success of our season.  We can't play him in all competitions like this.  He should only be playing in the League and Champions League.

Agreed. Would love to see 8 or 9 changes from Fulham. Play Cody and Jones from starting 11, maybe Trent too. Give the supers a break. We need to give priority to league. I can't see them winning, I imagine they rotate too. They have to start getting points to stay up, they'd be stupid not to rotate.

Kellher

TAA Quansah Nallo Norris
Macca Endo Morton
Elliot Nunez Cheisa

Morton is currently out injured

Saints got Battered by Spuds, and manager sacked. Will we feel the backlash, or are they there for another battering ?

We'll just continue their beating.

Chiesa hasn't played a game of football since September, and was his only start of the season. Just about lasted the 60 mins. So I don't understand how people are putting him in here to start now. He has to be eased back in after a few months out. Like Elliott was, and like Jota was.

Mac will come back in and I'm praying for an actual Endo start. He needs minutes and not just 5/10 mins here and there at odd games. Maybe Jones again then.

Elliott might have to start RW alongside Nunez and one of Gakpo/Diaz.

Defence is tough to rotate with a lack of bodies.

Agreed. Would love to see 8 or 9 changes from Fulham. Play Cody and Jones from starting 11, maybe Trent too. Give the supers a break. We need to give priority to league. I can't see them winning, I imagine they rotate too. They have to start getting points to stay up, they'd be stupid not to rotate.

Kellher

TAA Quansah Nallo Norris
Macca Endo Morton
Elliot Nunez Cheisa

Would go with similar (no TAA though), and Nyoni in for Morton if hes injured. No idea who comes in at right back. Massively weakened back line but the front six are strong and it could be enough. None of TAA, Virgil and Gomez should be anywhere near this game. A weakened defence at Spurs is asking for it.

This game should be solely focused on what is right for the PL, so players who need minutes starting and then taken off after an hour. Will be a fortnight since Mac played so 60 for him. Perhaps Jota too getting at least 30 minutes.

We have a much smaller squad than last year, plus the injuries, so we have far less capability to be going strong in four competitions. We shouldn't be taking any added risks with first teamers in this and the FA Cup. The CL game vs Madrid has hurt us in losing Konate and Bradley so the last thing we want is losing more key players in this.

Got to play many of the second stringers on Wednesday

Morton is currently out injured

he warmed up at HT right in front of me and was in the match day squad two days ago

Get the kids and fringe guys in for this. We're starting to look a little frayed, so no need to take any risks at all in this comp.

I know we have injury issues and need to protect some players as the cover for them is a bit thin at the moment. But as for playing the kids, wholesale, Id only do that if it was clear we had no interest in this cup.Can you imagine being a seasoned pro, and find the opposition has put a bunch of kids out to play you. If ever there was an incentive to raise your game.  You'd feel totally insulted wouldn't you ? I'd feel safer with a few changes for the vital positions we have little cover for, apart from that, make sure you're strong enough to get the result.  We've had enough hiccups recently. Nows the time to get a grip once more.

These are the types of games where we simply have to rest Virgil, Grav and Salah to keep them fresh for the second half of the season. We need all three on top of their game when it gets down to the business end of things.

Realistically, if Norris or someone like that is starting LB on Wednesday, then VVD has to be beside him. Quansah can't be babysitting a player making his debut beside him and Gomez has to play RB I would think.

Gomez Quansah VVD Norris.

Trent Quansah Gomez Norris

Which one is it going to be?

If we mess about with the back line too much we could lose this one.

That being said it might be worth using the fringe players for the rest of this league cup campaign rather than getting involved in a big 2 leg semi final if we progress with the main side.

Defensive line up like I predicted a week or so back has become very messy.

Hopefully our 2 left backs are available for weekend and I don't want us flogging Trent in this who looks leggy as it is.

What that means for tomorrow's line up is anyone's guess because Virg could really do with the game off too.

Perhaps Endo can come into the defence to help out.

Win it and move on. Mix the team Slot!

We’ll walk this. They’re in a really bad shape.

Arne talking about only having 4 defenders and saying there may be academy players there or players you don't expect to see there. So Ali as a centre back?

We’ll walk this. They’re in a really bad shape.

They maybe super motivated,  we certainly didn't walk the league game.

Kelleher starting

Jota didn’t train so won’t be available

Arne talking about only having 4 defenders and saying there may be academy players there or players you don't expect to see there. So Ali as a centre back?

Personally I am thinking that it will be something like this

Gomez Quansah VVD Norris

https://x.com/thisisanfield/status/1868957639700324500?s=46&t=_4uI6CiVRqge8WqM7F37Iw

Chances are both Nallo and Morris start

So

Gomez Quansah Nallo Morris as a potential back line

Hope Tzimikas can do a stint at LB if training today . Hoped Jota could start but looks unlikely think Chiesa will start . Wonder if Danns will possibly start now

Not sure much is clearer after the Presser, but have a feeling it may be something like this. Not good to hear Jota may miss out but let’s hope it’s just a precaution ahead of the Spurs game:

Kelleher

Gomez (c)
Nallo
Quansah
Norris

Endo
Morton

Elliott
Mac Allister
Gakpo

Nunez

Subs:

Jaros (GK)
van Dijk
Tsimikas
Jones
Nyoni
McConnell
Jota/Diaz
Chiesa
Danns

Injured:

Bradley
Konate

Rested:

Alisson
Alexander-Arnold
Gravenberch
Szoboszlai
Jones
Salah

Suspended:

Slot
Robertson

I reckon Endo will go into the back 4.

Interesting comment from Slot about potentially using a midfielder in the back line tomorrow.

Maybe Endo back there?

I think Endo may play at the back - he's done it before.
Jota has such a bad injury record - it's like he's made of china where the slightest knock chips a bit off him and he cracks
I know people have called Robbo fit to burn recently -God knows why - yes he maybe ain't as quick as he used to be but by God he's a warrior and doesn't collapse like a deck of cards every time the wind blows on him!

'Press Conference: Southampton vs Liverpool | Arne Slot previews Carabao Cup' - from LFC..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARcxG8W1ZHM



'Arne Slot's injury update on Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas' - from LFC.tv...

www.liverpoolfc.com/news/arne-slots-injury-update-conor-bradley-ibrahima-konate-and-kostas-tsimikas




Arne Slot on his upcoming touchline ban: “I don’t know if this is smart to say but there is also a limit for me, let's put it that way, and then I can get emotional. And that, unfortunately, that limit is only reached by refereeing decisions and the decisions my players make. Because they [the players] make more good decisions than the referees do" (laughs)...

https://v.redd.it/jsdmrix8ge7e1 

^ from https://old.reddit.com/r/LiverpoolFC/comments/1hg97f1/arne_slot_on_his_upcoming_touchline_ban_i_dont




'Pre-Match Live: Southampton vs Liverpool FC | Carabao Cup build-up from St Mary's' - from LFC.tv; scheduled for Wednesday from 6.45pm...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkUFWCO5WzQ

Jota didn’t train so won’t be available

Why? Is he made of glass? I hope not.

Jota has some issues after playing the game the other day, won't start, but will be available for minutes.

I really would like Virg to get a rest at some point but given injuries not sure we have that many options without destabilising the team. That's where an extra  CB or versatile defender would come in handy.

This stage last season we played a fairly strong team that demolished West Ham, whilst being I think first or second in the league. This season there is even more reason to prioritise the league because of where we find ourselves and the inconsistencies of our rivals.

Surprised Chiesa available as I thought he injure his throat shouting a lot at Anfield in last Fulham game 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1868062250889777200

Seriously hopefully VvD, Grav and Zsobo get some rest.
Chiesa can start if he is fit with Mo on the bench to be use when need.
And don't want to see TAA play with the young/inexperience CBs.

Although we have many fixtures ahead, plus the worry of injuries, I would really like to win this competition once again.

I realise the Carabao cup is not our priority, I wonder whether we will field a weaker side against the saints tomorrow evening.

Endo in Defence or full back just to add a wise head to the backline?   

Endo in Defence or full back just to add a wise head to the backline?   

Good call I think Endo can play full back and who knows might be our new Grav

Good call I think Endo can play full back and who knows might be our new Grav

Thanks mate. Hopefully might kick start his Liverpool career who knows.   But just hate the idea of playing VVD in this game.  I think we should be resting him in the 2 January Champions League game too. He is 33 lets not take too many risks especially with the festive fixture pile up. 

Kelleher
Quansah
Nallo
Gomez
Norris
Endo
Macca
Elliott
Chiesa
Gakpo
Nunez

Subs
Jaros
Virg
Tsimikas
TAA
Gravenberch
Jones
Dom
Mo
Jota

Kelleher starting

Jota didn’t train so won’t be available

Not necessarily true..... Jota may be on the bench. You said Morton was injured the other day and he was in the match day squad and warmed up in front of us

Not necessarily true..... Jota may be on the bench. You said Morton was injured the other day and he was in the match day squad and warmed up in front of us

LiP saying something which turns out to be false? Well I never!!!!

Not necessarily true..... Jota may be on the bench. You said Morton was injured the other day and he was in the match day squad and warmed up in front of us

Can only go by what Slot said 🤷‍♂️

https://x.com/anfieldedition/status/1869368251811344769?s=46&t=_4uI6CiVRqge8WqM7F37Iw

Not sure who is fit or not but I'd like to see Endo, Quansah, Elliot, Morton and Kostas get a start for this one. A rest fo Grav, Salah and VVD would be wise. Remember how the team fell off a cliff at the end of last season.

Happy that Nyoni is getting a chance, and possibly a sign of things to come in the team sheet.

Worried that it's getting leaked so easily though, and Joyce was happy to leak it.

I won't be able to make the live thread

Come on Reds.

Gone for a narrow win for the Reds, these games tend to be unpredictable.

Liverpool to win 4-2 on pens after a lowkey 1-1 in normal time.

Wonder if they will.go strong to try and get some momentum . QF is a QF should always go.as strong as possible no game until Sunday and rested with Everton game off. Fragile with numbers at back but no reason why bench can't be strong

Jota should be absolutely nowhere near this game.

Stay home Diogo.

Bigger fish to fry than this!!!

Gone for a narrow win for the Reds, these games tend to be unpredictable.

All games are unpredictable

Jota should be absolutely nowhere near this game.

Stay home Diogo.

Bigger fish to fry than this!!!

Jota to be subbed on for pens and score the winning pen. Job done.

Kostas with the squad

Also young Rio is there as well

Mo and VVD apparently not

Maybe busy filming the new contract signing 😁

https://x.com/lfc/status/1869457644802420922?s=46&t=_4uI6CiVRqge8WqM7F37Iw