The EFL Cup serves up a fascinating clash at Anfield as Liverpool host Southampton, with both sides heading into the game in strong form. Scheduled for midweek under the lights, it gives Arne Slot’s Liverpool another opportunity to rotate and yet maintain momentum, while Will Still’s Southampton look to test themselves against Premier League opposition after an indifferent start in the Championship.
Liverpool’s early season has been flawless domestically. Five wins from five in the Premier League, including narrow victories over Arsenal and Everton, have reinforced their status as champions with depth. Their underlying data adds weight to that dominance, ranking third for xPTS (7.55), backed by elite numbers in both attack and defence. A non-penalty xG of 1.56 per game and a non-penalty xGA of just 0.70 put them among the best-balanced sides in the division. In Europe too, Slot’s men edged Atletico Madrid in a thrilling contest, underlining their resilience.
Predicted line-ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Gomez, Leoni, Robertson; Endo, Jones; Wirtz, Mac Allister, Ngumoha; Isak.
Southampton (4-2-3-1): Bazunu; Roerslev, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Downes, Charles; Fellows, Azaz, Fraser; Armstrong.
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