Liverpool plans extensive rotation for Carabao Cup against Southampton

Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League with an undefeated record, are set to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round on September 23. Manager Arne Slot plans to rotate his squad extensively, resting key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, and Dominik Szoboszlai due to a congested fixture schedule. Slot is expected to give opportunities to fringe and younger players, including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, defender Giovanni Leoni, and winger Rio Ngumoha, while Alexander Isak could start up front to build match fitness. Southampton, relegated to the Championship, have struggled this season with only one win from six games under new boss Will Still. Despite the rotation, Liverpool's depth remains strong, and the team aims to progress in the tournament without compromising their league ambitions. The match is seen as a perfect chance for less-used players like Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, and Federico Chiesa to gain valuable playing time.