CONFIRMED Liverpool lineup vs Southampton: Young players set to SHINE as Trent makes 300th appearance

Liverpool look to get to the semi-finals of the League Cup with a visit to Southampton tonight.

The Reds currently top the Premier League and Champions League tables, with the domestic cup taking a little bit of a back seat in priority.

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But nothing is guaranteed in football and winning the League Cup in his first season would still be a serious message sent out by Arne Slot.

Slot himself is banned from the touchline for the game tonight, having picked up his third yellow card of the season against Fulham at the weekend.

Liverpool's squad is amid an injury and suspension crisis, without a fully fit left-back and with fixtures coming thick and fast over the Christmas period.

As a result, some serious changes have been made.

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher

Alisson has displaced Kelleher in Liverpool's starting XI since his return from injury as Arne Slot previously guaranteed. He did still go with Kelleher for Liverpool's first cup game of the season back in September even with Alisson healthy, so expect Slot satiates his desire to play when he can.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Despite being in Monaco this week, Alexander-Arnold returns for necessary experience and to make his 300th appearance for the Reds.

CB: Jarell Quansah

Needing to give Virgil van Dijk a rest, Jarell Quansah enters the team despite some poor recent performances, particularly against Fulham at the weekend.

CB: Wataru Endo

An unexpected start at centre-back for the Japanese international as rumoured yesterday.

LB: Joe Gomez

Finding a new lease of life with Ibrahima Konate out injured, Gomez continues his run in the side as the most experienced player in the back four.

CM: Tyler Morton

The most-included youth product of the season so far, Morton shone on his only other start of the season against Brighton in the previous round of the cup. He will need a similar display here.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

With the Merseyside Derby's cancellation and a suspension meaning he had to miss both the Champions League tie against Girona the weekend's game against Fulham, Mac Allister hasn't played a game in exactly two weeks. He'll need to be on top form as the experienced midfielder in the side.

CM: Trey Nyoni

A full senior debut, Nyoni looked the part when coming on against Brighton in the previous round of this tournament.

RW: Harvey Elliott

A start finally for Elliott whose recent return from injury has been highly anticipated. He showed flashes of what we know he can do in a cameo against Fulham and will need to be a creative spark here.

LW: Cody Gakpo

A serious run of form means Gakpo keeps his place in the side.

ST: Darwin Nunez

The Uruguayan has struggled for form all season, being replaced of late by Luis Diaz to lead Liverpool's line. His workrate will be needed tonight amongst a young and out-of-form front line.

(4-2-3-1); Kelleher, Quansah, Gomez, Endo, Alexander-Arnold, Morton, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Elliott, Gakpo, Nunez

The bench includes: Jaros, Chiesa, Jota, Tsimikas, McConnell, Nallo, Ngumoha, Danns, Norris

So there could be some very exciting debuts on offer as well.

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