Liverpool team vs Southampton confirmed as Alexander Isak starts alongside two debutants

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has named a much-changed starting XI to take on Southampton in the Carabao Cup, with Alexander Isak among those coming into the side.

Giorgi Mamardashvili starts for Liverpool for the first time since his arrival from Valencia this summer. Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson are in defense, alongside another debutant in Giovanni Leoni.

Curtis Jones, who impressed when he came off the bench against Everton, is in midfield alongside Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni. Florian Wirtz is among the substitutes. Alongside Isak in attack are Federico Chiesa and the exciting Rio Ngumoha. Isak makes his second start after joining from Newcastle United.

"Before moving onto tonight's game, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to Matt Beard, who we sadly lost at the weekend at such a young age.

"That Matt was a special person could not be clearer. As a manager, he was a significant figure within women's football over many years.

"As a person, he was loved and admired by so many, both in and out of football. As a husband and father, he meant so much to his wife, Debbie, and children, Harry, Ellie and Scott.

Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool during a press conference at AXA Training Centre on March 14, 2025 in Kirkby, England

"At Liverpool, he was respected and liked in equal measure, having claimed back-to-back league title wins in his first stint as manager of our women's team before delivering promotion following his return to the club a few years ago.

"These achievements speak volumes, as do the tributes that have been paid to Matt since we first learned of his passing. It takes a very special individual to prompt the kind of outpouring of affection we have seen in the days since then.

"Before kick-off tonight, we will pay our respects to Matt as a club and show our appreciation for everything he did for us and for football as a whole.

"On behalf of everyone involved with the men's team at Liverpool FC, I would also like to offer my condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew him."

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Having gone all the way to Wembley last season, Slot is keen to go far again this time around.

"I would like to welcome Will Still, his staff, players and the Southampton supporters and officials to Anfield, Slot added.

"We know Southampton will provide difficult opposition and this expectation has not changed, even though we now occupy different divisions.

"Apart from the final, which unfortunately did not go our way, we enjoyed some really good moments in this competition last season.

"Our aim is to do the same this time around, and beginning this journey at Anfield, in front of our supporters, is something we will look to make the most of."

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