The night at Anfield is never ordinary, no matter the competition, no matter the opponent, no matter the stage. Tuesday evening under the lights promises another chapter in Liverpool’s long and complicated love story with the Carabao Cup. It is not the Champions League, it is not the Premier League, it is not even the FA Cup that carries centuries of weight, but for Liverpool fans it is still a competition that gives hope, that gives young players a platform, and that gives the supporters another chance to see their beloved team in action. And this Tuesday, when Southampton arrive at Anfield, all eyes will be on Arne Slot, the man now trusted to carry forward the legacy of this football club. The Dutchman is expected to name a much-changed team, one that reflects the balance between protecting his biggest stars and giving opportunities to those waiting in the shadows for their chance to shine.
The headlines before this match are already clear. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai will be rested. These are the heavyweights, the giants of the squad, the players who decide games in the Premier League and on European nights. Slot has chosen to protect them after the emotional and exhausting 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday. It was a game that demanded everything, a battle of pride, of history, of noise, and Liverpool came through with the win. Now, just days later, Slot knows he cannot push these men again. The Carabao Cup, while important, is also the perfect stage for rotation.
That rotation means Anfield could witness something new and refreshing. The spotlight may shine on Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s new £125million signing, the man who arrived after a saga that lasted most of the summer. The Swedish striker, signed from Newcastle in a record-breaking deal, has yet to fully establish himself in the red shirt, but this could be the night he steps forward. With Hugo Ekitike likely to make way, Isak is expected to lead the line. Slot wants him to gain minutes, to find rhythm, to feel the chemistry with his teammates. Every great Liverpool striker has had his moment under the lights at Anfield, and Isak will be desperate for this to be his.
The Carabao Cup has always been the platform for the youth, and Slot has shown since pre-season that he is not afraid to throw young players into the fire. Giovanni Leoni, just 18 years old, is one of those players. The Italian centre-half, signed from Parma on deadline day for £26m, is a teenager with enormous potential, and this could be his introduction to the Anfield crowd. Imagine the feeling for him, stepping out onto the famous pitch, walking under the roar of the Kop, hearing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echo in his ears. For players like Leoni, this is the moment when dreams meet reality.
There are others too, waiting for their chance. Jeremie Frimpong is expected to feature at right-back. After injury setbacks, the Dutch full-back is ready to show why he was brought in, why so many fans were excited when Liverpool added him to the squad. His energy, his speed, his attacking threat down the flank could light up this contest. Between the sticks, there will be another change. Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgian goalkeeper who arrived this summer, is set to make his first start. Every Liverpool goalkeeper has felt the weight of the jersey, and Mamardashvili will know that every save, every touch, every shout is being judged by the Anfield faithful.
Among the attackers, the name Rio Ngumoha stands out. Only 17, already making waves, already proving that youth can carry courage. He scored the winner last month in dramatic fashion, and his rise has been rewarded with first-team inclusion ever since. Now he is pushing for a start. There is excitement around him, the kind of excitement that comes when the academy produces someone special. Liverpool’s academy at Kirkby has been a source of pride for years, and Ngumoha’s story is the latest chapter. If he gets his chance on Tuesday, fans will be watching closely, hoping to see glimpses of another star in the making
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