Three things we want to see in Liverpool's Carabao Cup tie against Southampton

"Furthermore, in his press conference on Friday before the Merseyside derby, Slot reiterated how he sets up his side in a certain structure, the 4-3-3. FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-EVERTON | DARREN STAPLES/GettyImages However, it may not be all doom and gloom for the Reds, as he also indicated the option of Ekitike drifting wide on the left-hand side, perhaps creating an opening in the lineup for Alexander Isak."

"Despite netting a dramatic late winner against Bournemouth, Federico Chiesa has once again been consigned to Liverpool's bench. While he can take solace that he has registered more Premier League appearances (and goals) than last season in the space of a month, a player of his quality will want to make his mark. As Chiesa looks highly likely to start against Southampton, his skillset and experience point to a player who can truly lead the line in this competition for the record holders."

"Debut for unprecedented strike partnership? A home tie in the cup against Championship opposition seems as good a time as any to trial a front two of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. Since Liverpool's Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace, they have set up with a lone striker, with Ekitike starting in all but one of their games, in which Isak led the line against Atletico Madrid."

A home cup tie against Championship opposition presents an opportunity to trial a front two of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. Liverpool have predominantly used a lone striker since the Community Shield defeat, with Ekitike starting most matches and Isak given limited minutes as he builds fitness. The manager normally sets up in a 4-3-3, but the option of Ekitike drifting left could create space for Isak. Rotation is expected for the fixture, potentially revealing a new strike partnership. Federico Chiesa is likely to start in the Carabao Cup and could lead the attack.

Read at Rush The Kop