Liverpool’s fixture schedule for September is now complete with the confirmation of the Carabao Cup tie date.
Liverpool will host Southampton at Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, September 23, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST, offering supporters another chance to see Arne Slot’s squad in action during a particularly congested September.
The fixture will be broadcasted live in the UK on both ITV and Sky Sports.
The Reds have enjoyed a strong recent record against Southampton, having won eight of the last ten meetings between the two sides. Their last defeat to the Saints came at St Mary’s in January 2021 and Liverpool will be eager to maintain that dominance as they seek to progress to the fourth round of the competition.
Last season, Southampton reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, only to be eliminated by Arne Slot’s side on route to a final loss against Newcastle. In 2024, Liverpool ensured that Jurgen Klopp’s final season ended with silverware after Virgil van Dijk’s extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Chelsea to lift the League Cup for the 10th time in their history.
Southampton, now back in the Championship under manager Will Still, currently sit 13th in the table having dropped down from the Premier League last season.
The Saints’ visit to Anfield offers them a chance to test themselves against one of the Premier League’s strongest sides, while Liverpool will likely use the fixture to give valuable minutes to players on the fringes of the first-team squad.
Head coach Slot has repeatedly stressed the need for careful rotation, particularly in the early stages of the season, after learning from last year’s tight fixture list and the demands of competing across multiple competitions.
Liverpool’s schedule in September is packed. After opening the Premier League season with three wins from three against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal, the Reds return after the international break with a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on September 14.
A midweek Champions League tie comes next before a Merseyside debry against Everton at Anfield before hosting Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
It is a period that will test the squad physically and mentally, making the Carabao Cup tie an ideal opportunity to balance competitiveness with rotation.
Historically, Liverpool have thrived in the Carabao Cup, winning the trophy a record ten times. Former manager Jurgen Klopp’s approach often saw a blend of experienced stars and promising younger players feature, and this tie against Southampton is likely to follow that pattern.
September Schedule
- Burnley (A) — Sunday, September 14, 2:00pm BST
- Atletico Madrid (H) — Wednesday, September 17, 8:00pm BST
- Everton (H) — Saturday, September 20, 12:30pm BST
- Southampton (H) — Tuesday, September 23, 8:00pm BST
- Crystal Palace (A) — Saturday, September 27, 3:00pm BST
- Galatasaray (A) — Tuesday, September 30, 8:00pm BST
