Liverpool vs Southampton Live Stream Commentary, 23 Sept 2025: Full Match Build-Up, Key Moments, and Broadcast Details

Anfield hosted another highly anticipated clash as Liverpool met Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. The fixture, headlined as Liverpool vs Southampton Live commentary, 23 Sept 2025, attracted worldwide attention with fans eager to see how Arne Slot’s rotated side would perform against a Saints team battling for form. With major squad changes, a lively start, and a goalless first half, the match offered plenty of storylines on and off the pitch.

Liverpool squad rotation vs Southampton

Liverpool manager Arne Slot made sweeping changes to his lineup, resting star players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Instead, the Reds fielded a mix of youth and experience:

• Giorgi Mamardashvili starting in goal

• Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni in defence

• Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones anchoring the midfield

• Alexander Isak leading the attack with support from Federico Chiesa

This rotation underlined Slot’s intent to balance squad freshness with competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.

Southampton’s recent results and form

Southampton entered the match on a difficult run in the Championship. Under manager Will Still, the Saints had recently lost to Hull City and struggled to find consistency. Defensive stability remained an issue despite the presence of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ryan Manning. Going forward, Cameron Archer continued to provide the main attacking threat, yet the team’s lack of cohesion was evident in their league performances.

Head-to-head record favors Liverpool

The fixture historically leans in Liverpool’s favor. The Reds have dominated the recent head-to-head encounters, winning eight of the last nine matches and drawing one. Southampton have not beaten Liverpool in several years, and their struggles against top-flight opposition were expected to continue.

Table: Last Four Meetings

Liverpool vs Southampton full lineups

The official lineups reflected the contrast between Liverpool’s rotated squad and Southampton’s attempt to balance experience with youth.

Liverpool XI

• Mamardashvili

• Gomez, Leoni, Konaté, Tsimikas

• Endo, Jones, Bajcetic

• Chiesa, Elliott, Isak

Southampton XI

• McCarthy

• Harwood-Bellis, Manning, Bree, Walker-Peters

• Smallbone, Downes, Charles

• Sulemana, Adams, Archer

Alexander Isak performance tonight

The Swedish striker carried much of Liverpool’s attacking threat early on. In the opening stages, Isak forced a save from Alex McCarthy after being set up by Federico Chiesa. His movement troubled Southampton’s back line, and his presence in the box ensured the Reds maintained constant pressure. Although a goal had yet to arrive by halftime, Isak’s influence on the match was clear.

Key moments in the first half

• Kick-off at 8pm BST under the lights at Anfield

• Alexander Isak’s shot denied by McCarthy in the 10th minute

• Southampton’s compact defending kept Liverpool at bay despite sustained possession

• Referee Thomas Bramall maintained control with minimal stoppages

By the end of the first half, the score remained 0-0, leaving plenty to play for in the second period.

Carabao Cup third round highlights

While the tie was still unfolding, the Carabao Cup third round had already delivered drama elsewhere with shocks and penalty shootouts. Liverpool’s clash with Southampton added to the spectacle, as fans anticipated whether Arne Slot’s rotated squad could secure progress to the next round.

How to watch Liverpool vs Southampton live stream

Supporters across the UK had free access to the match.

• Television: ITV1

• Streaming: ITVX

• Radio: talkSPORT 2

International fans followed updates via live blogs, with Liverpool vs Southampton Live commentary, 23 Sept 2025 trending across football news platforms.

Virgil van Dijk comments before match

Though rested for the game, Virgil van Dijk emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum across all competitions. The Dutch captain noted Liverpool’s tradition in domestic cups and encouraged younger players to seize the opportunity. His leadership off the pitch was seen as vital for the balance of an evolving squad under Arne Slot.