Liverpool’s squad for the Carabao Cup clash with Southampton will feature a number of youngsters in line for their debuts – including midfielder Tommy Pilling.Arne Slot will name a “completely changed lineup” for Tuesday’s third-round tie and few, if any, of his regular starters are expected to be in the squad.That comes with a group of academy players drafted into first-team training over the weekend and the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Mohamed Salah rested entirely.One of those who is set to make the squad is 20-year-old midfielder Pilling, who has confirmed his involvement on his Instagram story.Pilling shared a post wishing him luck for the game, with the youngster likely to be one of those named on the bench for the 8pm kickoff.It comes after regularly training with Slot’s squad throughout the campaign and featuring in the pre-season friendly against Athletic Club in August.The head coach appears to have taken a liking to Pilling, which saw him drafted into sessions at the AXA Training Centre earlier this month during Curtis Jones‘ layoff.Jones’ return to fitness is expected to see him start for only the third time this season, meaning Pilling should be among those in reserve.Trey Nyoni, Jayden Danns, Rhys Williams, Kieran Morrison and Kaide Gordon were also absent from the U21s’ 2-1 loss to Man United on Sunday as they instead worked with the first team.Slot’s bench is set to be an inexperienced one, with goalkeeper Freddie Woodman likely to be joined by Williams, Pilling, Morrison, Gordon, Danns and three others.Nyoni could be among those brought into the starting lineup along with Rio Ngumoha and debutants Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni.Alexander Isak and Wataru Endo are also set to start, while Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa are almost certain to be named along with Jones. Pilling, who was born in nearby St Helen’s, joined Liverpool’s academy as a five-year-old and stood out as one of the top performers as he progressed through the age groups.Though he has developed slower than many of his teammates in terms of his physique, the midfielder’s quick feet and tenacity allowed him to not only keep up but often excel.He made his U18s debut as a 16-year-old in a 6-0 thrashing of Sunderland in 2021, coming off the bench along with James McConnell to join a side captained by Jarell Quansah.His U21s bow followed the next season – against senior opposition no less – when he replaced Bobby Clark in a 5-0 defeat to League Two side Port Vale, before becoming a regular in 2023/24.While he is a natural central midfielder he is capable of operating in a variety of roles including as a winger if required.