Liverpool will clash heads with Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Monday night looking to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The Reds have endured a dip in form as they have drawn back to back matches in the league which has now put them in jeopardy of being overtaken by their bitter rivals Manchester United in the coming weeks when the fixtures come thick and fast in English football.
Jurgen Klopp will have a selection headache as Joel Matip has been ruled out of this contest on the road. Hence, the German head coach will have no choice but to rely on either Rhys Williams or Nathaniel Phillips to function along with Fabinho at the centre of his defence. Elsewhere, Liverpool would have both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara available for selection after their cameos off the bench versus Newcastle United last month.
Here are three ways how Klopp can tactically outwit the Saints and come away with the three points from the south coast of England on Monday.
Include Thiago From The Start
Thiago Alcantara produced a brilliant cameo as a substitute in the draw with the Magpies and seems like he is ready for a start in the Premier League. Klopp would be wise to name him in his starting XI as he will help Liverpool establish their dominance at the centre of the park and push the Saints back inside their half.
The Spaniard can also pick out a killer pass in the attacking third which would give the Reds enough creativity in their midfield to go on and win this contest on the road.
Play Phillips Alongside Matip
Nathaniel Phillips is good in the air and could be an ideal partner for Fabinho at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s defence. He also kept a clean sheet away at Newcastle last month which would keep him in high spirits heading into this clash at the St. Mary’s Stadium. Furthermore, Phillips has got a bit more experience than Rhys Williams, so he should get the nod to start in this game as he looks to keep Southampton’s Danny Ings and Che Adams quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
Introduce Minamino And Shaqiri Off The Bench If Needed
Klopp will have both Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri on his bench for this upcoming showdown in the Premier League. The Liverpool boss should introduce either or both of them in the second half if the Reds are in need of a goal late in the game. Minamino found the back of the net in his last league appearance while Shaqiri has proven his worth as an impact substitute in recent seasons. Therefore, they are more than capable of making a difference if the Reds decide to use them on Monday night.
