After dismantling FC Porto in midweek, Liverpool will shift their attention back to the Premier League as they take on Southampton on Saturday. The Reds are currently trailing league leaders Chelsea by four points and are in desperate need to secure all three points, if they are to keep up the pressure on the reigning European champs. With the added home advantage, Jurgen Klopp’s men are the undisputed favourites, although things can always get tricky against the Saints.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup Vs Southampton
Defence
Klopp rested a host of key players in the midweek win over Porto in an attempt to keep his squad fresh for this encounter. He is expected to revert those changes and field the strongest possible eleven on the weekend.
As such, Trent Alexander-Arnold should reclaim his position at right-back, while Andrew Robertson could potentially make his return to the starting eleven after a short injury absence. He is expected to replace Kostas Tsimikas at left-back.
In central defence, Virgil van Dijk should return at the expense of Ibrahima Konate, spearheading the Liverpool backline alongside the equally experienced figure of Joel Matip. Joe Gomes is, unfortunately, out injured, which means Klopp doesn’t have too many options to tinker with his back four.
There shouldn’t be any changes in goal either, as Alisson Becker eyes his third consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
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Midfield
Naby Keita is a major doubt heading into this game due to his hamstring problem while Curtis Jones remains a guaranteed absentee. Klopp, though, was still wise enough to rest some of his key midfielders in midweek and will graciously welcome them back into the starting eleven.
Jordan Henderson, in particular, looks set to occupy the holding midfield role. The Englishman is likely to hold the fort in the middle of the park alongside the experienced Fabinho. As for the vacant midfield position, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is always an option, but it appears Thiago Alcantara is favoured to get the nod, especially after a good performance against Porto.
Attack
As for the attacking department, both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set to retain their place in the wider attacking positions. However, with main forward Roberto Firmino out injured, the onus will be on Diogo Jota, replacing Takumi Minamino in the starting eleven, to spearhead the Liverpool frontline this weekend.
