Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Southampton
“Liverpool won’t have time to celebrate Swansea victory”, said Jurgen Klopp in the post match interview on Sunday as Liverpool play Southampton away in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.
Klopp has said that he will play the “strongest team” against Southampton. That means only the players who are not 100% fit and tired players will be rested. Players like Firmino and Lallana look tired and they will need rest. Who will start against Southampton? Will any academy players get a chance? Here is Liverpool’s predicted line-up to face Southampton
Goalkeeper – Adam Bogdan
The Norwegian has not started a single league game after his arrival in the summer, but he has impressed when he was given the chance in Liverpool’s capital one cup matches. His three penalty saves helped Liverpool to defeat Carlisle United. He put up another good performance against Bournemouth in the next round. Now he will be getting another chance and he will try his maximum to pressurize Mignolet.
Defenders – Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Alberto Moreno
Nathaniel Clyne has played each and every minute of Liverpool’s premier league matches. He has not got any rest recently. But, despite being restless he has declared himself that he does not need any rest and the only thing he wants is trophies. Liverpool do not have much defensive options at the moment. Skrtel, Lovren and Toure are the only senior centre-backs Liverpool have at the moment. Skrtel did not start for Liverpool on Thursday against Bordeaux, he was fresh against Swansea on Sunday. Considering the fact that he got a rest last week and there are no much options at the back, Skrtel will start for Liverpool. Lovren has played three matches in eight days and we expect Lovren to be rested. Toure on the other hand, needs play time. Moreno is expected to start as well. Jose Enrique is Liverpool’s other left back option, but Enrique played the full 90 minutes for Liverpool U-21 on Monday.
Midfielders – Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen, James Milner, Jordon Ibe, Philippe Coutinho
Lucas Leiva did not play for Liverpool on Sunday due to suspension. He will be available for Liverpool on Wednesday against Southampton. Lucas has been a key player for Liverpool recently and he could be a key player in Liverpool’s match against Southampton too. Joe Allen put up an impressive performance against Bordeaux on Thursday. The Welshman did not play for Liverpool on Sunday, but he will start against Southampton. James Milner has scored for Liverpool in two consecutive games. He will be looking to take his momentum forward and will continue as Liverpool’s captain on Wednesday. Ibe has been in good form lately and he is a real attacking threat. But, he has not been able to bring goals to his game. Southampton will be another chance for Ibe to score. He might not start for Liverpool’s next premier league fixture against Newcastle, considering the fact that Liverpool will have Firmino (fatigue), Lallana(fatigue), Coutinho and Sturridge back to full fitness. Philippe Coutinho did not play for Liverpool in their previous two matches due to a slight injury. We expect him to start for Liverpool against Southampton and get subbed at 60-minute mark. If Coutinho is not fully fit, we may see Teixeira or Origi getting a start.
Striker – Christian Benteke
The Belgian has had a mixed season for Liverpool so far. He has scored goals, but he is not at his best. He was subbed off for Sturridge on Sunday, so he does not any rest. Benteke had scored against Southampton earlier this season for Liverpool.
