Expected Liverpool Line Up For The Southampton Game: Benteke And Firmino To Lead The Attack?

In terms of results, Jurgen Klopp has not begun life in England on the best note. However, a Liverpool side that was in absolute shambles is beginning to look apart under Klopp. They have played with intent and at the moment, the German would have us believe that the only way ahead is the way top. Southampton travel to Anfield to test the resolve of this side and that is a sumptuous match in the making. We have a look at how the Reds will line up against the Saints.

Goalkeeper- Simon Mignolet

Simon Mignolet has been in exceptional shot stopping form recently. The Belgian made some incredible saves against Tottenham to keep Liverpool in the fray and followed it up with another rather tidy performance at home against Rubin Kazan. We have been fairly critical of the goalkeeper in the past and would like to acknowledge that in terms of shot stopping, we have seen considerable improvement in consistency while his passing from the back, still needs a tremendous amount of work. He starts in goal for us this weekend.

Defenders- Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno

Everybody was up in arms against Clyne, citing the full-back as the loose end that led to Rubin Kazan’s goal mid week. However, go back to the game and have a look at the video of the goal and you would notice that Skrtel was equally at fault as he failed to spot the run as well as get in the way of the attacker. Clyne starts alongside Skrtel at the right side of the defense for us.

Sakho has been imperious ever since he broke into the team after being overlooked in favour of Dejan lovren and that has lent a huge boost to this side. He did not put a single foot down against Kazan and there is no way he is going back to the bench in such a good form. Spanish full back Moreno will partner Sakho in the game.

Midfielders- Can, Lucas, Milner, Lallana

Lucas is the only defensive midfielder at the club and Klopp will be be hoping that the Brazilian can contain the likes of Mane and Tadic on Sunday. Emre Can impressed one and all with his tenacious performance in the middle of the park and would start as the Central Midfielder against Southampton. He has shown an ability to do the dirty work in the middle of the park while going about his attacking duties without any fuss. The two remaining spots in the midfield will be taken by standing captain James Milner and Adam Lallana.

Forwards- Firmino, Benteke

The biggest worrying point for Klopp should be the form of Phillipe Coutinho. The magical Brazilian has looked weary and has failed to impact the games in recent past. We expect Klopp to replace him with another Brazilian, Roberto Firmino. However, Firmino will play as the second striker to Christian Benteke, who has, in the past shown an ability to bring his team mates into play in critical areas on the pitch.