Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face Southampton In The Premier League
After a breathtaking encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield last weekend, Liverpool travel to Southampton on Sunday with a hope of picking up all three points. The Reds were left disappointed with the manner they dropped points against Spurs but they will be buoyant against the Saints, who are struggling to win games under Mauricio Pellegrino.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to pick a strong XI but with an eye on next week’s Champions League away clash against FC Porto. The last time Liverpool and Southampton met, it ended in a thumping 3-0 win for the former. Let’s hope we succeed in doing a season double over the Saints on Sunday.
Team News
Klopp will not rush Adam Lallana, who has missed the club’s games following a muscle complaint against Swansea. Our gaffer says:
“He is on the way back again this season. We will not rush it, for sure. He’s an option for the squad.”
Joe Gomez sat out the 2-2 draw with Tottenham last Sunday due to a knee issue and could miss out against Southampton, while Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno could make a return to the squad. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Clyne remains out following a back operation.
Probable Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Karius did well against Spurs, saving Harry Kane’s first penalty. He wasn’t at fault for Wanyama’s goal though, as the midfielder scored a peach of a goal in front of the Kop.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The youngster has dished out impressive performances this season. With Gomez unlikely to return at the weekend, Alexander-Arnold is set to continue at right-back.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
Lovren has improved markedly for the Reds lately. He is expected to line up alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
This is the first time Van Dijk is returning to St. Mary’s after his switch to Liverpool. Expect him to come strong amidst all the anticipated jeers from the home crowd.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Robertson has been terrific since being given a late run of games due to Moreno’s injury.
Jordan Henderson (DM)
Henderson receives unnecessary flak for his performances but very few understand his importance in the team. The skipper is a vital cog in Liverpool’s machine and will be tasked with shielding the back-four.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CM)
Chamberlain has succeeded in shutting up his critics with his performances since moving from Arsenal in the summer. He will bring a lot of energy and buzz in the midfield should Klopp decide to select him against Southampton.
Emre Can (CM)
Can is a tireless worker for the team and Klopp would certainly need his strength and stamina at St.Mary’s.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
With every passing week, Salah is getting better and better. The Egyptian scored a brace against Tottenham and many would predict him to be on the score-sheet on Sunday again.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Another Liverpool star returns to his former club. Mane has blown hot and cold this season and it is high-time the Senegalese star becomes a consistent performer for Klopp.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
No prizes for guessing who will lead the line; Firmino is a sure-shot starter for the weekend encounter. He is one of the first few names to be on the teamsheet.
