After the draw against Sunderland in the Premier League, Liverpool started their FA Cup campaign with a draw over Plymouth to take the game to a replay. They will now play in the third tournament in as many games as they take on Southampton at the St Mary, in the first leg of the semi-final of the League Cup this week.
The Reds went to the final of the League Cup last season and they will hope that they can get the better of Southampton over two legs this season. With this game providing a perfect opportunity to get some silverware, Klopp is expected to go with his strongest lineup. Here is the predicted lineup that the manager might field for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup that the manager might field for this game:
Team News:
The Reds have now new injuries to worry about as the likes of James Milner and Divock Origi are passed for this game. The manager revealed that star playmaker Philippe Coutinho could make his comeback with a place on the bench for this game while skipper Jordan Henderson is also back in action. Marko Grujic and Danny Ings remain long-term absentees, while Joel Matip is still a while away from full fitness. Sadio Mane is off to the AFCON and is unavailable for selection.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Loris Karius:
Having been hardly tested in the FA Cup, Karius will be keeping his place in the side for this domestic cup game against Southampton.
Nathaniel Clyne:
The first choice right-back for Liverpool Clyne will face his former team in the semi-final of the League Cup this week at the St Marys.
Dejan Lovren:
The former Southampton man is the senior defender for Liverpool in the absence of Joel Matip and he should keep his place in the side for this clash.
Ragnar Klavan:
The Estonian has been in fine form replacing Matip in the first team and is expected to partner Lovren for this semi-final.
James Milner:
The English international is one of the most consistent players in his position in the Premier League and is expected to start there this week against the Saints.
Jordan Henderson:
Having missed the previous game through injury, Henderson, the skipper of the side, should be back into the starting XI, now that he is fit and ready to go.
Adam Lallana:
The English midfielder is bang on form this season and is one of the most effective midfielders in Europe at the moment and should have a decent game against his former side if Liverpool are to advance to the finals of the competition.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The former Newcastle man has been decent in the midfield for Liverpool and he should keep his place in the side for this clash at the St. Mary’s.
Roberto Firmino:
The Brazil international has not been able to affect the game like would have in the last few outing, but is an integral player in the squad and should start this game against Southampton.
Divock Origi:
The Belgian international was unable to provide Liverpool with the breakthrough in the FA Cup game but he should get a chance to prove himself and help his side this week in the League Cup.
Daniel Sturridge:
The English international almost gave Liverpool the lead in the FA Cup game against Plymouth and he will the biggest threat for Southampton in this League Cup semi-final.