Predicted Southampton Line-up To Face Liverpool In The Premier League
Southampton will return to action after the international break, with a trip to Anfield, where they face off against Liverpool, in gameweek 12 of the Premier League on Saturday.
The Saints currently occupy 13th place in the league table, with just 13 points to their name after 11 games and are coming into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss to Burnley before the two-week layoff. They have won just one game in their last six league fixtures and manager Mauricio Pellegrino will be keen on getting a point or three against the Reds this weekend and get things back on track.
Team News
Summer signing Mario Lemina, who has become a key member of the team, is a major doubt for the fixture due to an ankle injury, while Jeremy Pied is also unavailable due to a knock.
Here’s how the Saints might line up against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds come Saturday:
Manager: Mauricio Pellegrino
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Fraser Forster (GK)
The Englishman has proven to be quite error-prone this season, but given the lack of a better option, he will start in goal for the Saints.
Cedric Soares (RB)
The Portuguese defender is a constant fixture in the line-up at right-back for the South Coast club. Will have a tough test against the threat of Sadio Mane, in case the Senegal star starts the game.
Maya Yoshida (CB)
The Japanese centre-half has been preferred by the manager in recent weeks and he should keep his place in the backline for this clash.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
Will be under the scanner after his whole transfer saga involving Liverpool. The former Celtic man will be keen on showing what Klopp missed out on.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
At left-back, England international Ryan Bertrand is a shoo-in for the Saints. But he will have a task on his hands to keep Mohamed Salah quiet.
Oriol Romeu (CM)
One of the most underrated midfielders in the Premier League, Oriol Romeu will sit in front of the back four and shield the defence.
Steven Davis (CM)
With Mario Lemina a doubt, captain Steven Davis will drop back into a deeper midfield role for the clash against the Reds on Saturday.
Dusan Tadic (RW)
The Serbian winger hasn’t been among the goals this season and hasn’t been as effective as he usually can be. Needs to get back to form at the earliest.
Sofiane Boufal (CAM)
The 24-year old Moroccan international will be keen on repeating his heroics from the game against West Bromwich Albion a month ago and score a goal or two, playing in the No.10 role.
Nathan Redmond (LW)
The English winger has had a torrid time in front of goal this term, after an exciting debut season at the St. Mary’s. Will be intent on getting back to firing on all cylinders.
Manolo Gabbiadini (ST)
Leading the line for the Saints against Liverpool should be Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini. Has the ability to pose some serious problems to a leaky Liverpool backline.