Liverpool’s Strongest Possible XI to Face Southampton: Firmino and Benteke to Start

In what is supposed to be the third of three highly anticipated clashes on Sunday, Anfield based side Liverpool will play host to the Saints, who would be heading into the game with the confidence of already having gotten rid of reigning Champions Chelsea at their own den. The game, which would provide the prospect of Jurgen Klopp’s first win at Anfield, would be his first ever Premier League home game in charge at Merseyside. The Reds would look to make inroads into the upper areas of the table, after an entertaining 0-0 stalemate at White Hart Lane last week. So, here’s how the Merseysiders may line up, come Sunday.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

GoalKeeper- Simon Mignolet

The Belgian stopper, after a tumultuous previous season under Brendan Rodgers, has well and truly made the goalkeeping position his own. He has started every game so far and we can expect to see him between the sticks against Ronald Koeman’s men too.

Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno

Liverpool’s switch to a more conventional and orthodox 4 at the back formation has made sure that some players get to play in their preferred roles once again. Nathaniel Clyne has started two of Klopp’s previous games and he has cemented his position at right full back and he is sure to start ahead of anyone else.

The duo of Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho look a more settled and organized than the one comprising of Skrtel and Lovren, with the Croatian still finding his feet at the club. Sakho is more accustomed to the left centre-half position and fits the bill perfectly.

Joe Gomez’s recent ACL injury is sure to keep him out for a long stretch of time, implying Alberto Moreno’s repeated inclusion into the lineup. Jose Enrique is still out and we can once again, see Moreno play at left back.

Midfielders: Emre Can, James Milner, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana

James Milner was at the end of some plaudits and was referred to as a complete footballer by Klopp this past week and the skipper is set to get the nod for the game. Coutinho, who has acted as the sole propelling force for Liverpool, who, just in a game, has been transformed into a slightly more complete player, will start. He has whetted the appetite of the Kopites since the season kicked off, with his directness and incisive dribbling skills.

Roberto Firmino is back after nursing a back injury and made an appearance from the bench during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Rubin Kazan. The young Brazilian may start the game, much like Coutinho. Whereas Adam Lallana showed glimpses of what he’s capable of against Spurs last week in what was an impressive performance from Englishman who pressed very.

Striker: Christian Benteke

Benteke, who came on from the bench against Rubin Kazan, much like Firmino, has certainly got some amount of goals for the Reds. With Danny Ings excluded due to a long term ACL problem, from which he’ll recover a lot later, and with Divock Origi failing to make an impact and not delivering the goods for Liverpool, bringing in Benteke to score in a game or rely on him in a game as important as this would certainly be deemed as a wise move indeed.