After an embarrassing defeat against Swansea at Anfield, Liverpool have lost too much ground in the title race to cover gradually. They will have to play out of their skins for the rest of the season to have a shot at the title but currently, they will have to concentrate on the League Cup semi-final against Southampton. The Saints travel to Anfield on the back of a 1-0 victory in the first leg but they will know that they have to be at their best to get anything from this game. The winner of this game will face Manchester United or Hull City at Wembley later in the season so both teams are expected to go with strong sides on the night.
Here is the predicted lineup that Klopp might field for this game:
Team News:
The Liverpool manager revealed that the squad has a few injury issues ahead of this game. Danny Ings and Sadio Mane are unavailable while Jordan Henderson is expected to start playing through pain. Center back Joel Matip is also expected to be back in the starting XI after almost a month while Philippe Coutinho missed training yesterday but may yet be back in action.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Loris Karius:
The German shot stopper has been the first choice for cup games this season and Jurgen Klopp should stick with him for this game.
Nathaniel Clyne:
Though a few questions were raised about his fitness for this game, Klopp revealed that there are no new injury issues, leaving Clyne with a place at right-back.
Joel Matip:
Coming back from an injury and ruled eligible for selection, Matip will be a welcome addition to the squad for Klopp and will hope that he can make the difference on the night for the Reds.
Dejan Lovren:
Put in a decent shift as a senior figure at the back in the absence of Matip and will hope to carry that confidence into this game against his former side.
James Milner:
The English midfielder has been excellent as a left-back for Liverpool this season and is expected to start this game at Anfield.
Jordan Henderson:
The Liverpool skipper is far from fully fit but Klopp and the player are happy to play through pain giving him yet another start in the midfield.
Adam Lallana:
The inform midfielder for Liverpool, Lallana has not been at his best in an advanced role recently and should be bought back into the midfield for this tie.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch international has cemented a place in the starting XI for Liverpool this season and should start this game against the Saints.
Roberto Firmino:
Picking up a brace in the previous game, Firmino will be high on confidence but might be pushed into a wider role on the night.
Philippe Coutinho:
The Brazil playmaker is not completely fit and missed training yesterday but Klopp was positive that he could take the field for the semi-final.
Daniel Sturridge:
Though ineffective in the last few games, Sturridge is a star player for Liverpool and should lead the attack for his side at Anfield.