The international break could not end soon enough for Liverpool fans who have seen their team at the top of the table for two gameless weeks. However, they will face a tough task this weekend when they travel to the St. Mary’s to face Claude Puel’s Southampton to try and command their place at the top of the table. The Saints are fresh from a loss to Hull City in the last round and have just one victory in the last four games in the domestic league. But playing at home, they will be a tough team to beat and will give Klopp’s men a run for their money. Klopp will know that he has to field his best team to get anything from this game and here is the predicted lineup that the manager might field for this trip to St Marys:
Team News:
Liverpool were given a double injury boost in the international break as both Sheyi Ojo and Joe Gomez are back in first team training. However, the duo are not expected to play any role in this game. However, they were dealt a cruel blow after it was revealed that in-form midfielder Adam Lallana picked up a groin injury and will miss this game. However, he is expected to be back in training this week leaving Liverpool with no big issues ahead of this game. Philippe Coutinho played close to 2 full games in the break, hence, he will be high on confidence, while Firmino, who was also a part of the squad, did not get too many minutes and should start this game.
Formation: 4-3-3
Loris Karius:
The first choice shot-stopper for Liverpool, Karius put in a decent performance at the end against Watford and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Nathaniel Clyne:
One of the first names on the team sheet for Liverpool this season, Clyne should keep his place as a right-back to meet his former team this weekend.
Joel Matip:
The summer buy for Liverpool, Matip has been one of the best defenders in the league this season and he should keep his place at the back for this game.
Dejan Lovren:
Another player who will face his former team this weekend, Lovren has been decent in the last few games and will have to be strong to help Liverpool to all three points.
James Milner:
Though missed out on a couple of games before the international break, Milner is back fit and will keep his make-shift place at left-back for this game.
Emre Can:
The German international has scored 2 goals in 2 games for the Reds before the break and he will be high on confidence playing this game against the Saints.
Jordan Henderson:
The best midfielder in the league this season according to stats, Henderson has been in sublime form and will once again marshal the midfielder for this game.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch international has been impressive every time he got a chance and having scored his first goal in the last round, he will be high on confidence going into this game.
Sadio Mane:
The Senegalese winger will face his former team for the first time since his move to Liverpool and will hope to help his side with his expertise of the St Marys.
Philippe Coutinho:
The Brazilian scored a screamer against Argentina and will be hoping to replicate the same form against the Saints. An important player for the Reds, Coutinho will be a sure starter.
Roberto Firmino:
Having got very few minutes under his belt for Brazil, Firmino is back in England and will be ready for this game against Southampton.