With Manchester United battling it out against Arsenal on Sunday, Liverpool have a brilliant chance of gaining more ground in the top four race when they face Southampton at Anfield. The Saints have faltered in recent games as Liverpool’s win over Watford must have been a confidence booster for the Reds. An Emre Can wonder goal made sure Liverpool have their fate of qualifying for the Champions League in their own hands.
Southampton have often produced problems for Jürgen Klopp which is proved by the fact that the German has still not tasted victory against the Saints in three attempts in the Premier League.
Another worrying statistic for Liverpool going into this game is the fact that in the three meetings between the two sides this season, the Reds have not yet scored a goal. This is the toughest remaining fixture for Liverpool on paper and a win in this game will almost guarantee a top four in the league.
On that note, here is the predicted Liverpool line-up for their home clash against Southampton.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet has been in sensational form since the last international break as his shot-stopping has often been the difference between Liverpool winning and dropping points against lowly placed teams. He takes up the place between the posts for the Reds in their penultimate home game of the season.
Defence
Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were magnificent against Watford as they fared well in a physical battle with Troy Deeney. The duo will keep their place in the starting eleven while Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez will be on the bench.
Nathaniel Clyne will be employed on the right flank while the other fullback will be James Milner who might play his last few games in the left-back position with Liverpool ready to buy a player in his position soon.
Midfield
Lucas Leiva provided an assist for Emre Can the other week against Watford and the duo will take up their places in the starting line-up on Sunday against the Saints.
Partnering them will be Georginio Wijnaldum who has been highly effective in Liverpool’s home games until now. The big news for the Reds is that captain Jordan Henderson is back in training and is expected to be on the bench after a long layoff with an ankle injury.
Attack
Philippe Coutinho was substituted in the first half against the Hornets because of a dead leg but the Brazilian has trained with the squad and is expected to play on his favoured left wing.
Roberto Firmino will be on the right and the big change expected for Liverpool is that Daniel Sturridge may start after impressing in his short cameo last week. Origi has not been among the goals recently and Sturridge might finally receive his chance of starting in a league game against the Saints.
