Liverpool will resume their Premier League duties and try to extend their lead at the top when they host Southampton this weekend.
The Reds must be brimming with confidence after edging out Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the 1st leg of the Champions League round of 16. Harvey Elliot’s late strike coupled with a brilliant defensive display, topped by Alisson Becker’s goalkeeping heroics earned the Reds a crucial win at the Parc des Princes.
Arne Slot’s men have gained ground in the Premier League title race following back-to-back impressive victories over Manchester City and Newcastle United, whilst challengers Arsenal stuttered with a defeat and draw against West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. Liverpool are currently 13 points ahead of the Gunners, who have a game left in hand.
While many tout it’s Liverpool’s trophy to lose, the Merseysiders will try to be clinical and continue their dominance until they reach the finish line.
With the second leg against PSG and the EFL Cup final against Newcastle lined up, Slot might look to rotate the squad against bottom-most side Southampton.
The Saints’ struggles extended with a 4-0 defeat against Brighton in their last league title outing and the chances are looking slim for them to avoid relegation.
They will have their work cut against a formidable Liverpool side, who would look to inflict more misery on the Saints.
Team News
Cody Gakpo missed the tie against PSG with an injury setback, he had suffered a few days ago. The Dutchman has seen his playing time curtailed in the last four games due to fitness concerns and it remains to be seen whether he can make it to the squad against Southampton.
Apart from that, Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns, although Slot might decide to rotate the squad in a bid to keep the team’s best players in the best shape for the forthcoming fixtures against PSG and Newcastle.
Predicted Liverpool line-up vs Southampton
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker will keep his position intact after producing a monstrous performance against the PSG, fortifying his status as one of the best keepers in Europe.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will continue as the centre-back pairings, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson on the flanks, with the duo putting on a fine display against PSG.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch was evidently struggling to make an impact before being replaced by Wataru Endo. The Japanese international showed his class even in the limited game time and should nail down a place in the starting XI. Curtis Jones, who also came as a substitute against PSG, might get the nod ahead of Alexis Mac Allister, while Dominik Szoboszlai will continue to bring his athletic ability and technicality to the table.
Attack
Mohamed Salah had one of the forgettable performances against PSG but will look to return to his best this weekend. Meanwhile, Luis Diaz is likely to continue on the left flank, while Darwin Nunez might get an opportunity after playing a stellar cameo against the French giants.
