Liverpool’s incredible run in the Premier League continues as they beat Southampton pretty comfortably to return to the top of the table. Jürgen Klopp’s side managed to win the game 3-0 and are two points clear of Manchester City who are in second place.
The Reds will turn their focus to the EFL Cup this midweek. The first of two games against Chelsea will be at Anfield. Liverpool still have a few testing fixtures left this month, so we expect Jürgen Klopp to make a few changes and give his first-team stars a breather.
Liverpool Team News
Virgil van Dijk was taken off during the second half against Southampton and even though Klopp assured the fans it was nothing to be worried about, it’s unlikely we’ll see him in action. Divock Origi and Dominic Solanke are unavailable as well.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup
Defence
We expect wholesale changes at the back. Trent Alexander-Arnold could face Eden Hazard during the more important League fixture, so he could be rested. Nathaniel Clyne could feature in his place, but he hasn’t had any first-team action yet. Alberto Moreno is likely to replace Andy Robertson on the opposite flank.
Joe Gomez was called upon to replace van Dijk against Southampton and he is set to start alongside Joel Matip at the heart of the defence. Simon Mignolet could get a chance to feature as Alisson Becker is the preferred choice in the league and Champions League.
Midfield
It’s unlikely we’ll see Wijnaldum after the shift he has put in of late. Fabinho could get his first start alongside Jordan Henderson in the midfield pivot while Naby Keita could start as the more advanced midfielder.
Klopp has the option of recalling Milner of course as he didn’t start against Southampton. However, the fresher he is for the weekend tie, the better for Klopp and team.
Attack
Xherdan Shaqiri had a pretty good game in the number 10 role against Southampton but could return to his more natural right-wing role. Roberto Firmino could be shifted to the left to make way for Daniel Sturridge who will be keen to impress after scoring against PSG last week.
Firmino has two goals and two assists so far and can play on the left. Mane and Salah deserve a rest after the work they’ve put in. However, we could see them in the second half depending on how the game goes for the hosts.
Firmino – Sturridge – Shaqiri
Keita
Henderson – Fabinho
Moreno – Gomez – Matip – Clyne
Mignolet
