Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Four Changes for Liverpool’s Trip to Southampton | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction: Changes Needed for Southampton Clash

The international break is finally over and the Reds are back this weekend as they travel to the south coast to face Southampton. At a point of the season where every single game is crucial, a victory for Liverpool could move them eight points clear at the top of the table should results go their way this weekend.

However, Arne Slot’s side must do their own job before focusing on others and with that in mind, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup ahead of Sunday’s game…

Forced Changes at the Back

Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in between the sticks after Slot confirmed that Alisson Becker is expected to miss this one as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. The Dutchman will be forced into a change at right-back though, as Conor Bradley will come in to replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate will remain at the heart of the defence, despite a minor injury scare to the skipper earlier in the week. Kostas Tsimikas will start at left-back, with Andy Robertson likely to return for the upcoming clashes with Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas

Rest Needed in Midfield

I suspect that Alexis Mac Allister will get a rest in this one for a multiple reasons. Mostly due to his leggy performances as of late, and also due to the fact that he is one yellow card away from a suspension that would see him miss the clash with Manchester City. Dominik Szoboszlai will come back into the side in his place and feature as the most advanced midfielder.

Photo: IMAGO

Therefore, Curtis Jones will drop into a deeper role to play alongside Ryan Gravenberch at the base of the midfield. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wataru Endo to get some minutes in this one, and perhaps the returning Harvey Elliott who will be fit enough for the bench.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Big Decisions Up-Front

A fully rested and recovered Mohamed Salah will be raring to go on the right-wing after being given the international break off by Egypt. Diogo Jota is still not fit enough to return to the side, so Darwin Nunez will be forced to go again down the middle.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot has both of his left-wing options and both have been sensational this season as Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz continue to battle for the shirt. Gakpo will get the nod for this one after being given a slight rest in the Netherlands’ final Nations League game during the week.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlaim, Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Bench: Jaros, Quansah, Gomez, Robertson, Endo, Morton, Mac Allister, Elliott, Diaz