Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Three Changes as Liverpool Face Southampton | OneFootball

Liverpool Confirmed Team News and Predicted XI vs Southampton

After Wednesday’s crucial, yet fortunate, victory over Paris Saint-Germain, attention now turns back to the Premier League as Liverpool face Southampton at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side are in the midst of a busy period of crucial games, with the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash with PSG on Tuesday before the Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle United next week.

Liverpool already have a few players sidelined through injury with Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton all certainly missing. Cody Gakpo also remains a doubt for this one and isn’t expected to be rushed back for this one, with a crucial run of fixtures on the horizon.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for this one…

One Change at the Back

Alisson Becker will remain in goal for this one after his heroic performance in the win over PSG during the week.

Ahead of him, Trent Alexander-Arnold will keep his place at right-back but could have his minutes managed in the latter stages of this one depending on the scoreline.  However, Andy Robertson is expected to drop out of the starting lineup for this one with Kostas Tsimikas coming into the side on the opposite side of defence.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of defence and will be joined by his usual partner in Ibou Konate. Robertson will be joined by Jarell Quansah to provide depth from the bench.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas

Curtis Jones’ Return

I’d expect one change to Slot’s midfield with this one, with Curtis Jones in line for a start after a really impressive cameo from the bench in Paris. The academy graduate could come into the team in place of Dominik Szoboszlai, who could simply be rested ahead of two huge games next week.

Photo: IMAGO

That means that Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will partner each other at the base of the midfield once again and will likely keep that partnership for the foreseeable. You can expect Wataru Endo to play a big role in this one along with Harvey Elliott, who of course scored the dramatic winner midweek.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones

Huge Opportunity for Nunez?

In terms of attacking options, Slot has a fair few to pick from despite Gakpo’s knock.

Mohamed Salah will start on the right-wing, whilst Luis Diaz will keep his place on the opposite flank. However, one change could be expected in the front three…

Photo: IMAGO

Diogo Jota will likely be rested for this one, meaning Darwin Nunez could be in line for a rare start in the Premier League after an impressive cameo from the bench against PSG. The Uruguayan has also scored against Southampton already this season and his exceptional movement could drag their flimsy defence even further.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Robertson, Endo, McConnell, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Chiesa, Jota