Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to start Adam Lallana, despite the Englishman’s return to fitness, as Liverpool travel to St. Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League.
Liverpool travel to face Southampton in a game that is way tougher than it looks on paper. Southampton have only just begun their road to redemption after a disastrous campaign so far while Liverpool will be looking to rise above Spurs to third on the Premier League table with a win on Sunday.
Loris Karius has already been anointed by Klopp as the first-choice recently and the German should start in goal against Southampton. Virgil van Dijk should be prepared for a cold welcome at St. Mary’s on Sunday, with Dejan Lovren likely to be his partner at the back.
Joe Gomez is a guaranteed absentee according to Jurgen Klopp, which all but confirms a start on the right for Trent Alexander-Arnold. But, Klopp was hopeful of the defender returning in time for the Champions League match against FC Porto.
“I don’t think he has a chance for Sunday if they don’t come in and say the running was that good! Porto, there’s a chance. We will see.”
As far as the left side of defence is concerned, Alberto Moreno is in contention to feature against Southampton. But, Klopp is likely to prefer the fit and in-form Andrew Robertson for the Sunday fixture.
Jurgen Klopp said starting Jordan Henderson will make little sense, but the captain could make a shock return to the starting eleven on Sunday, if Klopp does deem the player fit enough.
Adam Lallana played for the Under-23 side and while he did look fit, his unceremonious early shower could dampen his hopes of earning a start against his former side. Klopp reflected on the same during his pre-match conference, stating that while he could be on the bench, it is very difficult to see him in the starting eleven.
“He is for sure an option for the squad, but an option for the first XI? I would think not in the moment, but maybe I can sleep twice before we play Southampton so maybe I will change my mind on this. We will see.”
Up front, the trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane should start, with Jurgen Klopp looking to unleash Liverpool’s full attacking potential and gain some momentum going into the Champions League match against FC Porto.
