Thiago Alcantara returns to the starting lineup for the first time since his return to full fitness as Liverpool take on Southampton tonight.
Jurgen Klopp has made three changes from the side that drew with Newcastle United, for the upcoming game against Southampton on Tuesday.
Thiago Alcantara has rightfully caught the attention, returning to the starting eleven for the first time since returning from injury. It will only be his second start in the Premier League, as he pairs up with Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in what is a new-look Liverpool midfield.
The presence of Oxlade-Chamberlain, in particular, means coach Jurgen Klopp has shifted Jordan Henderson in central defence, as the German copes with the absence of the injured defensive trifecta of Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk.
? #SOULIV TEAM NEWS ?
Three changes for the Reds, as @Thiago6, @Alex_OxChambo and @GWijnaldum come in to the starting XI ?
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2021
The Liverpool captain, therefore, will partner Fabinho in central defence, protecting Alisson in goal. They will be further aided by the two full-backs in Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Meanwhile, in the attacking unit, Klopp has not made any changes, as the offensive trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino continue to feature. However, the LFC boss does have the option of deploying Xherdan Shaqiri or Takumi Minamino from the bench.
Liverpool Starting Lineup: Alisson Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Fabinho, Robertson Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago, Wijnaldum Salah, Firmino, Mane.