Liverpool Confirmed Lineup vs Southampton: Williams in for injured Kabak; Firmino benched

On his way to Italy? (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Roberto Firmino has been benched in favour of Diogo Jota while Rhys Williams comes into the side in place of Ozan Kabak as Liverpool take on Southampton at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has handed youngster Rhys Williams a rare start at the heart of the defence as the Reds gear up to take on Southampton in the Premier League. The young defender steps into the side for Ozan Kabak who has been ruled out with a minor injury issue. Williams partners Nat Phillips, who was named in the lineup for the cancelled game against Manchester United last week, after returning from injury.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson continue as the two full-backs with Alisson Becker lining up in the Liverpool goal. There is a forced change in midfield as well, as James Milner is sidelined with an injury. As a result, the central midfield trio is formed by Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and soon-to-be free agent Georginio Wijnaldum.

Up top, Diogo Jota has been handed a start despite him struggling to make an impact against Newcastle United. The Portuguese international starts alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in the Liverpool attack, meaning Roberto Firmino is the unlucky one to drop to the bench. January signing Ben Davies and midfielder Naby Keita also don’t make the squad due to injuries.

Liverpool Starting Lineup: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Williams, Robertson, Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Salah, Jota, Mane.

Exit mobile version