Liverpool travel to Southampton hoping to continue their fine form of late and close the gap on the top four. Manager Jurgen Klopp will have decisions to make, with a number of tired legs following the win over Manchester United in midweek in the Europa League.
The Reds beat rivals Manchester United 3-1 on aggregate in their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie, following the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
While the win would undoubtedly have been a morale boost for Liverpool, it is also likely to have taken a physical toll on Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Moreno in race against time to be fit
The biggest question mark for Liverpool on Sunday is the fitness of full-back Alberto Moreno, who did not take any part in the Manchester United clash either, having injured himself before the tie.
Confirming that the Spaniard will have a late scan before a decision is made, Klopp was quoted as saying by ESPN FC: “We had to wait to do a scan. That can give you a little clue, but we saw nothing in the scan.
“Alberto is a player who really ignores pain. We could not take the risk [of playing him against United]. We’ll do another scan, then see if it’s more clear. If there’s nothing visible, maybe then we’ll try to use him.”
Klopp to rotate his squad?
Klopp went on to add that the “intensive” nature of the Europa League game at Old Trafford meant that he would have to assess his squad and determine their individual fitness levels.
The likes of Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino have played in each of Liverpool’s last fives games in the space of 20 days, with Philippe Coutinho and Mamadou Sakho playing thrice in the past eleven days.
Fortunately, Klopp has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, with Moreno, Danny Ings and Lucas Leiva the only first-team regulars still on the sidelines.
The German will, in all likelihood, make use of Joe Allen, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi in the game, with Jon Flanagan coming into the side following a midweek rest due to his ineligibility in the Europa League.
