Nathaniel Phillips is fit to start while Thiago Alcantara and Georginio Wijnaldum should also feature when Liverpool take on Southampton in the Premier League.
Liverpool will be hoping to keep their chances of a top-four finish alive when they lock horns with Southampton at Anfield on Saturday night in Matchweek 35 of the Premier League.
Heading into the game, there are no fresh injury concerns for manager Jurgen Klopp to deal with as he continues to deal with the absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson, Divock Origi and Caoimhin Kelleher. “The injury situation, nothing really new. We have a few bumps and bruises, so late decisions – we have to make late decisions in a few positions until tomorrow,” the German said in his pre-match presser.
The good news for Liverpool, though, is that defender Nathaniel Phillips is fit again and ready to start. The centre-back had missed the Reds’ last two games due to injury but made his return for the cancelled fixture against Manchester United last weekend. Speaking of him during the presser, Klopp said: “Yes, yes, the week helped him for sure. Absolutely. Yes, he was fit yesterday.”
Phillips ought to slot in at the heart of the defence for Liverpool, alongside Ozan Kabak, on Saturday night. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are the obvious choices in goal for the outgoing Premier League champions while Alisson Becker will the man in goal, as usual.
Phillips’ return to the fold should allow Fabinho to return to his preferred position in the centre of the park, which should prove Liverpool better control and stability. Partnering the Brazilian in midfield should be Thiago Alcantara, who has had a difficult debut season in England, while Georginio Wijnaldum completes the trifecta after having been overlooked in favour of James Milner for the cancelled Manchester United fixture.
Moving into the attacking third, Diogo Jota had a forgettable game against Newcastle United the last time Liverpool were in action. So, it is very much likely that the Portuguese does not feature in the starting XI, with the trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane getting the nod against Southampton.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
