Klopp makes 2 big calls: Confirmed Liverpool lineup to face Southampton

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Here’s the confirmed Liverpool lineup to face Southampton today. The Reds effectively have to win if they’re to get a top four Premier League finish.

The Liverpool XI

Alisson

No surprises here. Alisson will see out the season as long as he avoids injury.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool’s Player of the Month for April and the Reds need Alexander-Arnold to be at his creative best for the rest of the campaign.

Nat Phillips

He’s back. We felt Liverpool missed Phillips while he was out and his return will, hopefully, strengthen the defence.

Rhys Williams

The big surprise selection. Another chance for the youngster to impress on the big stage. We really didn’t see him getting another.

Andy Robertson

Much like Alexander-Arnold, Robertson needs to step up as the forwards continue to struggle. Creativity is key over these next five games.

Thiago

Not the end of the season that he’ll have imagined when he joined Liverpool. Regardless, Thiago will surely be in every starting XI until the season is done.

Fabinho

Back in midfield, thankfully. Fabinho makes the team immeasurably better when he’s in his preferred role.

Gini Wijnaldum

Mr Consistency this season. Wijnaldum has been the only reliable midfielder at the club – everyone has suffered from form or fitness issues.

Sadio Mane

Jurgen Klopp puts further trust in his winger. Mane is struggling a little this season but it does feel like he’s close to things clicking once again.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s only reliable goalscorer right now. The Reds need Salah to grab the goals and hope they can keep them out at the other end. Salah being at his best is imperative for a top-four finish.

Diogo Jota

Gets the nod over Roberto Firmino. Possibly the biggest call here as Klopp goes for someone a little more in form.

Liverpool lineup to face Southampton

Alisson
Alexander-Arnold – Phillips – Williams – Robertson
Thiago – Fabinho – Wijnaldum
Salah – Mane – Jota

Liverpool need a win here, knowing that 15 points is almost certainly the requirement to break into the top four. That might necessitate the strongest XI every week.

Judging that will be Klopp’s big task as he prepares for three games in six days next week. But it all starts here with, hopefully, three points.