Origi Out; Lallana In: 4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup to Face Southampton
May 6, 2017 at 3:02 PM
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managed to take all three points from their trip to the Vicarage Road, thanks to a stunner from midfielder Emre Can. That victory took them closer to a place in the Champions League next season and up next is one of the toughest games for this season. The Reds have played Southampton thrice already this season, but are yet to beat them, and moreover, are yet to score a single goal against them.
The Saints have little to play for the rest of the season but will hope to end the season strongly and put in a decent performance in this game. A victory in this game might all but seal Liverpool’s chances of qualifying for Europe this season. Here is the predicted lineup that Klopp might field on the night:
Team News:
The Reds are still without the services of skipper Jordan Henderson for this tie. Danny Ings and Sadio Mane are out for the rest of the season but Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho, all picked up some niggles recently but are not expected to miss this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defense:
Liverpool have extensively used Simon Mignolet in front of goal and Klopp should stick with him for this game. Nathaniel Clyne has been solid this season and should start at right back while the versatile James Milner is expected to keep his place at left-back.
Summer buy Joel Matip, has been solid this season and is expected to start at the heart of the Liverpool defence. He will have to be at his best alongside former Southampton defender Dejan Lovren for this game.
Midfield:
Lucas Leiva has been effective in the last few games and Klopp should not push him out of the first team. He should start as the deepest of the midfielders, leaving Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum to play in the two places just ahead of him.
The trio has now played together constantly enough to help Liverpool build a strong foundation in the middle of the park at Anfield this weekend.
Attack:
Though Divock Origi has been decent, he has not added goals to Liverpool’s front line and this might see Klopp change a few things. He is expected to play Roberto Firmino as the number 9 in this game. Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho is back in action after picking up a niggle in the last game. He is expected to start in his regular position.
While some might want Daniel Sturridge to start, English midfielder Adam Lallana, who is just returning from an injury, could be used in an advanced role on the wing in this game.
Here is how they would line up:
* Image Credit: Getty Image