Semi Final – League Cup; Wednesday, 25th January; Anfield, Liverpool; KO: 8:45 pm BST (1:15 am IST on Thursday)
It has not been the best of the years for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who have now dropped to the 4th place in the points table, 10 points off Chelsea at the top of the league. The recent loss to Swansea will come as a reality check for the side who will now have to play at their best till the end of the season if they are to entertain a shot at silverware. They will now have to turn their attention to the League Cup semi-final this week at Anfield. Claude Puel’s Southampton managed to take a 1-goal advantage from the first leg but they will know that they have to be on the top of their game to get a pass to Wembley. The winner of this game will play Manchester United or Hull in the finals. So Klopp is expected to go with his strongest lineup and here is the expected lineup he might field on the night:
Team News:
Danny Ings and Sadio Mane are both absent for this game with the former injured and the latter busy at the AFCON. Marko Grujic remains the only other injury concern while Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne are expected to play through pain. Defender Joel Matip is also expected to be back in action after being ineligible to play for a few games. Play maker Philippe Coutinho is not yet back to his best but Klopp is expected to use him for the first 60 minutes on the night.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Loris Karius:
The German shot stopper was the man of the match for Liverpool in the first leg and Klopp should stick with him for this game against Southampton.
Nathaniel Clyne:
The first choice right-back for Liverpool, Clyne, is still not 100% fit but is expected to start this League Cup semi-final.
Joel Matip:
Getting a chance to start a game after more than a month, Matip, who is now free of any charges from the FA, should start this game for Liverpool.
Dejan Lovren:
Slowly picking up some solid form, Lovren, is now integral to the plans at the club and is the first choice for Klopp in crunch games.
James Milner:
The make-shift full-back for Liverpool, Milner, has been terrific in his new role and is expected to start in that position at Anfield.
Jordan Henderson:
Though no full fit, Henderson, has made it a habit to play through pain recently and he should be the skipper of the Liverpool side on the night.
Adam Lallana:
The English midfielder has been in terrific form this season and he will hope to put in a decent performance against his former side in this clash.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch international is now the first choice midfielder for Klopp this season and he should stick with him in the midfield for this crunch game.
Roberto Firmino:
Though more effective as a false-9. Firmino, should be pushed into the right-wing to accommodate another striker through the center in the absence of Sadio Mane.
Daniel Sturridge:
The English striker is expected to lead the attack of the side on the night but he may also have to fall on to the right side to allow Firmino to attack through the middle, adding some vigor to Liverpool’s attack.
Philippe Coutinho:
The Brazil playmaker is among the best players in the world at the moment and Jurgen Klopp will hope that he can give his side a comfortable victory over the Saints.
