Liverpool welcome a Southampton side under new management to Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s agent felt compelled to insist his client would not step down at the start of November following an unknown drop in form from Liverpool. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s replacement has been put to work after Southampton parted company with the so-called “Austrian Klopp” this week, officially appointing Nathan Jones on Thursday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the former Luton Town manager’s first assignment for the Saints.
Liverpool team news
Klopp’s assitant Pep Lijnders confirmed that James Milner would be available for Southampton’s visit – though whether he starts is another matter altogether. Joel Matip is unlikely to make it back from a calf injury in time while Naby Keita is also a doubt with a thigh problem.
Diogo Jota’s recovery from a calf injury is expected to drag into 2023. Juventus loanee Arthur Melo is also a long-term absentee with a thigh problem. Luis Diaz won’t feature against Southampton but has been fit enough to run on grass again.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Southampton
Liverpool Starting 11 (4-3-1-2): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Thiago; Firmino; Salah, Nunez.
Southampton team news
Juan Larios pulled up with an adductor problem during Southampton’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle last weekend, adding injury to the insult of Hasenhuttl’s last game in charge. Kyle Walker-Peters (thigh) and Tino Livramento (knee) join a Southampton treatment room overcrowded by right-backs.
Jones exclusively used a back-three with Luton this season and may be tempted to deploy this system with his new side.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Liverpool
Southampton Starting 11 (3-5-2): Bazunu; Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Salisu; Elyounoussi, Ward-Prowse, Lavia, S. Armstrong, Perraud; Aribo, Adams.
