Liverpool hosts Southampton this week, coming off a 1-0 win at Watford on a wondergoal by Emre Can.
The Reds have their fate for the top-4 in their hands, knowing that if they win their final three matches, they will be in the Champions League. That starts with a Saints side that they have yet to score against in three tries this season.
Liverpool’s defense pitched the shutout last week, and thus there should be no changes this week. The back-5 is locked in now barring injury, and with just three games remaining, it is unlikely that you will see anything different.
There can be some debate with what to do in the midfield, now that Adam Lallana is fully healthy. (Go here for the full Liverpool injury report) At this point, the three-man unit of Wijnaldum, Lucas and Can has found a groove, and it is better to keep that midfield chemistry going.
Lallana should start though, and it should be on the right flank. Coutinho gave Liverpool fans a scare last week when he was forced off before 15 minutes were gone with a dead leg, but he appears ready to go for Sunday. With Coutinho and Lallana out-wide, this allows Firmino to move more central where he has been his most effective this year.
That moves Divock Origi to the bench, and along with Daniel Sturridge, gives Liverpool strong options should they need a late goal.
GK – Simon Mignolet
RB – Nathaniel Clyne CB – Joel Matip CB – Dejan Lovren LB – James Milner
MF – Georginio Wijnaldum MF – Lucas Leiva MF – Emre Can
RW – Adam Lallana FW – Roberto Firmino LW – Philippe Coutinho
As always, feel free to comment below with your thought’s about who should start Sunday’s match.