Liverpool’s expected starting line-up against Southampton - with six changes predicted

Liverpool have recaptured their groove after the international break.

Following a maiden Premier League defeat to West Ham before the hiatus of the season, the Reds couldn’d have asked for much more in their past two games.

Jurgen Klopp’s men thrashed Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield last weekend before maintaining their perfect record in the Champions League with a 2-0 defeat of Porto on Wednesday.

Now Liverpool prepare to face Southampton today (15.00 GMT).

Klopp will once again have to get his team spot-on to triumph against a well-organised, robust Saints side.

Here’s how we think the Reds will line-up.

Goalkeeper

The position picks itself. Alisson Becker is undisputed No.1 at Anfield and has kept successive clean sheets.

Unless injured, he will be between the sticks.

Defence

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk were both given breathers against Porto. It was the wise thing to do given their heavy involvement this season. The pair will both come back into the side.

Joel Matip’s been van Dijk’s primary centre-back partner this term and it’d be a surprise if he’s not given the nod.

It’s left-back where Klopp has a decision to make, though. Kostas Tsimikas has performed well in the past two games - and all season when required for that matter.

However, the Liverpool boss still regards Andy Robertson as first choice. The Scotland international was full of energy and thrust when he appeared off the bench in the Porto clash after a hamstring injury.

For that reason, he might just come back into the team and perhaps be withdrawn if the game is already sewn up around the hour mark.

Midfield

Klopp’s delighted to have some options back in the engine room. Jordan Henderson’s come off the bench in the past two games after suffering a tight groin when away with England.

Meanwhile, James Milner was introduced following his hamstring complaint that kept him out of five games.

Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have both grown in confidence during their run in the team. The former netted a sumptuous half-volley to open the scoring against Porto.

However, Klopp is mindful of their previous injuries and doesn’t want to overwork either.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s started the past four games, with Thiago featuring in the previous two.

For that reason, it might be Oxlade-Chamberlain taken out of the side for Henderson.

Fabinho will come in for Tyler Morton, who was excellent on his Champions League debut.

Up front

The two wide positions are a formality. Mo Salah, who bagged his 17th goal of the season against Porto, and Sadio Mane will be on either flank.

Takumi Minamino spearheaded the attack on Wednesday night.

That was because Diogo Jota suffered a knee knock in the Arsenal triumph and wasn’t risked. He should be fresh enough to return.

Predicted Liverpool line-up

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Jota, Mane.