Pre-Match: Southampton v Liverpool, Premier League; 7:45 pm, Tuesday

Penultimate league match Tuesday night and while our heads may tell us not to confuse the possible with the likely, our hearts scream out that as long as we have a chance at winning the league we must go for it.

Certainly the way City's defence looked in the first half and parts of the second, give a glimmer of hope for the massive upset that Villa beating City would undoubtedly be. That to me is the most tangible hope of the impossible happening.

Of course that won't matter if we don't do the business in this game. The team is definitely feeling the effects of such a crowded fixture list (Tuesday will be our 14th game in 46 days), not to mention going 120 minutes in the Cup final on Saturday. We've seen Fabinho, Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk leave matches with knocks and Jürgen has already said none of these will play Tuesday (although he is optimistic each of them can play in the Champions League final and maybe even vs. Wolves on the weekend.

Beyond that, there must be some question as the involvement from the beginning of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago and Sadio Mane, but then you start to get into some serious doubt as to the quality of the starting XI should all of these players be left on the bench. Some of the guys who might come in, thinking Harvey Elliott, Alex Oxlaide-CHamberlin, Divock Origi, have scarely played in recent matches.  So Jürgen will have some difficult calls to make as he contemplates picking a side that can win. Southampton hasn't played in 10 days, btw.

Klopp is quoted here from the official site about the choices:

On choosing a line-up to face Saints so soon after the efforts at Wembley, the manager said: “What I can promise and definitely say is we will line up a team only for one reason: to try to win the game at Southampton. As difficult as it is. Because that obviously is the job to do.

“We have to see who is able to help. The 30 extra minutes [at Wembley] made a big difference, but we have to see.”

Klopp added: “They are pretty much sleeping on the massage beds, they are constantly here, the boys try to make everything happen.

“If that would happen now in the first week of the season we would talk differently, this was now game 60, so we have to be really careful, that’s clear. We don’t finish the season [at Southampton], that’s not our last game of the season, that would again be different.

“When did Southampton have their last game? It was 10 days. So, it’s completely different. OK, they might lack a little bit of rhythm, but if we make changes we lose that advantage of having rhythm as well.

“They’re completely fresh and we cannot go there and fall into this game like, ‘Oh my God, what’s going on here?’

“Imagine we go there with 10 players, or eight players, who played 120 minutes [on Saturday]. That makes no sense, so that’s why we have to make changes. I don’t know how many, we will see and I will talk to the players, obviously, but that’s tough.”

Let's see what the latest chapter in this wonder season has to offer us as Liverpool supporters.

It’s like, ah well, let’s get Southampton out of the way and see what Stevie G can do while we batter wolves !
But realistically it’s not like that. Saints will be a massive test for us due to them being much fresher and us losing abut of cohesion due to the necessary changes.
I’m thinking 3 or 4 nil with my heart, but my head says 0:1 or 1:2.
Just get the three points home boys, by any means.
COME ON YOU RED MEN !

Another massive game.

I’d go for

Alison
Tsimikas
Konate
Gomez
TAA
Henderson
Milner
Keita
Diaz
Jota
Origi

Any 3 points would be a job well done here. This will be a much changed team we put out. Taki, Origi Kostas, Milner, Bobby and God knows who will partner Matip at centre half.

Think it will be 8 changes with only Ali, Konate and Keita keeping their place from the weekend.

Think it will be 8 changes with only Ali, Konate and Keita keeping their place from the weekend.

Think Jota will play personally as well and possibly Diaz

It’s going to be a very long day till kick off…

We will make changes as the boss said.

Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

Milner

Jones      Keita

Minamino     Firmino     Origi

Something like this.

jt does not matter what team we put out, they will wear our Liverpool shirt with pride and do our club proud. Have faith in Jürgen and the lads.

We will make changes as the boss said.

Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

Milner

Jones      Keita

Minamino     Firmino     Origi

Something like this.

May as well give Southampton a bye..

or at the very least our fans a hear attack. That lineup would be far too weak/risky given what is at stake.

It’s like, ah well, let’s get Southampton out of the way and see what Stevie G can do while we batter wolves !
But realistically it’s not like that. Saints will be a massive test for us due to them being much fresher and us losing abut of cohesion due to the necessary changes.
I’m thinking 3 or 4 nil with my heart, but my head says 0:1 or 1:2.
Just get the three points home boys, by any means.
COME ON YOU RED MEN !

exactly. This is gonna be tough, We are gonna see lots of changes, so team will be a wee bit disjointed.

jt does not matter what team we put out, they will wear our Liverpool shirt with pride and do our club proud. Have faith in Jürgen and the lads.

100%

May as well give Southampton a bye..

or at the very least our fans a hear attack. That lineup would be far too weak/risky given what is at stake.

Actually forgot about Jota, think he'll play.

Not sure it'll be too far from what he goes with though.

Can't see Hendo or Thiago play after the weekend along with Virgil and Salah.

A win of any sort away at Southampton would be incredible after our epic FA cup victory on Saturday against Chelsea . It would be something special to take the title race to the wire after so many games played in an enthralling season. !

Newcastle had nothing to play for but played like they were playing in a cup final and everything was in stake. But it their final game at home and wanted to do it for the fans.

Southampton will try and do the same if we give them opportunity.

ok,

Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

Milner

Jones      Keita

Minamino     Firmino     Origi

Not far off, could be this too.?

                      Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

                      Milner

                Jones      Keita

                      Firmino   

                 Origi       Jota 


 But also he could go a wee bit stronger but make early subs on 60mins. We do have 4 whole days to recover till the sunday game. Then a week too champions league final.

Just win, don’t care if it’s 5-0 or 1-0, win.

Just win to keep our hopes intact for Sunday!

We will make changes as the boss said.

Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

Milner

Jones      Keita

Minamino     Firmino     Origi

Something like this.

Think Trent could start at RB. Just recently Klopp said Kostas would have played against Villa i think it was but he didn't because Klopp didn't want to make 3 starting changes to the defence. I know Matip came on to partner Konate in extra time, but with Matip, Gomez and Kostas starting, that would be 3 changes that Klopp previously didn't want to make.
I'd go for Diaz instead of Origi and Jota instead of Taki. Maybe we will see Elliott instead of Jones too.

Regarding Origi, I could be wrong, I think there is a clause in his contract where if he makes a set amount of appearances then it triggers an additional year. I think there is a general agreement between him and the club that he will be leaving in the summer on a free, I think he may be only 1 or 2 games away from that being triggered. I could be barking up the wrong tree but it would make sense as to why he wasn't used against Spurs when 99% of the time, with the game the way it was, he'd have been subbed on in the past. Not just the Spurs game either, there's been a few games where I think most of us would have expected him to play some part.
He's being included on the bench just in case of a crisis happening and leaving us with no choice but to play him. If he is only 1 or 2 games away, then it sets him up to play a part vs Madrid and/or Wolves in a game where if we are losing late on, we have to throw everything possible at the opposition.

We will make changes as the boss said.

Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

Milner

Jones      Keita

Minamino     Firmino     Origi

Something like this.

dont think he has much option but still good enough to do the job in hand.

Think Trent could start at RB. Just recently Klopp said Kostas would have played against Villa i think it was but he didn't because Klopp didn't want to make 3 starting changes to the defence. I know Matip came on to partner Konate in extra time, but with Matip, Gomez and Kostas starting, that would be 3 changes that Klopp previously didn't want to make.
I'd go for Diaz instead of Origi and Jota instead of Taki. Maybe we will see Elliott instead of Jones too.

Regarding Origi, I could be wrong, I think there is a clause in his contract where if he makes a set amount of appearances then it triggers an additional year. I think there is a general agreement between him and the club that he will be leaving in the summer on a free, I think he may be only 1 or 2 games away from that being triggered. I could be barking up the wrong tree but it would make sense as to why he wasn't used against Spurs when 99% of the time, with the game the way it was, he'd have been subbed on in the past. Not just the Spurs game either, there's been a few games where I think most of us would have expected him to play some part.
He's being included on the bench just in case of a crisis happening and leaving us with no choice but to play him. If he is only 1 or 2 games away, then it sets him up to play a part vs Madrid and/or Wolves in a game where if we are losing late on, we have to throw everything possible at the opposition.

Think if any of the FBs play could be Robbo who has just had a week off . Trent played the full game so I think he might not play

Minamino hasnt even been making the squad.  Be very surprised if he starts.

I have a feeling of a 1  0 win for the Reds tonight, give City something to think about over the next few days. It would certainly make things interesting, at this late stage of the season 😀

I have a feeling of a 1  0 win for the Reds tonight, give City something to think about over the next few days. It would certainly make things interesting, at this late stage of the season 😀

Don’t the Saints play in red David. 

This is a very tricky one for the Boss. If he makes enough changes that end up costing us and City lose V Villa he's on a hiding to nothing.

So he can't risk wholesale changes. Only the walking wounded will be rested and a lot will depend on how others have recovered from the 120 minute final. Impossible task to call the line up.

Don’t the Saints play in red David. 

Sorry Keith no prize for spotting my glaring mistake !

Ali
Gomez
Matip
Konate
Tsimikas
Keita
Milner
Jones
Jota
Bobby
Origi

Has to be this for me,  can't risk the players for the final

Ultimately the medical team will tell Jürgen who cannot play, who can and for how long. Southampton has 1 win and 2 draws in 2+ months so regardless of rotation we should have more than enough for 3 points.

It’s a fine margin having to juggle those players who played 120 Vs Chavs and having them ready not only for the last hurrah, but for the CL encounter with RM, there will obviously be changes but we still need to be bold, too many changes in one area could go against us,

I don’t think Virgil, Fab or Mo will be risked Vs Saint’s and I can see Thiago, Trent & Diaz/Mane only playing 70 mins max in our next two, if at all, it’s a tough ask at the best of times but when players have played in the best part of 60 games it’s no surprise we’re starting to see wear & tear amongst the fittest of our boys, it’s not a case of being over playing the lads, it’s just a side effect of how successful we’re being,

So without changing too much that it effects the level of performance we have to remember this is still a must win game, so strong as humanly possible tonight, I’d be tempted to go with…….



                                                      Kelleher
                                        Trent   Matip  Konate  Kostas
                                                     Henderson
                                                Naby           Jones
                                          Mane        Origi       Diaz



    Bench; Alisson, Gomez, Thiago, Bobby, Robbo, Milner, Mo, Jota, Virgil, Ox, Taki, Stubbins



Gave Ali a rest for this one only chance he’ll get in the next two weeks, stuck with Trent @ RB, cos we need him and provides balance with Kostas, Robbo looks jaded recently to me so like Ali a welcome break will do him good, with Virgil taking a knock it’s wise we give him the max time possible to recover and NOT take any risks, both Joel &  Ibou will be fine, thought of Gomez at CB but might throw him on for Trent around the hour, but we’ll see,

Thiago is so important to us and would normally be a shoe in, but again the amount of intensity we ask of players can be too demanding so like Virgil, like Mo, Like Robbo we need to look after him, Henderson has been rested of late, and without Fabinho we need the Skip’s leadership and steel, Naby & Curtis will need to step up a level especially Curtis, want to see a improvement from him, he’s in with the big boys now so no room for liability, or lack thereof?

Up top I’ve went with Mane in a familiar role to him, likewise for Diaz, and Big Div in his favoured role, and probably his last full game for us, room for rotation too with Bobby, Jota & Taki available if and when required, so there you have it my X1 for tonight, we need to stay strong and retain our ability to attack as we do, and maintain the way we press & Chase, I think I’ve done that with that X1 albeit without some key elements.


1-3 Mighty Redmen




                                                        You’ll Never Walk Alone

I said the past few weeks that I feel there is one more big Origi moment left in the cards. Today is that day, boys. Late Origi winner to set up a nervy final day of the season

Reds, don’t know why, I’m not nervous for this game or the next league game. I can’t tell you why. I guess it’s still city’s to lose ?? But come may 28th, I’ll be nervous as all hell.

Think if any of the FBs play could be Robbo who has just had a week off . Trent played the full game so I think he might not play

Good shout. I just think that because Robbo went off with cramp, he's maybe showing a bit more fatigue than what Trent is at the moment. Kostas played well when he came on too so I think I would still slightly hedge my bet on him playing but yeah, you make a good point.
So difficult to guess the lineups when the games are so close to the previous one. Not like they're nothing games either, literally everything to play for at the moment so it's finding the right balance on not making too many changes to break up the rhythm of the team but also making enough changes to freshen things up where possible. But then, that's why Klopp is manager and I'm just some Scouser feeling like a nervous wreck with each game

Don’t the Saints play in red David. 

You say that, and I don't know why I've suddenly thought of this but it's one of those small things in football that bug me. Chelsea play in blue, we play in red and therefore it's not a colour clash....so why did they wear their yellow away kit against us?! It's happened in several games this season I've noticed, not just games involving us but in general.

Good shout. I just think that because Robbo went off with cramp, he's maybe showing a bit more fatigue than what Trent is at the moment. Kostas played well when he came on too so I think I would still slightly hedge my bet on him playing but yeah, you make a good point.
So difficult to guess the lineups when the games are so close to the previous one. Not like they're nothing games either, literally everything to play for at the moment so it's finding the right balance on not making too many changes to break up the rhythm of the team but also making enough changes to freshen things up where possible. But then, that's why Klopp is manager and I'm just some Scouser feeling like a nervous wreck with each game


You say that, and I don't know why I've suddenly thought of this but it's one of those small things in football that bug me. Chelsea play in blue, we play in red and therefore it's not a colour clash....so why did they wear their yellow away kit against us?! It's happened in several games this season I've noticed, not just games involving us but in general.

Just banter on myside KK nothing else.

Just banter on myside KK nothing else.

Obviously. Just out interest..are you Hoot..?

Obviously. Just out interest..are you Hoot..?

If it suits you.

Really need to win this game at all costs. We have 5 days till the next game. Make some changes where appropriate but this has to be a strong lineup.

I'd say Tsimikas gets a start for sure. Thiago for me has to play, he showed very little sign of fatigue. Put in Curtis and Milner, front three should be Bobby, Jota and Minamino.

Put Gomez in to spell Trent, play Joel and Matip at the back. That lineup should boss Soton.

Reds, don’t know why, I’m not nervous for this game or the next league game. I can’t tell you why. I guess it’s still city’s to lose ?? But come may 28th, I’ll be nervous as all hell.

same here its Cities to lose the odds are stacked against us to win the league as well as Paul Merson so what chance do we have.
But I really fancy us against RM I really do but theat will change 1 minute before kick off no doubt

Really need to win this game at all costs. We have 5 days till the next game. Make some changes where appropriate but this has to be a strong lineup.

I'd say Tsimikas gets a start for sure. Thiago for me has to play, he showed very little sign of fatigue. Put in Curtis and Milner, front three should be Bobby, Jota and Minamino.

Put Gomez in to spell Trent, play Joel and Matip at the back. That lineup should boss Soton.

I know Joel is good but to cover 2 spots is a bit harsh

Just read, and it won’t be a shock, VVd and
Mo, will not be in today’s lineup or bench.

Possibly play against wolves, but definitely will be ready for CL Final

Good shout. I just think that because Robbo went off with cramp, he's maybe showing a bit more fatigue than what Trent is at the moment. Kostas played well when he came on too so I think I would still slightly hedge my bet on him playing but yeah, you make a good point.
So difficult to guess the lineups when the games are so close to the previous one. Not like they're nothing games either, literally everything to play for at the moment so it's finding the right balance on not making too many changes to break up the rhythm of the team but also making enough changes to freshen things up where possible. But then, that's why Klopp is manager and I'm just some Scouser feeling like a nervous wreck with each game


You say that, and I don't know why I've suddenly thought of this but it's one of those small things in football that bug me. Chelsea play in blue, we play in red and therefore it's not a colour clash....so why did they wear their yellow away kit against us?! It's happened in several games this season I've noticed, not just games involving us but in general.

Maybe they were looking for better luck than they had in blue for League Cup or Super Cup.

P.s. it didn't work. 

sometime injuries can occur when you change the routines i.e playing twice a week etc. Resting players can have a negative effect so team selection will be interesting some game time for the big guns would be beneficial if not today on Sunday.
As always can only see a win for the lads and a big win

Just read, and it won’t be a shock, VVd and
Mo, will not be in today’s lineup or bench.

Possibly play against wolves, but definitely will be ready for CL Final

VVD not in the side will be big miss and make your task that much harder. Your just a different team when VVD not playing.

Just read, and it won’t be a shock, VVd and
Mo, will not be in today’s lineup or bench.

Possibly play against wolves, but definitely will be ready for CL Final

Heard Mane and TAA not even travelled

We will make changes as the boss said.

I think that will be close to the team mate although I think Jota will play

Allison

Gomez     Konate     Matip     Tsimikas

Milner

Jones      Keita

Minamino     Firmino     Origi

Something like this.

think that will be close to the team mate although I think Jota will play

This is where the squad comes in can’t imagine any players coming in and not giving it 100%. And really at this stage that’s all we can ask , has Div got a grand finale to give us reds , never the best player but as a squad player and in terms of attitude  , been just what a squad needs , come on you reds , get this one done then it’s two finals left , to see what we finish up with , whatever the outcome what a seasons ride we have had  from this team and Klopp ,

Feeling with the amount if changes this is going to be a scrappy match. Citeh draw gives us something to play for so I am sure whoever started will be motivated.

A couple of days after winning a final - 120 minutes played.  Couple of players out with knocks and likely a lot of others going to be playing when perhaps they would normally be rested.

I'll be honest here.  I don't fancy this one.  I'm not sure even our lads are superhuman enough to all be at 100% tonight.  Might have been better us playing Thursday like Chelsea are.  Gone for a draw in the Prediction League. 

I know Joel is good but to cover 2 spots is a bit harsh

He's really tall

Yea, Joel and Konate.

VVD not in the side will be big miss and make your task that much harder. Your just a different team when VVD not playing.

Understand what your saying Keith, but in Matip, Konate & Gomez we have three very capable CB’s who back Virgil without so much as a ripple, yes he’s the top dog whoever plays with him but last season we didn’t have Virgil for most of the campaign but coped admirably, so much so we even made it into the CL, you know, the one we’re about to win, our Seventh, using two of other of our CB’s in Rhys Williams currently with the U23’s and Nat Phillips who plies his trade with Bournemouth AFC,

And just to rub the salt in more, the gritty stuff, Yanited has had for the most part a plethora of experience with Slab head & Verane at their disposal yet are down there struggling in the land of Mediocrity, may as well be Never never land.


Bon jour, ye Manc Cnut !!




                                                                          Y  N  W  A

think even the tea lady is buzzing at the moment after the FA Cup win so whatever X1 play I think they will be up for the fight nobody wants to let their team mates down . 3-1 to the mighty REDS

Jones and Elliott together . Taki starts

Don't wanner give any free kicks away as Ward-Prowse fancies himself, so leave out the lunge Thiago. All in all if we turn up we should run out winners. Wouldn't be surprised to see Minamino get a start.

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