The league leaders Liverpool will visit the 9th Southampton this Monday night. The duel will be tough for The Reds after their goalless game against Newcastle.
Manchester United had won their game against Aston Villa and matched Liverpool at the top with 33 points and only the goal difference is separating them. Liverpool still holds the most effective attack in the league with 37 goals in their 16 games, more than 2 per game on average.
Southampton side has impressed so far this season, though, particularly after their anti-climactic end to 2020, they are in a three games run without scoring after 2 draws and a loss in their last games.
After the draw with Newcastle United, the Liverpool manager reported no new injuries. The Reds were, in fact, boosted by the returns to match action of James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri at St. James’ Park following their spells on the sidelines.
Georginio Wijnaldum was rested last game and could return fresh, while Xherdan Shaqiri also made his comeback as a sub in that match. Both could start at the bench as Jones was decent against Newcastle and Milner would be extra motivated to perform on his birthday (35).
Naby Keita is still sidelined, though, and it is in defence where the main issues lie with Joel Matip joining Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas on the injuries list.
Phillips will start alongside Fabinho as the pair center backs, although Rhys Williams provides another option at centre-back.
Mohamed Salah is having scored seven goals in his six Premier League games against Southampton and would be eager to continue this trend.
More dropped points could become a real concern and Liverpool have only won their opening league game of the year once in the last eight times when that game has come away from home.
The away form of The Reds this season should worry the fans as Liverpool have won only four of their past 14 Premier League away matches, drawing six and losing four.
Possible starting eleven:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Milner, Jones, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Firmino
