View: Norris, Nallo to start in eight changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Southampton
Arne Slot is expected to hand senior debuts to James Norris and Amara Nallo when Liverpool travel to Southampton in the EFL Cup.
The Dutchman hinted that academy talents could feature in his plans tomorrow in his pre-match press conference, especially in defence.
The clash on the south coast is a big chance for Slot to rest his regular starters and give opportunities to fringe players like Wataru Endo and players returning from injury like Federico Chiesa.
Therefore the starting XI is expected to be heavily rotated with up to eight changes from the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday (14 December).
Kelleher returns to Liverpool goal
Slot confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will return between the sticks for the trip to Southampton as Alisson is rested.
The Dutchman hinted at a makeshift backline in his press conference, saying: “We have only four defenders. Probably the ones that have started a lot will not play 90 minutes and maybe not even at all so it’s going to be academy players or players that nobody would expect in the last line.”
Therefore, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are expected to be rested for the contest with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah starting in their place.
The backline will be completed by youngsters Amaro Nallo and James Norris with Ibrahima Konate out, Kostas Tsmikas only just returning to training and Andy Robertson suspended after his red card against Fulham.
Both have been included in recent matchday squads but are yet to make their competitive debut for the senior side.
Japan international Wataru Endo has played a total of just 168 minutes in 10 appearances across all competitions so far this season but he will anchor the midfield as Ryan Gravenberch is given a much-needed night off.
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott will complete the midfield with Domink Szoboszlai rested and Alexis Mac Allister not risked after serving his suspension against Fulham for an accumulation of five yellow cards.
The former completed 96 per cent of his passes against the Cottagers misplacing just two of 48 attempts and made five passes into the final third. [Fotmob]
The latter completed 88 per cent of 16 passes, created two chances and made three passes into the final third in a 20-minute cameo off of the substitutes bench against his former club.
Promising talent Trey Nyoni could make his third appearance for the club but it will most likely be from the bench with Slot preferring experience in the engine room due to the makeshift backline.
Mohamed Salah finally gets a rest
Mohamed Salah has contributed to 29 goals in 23 matches so far this season and has only been rested in the Reds two previous EFL Cup matches.
However, he should get a much-needed break for this clash with Federico Chiesa ready to return to action.
Slot hinted at this in his press conference, saying: ” Federico will have minutes tomorrow whether he starts or comes in.”
Darwin Nunez gets the nod up-front with Diogo Jota suffering a setback after the Fulham game in which he scored the vital equaliser in his comeback from injury.
Slot said: “After [Fulham] Diogo wasn’t completely fit so let’s see if he can train today. Hopefully he can make some minutes but I don’t expect him to start.”
Cody Gakpo will continue on the left-wing, it is clearly his best position and he is on a great run of form right now, with seven goals in his last ten matches.
Youngster Jayden Danns scored a brace against the Saints in the FA Cup last season and will likely make an appearance off of the bench.
In other Liverpool news, a finance expert has revealed how much the Reds could make from winning the Premier League and Champions League.
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