Liverpool fans shocked at Gravenberch announcement v Southampton – ‘Season derailed’, ‘Help him’
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made three changes to his starting line-up for the Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday.
He has stuck with the majority of the team that survived the Paris Saint-Germain onslaught and came away from the French capital with a 1-0 win in the Champions League.
The Reds could move 16 points clear at the summit of the Premier League if they beat the bottom dwellers at Anfield, with Arsenal not in action until Sunday.
However, supporters have been left stunned by one decision that Slot has made.
Liverpool make three changes for Southampton clash
Slot has made three changes to the team that beat PSG with Kostas Tsimikas, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez coming into the starting line-up.
Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota drop to the bench as the Dutchman rests some key starters.
Cody Gakpo does not make the bench after suffering a setback earlier in the week but compatriot Ryan Gravenberch starts over Wataru Endo, who made a great contribution when he came on against the French outfit.
The matchwinner on Wednesday, Harvey Elliott also has to settle for a place on the bench with Dominik Szoboszlai preferred over him.
The Reds to take on Southampton this afternoon 👊 #LIVSOU
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 8, 2025
Gravenberch decision leaves Liverpool fans baffled
The Reds needed to make changes given the fact that they have the second leg against PSG coming later in the week (11 March).
| Stats (all competitions) | Played | Starts | Minutes played |
| Gravenberch | 38 | 38 | 3,241 |
However, the decision to start Gravenberch has caused concern amongst the L4 outfit’s supporters with the former Bayern Munich man playing a significant role in their success so far, with a rest needed.
Will there ever be a day when Endo will be in the starting lineup?
— えるおーね＠福岡＋将棋ウォーズ二段 (@ellione429) March 8, 2025
@SpiranacFan7 Gravenbaby and Konate to come off injured. Season derailed. Hopefully still good for top 4 though #LogIt
— Jake See (@JakeSee10) March 8, 2025
Grav is excerting every single drop available, God help him please
— Hayatullah (@Hayat_aL_Fatih) March 8, 2025
@Jason23Reid1 surprised he hasn’t rested Konate or gravenberch for Tuesday very strong regardless
— Robbie😎 (@Robbieni12) March 8, 2025
No Endō again 🙂↔️
— punK! (@iwritepunk) March 8, 2025
What does Elliot and Endo need to do to start a game😔
— d.pxtel66 (@DharmadevPatel3) March 8, 2025
Gravenberch can rest in the afterlife clearly omg 😭😭
— Austin🔴 (@austinlfc114) March 8, 2025
Should’ve started Endo
— Jack (@JackDav37592444) March 8, 2025
Starting a petition for Gravenberch together some rest😭
— clare devlin🩷 (@_esiiibg) March 8, 2025
would’ve be nice to give gravenberch a day off lol. endo and elliott both there for example and could do a decent job vs southampton.
— cat (@lfccxt) March 8, 2025
Given the fact that he is so important to Slot’s side, it may have made sense to rest the Dutchman on this occasion but it remains to be seen whether he plays the full match with the crucial return fixture to come.
It is vital that the Merseysiders secure victory given that there are 10 matches to go until the season concludes and anything can happen in the Premier League.
It could be a pivotal weekend in the title race with the Gunners facing a tough trip to Manchester United and the Reds hosting the worst side in the top flight.