2 in 2 out: Who must Klopp change ahead of the Southampton tie?
13th May 2016 - UEFA Europa League Final - Liverpool Media Day - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gestures during the press conference - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Liverpool travel to Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night, looking to put the disappointment of the 0-0 draw against Plymouth behind them.
Jurgen Klopp watched on as his young side failed to break down a stern Plymouth team at Anfield on Sunday, however the German has hinted at a strong side to face the Saints.
The Reds, despite a 0-0 draw at St. Mary’s earlier this season and a 3-2 defeat in the Premier League last year, can take confidence from last season’s League Cup victory on the south coast, they beat the Saints 6-1 in the quarter final.
A host of ex-Saints could feature against their former employers, although Sadio Mane is unavailable as he is away on international duty with Sengal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Claude Puel’s side have been struggling recently, so a couple of big inclusions could well give the visitors a commanding lead to take back to Merseyside.
With that in mind, here are TWO changes from the stronger side which faced Sunderland in the Premier League that Klopp must make on Wednesday night…
OUT: Simon Mignolet
Photo: Mark Leech
The Belgian shot-stopper has done well since coming back into the fold in recent weeks, however, with such a busy month ahead with a cup replay and the second leg amongst the Premier League games, he may need a rest.
IN: Loris Karius
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
The summer signing played against League Two Plymouth at the weekend and deserves a chance in a more challenging game at Southampton.
The 23-year-old hasn’t featured in the Premier League since the 2-2 draw with West Ham at Anfield and will be desperate to impress once again.
OUT: James Milner
Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.
Much like Mignolet, Milner will have a lot asked of him over the next few weeks, with games coming thick and fast and, although he didn’t feature against Plymouth, will be glad not to have to make the long trip down to Southampton.
IN: Alberto Moreno
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
In Milner’s absence, Moreno will be another desperate to prove his worth to manager Jurgen Klopp having seen the former Man City man usurp him as the regular left-back this term.