Liverpool XI vs Southampton: confirmed lineup, team news as Darwin Nunez decision made and key men rested for Southampton…

Liverpool’s line-up as Darwin Nunez decision is made and key players rested for Southampton.

On paper, this match appears to be Liverpool’s simplest challenge of the Premier League season. However, for Arne Slot, there are several selection dilemmas to consider against Southampton.

Following the significant effort in securing a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain midweek, and with the second leg approaching, this game presents an opportunity for some adjustments. The title is nearly clinched, and Southampton is struggling to avoid being one of the worst teams in Premier League history.

Nevertheless, Slot must remain cautious of any potential complacency and will be eager to see his team increase their lead over Arsenal to 16 points by the conclusion of today’s match. Here’s how our writers envision the Reds lining up at Anfield.

While there are no guaranteed easy matches in the Premier League, it seems unlikely that Liverpool will face a more straightforward task this season than hosting bottom-placed Southampton, despite having narrowly defeated them twice away.

With two crucial Champions League fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, changes are necessary.

So, what should Reds manager Arne Slot consider?

Rotation is essential across the pitch, except in goal, where Alisson Becker will remain. Kostas Tsimikas is expected to step in at left-back, while Jarell Quansah should partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense. Currently, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the only available right-back.

In midfield, while all players could use a break, it may be too drastic to rest them all. Ryan Gravenberch can maintain his position in the double pivot alongside Wataru Endo, with Curtis Jones taking on the number 10 role.

In attack, Darwin Nunez will lead the front line, supported by Mohamed Salah on the right and Luis Diaz on the left.

My proposed formation (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endo; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.