Liverpool head to the south coast today to play Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. The Reds are fresh off of a 120-minute match against Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup. Liverpool lifted the trophy, but casualties could be high.
Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk were limping at the end of the fixture and looked worse for wear. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp will decide on Adrian before the match after a freak accident during the celebrations caused him to have an ankle injury. A supporter joining in on the celebrations crashed into the team causing Adrian to hurt his ankle.
The UEFA Super Cup shootout hero could be replaced by Andy Lonergan in goal. Adrian did not train on Friday but is hopeful he will get the start.
Liverpool Reds FC Blog’s view
Liverpool played a demanding 120-minutes against Chelsea in the extreme heat of Istanbul on Wednesday night. Less than three full days later, the Reds now take on Southampton.
Klopp had initially wanted to rotate his players for the UEFA Super Cup. Captain Jordan Henderson was never meant to play, however, Naby Keita’s injury in training prevented that from happening.
The fact that Klopp did not start Adam Lallana in Henderson’s place shows the former’s performances in preseason were overblown. He isn’t ready to play on the big stage of a cup match.
It was a surprise that Xherdan Shaqiri didn’t come on for Henderson, but with only four substitutes, Klopp could only do so much.
Henderson, Joe Gomez, Fabinho, Mohamed Salah, Joel Matip, Adrian, and Van Dijk all played the 120 minutes. Could Klopp rest any of these seven players? There is a good chance he will.
Liverpool injuries
Adrian will undergo a late fitness test with Lonergan in the wings. Dejan Lovren was expected to join Roma but the deal fell through during the week.
Keita is out with a muscle injury. His fitness and injury record has been keeping him out of Liverpool’s team regularly since arriving.
So, who makes Klopp’s starting XI against Southampton on Saturday?
Liverpool Predicted XI versus Southampton
Klopp has a big dilemma on Saturday. Shaqiri could come in for Henderson in midfield with Salah moving to the bench and Divock Origi coming into the starting XI. If Adrian is at all fit, you should expect him to play in goal.
Matip could get his first start of the season with Gomez moving to the bench for a rest. Meanwhile, vice-captain James Milner looks likely to return to the side.
If Klopp makes wholesale changes, will Liverpool continue their current form?
Liverpool Reds FC Blog 
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