Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Southampton: Youngsters given a CHANCE, huge Nunez DECISION | OneFootball

Liverpool will travel to St Mary's to face Southampton on Sunday afternoon as they look to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds will back back in action following the international break, but Manchester City's emphatic loss to Tottenham on Saturday evening means that Arne Slot's side can increase their gap at the top of the table.

With massive games against Real Madrid and Manchester City fast approaching, Slot will surely be thinking of rotating his side against bottom of the league Southampton, but injuries may force the Dutchman into playing many of Liverpool's stars.

Here is out predicted lineup for Liverpool vs Southampton at St Mary’s.

The back line

Trent Alexander-Arnold remains unavailable for this one after picking up an injury against Aston Villa, so it looks as though Conor Bradley could be set for his first Premier League start of the season.

Virgil van Dijk returned early from international duty but should be fit enough to start against the Saints, the question is will Slot risk him? Konate is sure to start but if Van Dijk isn't 100% it could be Jarell Quansah that get's the nod alongside him.

Andrew Robertson was in fine form for Scotland this international break, and his performances for his country should be enough to earn him a start on the south coast.

© IMAGO - Conor Bradley

The midfield battle

Ryan Gravenberch has been every present for Liverpool in the league this season, and that won't change against Southampton.

His midfield partners however are no certainty. Mac Allister has just faced a long journey back from South America and could be due a rest on Sunday.

Although Harvey Elliott may make his return to the match day squad, he probably won't return to the starting XI straight away, and it's likely to be Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai that join Gravenberch, with both impressing for their countries during the break.

© IMAGO

The front three

Mohamed Salah was given a rare rest over the international break, and although he took the time to visit the Sharjah International Book Fair, he will start against Southampton.

Luis Diaz could cause absolute havoc against the Saints' defence starting through the middle, but the Colombian has also endured a long journey back from South America and will be needed against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Darwin Nunez also faced the long journey back but he is probably less likely to start in the two games following the Reds' match on Sunday.

Cody Gakpo therefore seems like the obvious option on the left hand side, and the Carabao Cup expert will be able to get some practice in against the Reds' quarter final opponents in the league on Sunday.