Liverpoolvs.Southampton

The Reds host their 20th-placed foes following an arguably undeserved 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, where Harvey Elliott came off the bench to bag the winner.

Ahead of next week's second leg and the impending EFL Cup final, Slot may feel that Saturday's game - which will surely be a foregone conclusion from the first whistle - is his best chance to get some minutes into fringe players' legs and decrease the load on others'.

As a result, both Elliott and Darwin Nunez might come into the attacking fray, although Mohamed Salah will have no intention of being dropped as he aims to either score or assist for the 12th Premier League home match in a row.

Luis Diaz could also hold his spot if Cody Gakpo's knock does not settle down in time, but Alexis Mac Allister may be spared as Curtis Jones occupies a deeper midfield position alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

Injured duo Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez should have both had decent chances of making the first XI Saturday's game, but there is still scope for defensive changes as Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas stick their hands up for starts.

However, neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor Virgil van Dijk should cede their places in front of Alisson Becker, the hero of the hour against PSG with a string of fabulous saves.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Elliott, Diaz; Nunez

Written by

Ben Knapton