Reds to make changes for Saints trip
LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp expects to have to make a number of changes for his side’s crucial Premier League trip to Southampton tonight.
The FA Cup winners are back in action on the south coast just three days after Saturday’s draining success over Chelsea on penalties at Wembley.
Key pair Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk were both forced off with injuries during the weekend showpiece and Andy Robertson, who withdrew with cramp, may not be risked.
Liverpool realistically need to win to retain any hope of pipping Manchester City to the title, but Klopp may be wary of the workload on certain players as he looks ahead to the Champions League final.
Asked whether the players had been assessed, Klopp said at a press conference yesterday: “This process is not finished yet. We played 120 minutes only two days ago.
“The boys only arrived today and we have to make a lot of decisions. The 30 extra minutes made a big difference.
“When did Southampton have their last game? I think it was 10 (or) 12 days. (It’s) long. OK, they might lack a bit (of) rhythm but if we make changes, we lose that advantage of having rhythm as well.
“They are completely fresh and this is this high energetic, wellorganised team. That’s the challenge we face.
“Imagine we go there with 10 players, or eight players, who played 120 minutes. That makes no sense, so that’s why we have to make changes.
“I don’t know how many, we will see and I will talk to the players, but it’s tough.”
Defeat for the Reds would end their quadruple bid and see Manchester City confirmed as champions.