As Southampton host Liverpool in the Premier League tomorrow afternoon, here is the predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool.
Southampton are rock bottom of the Premier League table. Liverpool, on the other hand, are lonely at the top. On paper, then, this seems like an easy game to predict. However, Russell Martin will be eager to defy all the odds in this match.
To do so, the former Scotland international must field a strong lineup at home. With that being said and with team news considered, here is our predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool this weekend.
Predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool
GK: Alex McCarthy. In midweek, Russell Martin confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale had undergone surgery. Therefore, the usual number one will miss out and McCarthy will step up to make his third Premier League appearance this season.
CB: Yukinari Sugawara. Playing on the right-hand side of the back three, Japan international will step up to replace the injured Jan Bednarek.
CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis. After an impressive international break, scoring on his debut, Taylor Harwood-Bellis will be flying with confidence ahead of this match.
CB: Jack Stephens. Making back-to-back starts in the Premier League, Jack Stephens could benefit too from the Jan Bednarek injury. His place in the starting lineup is assured, at least until Jan comes back.
RWB: Kyle Walker-Peters. One of Southampton's brightest sparks as it stands. Kyle Walker-Peters may be pinned back more than he would like to be. However, he is more than capable in all three thirds.
CM: Mateus Fernandes. In order to deal with the talented Liverpool midfield, Mateus Fernandes will need to be on top form. As far as Southampton are concerned, there's no one better to provide the engine.
CM: Joe Aribo. On those rare opportunities that Southampton have to break out from midfield, Aribo will be key. His ability to drive forward with the ball might carve an opportunity or two for the Saints.
CM: Flynn Downes. Having Downes back in the midfield will be a welcomed boost for Russell Martin. It does mean that Adam Lallana will miss out on starting against his former club, though.
LWB: Ryan Manning. Had some great performances out wide this season, so his place in the starting lineup is striong.
ST: Adam Armstrong. Having already scored against Merseyside opposition this season, Armstrong will be eager to welcome the Premier League leaders to St Marys.
ST: Cameron Archer. It doesn't take much to be Southampton's leading Premier League goal scorer this season, but take nothing away from Archer. The talent is in great form this season.
Predicted Southampton lineup vs Liverpool: McCarthy; Sugawara, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis; Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Aribo, Downes, Manning; Armstrong, Archer