Arne Slot applauds the supporters at full-time following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at Parc des Princes on March 05, 2025(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday, following their smash-and-grab victory away at Paris Saint-Germain, as they welcome struggling Southampton to Anfield. With Arsenal travelling to Manchester United, the Reds have the opportunity to move – temporarily at least – 16 points clear at the top of the table.
Arne Slot made only one change for the trip to Paris as Andy Robertson returned at left-back in place of Kostas Tsimikas. However, the Dutchman could be tempted to make further changes against the Saints, given that Liverpool will host PSG on Tuesday.
With Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez combining off the bench to provide the Reds’ late winner in impressive cameo appearances in Paris, Slot has potentially been given food for thought.
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Fellow substitutes Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo also caught the eye off the bench, while it remains to be seen if Cody Gakpo will be declared fit after being left out of the matchday squad altogether against PSG after suffering a knock in training earlier in the week.
With Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton the only confirmed absentees, Slot at least has plenty of depth to choose from. So ahead of the visit of Southampton to Anfield, the ECHO takes a look at the changes the Dutchman could make against the Sains…
Stick or twist in defence?
Liverpool had Alisson Becker to thank for their victory over PSG as the Brazilian made a record nine saves. He will certainly keep his place, but it is up for debate whether Slot sticks with the same back four or instead opts to rotate alongside Virgil van Dijk.
If the Dutchman opts for the latter, Jarrell Quansah is an option either right-back or centre-back if Trent Alexander-Arnold or Ibrahima Konate are rotated out, while Kostas Tsimikas could come in at left-back if Slot wants to make another change at left-back.
Jones knocking at the door
After impressing against PSG, Jones is knocking at the door to start against Southampton. He could replace either Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai if Slot sticks with a midfield three, with the box midfield perhaps not needed at home against the relegation-threatened side.
Ryan Gravenberch was not at his best in Paris, with Endo an option for his first Premier League start of the season if the Liverpool head coach wishes to rest the Dutchman.
Meanwhile, Elliott will be itching for an opportunity to start in his favoured number 10 position following his winner against PSG, and is also an alternative to Szoboszlai.
Darwin or Diogo dilemma
Mohamed Salah was not at his best against PSG, but will surely start against Southampton. However, it is up for debate who could line up alongside the Egyptian.
Nunez could be handed a start up front in place of Diogo Jota after impressing off the bench in Paris. Alternatively, Luis Diaz could drop out if Slot wishes to select both strikers.
Having suffered a fresh knock after only recently returning from injury, Gakpo is perhaps best-placed limited to substitute duty if declared fit to play. Federico Chiesa is also an option in attack, but it would be a surprise if he were to be handed a full Premier League debut.
Dugout changes
There will be two changes in the dugout at least, as Slot and Sipke Hulshoff both serve the second game of their two-match touchline bans after being sent off against Everton last month. John Heitinga will again lead from the dugout, with Liverpool’s head coach and assistant head coach back observing from the stands.
