Roberto Firmino dilemma for Liverpool as Arthur ‘debut’ decision awaits

Roberto Firmino’s dilemma for Liverpool pending Arthur ‘debut’ decision

Jurgen Klopp could make a number of changes to his Liverpool squad against Southampton next weekend

Liverpool’s 2022/23 season ends next Sunday with a trip to relegated Southampton.

So while it’s still possible this could be the final decisive shot for a top-four finish for the Reds, it could just be a Premier League dead game.

Likewise, it could be that in the match against Southampton, they reached fifth place. Already qualified for next season’s Europa League, the Reds are currently five points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion but have played one game more.

The Seagulls host Manchester City on Wednesday and need a win to keep their own fifth-place hopes alive. Drop points and the place belongs to Liverpool, whose trip to Southampton is then officially dead. In the event of a victory for Brighton, the Reds would need one point on the final day, regardless of the result of Robert De Zerbi’s team, barring an important turnaround in goal difference.

As a result, it remains to be seen whether Klopp’s side will indeed have anything to play for at St Mary’s. If they need points, expect the German to be close to the stronger team than him. Otherwise, he would have nothing to lose by making big changes.

Is Kelleher coming? With David De Gea having already won the Premier League Golden Glove, Alisson Becker could, if Klopp wants, start the summer early provided there is nothing to play at St Mary’s.

If the Brazilian is still fighting for fifth or even fourth place, he will retain his place and secure ubiquitous Premier League status this season. Otherwise, Caoimhin Kelleher could only make his fourth cap this season and his first appearance in the English top flight since Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea in January 2022.

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The time of the Tsimikas

Liverpool’s top four defenders have been unchallenged throughout their ten-game unbeaten streak in recent weeks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Kostas Tsimikas was handed a rare starting spot in place of Andy Robertson against Southampton .

If the Reds resume their reverse full-back system, Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely retain his right-back spot. However, Joel Matip or Joe Gomez could both get a last appearance of the season at the expense of Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk against his former club. Eventually, the pressure might be gone.

However, another problem could be that Alexander-Arnold actually plays in midfield and then Gomez steps in at right-back. At this point, it’s a nice friendly place on the beach.

Done for Milner, but what about Arthur? If anything is at stake in Sunday’s game, expect Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Curtis Jones to return to midfield. However, Klopp has options if he is willing to change, with Harvey Elliott a possible starter.

With James Milner leaving the club this summer at the end of his contract, it remains to be seen whether Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Anfield will be his farewell, or whether he will make one last appearance of his career at Liverpool. has. If selected, he could start and even be the captain.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be less likely to start against his former club as he has been missing from the match squad since their 4-1 defeat to Man City early last month. The same goes for Naby Keita, who still hasn’t returned to team training after picking up an injury during the international break in March.

While it’s understandable the pair’s careers at Anfield are already over as they consider Bosman transfers unwilling to risk injury on their next move, Arthur Melo could make his Premier League debut before returning at Juventus if Klopp is feeling sentimental. . Still limited to just 13 minutes of play for the Reds back in September, Liverpool paid for it for the year so might as well use it properly at least once!

Fabio Carvalho and youngster Bobby Clark are also options if Klopps decides to move.

Firmino says goodbye as Salah begins

As with Milner, it remains to be seen if Roberto Firmino will play his last game for Liverpool or if he will play against Southampton. After equalizing against Aston Villa, why not give the Brazilian a final start? However, Mohamed Salah will keep his place on the right flank. The Egyptian is still looking for his 20th Premier League goal of the season and his next goal also secures him the second-best season of his career. He has now scored a total of 45 goals this season, with another goal or assist also marking the second most productive year of his career.

Darwin Nunez doesn’t need to take any risks as he still has a toe injury, leaving Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to battle it out for the last place on the grid. With their campaigns wrecked by injuries, both are looking for a solid result. That said, Elliott, Carvalho or even teenager darling Ben Doak are options if Klopp feels like changing things up even more.

So if fourth place is still possible or if Liverpool still need points to reach fifth place, don’t expect a lot of changes. But with the Reds entering ‘on the beach’ territory, there’s no harm in making a change or nine as Firmino and Milner’s farewells continue and the Premier League can finally see what Arthur Melo has in his locker!