Roberto Firmino decision made as Arthur Melo ‘handed’ Liverpool Premier League
Liverpool’s 2022/23 season comes to an end next Sunday as they travel to already-relegated Southampton.
As a result, while it is still possible for it to emerge as a final throw of the dice for a top-four finish for the Reds, it could equally end up being just a Premier League dead-rubber.
Jurgen Klopp’s men need one of Newcastle United or Manchester United to lose both of their remaining matches to stand any chance of finishing in the top four. With the Magpies and the Red Devils back in action on Monday and Thursday respectively, in all likelihood the top four will be out of reach come the time Liverpool travel to the South coast.
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Equally, they could have fifth place wrapped up by the time they take on Southampton. Having already qualified for next season’s Europa League, the Reds currently lead sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion by five points, but have played a game more.
The Seagulls host Manchester City on Wednesday and need to win to keep their own hopes of fifth alive. Drop points and the place is Liverpool’s, with their trip to Southampton then officially a dead-rubber. If Brighton win, a point would be enough for the Reds on the final day, regardless of Robert De Zerbi’s side’s result, barring a big turnaround in goal difference.
As a result, it remains to be seen if Klopp’s side will actually have anything to play for at St. Mary’s. If they need the points, expect the German to name close to his strongest side. If not, he would have nothing to lose by making wholesale changes.
Kelleher comes in?
With David De Gea having already wrapped up the Premier League Golden Glove award, Alisson Becker could be given an early start to his summer, if Klopp wishes, providing there is nothing to play for at St. Mary’s.
If still fighting for fifth, or even fourth, the Brazilian will retain his place and secure an ever-present status in the Premier League this season. Otherwise, Caoimhin Kelleher could come in for only his fourth appearance of the season, and first outing in the English top-flight since Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away at Chelsea in January 2022.
Time for Tsimikas
Liverpool’s first-choice back four has been undisputed in recent weeks during their 10-game unbeaten run, but it would be no surprise if Kostas Tsimikas was handed a rare start in place of Andy Robertson against Southampton.
If the Reds again continue with their inverted full-back system, then Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to keep his place at right-back. However, Joel Matip or Joe Gomez could both be given a final outing of the season at the expense of Ibrahima Konate, or even Virgil van Dijk against his former club. After all, the pressure could be off.
However, a further curveball could be experimenting with Alexander-Arnold actually…
Read More: Roberto Firmino decision made as Arthur Melo ‘handed’ Liverpool Premier League 2023-05-22 00:00:00