Arne Slot has all but confirmed that several Liverpool players will feature prominently at home to Southampton, with plenty of chances expected.
The Reds welcome Saints to Anfield on Tuesday evening, allowing Slot the opportunity to give fringe players a chance to shine against their Championship opponents.
Alexander Isak could start for Liverpool, though, along with the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo, with the first two making their debuts.
When asked by Liverpoolfc.com about his selection, Slot seemed to hint at all four starting against Saints in the Carabao Cup third round, among numerous other squad figures:
“Yeah, we can go through all of them – Wata Endo and a few more. These are the players that need a game and we’re happy that we have one. If we wouldn’t have had one, we probably would have arranged a friendly in this week for these players because they need to play games as well to keep them ready whenever we need them.
“We’ve used quite a lot in the last three games because we thought we needed to keep this energy throughout all the three games – but not all of them. And the few we haven’t used, it’s definitely the perfect moment for them to get playing time.”
Starts for both Wirtz and Isak at Anfield?
While Slot has confirmed that the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah will play no part on Tuesday night, it could be a great chance to give Liverpool’s two most expensive signings more minutes.
Isak is still fighting for full match fitness, having looked off the pace as a substitute against Everton last weekend, and Florian Wirtz could also arguably do with more playing time.
The pace and power of the English may have come as a surprise to the German, who hasn’t yet hit top gear for Liverpool, but this could be an ideal opportunity to blood him further.
With a tough trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League to come on Saturday afternoon, the Reds need their two new star additions as ready as possible, and minutes against Saints should stand them in good stead.
