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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Liverpool XI vs Southampton: Firmino starts - Starting lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest

Jurgen Klopp has given Caoimhin Kelleher his first Premier League start of the season for Liverpool as they face Southampton on the final day.

There is nothing on the line for either side, with Liverpool’s slim top-four hopes officially over and Southampton already relegated, but the Reds will want to extend their 10-match unbeaten run and sign off the season on a high.

Alisson has started every League match up to this point in the season, but Kelleher gets the nod in a much-changed lineup.

Ibrahima Konate has been suffering with illness so Joel Matip and Joe Gomez start at the back, with Virgil van Dijk also dropping out. Andy Robertson has had a scan on a groin issue this week and is not risked.

“I won’t take any risks with players but we have a big group and in training we looked good,” Klopp said on Friday. “It makes sense we make changes. To get fresh players on the pitch is really important, and players who want to show something.”

Darwin Nunez has returned to training after a toe injury but does not make the squad, as Roberto Firmino starts on his final appearance for the club and James Milner captains the side.

Curtis Jones keeps his place in midfield, while Diogo Jota comes into the side as Cody Gakpo drops to the bench.

Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Tsimikas, Milner, Fabinho, Jones, Jota, Salah, Firmino

Subs: Elliott, Gakpo, Adrian, Williams, Diaz, Konate, Henderson, Arthur, Carvalho

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