BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Friday, July 8, 2016: Liverpool's Joel Matip during a preseason friendly match against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park. (Pic by Bradley Ormesher/Propaganda)

Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs. Southampton: Joel Matip starts in League Cup decider

Jurgen Klopp has made four changes to his side for Liverpool’s League Cup semi-final second leg at home to Southampton on Wednesday night.

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Saints in their first leg at St Mary’s, the Reds are in need of a strong performance at Anfield to secure their place in the final against either Manchester United or Hull City.

After watching his side lose 3-2 at home to Swansea City last time out, Klopp has kept faith with his senior stars, giving Liverpool the best chance possible of making Wembley.

Resuming normal cup duties, Loris Karius takes over from Simon Mignolet in goal, making his fourth appearance since the turn of the year, looking for a third clean sheet of 2017.

Injury to Nathaniel Clyne has ruled the right-back out of contention, with Trent Alexander-Arnold taking his place.

The 18-year-old joins Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and James Milner at the back, with Matip making his first start for the club since the 2-2 draw at home to West Ham United on December 11.

Jordan Henderson is joined in midfield by Emre Can and Adam Lallana, with Georginio Wijnaldum dropping to the bench.

Making his first appearance since committing his long-term future to Liverpool with a new five-year deal, Philippe Coutinho joins Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino as part of Klopp’s forward line.

Having come back from first-leg defeat twice out of four occasions in previous League Cup semi-finals, Liverpool will be hoping to improve their record against the Saints.

Yet to reach top form since his return from injury, Coutinho can aid this endeavour, as can Matip at the back.

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Liverpool: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Matip, Milner; Henderson, Can, Lallana; Sturridge, Coutinho, Firmino

Substitutes: Mignolet, Lucas, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Woodburn, Origi

Southampton: Forster; Cedric, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand; Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Davis; Tadic, Redmond, Rodriguez

Substitutes: Lewis, Martina, McQueen, Clasie, Hojbjerg, Sims, Long


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