‘I would be surprised’ – Carragher expects Klopp to rest important Liverpool duo versus Southampton
Jamie Carragher expects Jurgen Klopp to leave Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk out of his Liverpool starting eleven for Tuesday night’s game at Southampton.
The Reds beat Chelsea on penalties in the final of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
This is their second trophy of the season and they are still vying for the Quadruple.
Liverpool give the feels but Erling Haaland will make Man City less… meh.
Salah and Van Dijk were both forced off injured at Wembley before their teammates won them the cup via spot-kicks.
Liverpool’s focus switches back to the Premier League on Tuesday as they face the Saints. Klopp’s side will close in to within a point of Man City if they win.
Then on the final day, Liverpool and Man City are at home against Wolves and Aston Villa respectively.
Once the 2021/22 Premier League season is settled, Liverpool will prepare for the Champions League final. They travel to Paris to battle Real Madrid on May 28.
Carragher does not think Klopp will risk any of his players against Southampton:
“I don’t think Klopp will play anyone where there is a risk of injury, I would be surprised to see Salah, Van Dijk,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“Liverpool have got more chance of winning the Champions League and if they play their best team in that final they have an 80 per cent chance of winning it, I believe that.
“It won’t be a full strength team tomorrow that’s for sure.”
Elsewhere, Klopp believes Manchester City will beat Aston Villa on the last day of the season to retain the Premier League title.
“This is game [Liverpool vs Southampton] is 60. When did Southampton have their last game? 10-12 days? They might lack rhythm but we lose that advantage if we make changes. They are completely fresh. Last home game, what would you do?
“I am looking forward to the game tomorrow.
“I don’t know the last time City dropped points two games in a row. Villa has to play midweek. They are not used to that. I don’t expect City to drop points there.”
When asked if the conclusion to 2021/22 is similar to 18/19 when the title race went to the last day of the season, Klopp responded: “When they played Brighton right? And Brighton went 1-0 up? I could hear in the stadium, they probably scored.
“I knew in that moment it was too early. If I had heard it in the 90th minute, I’d have probably celebrated.
“The only thing I felt was pride. I knew in the moment we would get another chance. It’s all about timing.”
