Liverpool Prepares for Southampton Clash

Liverpool is set to face Southampton at St Mary's Stadium with the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after Manchester City's surprising 4-0 defeat to Tottenham. Manager Arne Slot has to navigate an injury crisis, with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out and Conor Bradley poised to make his first league start. Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to the lineup alongside Ibrahima Konate, while Ryan Gravenberch will anchor the midfield, likely accompanied by Curtis Jones and either Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo due to Alexis Mac Allister's long travel from South America. With key fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming, Slot may consider rotating his squad, but victory against bottom-placed Southampton is crucial. Mohamed Salah is expected to start, having been rested during the international break. The match is pivotal for Liverpool as they aim to capitalize on their rivals' poor form heading into a challenging schedule.