04 Jan 2021 10:26:49
Interesting to see if Thiago starts tonight, or if he's held back for another, maybe slightly longer, appearance from the bench whilst he gets back up to speed. Personally, I'd like him to start and help to set the tone for the match, and then be withdrawn around the hour mark if he isn't ready for a full 90 minutes.

Also, I'd like to see Ox get a start as the most attacking of our three midfielders. Not sure if he's quite ready to start yet but we need to start adding some goals from midfield, whether that's a midfielder breaking beyond the front three or cracking a shot in from the edge of the box. Ox can do both and probably has the greatest goal threat of any of our midfield options. Some of the recent matches where we've dominated possession but struggled to open teams up reminded me of how valuable Coutinho was when he would bend one into the top corner from outside the box.

04 Jan 2021 11:21:25
My prediction is Thiago will start tonight and Ox will start v Villa on Friday night. 3 points are massive for us tonight after drawing the last 2. Will be interesting to see how Klopp treats this years Fa cup and if he fields mostly squad players on Friday night who haven’t played a lot then that could be almost 2 weeks of rest time (playing) for some of the players who don’t feature.

04 Jan 2021 11:30:27
I think he will start. But, I don't think Klopp will start both Thiago and Ox. Thiago, Henderson and Gini for me.

In terms of the 'Coutinho' role, I feel Jones will take that up long term, in time when he gets a bit more experience and gets completely settled. It is clear that he has that in his locker.

04 Jan 2021 12:30:20
I agree Hendo, Gini, Thiago.
Unless Hendo plays cb!

04 Jan 2021 12:31:15
I think saints are a threat due to their form so hendo gini and thiago should start. Tactically if they decide to put a man on thiago to try and nullify his passing then that leaves hendo and gini with more space to operate and we know hendo can pick a pass well altho not has masterfully has thiago. It will be interesting to see how Southampton approach this game as they aren't a park bus team but will surely have to adapt to cope with our threats.

04 Jan 2021 13:44:26
I don’t think it’s sensible starting 2 players in a 3 man hard working midfield who have only just got back from long term injuries and who are both well short of match fitness.

04 Jan 2021 14:10:37
Agreed 1985, I'd personally go with Ox, Hendo, Gini give Jones a little break bring Thiago and Milly on later on in the game if needed gives Ox a chance regain some match sharpness.

04 Jan 2021 14:44:51
What u like and what klopp wants are 2 different things my friend!

04 Jan 2021 14:18:38
OPO, I think he starts. I think he has been held back a bit even before he came on vs the Toon so he can get more training sessions in his legs hence IMO, he will start today. Obv., I could be wrong.

04 Jan 2021 14:11:19
With you there, JK23.

04 Jan 2021 15:03:07
Thiago with hendo and gini either side tonight for me. Thiago will almost certainly have 2 weeks to recover for united so why not start him.

04 Jan 2021 16:30:15
Thiago has to start for me alongside Gini and Hendo. We need to set the tone and kill off the game early, especially after the last two results.