Predicted team lineup Southampton vs Liverpool Premier League

Jones only joined the club officially on Thursday and with virtually no time to work with his new squad before the Liverpool clash, it seems unlikely that the 49-year-old will make wholesale changes just yet.

Jurgen Klopp’s side present an obvious challenge but in some ways, this final pre-World Cup clash is a free hit for Jones with few expecting his side to get anything tangible.

Here’s how we think the new boss will set his side up:

Formation: 5-3-2

Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu

While new manager Nathan Jones has an extensive history working with Saints back-up goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, that relationship shouldn’t do anything to change the reality that Gavin Bazunu is now this team’s starter.

Bazunu was rested in favour of McCarthy for the midweek victory against Sheffield Wednesday on penalties and while the experienced shot-stopper saved the crucial final spot-kick, he hasn’t done enough to truly challenge for Bazunu’s starting job.

Defence: Romain Perraud, Mohammed Salisu, Duje Caleta-Car, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Moi Elyounoussi

Jones frequently deployed a back five while in charge of Luton Town and if he decides to go down the same route in his early days with Saints, he’ll have the players to make it work - on paper at least. 

In the centre of defence lies one of this squad’s greatest strengths with multiple solid choices. Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mohammed Salisu quickly established themselves as Saints’ top central defensive options but after the former suffered a dislocated shoulder against West Ham, Duje Caleta-Car stepped in and displayed enough to show he deserves continued opportunities. With weaknesses at full-back, playing all three centre-backs could be the way to go.

Meanwhile, Romain Perraud continues to be one of the first names on the teamsheet regardless of formation and seems a near-guarantee to start at Anfield. On the other flank it’s possible Jones opts for Ainsley Maitland-Niles after the Arsenal loanee came off the bench to feature at right back on Wednesday night but in a back five it’s likely he’ll stick with the slightly more athletic Moi Elyounossi.

Midfield: James Ward-Prowse, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Romeo Lavia

Another reason why Maitland-Niles may not be chosen on the right of Jones’ defence is that he will likely be needed in the middle of the park.

Handed another start in the midweek, Ibrahima Diallo has yet to prove reliable and thus it should be Maitland-Niles alongside James Ward-Prowse, the Saints captain looking to shake off the disappointment of missing out on England’s World Cup squad, tasked with helping slow down Klopp’s side.

In a game where Saints will need to be at their very best to keep Liverpool at bay, it could be the right strategy to pack the midfield with a third player and regardless of formation, Lavia - who returned to the team off the bench for Newcastle - should regain his starting spot such is the essential influence of the young Belgian. 

Attack: Joe Aribo, Che Adams

Despite his run of poor finishing extending into the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, Che Adams should keep his place at the tip of Jones’ first Saints XI and while it’s anyone’s guess for who will partner the Scot, we’ve gone with Joe Aribo for his creativity and ability to link up with Adams.

Full predicted team:

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