Firmino returns as Shaqiri gets first league start

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has brought Roberto Firmino, Xherdan Shaqiri and Joel Matip in for Daniel Sturridge, James Milner and Joe Gomez.

Published : Sep 22, 2018 19:30 IST

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino
lightbox-info

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino is back in Liverpool's starting line-up for the visit of Southampton after recovering from an eye injury, while Xherdan Shaqiri makes his first league start for the Reds.

After coming off the bench to score the winner in Liverpool's 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, Firmino gave a positive assessment of his match fitness and he will hope to increase his tally of two goals in five Premier League games against the Saints, having reclaimed his place in the team from Daniel Sturridge.

READ: Fulham 1 Watford 1: Mitrovic shines late to spoil Gray's day

Firmino – who suffered his eye injury in the win at Tottenham – spearheads Jurgen Klopp's front four at Anfield, playing in front of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Shaqiri, the latter looking to make an impact after being restricted to two substitute appearances in the league this season.

Shaqiri scored eight goals in 36 league appearances for Stoke City last season and was on target for Switzerland in their Nations League victory over Iceland, earlier, in the month.

He replaces James Milner in midfield, while Joel Matip starts ahead of Joe Gomez as Klopp's men seek to make it six wins from six top-flight matches. 

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment