sport news Jamie Carragher backs Jurgen Klopp's gamble to make NINE changes for must-win ... trends now

Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has backed Jurgen Klopp's decision to make wholesale changes for their must-win Premier League clash with Southampton.

The Reds have made a total of nine changes for their fixture with the Saints on Tuesday evening, despite needing a win to remain in the title race.

Alisson Becker and Ibrahima Konate are the only two players to hold their spots from the FA Cup final, with Klopp making significant alterations after 120 minutes and penalties at Wembley.

Virgil van Dijk is given the night off as Joel Matip starts in defence, while Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas displace Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are considered fit enough for spots on the bench, but Fabinho again misses out owing to his hamstring injury.

Curtis Jones and James Milner are both recalled to the engine room, while Harvey Elliott makes a first Premier League start since his horrific ankle injury at Leeds United in September.

Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are joined in the attack by Takumi Minamino, while Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are also rested by Klopp.

Former Reds defender Carragher told Sky Sports: 'It had to happen. Those league games were like finals in themselves and if they lost they would have felt like the title is over. 

'I don’t think there will be too many fans criticising or questioning his selection. The emotional comedown of a final can have an affect. 

'Liverpool playing their best team in the Champions League final is a better team than Real Madrid. I don’t think they should get too emotional about the league.'

Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup with a Champions League final

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