Liverpool’s second Europa League game of the season will no doubt offer opportunities for fringe players and young talent, but who is likely to start at Anfield against Union Saint-Gilloise?
The Reds have played nine games in all competitions so far, winning seven, drawing one and losing just once (in very controversial circumstances).
To put it mildly, Jurgen Klopp and the team are in good form and are firmly on the road to righting the mistakes of last season.
While of course the main focus will be on the tough away trip to Brighton at the weekend, this mid-season Europa League game offers a great opportunity to get back on the winning track and make a statement after Tottenham’s disastrous run. Hotspur Stadium.
But who is likely to get the nod?
DEPTH IN DEFENCE
Caoimhin Kelleher will almost certainly start this match. He has started in both of Liverpool’s cup games this season (against LASK and Leicester City) and has established himself over the years as a very capable back-up worthy of regular playing time.
Right, Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the Reds’ arsenal after the winger made a 20-minute cameo off the bench against Tottenham.
The 24-year-old is likely to return straight to the starting line-up on Thursday night, now that he is fully fit, so Joe Gomez can be rested.
The centre-back has been excellent on the right in Alexander-Arnold’s absence, but given the number of games he has played recently and his own injuries, it seems a safe bet to play against the Union. Saint-Gilloise. Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah could both start in midfield for Liverpool. Joel Matip was better than Konate as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back at the weekend, so it makes sense for the Frenchman to only play in midweek.
Although Quansah has gathered incredible talent at every turn this season, and the early stages of the Europa League are the perfect breeding ground for the youngster to continue to develop.
Kostas Tsimikas is likely to get the nod at left back. The Greek international didn’t have the best of games against LASK, but remains a quality rotation option who will be favored in the cup to keep Andy Robertson fresh.
MIX IN THE MIDDLE
With Jurgen Klopp admitting that Stefan Bajcetic suffered a setback against Leicester City in Como, Liverpool’s options in midfield are once again limited.
Wataru Endo looks ready to settle down in Merseyside and could make a fresh start here after an impressive Carabao Cup.
Ryan Gravenberch will no doubt be looking forward to another outing after a very solid start. The Dutchman has already registered a number of assists and has looked a monster in midfield.
While the third midfield spot is up for grabs, the most likely addition is probably Curtis Jones. The Scouser managed to start against Tottenham but lasted just 25 minutes before being sent off. Although Liverpool plan to appeal the decision, Jones is currently ruled out against Brighton and the next two home games.
Therefore, Klopp is most likely to start the 22-year-old while he can still keep as many legs fresh as possible over the weekend.
REDUCED ATTACK
Throughout the season, the attacking department was by far the strongest and deepest asset at Klopp’s disposal.
It has weakened somewhat since Gakpo’s unfortunate injury against Tottenham. Ben Doak deserves another chance to get it right. Against LASK, he had a relatively quiet game by his standards and was substituted early on, but the electric winger is only 17 and has already shown tenfold how well he could be given the right opportunities.
In Gakpo’s absence, Darwin Nuñez could usually be preferred in the middle, especially since he scored against LASK last time. However, concerns over a “bone problem” which prevented him from starting against Spurs could mean the Uruguayan remains at Brighton.
Diogo Jota could then start at center forward, while Luis Diaz is the only realistic option to play on the left.L
LIVERPOOL ALGADS XI UNIO SAINT-GILLOISE
(4-3-3): Caoimhin Kelleher; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahim Konate, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimakas; Jaro Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones; Ben Doak, Diego Jota, Luis Diaz.
