Liverpool face a tricky away trip to Brighton this weekend and the manager has a number of moving parts to contend with when it comes to picking a team.
The Reds’ unbeaten run came to an end in controversial circumstances last weekend and they will be keen to put things right on the road at the Amex.
Both Liverpool and Brighton were in Europa League action on Thursday and face quick turnarounds to get themselves ready for this one, with more changes expected again from the manager. The line-up against Union SG might give us some clues as to how we fare on Sunday, but there is plenty to talk about on the pitch.
Here’s what the Reds could look like when they return to Premier League action.
Team news
Here’s what the boss told us previewing the South Coast trip:
Thiago suffered another setback in his recovery from a hip injury
Cody Gakpo is not available but has a “good chance” to return after the break
Stefan Bajcetic’s return schedule is currently uncertain
Liverpool XI vs Brighton
Klopp’s Wednesday side were able to develop rhythm thanks to a recent two-game weekly schedule, with nine substitutes named against Union SG.
More tips are sure to come this weekend, but some of those who played on Thursday will want to keep their place against Brighton.
Ryan Gravenberch in particular produced an impressive Europa League display and will be knocking at the manager’s door in search of his first league start for the Reds.
This is how a likely 11 might look:
Gravenberch to keep his place in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai
Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to the side as an inverted full-back
Darwin Nunez to lead the line next to Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
With only a handful of fitness issues, the manager has a number of other options at his disposal should he choose to mix it up on Sunday.
Wataru Endo was removed at half-time during the 2-0 win over Union SG and could be handily placed to take the No. 6 spot against Brighton.
Ibrahima Konate has been in and out of the back four with injury problems this season and both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip will have one eye on his place given their impressive performances when they have stepped in.
An alternative Liverpool starting lineup could look something like this:
Endo to sit behind Szoboszlai and Mac Allister in the middle
Matip to partner Virgil van Dijk as he did against Tottenham
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
The Reds suffered a harsh setback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will be even more motivated than usual to rectify it this weekend. Whichever path the manager chooses, the current depth of the squad is the envy of almost everyone in Europe and Klopp has more than enough talent to meet the challenges ahead.
Brighton are a strong side and the game will be one of the toughest tests of the season, but the three points give Liverpool a great platform to build on.
