It is straight back to Thursday action for Jurgen Klopp‘s side as Toulouse arrive at Anfield, but how should the Reds line up for the Europa League contest?
There is little rest for Liverpool as they get back to their midweek/weekend schedule, now aiming to continue their perfect start to their European campaign against Toulouse.
Klopp has readily rotated his side when it comes to these fixtures, but he has a number of injuries and selection dilemmas to consider. The French arrive with the second best record in Group E (four points) and Klopp will not underestimate Liverpool’s opponents.
So here we discuss how the manager can build his side at Anfield, with David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc), Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) and Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) giving their views.
Left back conundrum, who is your pick for the XI?
DAVID: I know there have been calls to bring Joe Gomez on the pitch in that role, but he seems to be Trent Alexander-Arnold’s understudy at right-back at the moment, so he will definitely start there.
That leaves room for an academy graduate at left-back, and based on Sunday’s under-21 game, Luke Chambers should get the nod. Like Jarell Quansah, he was withdrawn after just 45 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Benfica at Kirkby, meaning he looks set to make his first senior start.
I think this is the right decision because his impressive growth makes him more ready for men’s soccer than any other possible choice. He’s also a very good player, so I’m glad to see him get this opportunity.
JOANNA.
It might be asking a lot of him when we look at the games on the horizon, but it could be a pre-planned change with youngster Calum Scanlon or Chambers. Hopefully this is a match that will boost Kostas’ confidence and give Scanlon or Chambers a taste of senior football at Anfield.
JACK: It’s a shame Conor Bradley isn’t fit yet because these games would suit him perfectly for Trent – and his absence will have an impact elsewhere.
Personally, Gomez should be first choice at left back ahead of Tsimika, but that doesn’t seem likely.
There is an argument that he should take the left in this game, but then, as David points out, he is really needed on the right.
Scanlon looked better against Benfica, but Chambers is more of a first-team ready youngster. He is my choice.
One European start for the moment, but Alisson or Kelleher in goal?
DAVID: With Caoimhin Kelleher now fully fit, he’s bound to come here.
The Irishman is too good to waste the season on the bench and these group games are a great opportunity for him to gain some much needed experience.
As with the rest of the squad, Liverpool’s final is a tougher choice, but that’s not a problem at the moment. JOANNA: Honestly, I go back and forth on that. I think Kelleher is more than capable and I wouldn’t bat an eye if he started, but I’ll tell Ali about that one.
He sat out both matches in Brazil and had little to do against Everton. He is fresh and I am sure he will want to add another clean sheet to his record.
JACK: It must be Kelleher.
Seven games are played over 23 days and while goalkeeper is not the most physically demanding role, rotation is still necessary. In the schedule, Klopp can afford: Kelleher (Toulouse), Alisson (Forest), Kelleher (Bournemouth), Alisson (Luton), Kelleher (Toulouse), Alisson (Brentford).
Then another international break – joy.
Does the midfield pick itself or could it be a curve ball?
DAVID: I think it’s a game where he chooses himself, to be honest. Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo are not currently in the Premier League squad, but will need to be on their toes if called up. And how could you deny starting Harvey Elliott given how impressive he has been off the bench this season? He earned a second chance.
JOANNA: Seems like a pretty easy pick considering Curtis Jones is still suspended for Sunday’s league game.
It’s hard for me to see anything other than Endo, Elliott and Jones in the midfield – the previous two have been consistent members of a twisted midfield and it’s nice to build those connections because we need them all the time. in season
JACK: I agree. This is definitely an Endo option.
Jones had a dead afternoon in the league, while Elliott’s form for both club and country must be applauded.
I’d like to see Gravenberch again – he’s so nice to watch – but he’ll be needed this weekend, along with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
How many changes should Klopp make and what XI would you pick?
JACK: For me, a lot depends on whether Gakpo is okay. If he is ready to start I can see him coming in, Jota played a full 90 in the derby and Diaz was only brought on late.
Even if he doesn’t, we’re still likely to see at least nine changes: Alisson, Trent, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Jota all miss out.
Kelleher; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Chambers; Endo, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
JOANNA: I expect to see at least seven changes, with Joel Matip, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez all involved in defence, with Nunez up top again.
It would be the same striker we saw last time against Union SG when we saw changes at half time and I would expect the same again – Gakpo is one of them fitness permitting!
Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Jota, Nunez
DAVID: If there is a chance to make 11 changes in this competition, Klopp has to
