The mighty Reds travel to the east coast for Saturday’s early kick-off against Norwich City tomorrow lunchtime.
Ahead of the game, we take a look at five key battles to watch out for:
1) Mignolet vs Norwich’s entire attack
Let’s be honest, Mignolet has not been in great form for more than a year. We saw some wobbles before Christmas last season, and despite a bit of a revival, he’s been looking ‘wobbly’ again in recent weeks.
Yes, he’s a great shot stopper, and yes, he’s kept lots of clean sheets, but he’s also at fault for a LOT of goals.
It doesn’t help that our back four have been equally fragile for almost as long as he has (if not longer).
A couple of early saves tomorrow will do him the world of good. If it gets to the second half and he’s not had much to do, it’s time to start worrying.
2) Benteke vs Norwich’s entire defence
Benteke received heaps of criticism during the week after yet another lacklustre display in the FA Cup replay against Exeter City.
He missed two one-on-ones and two simple headers, and fans were not impressed on social media after the match.
With the Alex Teixeira transfer story starting to gather pace, it’s vital that he starts producing the goods. Failure to do so could see an early exit this summer, even if Klopp is still giving him his backing at the moment.
3) Emre Can vs Wes Hoolahan
This is a potentially decisive battle in the middle of the park. And not just because it rhymes.
Can has a bit of Jekyll and Hyde about him – and not even from game to game. He can be awesome in one half and woeful in another – just look at his performance vs Arsenal two weeks ago.
Hoolahan has the potential to be one of Norwich’s most creative forces, even if he’s lacked a bit of sparkle this term. Can will need to be on top of his game for the whole 90 minutes.
4) Mamadou Sakho vs Dieudonne Mbokani Bezua
Sakho vs who?!
He might not be the most well-known striker in the division, but at 185cm this guy can cause any defence problems when the ball is in the air.
And where are we weakest defensively? Ah yes, when the ball is in the air.
Mama needs to step up, big time.
SEE MORE
Teixeira keen on LFC move
Naismith wants Norwich goal vs Liverpool
Fulton goes to Pompey
5) Jon Flanagan vs Alberto Moreno
The ‘Scouse Cafu’ finally returned to the senior side for the first team in 18 months in our 3-0 win over Exeter on Wednesday, and it’s almost certain that he’ll be on the bench again tomorrow.
Moreno has actually been enjoying his best spell at the club since Klopp’s arrival, but the left-back is still pretty poor defensively. Given we are struggling to keep goals our, our boss might fancy swapping Moreno out for a few games to see if a more defensively-minded full-back improves things.
Assume Flanno to get on the pitch at some point (injuries and score allowing). A good performance could see him elevated to the starting line-up sooner rather than later.