How Klopp could start v Newcastle, with Origi injury messing up Sturridge rotation plan

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been very consistent on not choosing to start Daniel Sturridge twice in a week, regardless of the striker’s form.

Before yesterday’s Merseyside Derby win, the German told the Echo he wouldn’t treat Sturridge ‘like an orange’, squeezing every bit of juice out of him – but use him cautiously to protect the forward’s gradual return to 100% fitness.

Of course, Sturridge missed most of last and this season with various injury problems, so Klopp’s plan is a smart one, despite the forward’s pleas for more minutes.

The likely plan over the next few weeks was to rotate Divock Origi and Sturridge in alternate games, meaning Sturridge would have started this weekend against Newcastle, and the young Belgian would come in for the tricky away Europa League leg against Villarreal.

But with Origi injured, and Christian Benteke and Danny Ings not yet available, Klopp has a decision to make this weekend. Expect him rest most of the side he wants to start next Thursday, so this means that Sturridge will surely stay on the bench to and be kept fresh for Villarreal. With no Origi, Sturridge has to lead the line against the Spaniards, and Klopp can’t risk his fitness in the Premier League.

If this proves to the case, Roberto Firmino is the only real option up top. Jordon Ibe and Sheyi Ojo can continue on the flanks, but we think Joe Allen will come in and play an advanced midfield role to enable Coutinho, Adam Lallana and James Milner a rest.

Kevin Stewart and Lucas can hold, as the Brazilian’s not had many matches recently, and his experience will be valuable centrally.

At the back, we’re expecting three changes from the back-five that beat Bournemouth. Jon Flanagan surely deserves an opportunity over Connor Randall, while Martin Skrtel should be fit to start alongside Kolo Toure at centre-back. Brad Smith allows Alberto Moreno a rest at left-back, while we think Simon Mignolet will start ahead of Danny Ward. The no.1 barely touched the ball against Everton and it’s not like goalkeepers need rest. Ward did well last time out, but while we can still mathematically get top four, it makes sense to choose our best stopper.

If we’re right, Liverpool could line up something like this on Saturday:

More Stories Brad Smith Daniel Sturridge Joe Allen Jordon Ibe Kevin Stewart Kolo Toure Lucas Martin Skrtel Nathaniel Clyne Roberto Firmino Sheyi Ojo Simon Mignolet