This isn’t to say it’s how we’d start, but this is the XI we predict Jurgen Klopp will choose to begin at Stamford Bridge on Friday…
If we pick up a draw we’d have eight points from five games, which included Arsenal, Spurs, Leicester and Chelsea – which wouldn’t be bad at all. A win though would put us on ten points from five games, having played four of our direct rivals already.
(Shame we lost to Burnley, eh…?)
With this being such a crunch clash, the boss will be ruthless in his team-selection. He’s not afraid of dropping in-form players if he doesn’t think they’ll suit the tactics he wants for a certain opposition. For this reason, we can see Daniel Sturridge cruelly making way, despite his superb performance against Leicester at the weekend.
SEE MORE:
(Video) Suarez bagged this insane goal for Barca in 7-0 disemboweling of poor Rodgers’ Celtic
The striker made one goal and was heavily involved in another thanks to his excellent movement, but with Coutinho fully fit and raring to go, Sturridge is the most likely to make way.
Between the sticks, Loris Karius is fully fit, but until Simon Mignolet commits a blunder, the spot in goal is his. Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner are automatic picks at right and left-back, while Joel Matip can now be considered a guaranteed starting centre-half. Alongside him, We predict Dejan Lovren will return from his black eye to play, replacing Lucas at the back.
Emre Can is fit, but Liverpool have begun with a central three of Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana in all four Premier League games so far, and we can’t see Friday being any different yet. The German will provide steel from the bench if needee
If we’re right and Coutinho does replace Sturridge, he’ll play from the left, allowing Roberto Firmino to fulfil his deep-lying centre-forward role. Sadio Mane, of course, provides pace and dynamism on the break from the right-wing.
