Liverpool’s likely formation v Stoke as Klopp makes multiple changes

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Jurgen Klopp has fulfilled expectations by making numerous changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with Stoke City.

The German has unsurprisingly rotated his team with Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second-leg against Roma in mind.

Injuries to key players have also evidently played a role, with Liverpool currently left with a depleted selection of midfield options.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s season-ending knee problem has seen the 24-year-old join Emre Can and Adam Lallana on the sidelines, leaving Klopp to seemingly revert to a back three at Anfield.

The inclusion of both Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold comes as something of a surprise, with the pair having shared the workload at right-back in Nathaniel Clyne’s absence throughout the season.

Gomez looks likely to line up as part of a central defensive trio alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ragnar Klavan, with Alexander-Arnold and Alberto Moreno posing as wing-backs either side.

Despite suggestions, it looks unlikely Alexander-Arnold will be deployed in the central midfield role he started off his youth career playing in.

James Milner has been handed a deserved rest ahead of Wednesday’s game at the Stadio Olimpico, giving Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum added responsibility as a midfield pairing.

Danny Ings has also retained his place in the team after starting and scoring in last weekend’s 2-2 draw over West Brom. His search for top form is boosted by the surrounding support of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, with the latter looking to score for the eighth home Premier League game in a row.

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