Jurgen Klopp is likely to make a few changes from the side that just beat FC Rubin on Thursday evening. Some guaranteed starters, such as Skrtel, Lucas and Coutinho will come back in, while the manager has a decision to make in the attacking wide areas following Ibe’s European performance..
Here’s who we think he’ll go for:
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian’s conceded just three goals since Jurgen Klopp arrived. The new manager rates him, and will be sticking with his first-choice back five bar injuries.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne
Randall’s crocked, and Clyne will continue at right-back. Let’s hope he has enough energy following his lung-busting performance on Thursday.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Defensively troubled at Chelsea, Moreno will be keen to make up for it back at Anfield.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Rested midweek for Dejan Lovren, Skrtel will be back in the side for the visit of Alan Pardew’s side.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
An automatic selection at the heart of defence now, thankfully. The Frenchman should deal with Yannick Bolasie better than Lovren did last season.
MC) Lucas
Joe Allen should make way for our Brazilian anchorman who’s been superb all season. Expect a physical midfield battle with James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye.
MC) James Milner
We think Emre Can may drop out so Milner can start centrally, in the 4-2-3-1. The stand in skipper was taken off after an hour in Russia, presumably to keep him fresh for the Palace game.
AM/FC) Roberto Firmino
Thriving in the central no.10 role, Firmino’s been the creative hub of the side during Klopp’s past three victories. Hopefully he can score his maiden Liverpool goal, too.
AMLC) Coutinho
Didn’t play against Rubin so should be fresh. If he plays as well as he did last weekend against Chelsea, we’re in for a treat. He’ll start from the left, but essentially be given free reign of the final third.
AMR) Jordon Ibe
How can Ibe not start following Thursday’s MOTM performance, capped off with his first goal? His pace and direct running adds something Adam Lallana (also playing well) doesn’t. Klopp will go with one of these two, but we think the teenager might get the nod.
FC) Christian Benteke
With Daniel Sturridge still unavailable, the Belgian powerhouse will lead the line again.
