Jurgen Klopp’s played strong sides in Europe so far, rotating only a few players. With the Swansea game in mind, he’ll have some decisions to make regarding Thursday’s fixture.
Taking all these things into account, here’s a side we think will be pretty close to the one that takes the field at Anfield versus Bordeaux, and why.
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GK) Simon Mignolet
Mignolet has started Europa League ties, while Adam Bogdan has had to be content with appearances in the League Cup. For this reason, the Belgian will surely remain between the sticks.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne
A win would practically guarantee our progression in Europe, so expect the same back five to start at Anfield that did at the Etihad.
DC) Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian enjoyed his best performance of the season against Manchester City, and with Mamadou Sakho out until Christmas, he’ll need to prove he can continue leading the defence in the same vein.
DC) Dejan Lovren
Impressive at the Etihad, Lovren knows it’ll take more than one strong showing to prove to Liverpool fans he’s up to the challenge. He now has a run of games in which to prove it.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Jose Enrique is still not 100%, playing an Under-21 game at the end of last week, so his younger Spanish counterpart will continue at left-back.
DMC) Joe Allen
In one of only two changes we expect from Saturday, Joe Allen could come in centrally to give Lucas, superb at the weekend, a rest. The Brazilian is going to be crucial to our chances all season long but Allen provides decent backup.
MRC) James Milner
The Thursday tie should come too soon for Jordan Henderson who has yet to start full training, and with Jordan Rossiter still out, Klopp has little choice but to continue with Milner and Can.
MLC) Emre Can
Impressive at City, as everyone was in fairness, Can needs to maintain that level if he’s to stay in the side upon his captain Henderson’s return.
AMRC) Jordon Ibe
Coutinho injured his hamstring against City, and even if he is fit enough to play on Thursday, it’d be mad to risk him ahead of the weekend. Ibe scored last time he played in Europe against Rubin, and deserves a chance in the talisman’s absence.
AMLC) Adam Lallana
Becoming a crucial player for Jurgen Klopp, Lallana’s cleverness and intricacy helps Liverpool tick in the final third. He needs to contribute more to the goals and assists charts, however, or he’ll be the one makes ways when Coutinho is back.
FC) Roberto Firmino
Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke will both be hoping for a start, but how can Firmino realistically be dropped following his performance at City? There’s a chance one of Sturridge or Benteke could start centrally with Firmino withdrawn, but there seems little reason switching him when he played so well as a false 9. Expect Sturridge to at least feature from the bench, however.
