Liverpool are likely to make two changes from the side that defeated Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Telegraph journalist Chris Bascombe confirmed that English pair Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Jenderson would be missing yesterday, which ties Klopp’s hands in terms of selection.
Daniel Sturridge NOT in squad for tomorrow. Jordan Henderson also absent.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) January 1, 2016
Simon Mignolet will naturally continue in goal and with Martin Skrtel injured, the back four picks itself. Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho picked up consecutive clean-sheets during the Christmas fixtures, and will be looking to add another today.
Without captain Henderson, James Milner would be expected to come in, but the vice-captain’s also injured, so with Joe Allen out sick, Lucas is a virtual guarantee to play alongside Emre Can in a midfield pivot. Klopp has no other options!
Divock Origi and Sturridge are out injured, so the only question in attacking midfield and up top is whether Jordon Ibe will come in.
We think the 20-year-old will due to the intense run of January matches, possibly replacing Adam Lallana who’s looked lacklustre recently and has played plenty of matches.
This means Ibe could start on the right, with Firmino off Christian Benteke, and Coutinho out on the left.
Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Lucas, Can; Ibe, Firmino, Coutinho; Benteke
Thoughts, Reds?
