For us, Jurgen Klopp should make four changes from the side that lost to Leicester City on Tuesday evening.
Alberto Moreno should firstly make way for Jon Flanagan at left-back. The Spaniard’s decision making has simply not been up to scratch recently, and he was dreadful at the King Power Stadium. Flanagan is defensively better, and proved during the 2013/14 season that he’s equally adept at left-back.
Next, we don’t need Lucas’s defensive characteristics at home to Sunderland, we need passers who can break them down – and for this reason – we’d select Joe Allen at the base of midfield instead. The Welshman should already be starting Premier League games, but now, Klopp surely has no little choice but to pick him.
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The skipper, if fit, should keep his spot – despite the fact he’s been very poor in recent fixtures. He does provide a midfield goal presence and can play killer passes, unlike many of his central team-mates.
But we’re taking Emre Can out. The young German needs a rest and has not been playing well either. In his place, we’re bringing James Milner back from the wing into the midfield three – freeing up two positions on the flanks.
When used out wide, Milner and Adam Lallana have been woefully uncreative. Instead, we’re going with pace, power and youth – giving Sheyi Ojo his first Premier League start, with Jordon Ibe on the other flank. The pair can dribble, run and the younger Ojo has an eye for goal, as displayed by his FA Cup striker v Exeter.
Up top, we’re sticking with Roberto Firmino ahead of Christian Benteke. The Brazilian has done well as a false-9, but has lacked support with Milner and Lallana out wide. Hopefully with some pace and movement alongside him he can re-find the form that saw him grab braces against Arsenal and Norwich in January.
What are your thoughts, Reds? Is this side too ruthless on the XI v Leicester, or not ruthless enough…?
Daniel Sturridge miraculously completed a full training session earlier this week, but there is no danger of Klopp risking him against Sunderland.