Jurgen Klopp has decided to field Joe Gomez at right-back today, with Dejan Lovren alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
Lovren hasn’t started a game in the Premier League yet, but Klopp thought it the right time to bring the World Cup semi-finalist back into the fold, at the expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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In fairness, Trent wasn’t at his best against Napoli midweek and could maybe do with a rest, considering he’s still only a teenager and has been an automatic starter for us so far.
Gomez has been sensational at centre-back and we can only hope he reproduces the form in a less favoured position.
He’ll be directly up against Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, who will switch wings throughout the Anfield clash.
Here’s what Liverpool fans have made of the selection:
Klopp analysed Napoli performance forensically, with stats back up. Trent's energy levels down, understandable for young player during hugely intensive period. Needs brief respite, gets it. Simple decision. Keita didn't train Thurs, Fri; simple again #LFC https://t.co/cLQ2ncfgtB
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) October 7, 2018
Why they benching Trent on his birthday
— Lauren (@_laurendoherty_) October 7, 2018
Not massively surprised to see Trent benched for #LFC – he wasn't great at Napoli and needs a rest after the World Cup. No Clyne or Moreno on the bench.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) October 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/1048946498199805952
Klopp when Trent asked if he could play on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/7oHZUgsHC0
— Max (@max_RF9) October 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1048946198785249282
Probably Trent when he saw his name not in the starting XI on his birthday. #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/ixKGVmV2mc
— MSZ (@ThisIsMS2) October 7, 2018
Trent had back to back poor games defensively. He's not irreplaceable. Klopp doing the right thing playing the defensively sound Gomez at RB. *Cue the miserable Liverpool fans who can't wait for Lovren to make a mistake to get on his back*.
— An🇺🇾 (@AnfieldAn) October 7, 2018