How the Reds should line up against Watford

Posted by

The Reds are finally back in action after the international break today – heading to Watford to face the Hornets, who have been in good form this season.

With a full squad, apart from Adam Lallana, who has a slight injury, to choose from, there are plenty of options for Jurgen Klopp to select.

The back five – Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson – almost picks itself, although Klopp could choose to rest a couple of players with PSG and Everton to come in the next week.

Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno could come in, for example, to give Gomez and Robertson time to prepare for a huge six weeks of matches.

READ MORE:
Gomez aims dig at international breaks as LFC prepare for ‘tough’ festive period

Likewise, the front three essentially picks itself – it is highly unlikely that Sadio Mane, who agreed a new contract this week, will not be joined by Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.

In midfield is where there are the most options: could the fit-again Jordan Henderson return, or will he be left for the midweek game against PSG?

We’d go with Xherdan Shaqiri, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation, although Klopp might like to go with his trusted James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Henderson combination.

WATCH: Eibar v Real Madrid Live Stream

We’d also like to see Naby Keita get a start – he’s not likely to start his first game after injury away in Paris in the Champions League, or in the Merseyside derby, so starting him here makes sense. The Guinean needs game time sooner rather than later.

While Wijnaldum has been excellent this season, he’ll be needed against both PSG and Everton, so he should have a rest here, allowing either Fabinho or Henderson to play alongside Keita in the two.

Whatever side Klopp picks, it needs to collect all three points – and there’s no reason that any potential combination can’t do that.

More Stories Jürgen Klopp Naby Keita Xherdan Shaqiri