Predicted XI v Huddersfield: Klopp to rest three names with one eye on Barcelona

Posted by

We think Friday’s game against Huddersfield will be the only one Jurgen Klopp can name a side that could be considered slightly less than ‘full strength’ until the end of the season.

The reason being is that Huddersfield are already relegated, an undeniably poor team and that Liverpool are at home – where we haven’t lost in 37 Premier League matches…

As a result, we reckon Klopp will give his first-choice fullbacks, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, a breather before the midweek trip to Barcelona – where they’ll have to do an incredible amount of work up the flanks.

In their place, Joe Gomez can make his first start since his injury and James Milner can ably fill in at left-back.

This will limit our creativity down the wings, but hopefully we’ll still have enough to carve out a number of chances against Jan Siewert’s side.

In midfield, we reckon Fabinho will not play due to his head injury picked up on Sunday, allowing Gini Wijnaldum to hold, with Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita either side.

Up top, we think Sadio Mane might get a well-deserved rest, with Divock Origi down the left, Mo Salah down the right and Roberto Firmino in his regular false-nine role.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, van Dijk, Milner; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Origi, Firmino

Thoughts, Reds?

More Stories Huddersfield Jürgen Klopp