Liverpool face another crucial Premier League game as they head to take on Sheffield United on Wendesday.
With Untied rock-bottom of the table, they now have a new manager at the helm. Chris Wilder has returned to the hot-seat at Brammall Lane, which is likely to help create a rocking atmosphere tomorrow evening. Here’s the XI we expect Jurgen Klopp to send out to ruin Wilder’s big day.
Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher had a difficult game against Fulham on Sunday. But with Alisson Becker still injured, the Irishman will start a third game in a row for the first time in his Liverpool career.
In-front of him is more difficult to predict. However, after a stunning display at the weekend, we don’t see how Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn’t continue at right-back.
As a result of Joel Matip’s injury, a change will be needed at centre-back. We’d expect Ibrahima Konate to be the man to come in, with Virgil van Dijk keeping his place.
With games coming quickly now, rotation will be needed from Klopp. But we don’t think that will come at left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas given the chance to extend his good form.
Midfield
With the defence largely the same, we think that the changes from Klopp are more likely to come in his midfield.
Not only did Wataru Endo score a delightful equaliser against Fulham, but Liverpool looked noticeably better with him on the pitch. He should be rewarded with a start in South Yorkshire.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
So too should another goal scorer – Alexis Mac Allister – who we think will be the man Klopp picks to add some continuity to the middle of the park.
With another game to come on Saturday lunchtime, we’re backing the manager to also go with Curtis Jones, who got a goal the last time Liverpool played on this ground nearly three years ago.
Attack
WIthout Diogo Jota, Jurgen is really going to have to find a balance when picking his attack over this period.
For tomorrow, we think that will see him make just one change to the three that started against Fulham.
Mohamed Salah will start again as he aims to bag his 200th goal for the club. Meanwhile Luis Diaz should be given the opportunity to play his way back into some form for Liverpool.
So, with that in mind, we think the change will come with Darwin Nunez making way for Cody Gakpo. Gakpo was lively off the bench on Sunday and was ‘blistering’ last Thursday against LASK.
He’s an able deputy to Nunez, who’s barren run is now a slight concern.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Sheffield United: Kelleher; Alexnder-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz