Liverpool set for big Arsenal overhaul as Klopp makes big Salah call
Klopp says Liverpool must accept 'tough period'
Liverpool fielded a rejigged side against Chelsea in midweek, though Jurgen Klopp could bring in some of his more frequent starters to face Arsenal on Sunday. Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara have both returned to fitness, and the duo could be thrown in at the deep end against the table-topping Gunners.
A victory for the Reds at Anfield will see them move back into touching distance of European football, though they will know what a significant task they have on their hands to secure all three points.
Klopp will be relying on all of his players to rise to the occasion, as they did against Manchester United previously, if his side are to ensure they aren’t put to the sword by Arsenal. Express Sport takes a look at his potential starting XI…
Goalkeeper: Alisson
It’s hard to see Klopp opting to drop Alisson for one of the biggest games of the season. The Brazil international has been a saving grace in the Liverpool side so far this campaign, and he will need to be at his very best if he is to register his 12th clean sheet of the campaign.
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Defence: Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Andrew Robertson and Van Dijk were among the host of changes made against Chelsea, though appears the likeliest contenders to return to the starting line-up. Trent Alexander-Arnold was also rested against the Blues and could relegate Joe Gomez to the bench given that Liverpool will be relying on pinpoint accuracy to unpick the Arsenal defence.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Cody Gakpo
Captain Jordan Henderson has provided some much-needed confidence to Liverpool’s midfield, and it is hard to see the England international being dropped for what will be an incredibly high-intensity fixture. Liverpool’s midfield has been central to their issues this season, and the 32-year-old may be the best placeholder available until new arrivals are brought in over the summer.
Cody Gakpo could also return to Klopp’s starting line-up, with the No 10 showing that he is capable of counter-attacking at pace as well as doing his defensive duties in the centre of the park. Injury returnee Thiago Alcantara could also be the selection to complete the midfield trio, with Fabinho still not convincing many that he is the force of old.
Defence: Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Andrew Robertson and Van Dijk were among the host of changes made against Chelsea, though appears the likeliest contenders to return to the starting line-up. Trent Alexander-Arnold was also rested against the Blues and could relegate Joe Gomez to the bench given that Liverpool will be relying on pinpoint accuracy to unpick the Arsenal defence.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Cody Gakpo
Captain Jordan Henderson has provided some much-needed confidence to Liverpool’s midfield, and it is hard to see the England international being dropped for what will be an incredibly high-intensity fixture. Liverpool’s midfield has been central to their issues this season, and the 32-year-old may be the best placeholder available until new arrivals are brought in over the summer.
Cody Gakpo could also return to Klopp’s starting line-up, with the No 10 showing that he is capable of counter-attacking at pace as well as doing his defensive duties in the centre of the park. Injury returnee Thiago Alcantara could also be the selection to complete the midfield trio, with Fabinho still not convincing many that he is the force of old.
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Roberto Firmino
Winger Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the Liverpool attack on Sunday, with Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino potentially completing the front three. Diogo Jota has looked drained of confidence in front of goal over the past few months, and Klopp may take the view that the ex-Wolves star may be better suited to influencing the game from the bench rather than the more consistent Firmino.
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