Liverpool team news – Predicted XI vs Brentford as six miss out
Liverpool will be hoping to get back to winning ways today when they host Brentford at Anfield, although Jurgen Klopp will be forced to make some changes to his squad. Express Sport takes a look at what Klopp’s starting line-up could be.
Goalkeeper: Alisson
No real danger here of Alisson losing his spot as Liverpool’s No 1. Caoimhin Kelleher is being given minutes in the group stages of the Europa League and has proven in the past that he’s an adequate back-up option.
But Alisson is still seen as one of the world’s best goalkeepers and has no known fitness issues that would suggest a change in between the sticks today.
Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez
Virgil van Dijk will be expected to return to the side after missing the trip to Toulouse with an illness in a boost for Klopp. But it’s on the left side of defence where the Liverpool manager has a decision to make.
Kostas Tsimikas has looked shaky so far this season when stepping into Andy Robertson’s shoes. Klopp will be desperate to have the Scotland international back soon, but that’s still several weeks away.
Joe Gomez has shown promise in an unorthodox role on the left and may be preferred to Tsimikas against Brentford.
Midfield: Endo, Szoboszlai, Elliott
The international break comes at a good time for Klopp as injuries are starting to mount up in the midfield. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are both doubts while Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic remain out injured and Alexis Mac Allister is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
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That only leaves Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott as the senior options to start in midfield against Brentford. Cody Gakpo was tried in the attacking midfield role during pre-season, but Klopp will want the Dutchman as an option further forward.
Attack: Salah, Nunez, Jota
It’s turned into somewhat of a lottery for who Klopp goes with in the two attacking positions alongside Mohamed Salah. Klopp is spoilt for choice with Darwin Nunez, Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all capable of starting and being game-winners on any given day.
Gakpo and Diaz started in the week against Toulouse, meaning the other three are likely fresh to start against Brentford. But Klopp could easily shake things up as Liverpool’s frontline struggled to impress against Luton last week.
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