Our writers pick their team for Wednesday’s match between the Reds and Sheffield United.
Ian Doyle – Szoboslai needs a breakLiverpool will be wary of the arrival of a new manager at Sheffield United this evening, but it certainly wouldn’t be the first time the prospect of playing for Jurgen Klopp’s side has forced changes in the opposition’s jaws.
But what should Klopp do if this is a mid-table game in the Premier League and not a cup competition?
There is no doubt that there will be no change in goals. Caoimhin Kelleher and Alisson Becker are not yet available. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains at right-back and Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, but Ibrahima Konate could play at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk due to Joel Matip’s injury.
‘Midfielders see rotation. Dominik Soboslay needs rest, Harvey Elliott is available and Curtis Jones replaces Ryan Gravenbirch. Alexis McAllister held on for sixth. And on offense, it was time to move Darwin Nunes off the snap and insert Cody Gakpo under center.
Mohamed Salah on the right, Luis Diaz on the left. My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dyck, Tsimikas; McAllister, Elliot, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Paul Horst
The visit of bottom-placed Sheffield United could be an opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to rest and make a change, with Crystal Palace scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
But with Red’s poor performances against newly promoted teams and the fact that the fabled ‘new manager boom’ is likely to have a major impact on Chris Wilder, can Klopp be as strong as he can be?
Alisson Becker has been ruled out for the game, with the Brazilian hoping to make a comeback at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal behind the back four with Joe Gomez coming in on the left. Ibrahima Konate works with captain Virgil van Dijk.
In the middle, Wataru Endo will debut, Dominic Szoboslay and Ryan Gravenburch will take a break, and Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones will play instead. Alexis McAllister could also be waiting at Bramall Lane.
Playing every gun behind the front three can be a good tactic for a team facing 39 players in the league. This is the second worst record in Premier League history this season.
Above, Mohamed Salah starts on the right, Darwin Nunes in the center and Luis Diaz on the left. Klopp had some positive news on Diogo Jota on Tuesday, but it’s too early for this game.
My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomes; Endo, Jones, Gakpo; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Theo Squires – A new pod has been released
Problems with newly promoted teams have not been Liverpool’s friend in recent months. A new manager has been appointed as Chris Wilder and Sheffield United looked to bounce back from the inevitable humiliation of a 5-0 defeat at Burnley.
But after seeing Arsenal beat Luton Town in a seven-goal thriller last night, the Reds will need to find a way to get things done at Bramall Lane if they are to stay top of the table.
After Sunday’s win over Fulham, it’s tempting to say it’s time for Trent Alexander-Arnold to step up to midfield. But he must be patient to take advantage of this opportunity.
With Joel Matip out and Jurgen Klopp suggesting Kostas Tsimikas could be rested, Liverpool’s vice-captain will remain at right-back for the time being.
Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez form the back four along with Virgil van Dijk.Unused substitutes Curtis Jones and Heavy Elliott are likely to start on Sunday as United again showed vigor.
Ryan Gravenbirch is out and Dominik Soboslay can be rested. Wataru Endo may be unlucky if the impressive Alexis McAllister fails to keep his place. In attack, Cody Gakpo was brought on for Darwin Nunes as Liverpool’s drought in Uruguay was extended to six matches.
Luis Diaz remains on the left, Diogo Jota remains injured and Mohamed Salah is again looking for his 150th Premier League goal and 200th goal for United. Echipa Menin (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Elliott, McAlister, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
