Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Liverpool

Liverpool could make six changes against Crystal Palace as Jurgen Klopp considers overhaul

Liverpool are next up against Crystal Palace in the Premier League with Jurgen Klopp facing some selection posers.

Liverpool’s hopes of a trophy treble were almost certainly dashed following a dismal night against Atalanta in the Europa League on Thursday.

 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

A much-changed Reds were thumped 3-0 at home in a defeat that matched their heaviest-ever reverse at Anfield in European competition.

 

Liverpool now turn their attentions back to the Premier League with the visit of Crystal Palace on Sunday. And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

 

Having surprised with an understrength team in midweek, Klopp is almost certain to go as strong as possible with the Reds looking, at least temporarily, to go top of the table. But the form and fitness of several players makes that a less than straightforward task.

 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

In goal, Alisson Becker hasn’t quite returned to full training just yet, meaning Caoimhin Kelleher will continue between the sticks despite his mistake in allowing Atalanta’s first goal to go through him. At left-back, Kostas Tsimikas looked understandably rusty on Thursday on only his second start since December with Andy Robertson, a lively substitute, poised to return.

 

Joe Gomez is an option in all defensive positions but seemed jaded against Atalanta and could be due a rest. Conor Bradley is likely to come in at right-back with Trent-Alexander Arnold still building up fitness, while Jarell Quansah could return at centre-back with neither Virgil van Dijk nor Ibrahima Konate covering themselves in glory on Thursday. Joel Matip is out for the season.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

 

Endo issue?

A big decision in midfield is whether to stick with Wataru Endo as the defensive midfielder, with the Japan international clearly still hampered by the knock that forced him to miss the win over Sheffield United last week.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

 

Alexis Mac Allister would be on standby to retreat into the number six berth, but was among many to be well off the pace against Atalanta when on the right of the engine room and will benefit from a rest whenever possible. That, though, appears unlikely on Sunday.

 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch would be alternatives on the left of the midfield three, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott – who was in the forward line on Thursday – challenging for a slot on the right, depending on Mac Allister’s involvement.

 

Bobby Clarkwas on the bench in midweek and is another option, while Stefan Bajcetic was also among the substitutes but need to build his fitness. Thiago Alcantara is out for the season.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

 

Jota wait

The return of Diogo Jota from the bench after two months out was a rare positive on Thursday, although it would be some ask for the Portuguese to play from the start against Palace.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

 

Mohamed Salah will most likely step back in on the right and Luis Diaz on the left having both been among the substitutes against Atalanta, although Cody Gakpo’s bright showing for the first hour has strengthened claims to retain his place on the left.

 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Gakpo, though, is most likely to be competing with Darwin Nunez for the central striking role. Ben Doak remains out while fellow youngsters Kaide Gordon and Jayden Danns weren’t involved in midweek.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

NFL

‎ The New England Patriots are gearing up for a crucial offseason, with the combine and free agency on the horizon. In this article,...

NFL

It has been a couple of weeks since the Cleveland Browns ended their season with a 3-14 record. The best thing the Browns had...

NFL

In this new development, Maye is facing criticism for not attending Mike Vrabel’s introductory press conference as the new head coach of the New...

NFL

The New England Patriots finished the 2024 season with a 4-13 record, giving them one of the worst records in the NFL and putting...

Advertisement