Liverpool have the opportunity to all-but-guarantee their qualification into the last 16 of the Champions League if they secure victory at Anfield on Tuesday night against fellow Group E opponents Genk.
The European champions emerged from a resounding victory when the two teams faced off in Belgium a fortnight ago. A magnificent brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah completed the rout to ensure the Reds remain in pole position to qualify into the knockout stages.
But what changes must Klopp make ahead of the reverse fixture under the Anfield lights?
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Joe Gomez
The Liverpool centre-back has recently fallen out of favour with Klopp following his lengthy injury from a fractured leg back in December 2018. The former Charlton Athletic defender has only made one league start all season, after falling behind in the pecking order to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.
However, Gomez, 22, must be given the nod against the Belgian champions considering Matip is on the sidelines for the next few weeks, while Lovren and Van Dijk must be managed cautiously considering the Premier League champions are in town at the weekend.
The England international will likely partner Van Dijk in the heart of the defence, and he will be determined to rediscover the devastating form of last season that saw him form an unstoppable partnership with the current PFA Player of the Year.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
An obvious selection to most. Oxlade-Chamberlain simply has to start for the Reds on Tuesday night. The former Arsenal midfielder proved to be the difference in the previous bout after netting two sumptuous finishes that placed the Reds in a commanding 2-0 lead.
The 26-year-old followed that performance up with a Steven Gerrard-like pile-driver against his former club in the Carabao Cup victory against Arsenal last week. With the trusted midfield trident needing a rest ahead of Sunday’s title clash with Manchester City, the former Southampton prodigy must be given the go-ahead.
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Divock Origi
The man for the big occasions. Divock Origi thrives on nights under the famous Anfield cauldron. After netting a late brace to rescue the Reds from the brink of League Cup elimination against Arsenal, its time for Origi to be unleashed on the continental stage.
The former Genk striker should be a shoo-in for Klopp’s starting XI and would be the perfect option to provide Mohamed Salah with a much-needed night off. The Egyptian forward limped off against Tottenham last week following a reoccurring ankle injury and was not like his potent self at Villa Park on the weekend.
The inclusion of Origi will also allow Mane to take the central attacking position and continue with his destructive goal-scoring exploits. It’s a change that is a real no-brainer and one that could benefit Liverpool come Sunday against the Citizens.