Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp got his starting XI spot on against Manchester City on Sunday.
With so many options in defence, midfield and particularly in attack, Klopp has tough decisions each and every time he picks his team.
With a fortnight between matches, there will probably be a few changes for Liverpool’s next game at home to Leicester City.
We have picked out three changes from Liverpool’s starting line-up against City which could be made…
James Milner in for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Perhaps the one alteration that picks itself for Klopp. According to The Times, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be out for up to four weeks following a calf injury sustained during the 1-1 stalemate with City.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
The manager does have a like-for-like replacement in the form of Neco Williams to deputise for the 21-year-old West Derby defender although given his limited experience, it could be deemed too early to throw Williams into such an important fixture.
The 19-year-old academy graduate has clocked up just six Premier League appearances for the Reds since making his debut over a year ago. Utilising the ever-so reliable Milner at right-back could be considered the more responsible alternative.
Fabinho in for Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum did his job well against City without ever really taking hold of the game.
He touched the ball 65 times yet failed to register a key pass or shot at goal for the Reds.
Having been a constant outlet in the first-half, Pep Guardiola nullified Wijnaldum’s influence in the second period and the Dutch international was caught cold in possession on a number of occasions.
Wijnaldum has been extremely influential and durable for Liverpool this season, yet there is a sinking feeling that other options can benefit the team to a greater extent, particularly when in possession.
Against a counter-attacking unit as formidable as Leicester City, Liverpool will need a more balanced system to the one they utilised at the Etihad Stadium – Fabinho is the perfect player to provide the defensive nous required to frustrate the Foxes.
The Brazil international has been nursing a hamstring injury in recent weeks although reports from The Daily Mail and The Athletic indicate Fabinho could be back in contention for the welcoming of Brendan Rodgers’ outfit later this month.
Thiago Alcantara for Roberto Firmino
We are still yet to see Thiago Alcantara make his Anfield debut following on from his £25 million move from Bayern Munich earlier this summer – supporters are crying out to see the Spaniard at the home of the Premier League champions.
Roberto Firmino flattered to deceive once again, failing to register a single shot on target at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a flat performance yet again from the Brazilian No.9 who was hooked just after the hour mark for Xherdan Shaqiri.
With the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota all currently enjoying a rich reign of goalscoring form, reverting back to a 4-3-3 approach with Thiago operating alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho could do some serious damage.
- Daniel Agger sends Melwood farewell message to supporters
- Alan Shearer says Joel Matip made Liverpool more solid v Manchester City
- Liverpool fans react to Trent Alexander-Arnold injury update
- Raheem Sterling sends a four-word message to Alexander-Arnold
- ‘One last time’: Jordan Henderson sends emotional message to Liverpool supporters
- Jurgen Klopp will be the first to defend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- Liverpool fans drooling over Jordan Henderson Champions League video
- Thiago Alcantara absence leaves Klopp with big decision to make