Confirmed Liverpool lineup & reaction as Klopp forced into changes v Arsenal

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Here’s the confirmed Liverpool lineup v Arsenal at Anfield today. The Reds hope to get back to winning ways.

Liverpool dropped points in both of their last two Premier League fixtures before the international break. Now they’re up against a resurgent Arsenal side that hasn’t lost since August.

Jurgen Klopp says what the Gunners are doing ‘is not normal’ right now – they’re not a side he’ll want to face right now.

On top of that, Liverpool have several injuries to contend with. The problems are particularly bad in midfield and, heading into this one, the Reds could only definitely count on two central players.

Throw in a doubt over Andy Robertson and an injury to Roberto Firmino and the Liverpool squad looks quite light. Let’s see what Klopp’s going with, then.

Confirmed Liverpool lineup v Arsenal

Alisson

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Joel Matip

Virgil van Dijk

Kostas Tsimikas

Fabinho

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Thiago

Mohamed Salah

Diogo Jota

Sadio Mane

Alisson
Alexander-Arnold – Matip – Van Dijk – Tskimikas
Fabinho
Oxlade-Chamberlain – Thiago
Salah – Jota – Mane

In the end, it’s what we predicted this morning (after having to change that prediction with all the injuries). Not that it was a difficult one to get right – half the squad has doubts over them.

And there wasn’t any need to risk players here. Yes, Arsenal are a very good side but the busiest period of the season is coming up. Making sure the likes of Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson are ready for that is the smart move.

We also happen to think that Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago are good fits to beat Arsenal today. Hopefully, we’re right about that one, too.

There is one issue, though – the bench. Liverpool have several teenagers there and lack senior options to change this one. Tyler Morton, in particular, could be someone Klopp turns to.

Reaction

People are worried about the bench, then. It’s understandable as the Reds really don’t have much to call on here.

But perhaps this is an opportunity for a youngster to make a name for himself. That’s a very optimistic look at things – but it’s all we’ve got.