Klopp says he’s going to pick £67m Liverpool player to start against Forest

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Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday that Alisson Becker will face Nottingham Forest on Sunday for Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Alisson Becker will play between the sticks for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp made that clear in a press conference, simply saying “It’s Ali” when asked for his plan.

Caoimhin Kelleher has, of course, been Liverpool’s primary goalkeeper in the cup competitions. Klopp even gave him the nod in the EFL Cup final. That was a huge call that eventually paid off with a trophy.

But it seems he won’t get the same position in the FA Cup, now that Liverpool are into the latter stages. They’ve never actually been this far under Klopp, in fact, and this is by far their best opportunity to deliver the trophy.

Kelleher may need to sacrifice his role for that to happen – but it shows the feeling at Liverpool right now. They want trophies.

Alisson Becker to play for Liverpool vs Forest

Goalkeepers certainly don’t need as much rest and rotation as outfield players but this is still a big decision from Klopp. No one would have looked twice if he’d stuck in Kelleher against Championship opposition.

Really, that felt like the natural option here – it’s unclear how the Irishman plays again this season if not in this game. But Klopp wants his No.1 goalkeeper out there. It’s a big sign that he’s taking the FA Cup more seriously than ever.

And with good reason. Not only is this as far as he’s ever gotten but Liverpool boast a squad that can truly compete on their three remaining fronts. They can afford to go all-out in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup without too much worry about rotation – a luxury Klopp hasn’t had at the club before.

If Alisson is starting, we imagine there will be a fairly strong side at the City Ground.