Jurgen Klopp has a big decision ahead as Darwin Nunez returns for the Merseyside derby. Roberto Firmino is in great form for Liverpool.
Two wins and a defeat. That’s what Liverpool managed without Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan seeing out a three-game suspension for violent conduct this week.
It’s not a perfect record, obviously, and we still wish Nunez has been able to face Manchester United. Still, the Reds avoided a disaster. Now the striker is back and Jurgen Klopp has a big decision to make.
Does the big summer signing go straight back in to face Everton this Saturday? Steve McManaman, doing punditry for BT Sport, doesn’t expect so.
“I dont’ think he’ll play, particularly in a derby match,” he said. “[Stick with Firmino], I’d say so at the moment.”
Darwin Nunez and the Merseyside derby
On form, Firmino should absolutely keep his place. The Brazilian was phenomenal against Bournemouth at the weekend and put in another fine display against Newcastle United.
But this would be three games in the space of a week for Firmino. It’s a lot and if Nunez is anything right now, he’s fresh.
That might just swing Klopp’s favour, given Liverpool have so few fresh players right now. Injuries throughout the squad have left little option but to play the same XI every week.
Calling on fresh legs is a true bonus right now, then, particularly when Everton get an extra day’s rest for this one. They saw out a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Tuesday, rather than Wednesday.
Perhaps Firmino’s form is just too good to ignore right now, though. He’s also the experienced option when it comes to games like this, with Nunez representing more of a wildcard for the derby.
But then, it’s a derby – perhaps that calls for the wildcard. Our guess is that Firmino starts but Klopp does have an option here for once. We don’t envy having to call this one.
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