Klopp makes his Arthur Melo decision: Our predicted Liverpool lineup vs Everton

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Jurgen Klopp faces a major decision on Arthur Melo as he picks his Liverpool lineup vs Everton. The Brazilian is a new face.

Liverpool have waited until the final day of the transfer window to sign their midfielder. They’ve gone for Arthur Melo from Juventus, signing him on a one-year loan with an option to buy.

And the need for a new face was there. Jordan Henderson is the latest injury concern, joining Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the sidelines. And with Thiago out, the Reds simply needed a new passer in midfield. Arthur is certainly that.

But how does that affect the Liverpool lineup to face Everton on Saturday? Here’s what we think Jurgen Klopp will do at Goodison Park.

Arthur doesn’t make the Liverpool lineup vs Everton

Defence

Alisson Becker in goal is the obvious one. In fact, three of the back four are very obvious here as Virgil van Dijk certainly plays.

Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson went off early against Newcastle United. That effectively confirms that they’re starting here – not exactly a surprise.

As for the other centre-back, Klopp has a decision to make. Joel Matip is now back and is the fresh option against Everton. Joe Gomez has played well, though, and we’re not sure Liverpool will leave him out.

We guess Matip plays at Goodison, with Gomez back in against Napoli. The fresh legs just feel too important to ignore.

Midfield

The big one. Fabinho is a certainty, so we’ll get that one out of the way. Then comes Klopp’s major decision – does Arthur start? Our guess is: no, he doesn’t.

For the derby, we can’t see a Liverpool lineup without either Henderson or James Milner. Having that aggression in midfield is just too important and we’re not sure the captain will be fit. That means Milner comes in as captain. No, it’s not the exciting Brazilian option but the sensible one.

Harvey Elliott is in sparkling form and we imagine he continues at Goodison. There’s a chance Fabio Carvalho comes in for him, depending on fitness. We expect the 19-year-old will be okay, though.

As for Arthur, we expect him to make a debut from the bench at some stage.

Attack

Darwin Nunez is back but we can’t see him usurping Roberto Firmino. The no.9 has been far too good over the last two games to sit this one out. Nunez will have to wait as an impact sub.

There’s half a chance Diogo Jota is ready to start but playing both Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah feels like the way to go. Liverpool do have genuine options here, though. The front-three has been set for the last few games but not this time.

Klopp could decide to shake things up.