Liverpool don’t have long to wait to put yesterday’s disappointing 3-3 draw with Brighton behind them.
The Reds are back in action on Tuesday night as Rangers visit on a big Champions League night at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp has a few big calls to make after Liverpool looked less than convincing during yesterday’s game. The manager is still searching for the answers to his team’s current issues.
Here’s how we think he’ll go about trying to solve them and get Liverpool back to winning ways.
Defence
Although Liverpool have been poor this season, Alisson Becker has been exceptional. He was the Reds best player again yesterday afternoon and it was largely thanks to him that they got anything from the game. On this form, he needs to play every game.
There has to be some changes in-front of him, though. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been described as ‘amazing’ recently by former Reds right-back Glen Johnson. But right now, he isn’t playing anything like it.
The 23-year-old was poor again on Saturday and should be taken out of the firing line on Tuesday. Joe Gomez adds solidity in the position and should be brought in. Virgil Van Dijk should also get a rest with Ibrahima Konate returning next to Joel Matip.
With Andy Robertson ruled out, Kostas Tsimikas will go again.
Midfield
Here’s where we think Klopp might make the change. Liverpool look so open in midfield at the moment and it feels like a refresher is needed.
As a result, it would be nice to see the manager employ a 4-2-3-1 right from the get-go against Rangers. The two would surely be any of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara.
Of the three, Fabinho is certainly the one in most need of a rest. Therefore, we think Klopp will stick Thiago and Henderson together as a double pivot.
Attack
Due to the change in formation, Klopp will have an extra body going forward. The added firepower will hopefully give the Reds the light under the season they desperately need.
Mohamed Salah looks like he needs a rest but, unfortunately, Liverpool can’t really do without him. On the opposite side Luis Diaz should return after only playing a half against Brighton.
Roberto Firmino deserves the chance to keep his good form going and should play in a slightly deeper role.
That leaves the centre forward position between Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. On this occasion, it would seem Nunez is the one who could really do with a start.
Jota has admitted to feeling the pace this season after returning from injury. Therefore, the Uruguayan is the natural choice to kickstart his Liverpool career once and for all.
Liverpool’s early predicted XI vs Rangers: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz; Nunez
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