Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must hand a surprise start to Harvey Elliott in midfield today as the Reds face Manchester City at the Etihad.
It’s fair to say the Merseyside outfit have struggled in the middle of the park this season.
Not only have injuries plagued the squad, but a number of senior players have been well below their usual standards.
With key options Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic out of action, with Naby Keita also suffering from an injury, Klopp will have a big decision to make over who to start in his midfield three.
Despite inconsistencies this term, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are expected to take the first two spots, with the third more likely up for grabs.
Klopp should start Elliott
We think Klopp should finish his midfield three with Harvey Elliott on the right-hand side.
Although James Milner could be a strong choice if the team line out defensively, the 19-year-old gem must be who the manager goes for.
Having truly established himself as an important member of the first-team this term, Elliott has demonstrated that he is more than good enough to feature in the biggest games of the season.
Impressively, the teenager has played 40 times across all competitions – including 26 appearances in the Premier League.
In times of need, Elliott has provided attacking threat as a creative outlet, dictating play with his excellent football IQ.
If Liverpool are to have any chance of beating City today, they will need at least one playmaker in the middle of the park to exploit the gaps left by the opposition defence.
Therefore, with Thiago absent, Elliott – who has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ by John Aldridge – should be Klopp’s choice today.