Liverpool have the rare chance of a completely free hit against Union Saint-Gilloise tomorrow.
Having already qualified for the Europa League last-16 as group winners, the Reds have earned the right to play whoever they want in Brussels. Here’s the XI we think Jurgen Klopp will go for.
Defence
With Alisson Becker back fit and clearly feeling no ill-effects of his injury, there’s no reason not to give Caoimhin Kelleher a game here.
The Irishman will be one of the more senior faces in an experimental back four. But he won’t be the most senior. That is likely to be Joe Gomez, who we think will skipper the side in Belgium.
Gomez excelled whilst playing right-back at the weekend, but we think he’ll return to a central role on Thursday. That will leave space for Conor Bradley to make his first start of the season. The 20-year-old, who was described as ‘incredible’ recently will be itching to make an impression.
So too will left-back Luke Chambers who should make his second start for Liverpool tomorrow. The slightly more experienced Jarell Quansah should come in to complete the defence.
Midfield
While the defence isn’t too tricky to put together, it’s really difficult to know what Klopp will do for his midfield against Union.
The Belgian side do still have something to play for. A win here could yet see them qualify with Liverpool as group runners-up. As a result, Klopp perhaps can’t afford to go too young here.
With that in mind, we think the manager will retain Wataru Endo to add some steel and experience to the side.
Harvey Elliott is also likely to play follow his match-winning turn at Selhurst Park. Meanwhile, we reckon there’ll still be room for one youngster in midfield, with 19-year-old James McConnell making a first ever start.
Attack
Just like Liverpool’s midfield, what Jurgen will do in attack tomorrow is really anyone’s guess.
But with a huge game coming up against Manchester United on Sunday – followed by two more with West Ham and Arsenal – we expect the boss to rotate.
Consequently, we’d be surprised to see any of Liverpool’s four available senior forwards start in Belgium.
Instead, Ben Doak should hopefully have been able to shake off a slight knock to start on the Reds’ right. On the left, we’d love to see Kaide Gordon get a first start in almost two years, and we’ve a sneaky feeling that’s exactly what will happen.
Finally, it could well be a big day for 18-year-old Lewis Koumas, who is the main candidate to start through the middle. A debut for Koumas who should do everything he can to take his chance. Good luck, lads!
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Chambers; Endo, Elliott, McConnell; Doak, Koumas, Gordon
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