After making six changes to the Liverpool side that fought out an uninspiring 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace last weekend, Jurgen Klopp was rewarded with a 2-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday night as the Reds closed the gap on the Premier League top four.
Now unbeaten in their last four league games, keeping a clean sheet in all four, Liverpool have moved up to sixth in the table and sit just six points off the Champions League places with a game in hand.
With fifth-placed Newcastle United in action away at reigning champions Man City on Saturday lunchtime, the Reds could climb even higher come the end of the weekend. However, they would have to overcome bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
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The Red Devils, who won the League Cup last weekend, travel to Anfield off the back of an 11-game unbeaten run, and have lost just one of their last 22 and two of their last 32 matches in all competitions. Liverpool need to stop such a run in its tracks if they are to keep the pace with the Champions League places.
Klopp has plenty to consider ahead of locking horns with Erik ten Hag’s men, as he debates further rotation or to stick with an unchanged side after defeating Wolves. With that in mind, we take a look at the changes he could make…
Robertson returns
With Liverpool putting in a solid defensive display against Wolves, it would be a big call to change the back four. However, Klopp has named a different back four for each of their last four Premier League outings as the clean sheets continue.
Ibrahima Konate was back from injury on Wednesday and keeps his place after an impressive display alongside Virgil van Dijk. Trent Alexander-Arnold also starts after a much-improved showing.
Kostas Tsimikas also caught the eye against Wolves, and claimed a great assist for Mohamed Salah’s goal. In truth, he doesn't deserve to drop out and such a decision would be ruthless. However, at the same time, it would be a surprise if Andy Robertson wasn’t recalled at the Greek’s expense.
Unchanged midfield
It was a bold call from Klopp to name teenagers Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic either side of Fabinho against Wolves, but it was a gamble that paid off. The young pair were full of energy, while the Brazilian continues to edge slowly back towards something resembling his best form.
As a result, he continues as the holding midfielder but it’s a much tougher decision regarding the two youngsters. After all, Manchester United are a much more intimidating prospect than Wolves.
Captain Jordan Henderson is poised for a recall if Klopp opts for a more experienced head against the Red Devils, but the temptation is there to leave it as it is. Given his side's midfield woes this season, it could be one of the toughest decisions of the season but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Jota or Gakpo?
Luis Diaz might still be sidelined, but Liverpool have plenty of options in attack all of a sudden! Doesn’t that feel great?
Having come through unscathed against Wolves after his recent shoulder injury, Darwin Nunez continues on the left with Mohamed Salah certain to start on the right. But it’s a much tougher decision regarding who plays down the middle.
Diogo Jota was given the nod on Wednesday and set up Virgil van Dijk’s opener, while the Portuguese was on the left against Palace in place of the injured Nunez as Cody Gakpo started down the middle.
Roberto Firmino is also in contention, but Gakpo is well-placed to earn a recall against a side he could have easily signed for instead of the Reds. After two starts in four days following his return from a lengthy lay-off, Jota can make do with a place on the bench as a result.
Possible Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.
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