Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp faces Divock Origi decision as Liverpool ponder new midfield plan

Liverpool maintained interest in the Carabao Cup with a good win at Norwich City on Tuesday.

Takumi Minamino scored twice and Divock Origi once as the Reds ultimately fought to a 3-0 third round win over the Canaries.

LIVE: Liverpool transfer updates including Jude Bellingham move claims

READ MORE: Kostas Tsimikas blasts Curtis Jones as Liverpool fans send Luis Suarez taunt

The fifth of seven games in 22 days, Liverpool continue a hectic period with their Premier League visit to promoted Brentford on Saturday evening.

And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

All change at the back

Liverpool may have fielded a completely new defence in midweek but that didn't stop them keeping a fifth clean sheet in seven games this season.

However, there's every chance all five players will be rotated out of the starting line-up at the weekend.

Despite his excellent display at Norwich, Caoimhin Kelleher will expect to be replaced by Alisson Becker in goal.

Kostas Tsimikas was again impressive at left-back but Andy Robertson is primed to return having not started the last two games, while if Trent Alexander-Arnold - or indeed James Milner - have recovered from illness then they will be at right-back ahead of teenager Conor Bradley.

There is greater intrigue regarding the centre-back positions, though.

Ibrahima Konate has been finding his feet in successive starts while Joe Gomez did well at Norwich. However, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip started the season in fine form and are likely to return.

Midfield concerns

A mini availability crisis has already struck the midfield.

Harvey Elliott is out for the foreseeable and Thiago Alcantara will be sidelined at Brentford with a calf issue..

Naby Keita went off injured at half-time at Norwich - although Klopp doesn't believe the issue to be serious - and Milner was missing through illness.

Fabinho had the night off while Jordan Henderson was only needed for a late cameo from the bench, meaning both are poised to step back in.

And Curtis Jones did his cause no harm with an impressive showing at Norwich. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, continues to benefit from more minutes.

The trio return

Roberto Firmino has resumed team training this week after his hamstring problem but Saturday's game is likely to come too soon for the Brazilian.

And while Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi both scored on Tuesday, Klopp will be expected to turn to his first-choice attack of those available.

That means Mohamed Salah on the right, Sadio Mane on the left with Diogo Jota down the middle. Origi, though, may offer an alternative to Jota in terms of style.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.