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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp faces Naby Keita conundrum as Liverpool consider defensive change

Liverpool moved back to the Premier League summit with a rousing victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

A late goal from Roberto Firmino earned the Reds a 2-1 victory over the Londoners at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Premier League and world champions now have a quick turnaround before they head to the capital to take on Crystal Palace in Saturday's early kick-off.

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

Matip on the mend

Rhys Williams, the 19-year-old defender, impressed on his Premier League debut in midweek.

But with Joel Matip having returned to full training, the Cameroonian will now be favourite to regain his starting role alongside Fabinho at the heart of defence.

Klopp otherwise has few options in the backline, with Kostas Tsimikas and James Milner still out, leaving Andy Robertson as his only available senior left-back.

Neco Williams will put pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back role.

Central reservations

If there's one area of the Liverpool team that deserves a breather, it's the midfield.

Injuries have meant Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones have become engine room mainstays in recent weeks.

That, though, may now be able to change.

Naby Keita is vying for a starting role, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been an unused substitute in the last two matches as he awaits a first appearance of the season after a knee injury.

Takumi Minamino is another possibility in midfield, especially if Klopp decides to tweak formation. Fresh legs will be a significant consideration.

Same again up top?

With Diogo Jota out until next year, Liverpool have turned once again to their tried and trusted front three over the last week.

Minamino could come into the front line - Salah was benched for this fixture last season - while Divock Origi would offer a different approach to the attack.

However, the smart money would be on the same again at Selhurst Park.

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