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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp faces Sadio Mane conundrum as Liverpool consider defensive rethink

Liverpool have a bit more work to do to secure Champions League progress after a home defeat to Atalanta.

Two goals in the second half inside four minutes saw a much-altered Reds slump to a disappointing 2-0 loss at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Premier League and world champions now turn their focus back to domestic matters with a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion for Saturday's early top-flight kick-off.

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

Central reservations

Liverpool can expect further rotation when they head to the South Coast.

A big decision for Klopp is whether James Milner and Joel Matip can manage a third start inside a week.

Matip was partnered by Rhys Williams in midweek, but with Fabinho benched until the hour and Nat Phillips ineligible for the Champions League, it could be that Klopp brings in the pair for an overhaul at centre-back.

Fabinho, though, may be required in midfield, which could mean Matip continues.

Andy Robertson is likely to replace Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, but whether Neco Williams remains at right-back depends on the assessment of Milner's fitness.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is probably facing another week on the sidelines as he recovers from his calf complaint.

Lack of middle choice

Having had few options in midfield against Atalanta, Klopp will hope he can at least call upon Jordan Henderson, although the skipper's involvement is by no means guaranteed despite his return to training on Thursday.

If not, Fabinho could return to his usual number six role, although that could depend on what role Milner is deemed available to play.

Regardless, Gini Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones are on standby for a third successive start together in the engine room.

Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri are almost certain to stay sidelined, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting closer to a return.

The Mane question

There's little doubt Sadio Mane has looked tired in recent weeks, and has become less of a threat as a consequence.

Diogo Jota would be the obvious replacement should Klopp look to rest the Senegalese, while Mohamed Salah will hope to continue on the right and Roberto Firmino return down the middle.

*Got a question for Andy Robertson? Fire way for our exclusive Facebook Q+A here.

Takumi Minamino is surely next in line to appear after Divock Origi disappointed when given his chance against Atalanta.

A switch in formation due to a potential lack of midfield resource could see four forwards utilised in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

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