Ian Doyle - Time for Konate
New Year, new team. It's time for a change for Liverpool.
With the Premier League trip to Brentford coming mere days after the hard-earned win over Leicester City, Jurgen Klopp is going to have to rotate his resources.
But who goes out? And who comes in?
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Alisson Becker remains right where he is in goal. And so too does Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Virgil van Dijk at centre-back. However, Andy Robertson was carrying a knock on Friday so Kostas Tsimikas comes in at left-back, and it's time for Ibrahima Konate to step into the heart of defence after his return from the World Cup.
Midfield also sees changes. Jordan Henderson looked tired against Leicester and, with Fabinho presumably back available, the Brazilian can replace him. Thiago Alcantara continues, but Naby Keita can come in for Harvey Elliott.
Up top, there's one more switch. Mohamed Salah stays right and Darwin Nunez central, but it's time for another look at Fabio Carvalho on the left.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Nunez, Carvalho.
Paul Gorst - Massive night for Liverpool
Given the results elsewhere over the last few days, this is a massive one for Liverpool at Brentford tonight.
Three points in west London and the Reds are right back in the thick of things and with Ivan Toney looking like he could be out injured, this is a big opportunity for Jurgen Klopp.
Ibrahima Konate can return in place of Joel Matip. The latter has done little wrong but the World Cup finalist needs momentum in his season. Andy Robertson should be OK after that kick he received against Leicester.
Fabinho should be cleared to return after the new addition to his family and I’m retaining Jordan Henderson for a bit more physicality alongside Thiago Alcantara.
Cody Gakpo is unlikely to start so Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues on the left with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Richard Garnett - Fabinho returns
Liverpool have won their last four Premier League matches, so why don't I feel confident about this match? The reality is that despite stringing together a good run of results, the Reds have not been particularly convincing since their return to action after the World Cup, conceding five times in the three matches they have played. That surely needs to improve if Champions League qualification is the goal.
This match comes hot on the heels of the home win against Leicester, but with an FA Cup fixture on Saturday, this is no time for wholesale changes.
With Alisson in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold continues at right-back, alongside Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. Kostas Tsimikas and Ibrahima Konate are unlucky to miss out on a start but there are plenty of games to come in January.
In midfield, new dad Fabinho returns at the base of the engine room. Thiago was the only Liverpool midfielder to emerge from the Leicester match with any credit so has to play again, alongside Jordan Henderson.
Up top, I would continue with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left, Darwin Nunez down the middle and Mohamed Salah on the right. This game might come too early for Roberto Firmino but could new signing Cody Gakpo sneak onto the bench if his work permit clears in time? That would certainly add a level of excitement.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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