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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp presented with big Genk decision as Liverpool boss prepares for Mohamed Salah call

Liverpool's point at Manchester United on Sunday owed as much to the bench as the starting line-up.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita both made a significant contribution when introduced, while Adam Lallana notched the all-important equaliser to earn the Reds a 1-1 draw.

It kept Liverpool unbeaten in the Premier League this season and ensured they have a six-point lead over champions Manchester City at the summit.

Jurgen Klopp, though, will now surely be tempted to rotate his resources for the Champions League group game at Genk on Wednesday.

Here we look ahead to the changes the Reds boss could make when his side face travel to Belgium.

Defensive tweaking?

Joel Matip returned at centre-back against United having missed the previous two games with a knock.

In his absence, Joe Gomez struggled against RB Salzburg but Dejan Lovren was impressive in the win over Leicester City.

With Virgil van Dijk a cert, it could be that Klopp will look to protect Matip in midweek, with Lovren perhaps having edged ahead in the pecking order.

James Milner and Gomez could come in at full-back, but it's unlikely Andy Robertson or Trent Alexander-Arnold will be rested for this one.

Midfield overhaul

Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both pressing for a start for Liverpool in midweek (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

There's no doubt the engine room is ready for a change or two.

Much will depend on whether Klopp sticks with 4-3-3 or starts with the 4-2-3-1 formation in which Liverpool have ended their last four games.

Fabinho is likely to be the mainstay regardless, while Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain did their claims a power of good at Old Trafford. Lallana, too, benefited.

Skipper Jordan Henderson has been off form and is perhaps due a rest while not even the relentless Gini Wijnaldum can keep going in every game.

The Salah question

Will Mohamed Salah be fit?

Klopp kept his cards close to his chest regarding the Egyptian last week, but more will be known when the party that flies out to Belgium is confir med on Tuesday morning.

Divock Origi will be considered for another start if Salah doesn't make it.

With Liverpool needing a win, it's unlikely Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino are benched, particularly if Salah remains absent.

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