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

Liverpool's Naby Keita question and Jurgen Klopp's conundrum over Fabinho

Liverpool continued their sensational Premier League form by beating Huddersfield Town on Friday to return to the top of the table.

The Reds now have two games left and, as has been the story of the title run-in so far, are two points clear of Manchester City, who play their game in hand at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

Jurgen Klopp's side now park their domestic ambitions as they prepare for Wednesday's titanic Champions League semi-final first leg at Barcelona.

Virgil van Dijk blasts Dejan Lovren, Alisson Becker looks away and other Liverpool moments missed vs Huddersfield 

The Reds boss rang the changes for the visit of Huddersfield, with Daniel Sturridge replacing the injured Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren stepping in at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk.

But what does Klopp have up his sleeve for the visit to Spain?

Liverpool 5 Huddersfield 0: Player Ratings

The change Klopp will want to make

Joel Matip has become the first-choice partner to Van Dijk since the turn of the year so will be expected to return in place of Lovren.

And Klopp will quite happily make at least one more change in the Camp Nou should Firmino be available.

A further absence for the Brazilian, though, prompts a serious poser for the Reds.

Do they stick with Sturridge up top? Does Divock Origi come back into the starting line-up? Could Xherdan Shaqiri prove a wildcard?

Or does Klopp opt for a new formation up against Lionel Messi and company?

Much, then, rests on Firmino's fitness.

The change Klopp has to consider

One overlooked aspect of Friday's win against Huddersfield was the midfield triumvirate were the same three that started at Cardiff City the previous week.

It would be surprise if that remains the case in midweek, though.

Gini Wijnaldum's substitution midway through the second half indicated he is being lined up for a start in Barcelona.

But, in truth, the whole engine room is up for grabs.

Jordan Henderson has delivered a succession of real captain's performances of late, Naby Keita is hitting his stride and Fabinho should be back after missing out against Huddersfield as he recovered from the head injury suffered in South Wales last weekend.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola makes surprise Liverpool claim ahead of Champions League semi-final 

And with James Milner so often preferred in Champions League combat, Klopp has plenty of options.

Barcelona, as well as Liverpool supporters, will be kept guessing until an hour and 15 minutes before kick-off on Wednesday.

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.