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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor Dunn

Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri question and Jurgen Klopp's headache over Joe Gomez

Liverpool continued their sensational Premier League form by beating Cardiff on Sunday to return to the top of the table.

The Reds now have three games left and, as has been the story of the title run-in so far, are two points clear of Manchester City who have a game in hand - set to be played at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Jurgen Klopp's side are then back in action themselves on Friday when they welcome already-relegated Huddersfield to Anfield.

Blood Red Review: Sean Bradbury and Ian Doyle discuss Liverpool's 2-0 win over Cardiff

With what looks like an easy fixture on the cards for Liverpool the German boss may well be able to afford himself and his players the luxury of making changes as he looks to keep legs fresh ahead of the decisive final two games of the domestic campaign.

Naby Keita was recalled for Liverpool's vital 2-0 win against Cardiff City on Easter Sunday as was captain Jordan Henderson with the pair replacing James Milner and Fabinho.

The third change from the victory over Porto saw Roberto Firmino back to lead the line while Divock Origi was the man to make way.

But what does the Liverpool boss have up his sleeve for the Huddersfield visit?

The Shaqiri question

Xherdan Shaqiri made a stunning impact at Liverpool in the early stages of this Premier League season.

His performances coming off the bench - which included scoring two goals against Manchester United in just seven minutes back in December - made a real difference and it appeared as if Klopp had secured one of the signings of the summer by spending £13m on the Swiss playmaker.

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The midfielder then played in all of the Reds' Premier League games from Boxing Day to February 4 before not being included in the squad against Bournemouth on February 9.

Since then he has featured only twice and played just 19 minutes of domestic football while patiently waiting on the bench for his chance to shine again.

Now, Klopp has a decision to make.

Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on March 17 (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The Liverpool manager is well-known for chopping and changing his midfield, as has been his prerogative throughout this season.

And with the Reds hurtling towards their final few hurdles his approach is now paying rich, rich dividends as each midfielder makes a contribution.

Jamie Carragher predicts when Liverpool and Man City's Premier League battle will be decided

Now it could be the turn of Shaqiri. He will be fit and fresh to face a challenge and with Huddersfield providing little threat you'd think if the attacker was going to play in any game and make a difference between now and the end of the season it would be this one.

The Gomez headache

Joe Gomez made his return to first-team action against Porto after coming on as a substitute to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for the final 25 minutes.

The defender then appeared in the same position again at Cardiff for four minutes and it has been fantastic to see him return after a double-leg fracture suffered against Burnley back in December kept him on the sidelines just as he appeared to be hitting the best form of his career so far in the heart of defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Joe Gomez shows his appreciation to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Liverpool (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Now, there is a conundrum for Klopp over whether he starts the youngster against Huddersfield and gives the excellent Joel Matip a rest at centre-back.

The former Cameroon international has been brilliant since coming into the side but he has played in every league game since January 19 while also featuring in all but one of Liverpool's Champions League games.

If Gomez is ready for a start then it could be time to give Matip a well-earned rest with this Friday's opposition presenting a perfect opportunity to do so.

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