We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could lineup his Liverpool team against Bournemouth this weekend, with changes expected to the Reds XI.
Just 63 hours after the unforgettable Borussia Dortmund win, the Reds make the long trip to Bournemouth as they return to Premier League action.
The league campaign is of little significance with the Europa League priority, but Klopp will want to maintain positive momentum with a third straight win on the south coast ahead of his first Merseyside Derby on Wednesday night.
Having produced such a monumental effort to eliminate the Europa League favourites in an intensive encounter on a memorable night at Anfield, Klopp is set to make changes and has a number of lineup options available.
Liverpool Team News
- Klopp to make numerous changes for Bournemouth clash
- Huge blow with Emre Can ruled out for 4-6 weeks with ankle ligament damage
- Lucas, Stewart and Allen vying for midfield starts with Henderson also out
- Defensive changes also available with different back four a possibility
- Flanagan and Smith options to deputise for Clyne and Moreno
- Skrtel and Toure centre-back alternatives to Lovren and Sakho
- Options also available to freshen up attack
- Firmino and Lallana could keep starting shirts after hour-long run-outs on Thursday
- Ojo could return to wide role with Ibe also an option
- Sturridge likely to lead line in place of Origi
The Reds XI
With changes forthcoming it’s a just question of how many Klopp decides to make on Sunday.
Seven were forthcoming last weekend against Stoke after European activity, but the Liverpool boss could make slightly fewer on the south coast.
Toure and Smith could offer fresh legs at the back in place of Sakho and Moreno, while Lucas and Allen could come into midfield alongside Milner to form a three man midfield.
Lallana and Firmino should be fresh enough to start after playing 60 minutes each on Thursday, and they should be joined by Sturridge, who himself played only half-hour, making an excellent impact.
Five changes would see a strong Reds XI line up like this on Sunday afternoon:
However, after the draining Dortmund clash and Everton’s arrival looming, Klopp could make wholesale changes to his starting XI.
A whole new back four could be named with Flanagan, Skrtel, Toure and Smith available to step in, while youngsters Stewart and Ojo could be handed second league starts in midfield in attack respectively.
Nine changes to the starting XI on Thursday would see the Reds line up like this come 1:30pm kick-off time:
There is little riding on the game against the Cherries, but victory would be welcome to continue promising form and build confidence further ahead of Wednesday night’s derby clash.
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