LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 31, 2016: Liverpool's Ragnar Klavan in action against Manchester City during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs. Arsenal: Klavan replaces Lucas for top-4 clash

Jurgen Klopp has made just one change to his starting for Saturday’s crucial top-four showdown at home to Arsenal on Saturday evening.

The Reds need to ensure they take all three points from their Premier League rivals at Anfield, as they look to cling onto their hopes of securing Champions League football for 2017/18.

Hampering by injuries and poor form throughout his squad, however, Klopp’s selection options were limited as he prepared for a key clash.

The German has brought in Ragnar Klavan, in his only change against Arsene Wenger’s north London side.

Simon Mignolet retains his place between the sticks, operating behind a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Klavan and James Milner.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson‘s continued absence with a foot injury means Emre Can is again named as Klopp’s No. 6, flanked by the more progressive duo of Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana.

Can has been in hit-and-miss form for the Reds this season, but restored to his natural role, he will hope to dominate in the middle of the park against the Gunners.

He will be tasked with providing Liverpool with the stability they require to attack in numbers, with Klopp keeping faith in Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino as his three-man forward line.

Like Henderson, Daniel Sturridge is sidelined, with the England striker picking up a hip injury while in rehabilitation following illness.

In the 223rd meeting between the two sides in history, Liverpool will be desperate to secure their second win over Arsenal this season.

After a 3-1 humiliation at the hands of Leicester City on Monday night, this is imperative.

Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Klavan, Milner; Can, Lallana, Wijnaldum; Mane, Coutinho, Firmino

Substitutes: Karius, Lovren, Lucas, Moreno, Alexander-Arnold, Woodburn, Origi

Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Xhaka; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Welbeck; Giroud

Substitutes: Ospina, Gabriel, Gibbs, Ramsey, Walcott, Alexis, Lucas

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