Liverpool take on Bordeaux in a decisive European fixture on Thursday night, and we take a look at how the Reds could line up for the game.
Jurgen Klopp’s side return to action at Anfield where they can book their place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League with a win over the French outfit.
Liverpool arrive full of confidence for a fixture of real importance to both clubs, and Klopp has an interesting lineup selection on his hands, with the need to ensure advancement at the first attempt while also keeping one eye on Sunday’s league meeting with Swansea.
Team News
- Interesting decision for Klopp over playing full-strength side or rotating with Sunday vs. Swansea City in mind
- Jordan Henderson, Mamadou Sakho, and Jon Flanagan all still missing
- Philippe Coutinho set to miss out with hamstring strain
- Martin Skrtel a doubt with defender suffering from illness
- Klopp to decide over use of Daniel Sturridge who closes in on return
- Christian Benteke likely to enter in place of Coutinho
- Kolo Toure could deputise should Skrtel fail to recover
- Joe Allen and Jordon Ibe options should Klopp decide to make more changes
The Liverpool XI
With the chance – and need – for Liverpool to progress at the first attempt, Klopp is likely to opt for another strong lineup.
The German could make two changes to his side however, with Coutinho and possibly Skrtel both likely to miss out and be preserved in the hope of being available for Swansea on Sunday.
The Slovakian’s possible absence would see Toure come in alongside Dejan Lovren, while Benteke is likely to be the man to replace the Brazilian to link up in attack with Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana.
Those two adjustments to the side that romped to victory at Man City would see the Reds line up looking like this:
However, slumping to defeat against Crystal Palace after Europa League exploits last time round could see Klopp adopt a more cautious approach.
The 48-year-old could feel rotation is the way to avoid a repeat, which could see him make a further two changes, keeping some key men in reserve and ready for three days’ time.
Alongside bringing Toure and Benteke in, Klopp could utilise Ibe and forgotten man Allen to rest key midfield and attacking options, with the Welshman able to play alongside Lucas Leiva, who is suspended for Swansea’s visit, allowing Emre Can a rest.
Ibe could then take the place of Firmino, who showed his importance with an energetic and creative display at the Etihad Stadium, allowing the Brazilian to be kept fresh for the weekend.
Four changes to the side would see Liverpool look like this come 8:05pm kickoff time at Anfield:
With the chance to relieve pressure on the hectic run of games ahead, another confident and commanding display is needed to ensure qualification is sealed at the first time of asking on Thursday night.
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