4-3-3 or 4-4-2 diamond? – Predicting the Liverpool line up against Leicester

Ben Twelves

@bm12s

December 24, 2015

Liverpool lock horns with Leicester on Boxing Day, and we take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his side against the Foxes.

Klopp’s Reds look to end their winless four game run and get back on track against Claudio Ranieri’s league leaders after a woeful start to the festive period.

It’s far from an ideal time to play the table topping Foxes who are in brilliant form in contrast to struggling Liverpool, and Klopp has a tough selection on his hands as the German and his squad look to return to winning ways at Anfield.

Team News

Klopp could make changes in search for first win in five games
Skrtel out for six weeks with hamstring injury sustained at Watford
Sturridge improving but still unavailable for selection
Milner also missing again with calf problem
Rossiter unavailable due to hamstring injury
Mignolet back available to feature after missing Vicarage Road horror show
Lovren fit to return and set to partner Sakho at centre-back
Origi pushing for start after bright cameo last weekend
Benteke also hopeful of returning to starting team
Squad options Toure, Allen and Ibe available should Klopp rotate

Liverpool’s XI

Injuries are mounting up for Klopp, but the German still has a strong group and a number of options to pick from.

One of those could see the Reds boss stick with 4-3-3, and though it’s a straightforward selection for the most part, big questions come over who should form the attack.

Mignolet and Lovren should come in for Bogdan and Skrtel, while Lucas, Can and Henderson should again form the midfield three, but five players are battling for the three forward positions.

Lallana and Coutinho are likely to fill two of those, and with Firmino struggling for form currently, Benteke could be the man to join them and spearhead the Reds.

Those changes would see Liverpool line up like this at Anfield on Boxing Day:

After ending with two strikers against Watford last weekend, Klopp could opt to play that way from the start against the Foxes, and instead utilise a 4-4-2 diamond shape.

Keeping with the introductions of Mignolet and Lovren, the diamond should be made up of Lucas, Can, Henderson and Coutinho.

That should see the Brazilian play in support of compatriot Firmino and Origi who should lead the line.

Those changes to system and personnel would see the Reds line up looking like this come 3pm kickoff time:

A tough game lies ahead for Klopp’s side against Leicester on Boxing Day, but what better time to begin the turnaround than against the league leaders at Anfield.