Liverpool host West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon, and we take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his side for the Anfield fixture.
Little over 48 hours after returning home from European exploits, Klopp’s Reds look to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League at the first attempt against the Baggies.
A significantly improved performance from the display in Switzerland will certainly be required for Liverpool to secure three points against Tony Pulis’ men, and Klopp will need to freshen up his team for an important clash to ensure the rewards stay on Merseyside.
Team News
- Klopp to rotate his side for the Baggies’ visit
- Sturridge ruled out of Sunday’s clash
- Sakho closing on return but West Brom’s visit to come too early for him to play
- Ibe available again after illness
- Skrtel, Moreno and Lucas in line to come straight back in after rests in midweek
- Allen back in contention to feature after being left out of Sion trip
- Henderson pushing for first league start under Klopp after return in midweek
- Coutinho could play from beginning after cameo in Switzerland
- Benteke hopeful of starting berth following Thursday night rest
Liverpool’s XI
Changes are imminent with Klopp seeking to re-energise his side after Europa League activity in midweek, and the German has a number of interesting selections available in terms of personnel and formation.
At the back, Skrtel and Moreno are set to return, with Kolo Toure and Brad Smith making way, but there’s a whole host of midfield options to pick from for the Reds boss.
Using the 4-3-2-1 shape most regularly deployed, Lucas seems certain to return after midweek rest, and the Brazilian could be joined by Emre Can and the fresh Allen, with doubts over Henderson’s readiness for back-to-back starts.
Coutinho’s helpful cameo should see him start, and the Magician should form a roaming front three alongside Lallana in support of false nine, Firmino.
Those changes would see Liverpool line up like this at Anfield on Sunday afternoon:
Klopp could instead opt to deploy the 4-2-3-1 shape however.
The same back four would line up, but in midfield, Lucas and Can should form the partnership, keeping Henderson held in reserve.
Lallana, Firmino and Milner could then form the attacking-midfield three – should Klopp feel Coutinho isn’t yet ready to start – in support of Benteke, who is fresh after no midweek outing.
Should Klopp opt for that shape, the Reds would line up looking like this come 4pm kick-off time on Sunday:
The Reds banished post-Europa League woes against Swansea, and another battling performance will be required to pick up a vital three points against Pulis’ Baggies on Sunday.
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