With the international break finally over, Liverpool can turn their attention back to their Premier League exploits with Jurgen Klopp no longer facing a conundrum that is out of his control.
The Reds remain unbeaten after the opening three games, with Leeds next up – who have yet to collect their first three points of the new campaign.
It leaves Liverpool as one of five teams with seven points to their name, with Tottenham the surprise early leaders with a 100 percent record.
The last visit to Elland Road was one marred by the Super League chaos and many had questioned if the 1-1 draw would mean anything by season’s end.
Now, there is no uncertainty and Klopp’s men will need to find their rhythm without delay against a well-drilled Marcelo Bielsa outfit in what is the first game of six in the space of 16 days.
Injuries limit squad options but with the ban for the two Brazilians now dropped, Klopp has a clearer view of how his team will set up at Elland Road.
Team news
The latest team news ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Leeds is as follows:
- Alisson and Fabinho free to play with 5-day ban waived
- James Milner returned to team training on Thursday, in the mix
- Roberto Firmino, Takumi Minamino, Neco Williams all injured
- Harvey Elliott given the all clear, third successive start a possibility
- No concerns for Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool likely lineup vs. Leeds
With the ban for the Brazilians now no longer a concern, Alisson and Fabinho will be one of the first two names on the teamsheet.
They are two key players and while it was a late call to see common sense and decency prevail, it could now be a straightforward decision for Klopp:
- Alisson behind an unchanged back four
- Fabinho in the No. 6 role, with Thiago and Henderson by his side
- A return to the XI for Jota alongside Salah and Mane
It would see the Reds lineup like this in west Yorkshire:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Jota
It was a bewildering position Liverpool found themselves in as they were at the mercy of the Brazilian FA standing down.
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