We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his Liverpool side as Leicester City visit Anfield in the last Premier League gameweek of the calendar year.
Liverpool thrashed Swansea during the midweek, pumping in 5 goals past a hapless Swans defence. Jurgen Klopp would love for his team to continue from where they left off come Saturday against a Leicester side that has seen their brilliant start under new manager Claude Puel being arrested to an extent.
Jurgen Klopp has surprisingly put his faith behind Simon Mignolet after the keeper’s howler against Arsenal by starting him again during the midweek. The same should continue on Saturday. In defence, Joel Matip’s return was well greeted and the Ivory Coast international is likely to partner Ragnar Klavan again, at least till Virgil van Dijk arrives at Anfield.
Alberto Moreno is still out and Andrew Robertson’s displays at left-back should be enough for him to retain his place ahead of James Milner.
“That could be the first [game] for him [Moreno]. He is [out of] the next two games and I think I should have to involve the third game as well [against Everton in the FA Cup].”
Joe Gomez should continue being the right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Klopp might opt to start the latter as well, instead of Gomez.
The manager confirmed in his pre-match conference that Jordan Henderson will not be a participant on Saturday, which means we could see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain start again in his preferred midfield role alongside Coutinho and Emre Can.
“Hendo is a rather quick healer, he is on a good way and is desperate to be back on the pitch, so hopefully it is not too long.”
Sadio Mane did not feature at all during the midweek and is likely to return to the lineup. But, the interesting thing will be whether Klopp decides to provide some rest to either Firmino or Salah.
The fixture is Liverpool’s last of the calendar year and the boss should field his strongest attack, which means starting all of his superstars upfront.
