Later today, Liverpool plays Brentford in the Premier League. Here, three of our writers choose the starting lineups at Anfield that they think Jürgen Klopp should use.
Liverpool has to immediately get back on track as they haven’t had the finest week in terms of performances or results. Brentford is the team’s next opponent at Anfield, and the Reds just need to get back into the winning mode.
But a number of players for Thomas Frank’s team will be absent. Due to different problems, Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcântara, and Stefan Bajčetić will all likely be out for some time. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones, two midfield players, are also not anticipated to be able to play.
Alexis Mac Allister is suspended, but Virgil van Dijk is expected to return from the illness that forced him to remain on Merseyside while his colleagues traveled to Toulouse for the Europa League. During the disappointing draw last Saturday against Luton Town, the Argentine received his sixth booking of the Premier League season.
That means Jürgen Klopp has some headaches to deal with. There aren’t many choices left in midfield, but the German did imply in his pre-game news conference that Trent Alexander-Arnold might play as the number six if needed. These are the groups that some of the authors here at Liverpool.com would pick.
James Findlater: Tough choices
Selecting a team this weekend is exceedingly challenging, and sadly not for the reasons you may think. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister’s suspension creates complications, particularly with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones sidelined due to injuries.
To be honest, I’m not totally at ease with Wataru Endō opening in the Premier League because, in his outings thus far, he hasn’t exactly appeared the most mobile. But needs must, and he’ll probably start in the middle with Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai.
In my opinion, Joe Gomez should start at left back. Kostas Tsimikas hasn’t persuaded me, like Endō did, and if Gomez is going to play against Manchester City, he needs to play more minutes.
Making the frontline decision is also difficult. We witnessed why Darwin Núñez is still a ways away from being the full product at Luton, despite all of his excellent work thus far this season. Despite Cody Gakpo’s lackluster performance in midweek, the Uruguayan holds onto his spot, and following what must have been a mentally taxing few weeks for Luis Díaz, I anticipate Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota to start on either side.
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endō, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Salah, Núñez, Jota are my starting lineup choices.
Liverpool is predicted to win 2-1.
Watch out for a nervous encounter where Núñez gets his revenge for missing out on Luton with the victory.
David Comerford – End\ receives approval
In terms of the starting five, the only genuine choice to be made is at left-back, and in light of Tsimikas’ mistake against Toulouse, I would once again select Gomez. His superb aerial stats this season could prove to be crucial when facing one of the league’s most direct clubs.
After Endō tried his hardest to ruin his chance to replace the injured Mac Allister, I’ve debated using Szoboszlai as the six for this game. However, due to the lack of number eights available, I believe he must start further forward, with the Japan captain slotting in behind him. Elliott brings the midfield full.
Regarding the front line, Gakpo hasn’t performed well enough to unseat Núñez, but I’d prefer Jota over Díaz because the latter can make an impact off the bench if necessary, as we showed against Luton the previous Saturday.
Alisson, Endō, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Salah, Núñez, Jota; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Gomez, is my starting lineup.
Liverpool is predicted to win 2-1.
Watch out for Darwin Núñez’s ability to react following last week’s terrifying miss.
Andrew Beasley: Team chooses most of its own members
Based on prior performance, Liverpool finds it difficult to achieve outcomes when a few players are added to the injury list. Given how busy the treatment room is, this match will be a severe test because Brentford is a tough nut to crack even in the best of circumstances.
However, there are causes for hope. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, Jürgen Klopp’s most utilized center-back combo this season and one that has helped retain clean sheets in recent home games against Everton and Nottingham Forest, should be available for selection.
The midfield offers far greater cause for concern yet there is clarity too. With the players who are injured or suspended, the trio selects itself, unless Klopp gives Trent Alexander-Arnold a start in the center of the team.
All five senior options are available up front. Mohamed Salah will become just the third player in Premier League history to score or assist in 15 consecutive home matches should he make a goal contribution against the Bees. It would be foolish to bet against him doing so.
My starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endō, Elliott; Salah, Jota, Núñez.
Predicted scoreline: 2-1 to Liverpool.
One thing to watch: Mohamed Salah to get an assist, probably for Diogo Jota.
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