Introduction: Liverpool’s Upcoming Europa Challenge

Despite the disappointing defeat in Toulouse in matchday four, a Liverpool victory on Thursday could be enough to secure top spot in Group E. Jurgen Klopp will be itching to avenge that defeat in France, as they host LASK on Thursday. The Austrian side currently sit bottom of the group, with just one win in their opening four games. Despite this, I think Klopp will still name a fairly strong side, hoping for the opportunity to rest a few players in the final group stage clash with Union SG next month.

Defence Strategies: Liverpool’s Backline Decisions

Today we’re going to be predicting Klopp’s starting XI ahead of Thursday’s game. With Alisson Becker picking up a suspected hamstring injury in the draw with Manchester City on Saturday, Caoimhin Kelleher is certain to start this one. The Irishman has started in three of Liverpool’s four Europa League games so far this season, only missing one due to injury. At right-back, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Joe Gomez start this one after not featuring at the weekend. Although Trent Alexander-Arnold is in fine form, he has played a lot of football for club and country over recent weeks and could be due a rest. The same can be said for Virgil Van Dijk, who could also be rested ahead of Sunday’s clash with Fulham. Jarrell Quansah will likely feature in Van Dijk’s absence, whilst Ibou Konate will likely return to action in place of Joel Matip. Finally, Kostas Tsimikas is expected to play again due to Andy Robertson’s long-term injury. Verdict: Kelleher, Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas

Midfield Analysis: Klopp’s Choices for Thursday

Wataru Endo is likely to be given a starting role in place of Alexis Mac Allister who may be rested. The long-term injuries to both Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara make the Japanese veteran the most suitable option at the base of the midfield. On the left-hand side of the midfield three, Ryan Gravenberch is almost certain to start this one in place of Curtis Jones. The Dutchman deserves a start after his fantastic cameo off the bench at the weekend. Finally, I think it’s quite likely that Harvey Elliott may be rewarded for his fantastic recent performances with a starting spot in the midfield. However, it also wouldn’t surprise me if Klopp opted to use Dominik Szoboszlai for the opening 60 minutes of this one. Verdict: Endo, Elliott, Gravenberch

Attack Tactics: Diaz and Gakpo to Start

After not starting against Manchester City at the weekend, both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo will likely feature from the start on Thursday. This would give Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez rest ahead of the Fulham game, whilst also maintaining minutes and sharpness in Diaz and Gakpo. Due to the potential importance of this game, I think Mohamed Salah will start on the right-hand side of Klopp’s attack. However, I expect to potentially see Ben Doak feature in his place as early as half-time depending on how the game goes. Verdict: Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Conclusion: Liverpool’s Starting XI

Starting XI: Kelleher, Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Elliott, Gravenberch, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz Bench: Jaros, Van Dijk, Matip, Chambers, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Nunez, Jota, Doak