How Liverpool Could Lineup in First Premier League Match Since Klopp’s Announcement

Liverpool face Chelsea in a huge Premier League clash on Wednesday, where they could potentially move eight points clear of Manchester City. The Reds come into this one off the back of a morale-boosting 5-2 victory over Norwich City in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

That game saw the return of Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai from injury. All three of those players could be in contention to make the starting lineup on Wednesday.

Trent’s Return?

Alisson Becker will remain between the sticks for this one, currently sitting with the most clean sheets in the entire league.

After back-to-back starts against Fulham and Norwich City, Jarrell Quansah will drop to the bench for this one. Therefore, the formidable partnership of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate will resume at the heart of the back line.

With Joe Gomez being substituted with half an hour to go on Sunday, he will likely start yet another game at left-back. Andy Robertson will continue to build up his fitness with a cameo off the bench quite likely.

Finally, Conor Bradley could finally get a bit of a rest after an impressive run of tireless performances in Alexander-Arnold’s absence. This would welcome Trent back into the starting lineup for the first time since the 2-0 victory at Arsenal earlier this month.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez

Strengthened Midfield:

Alexis Mac Allister is expected to return to Liverpool’s midfield for the Chelsea game. Despite a strong performance on Sunday, James McConnell will drop out of the side for this one.

Ahead of Mac Allister, Curtis Jones will definitely keep his place in the midfield after scoring his fifth goal of the season against Norwich City. Ryan Gravenberch will drop to the bench despite putting in an improved performance at the weekend.

Despite Dominik Szoboszlai returning to action on Sunday, I think it could be Harvey Elliott to partner Jones in the midfield. This will give Szoboszlai some extra time to build up his fitness, before potentially starting at Arsenal on Sunday.

Verdict: Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott

Chaotic Forwards:

Since the absence of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s front three has become quite chaotic but equally effective.

There’ll be just the one change from Sunday’s front three, with Luis Diaz returning to the starting lineup. Cody Gakpo played the full 90 minutes on Sunday, so is likely to be the one to drop out of the side.

Both Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez carried on their fantastic form with goals on Sunday, therefore keeping their place in Klopp’s XI.

Verdict: Jota, Nunez, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Mac Allister, Elliott, Jones, Jota, Nunez, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Bradley, Robertson, McConnell, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Gordon