Key Klopp Decisions Ahead of Tricky Luton Town Test

Liverpool will be looking to take a huge leap in their pursuit of the Premier League title when they face Luton Town at Anfield on Wednesday. The fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday, but Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Final against Chelsea forced a rescheduled date.

The Reds come into this game off the back of a hugely impressive 4-1 away victory at Brentford on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah’s return proving pivotal in that win. Jurgen Klopp did, however, lose both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota to potential long-term injuries.

Those two names join a long list of absentees alongside, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ben Doak. With a cup final on the horizon, Klopp will have to be very clever with his selections for Wednesday’s game.

Alisson’s Absence

Liverpool’s first-choice keeper, Alisson Becker, is set to miss Wednesday’s game due to a reported hamstring injury. Caoimhin Kelleher will start in between the sticks and will look to build up some sharpness ahead of the final on Sunday.

At right-back, Conor Bradley will likely keep his place in the absence of Alexander-Arnold. The youngster has impressed massively when given the opportunity this season.

On the opposite side, I expect Joe Gomez to come into the side to give Andy Robertson a rest. The Scotsman has only just recovered from a long-term injury and his minutes could do with being managed. The aerial dominance of Gomez could also be crucial against Carlton Morris and Cauley Woodrow, as well as the pace of Chiedozie Ogbene.

Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate will likely partner each other at the heart of the defence, with Jarrell Quansah providing an option from the bench. If Konate hadn’t missed the Burnley game through suspension, then I think Quansah would’ve definitely started this one.

Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez

Marvelous Mac Allister

Klopp is currently limited when it comes to midfield options, with Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch being the only fit, senior options at the moment.

Endo will likely keep his place at the base of the midfield after a run of impressive performances, whilst Alexis Mac Allister will continue in the eight role. Mac Allister was impressive once again at Brentford and even got himself on the scoresheet.

With Gravenberch putting in a solid display and receiving a healthy amount of minutes in place of Jones on Saturday, Harvey Elliott could be set to finally receive his well-earned starting spot.

Verdict: Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott

Mo Jota, Mo Problem…

As sickening as a potential injury to Diogo Jota is, the return of Mohamed Salah will prove pivotal in this run of crucial games. The Egyptian King will return to the starting lineup on Wednesday, in place of Jota.

Luis Diaz will keep his place on the left-hand side of Liverpool’s front-three, but his central partner will change. Cody Gakpo’s impressive second-half performance has earned him a starting spot, in place of Darwin Nunez who picked up a slight knock at Brentford and shouldn’t be risked.

Verdict: Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Bench: Adrian, Quansah, Robertson, Tsimikas, McConnell, Clark, Gravenberch, Nunez, Gordon