Europa League Last 16: Who Makes Klopp’s Lineup on Thursday?
Liverpool face Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday with a beneficial 5-1 lead from the opening leg. With a crucial FA Cup Quarter-Final clash with Manchester United on the horizon, many expect Klopp to name a heavily rotated side for this one.
Regarding team news, the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai are all fully fit again and available for selection. However, Ibou Konate isn’t expected to be rushed back for this one after missing Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
Another Huge Opportunity
After another massively impressive performance on Sunday, Jarrell Quansah will likely partner Virgil Van Dijk again. Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal and look to continue his fine run of form.
Kostas Tsimikas will almost certainly come into the side at left-back, providing Joe Gomez a chance to get a rest. Conversely, Conor Bradley will likely start at right-back with Andy Robertson being saved for the Manchester United game on Sunday.
Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas
Time to Shine
Due to Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister’s importance, both could be rested on Thursday. Therefore, youngsters James McConnell and Bobby Clark could return to the starting lineup in their place.
Dominik Szoboszlai could remain in the starting lineup as he continues to build up his fitness after being sidelined through injury. Mac Allister and Endo will be on the bench to offer the Hungarian some rest in the second half.
Verdict: McConnell, Clark, Szoboszlai
Necessary Caution
Klopp faces a major balancing act regarding Harvey Elliott’s and Mohamed Salah’s minutes. While the Egyptian has only recently returned from injury and would never usually start this sort of game, Elliott has played an insane amount of minutes over recent weeks.
However, I can’t help but feel that Elliott could be forced to go again on Thursday before being rested against Manchester United on Sunday. That would leave the door open for a return to the starting lineup on Sunday for the huge FA Cup clash.
Cody Gakpo is also practically nailed on to start this one after playing just 15 minutes against Manchester City on Sunday. Luis Diaz played the full 90 minutes, so he will likely be rested on Thursday, meaning Darwin Nunez could start again to continue his return to full fitness.
Salah, Diaz, and youngster Jayden Danns will provide some depth and necessary rest for Elliott and Nunez, especially.
Verdict: Elliott, Gakpo, Nunez
Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, McConnell, Clark, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Gakpo, Nunez
Bench: Adrian, Mrozek, Gomez, Konate, Robertson, Endo, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Koumas, Diaz, Salah, Danns
