The Premier League matchup between Liverpool and Sheffield United is coming up, and Jurgen Klopp may have some difficult choices to make.
Liverpool overcame a late deficit to defeat Brighton on Sunday as they started their Premier League title defense.
Luis Diaz cancelled out Danny Welbeck’s early goal prior to halftime, and Mohamed Salah’s 22nd goal of the year gave the Reds a 2-1 victory.
On Thursday, Liverpool will host Sheffield United, who are now in last place, in an attempt to extend their title chase. And here we look ahead to the adjustments Jurgen Klopp could make when his club are next in action.
Robertson come back?
With three matches in the next eight days, Klopp is likely to make some adjustments. Additionally, there is room for rotation in preparation for the Blades’ arrival thanks to the return of several players.
Goalie Caoimhin Kelleher will continue to replace the injured Alisson Becker, starting ahead of Adrian. This is one position that won’t change. Conor Bradley might stay at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold still out, while Joe Gomez, who played well at left-back against Brighton, could move to the other side of the defense.
The rationale is that Andy Robertson will probably return to battle with Kostas Tsimikas for a left-back position. Jarell Quansah has started the last five games at center back with Virgil van Dijk, but Ibrahima Konate is now eligible to contend for a spot, with the adaptable Gomez providing a another alternative. Joel Matip is anticipated to miss the entire campaign.
Szoboszlai verdict
Curtis Jones could surprise everyone by returning to the starting lineup, but Klopp’s belief that the midfielder will be fit after missing more than six weeks is encouraging as the season draws to a close.
On the left side of midfield, Alexis Mac Allister has excelled, however Liverpool will be watching how much time he plays. Another alternative in that position is Ryan Gravenberch, who made his comeback on Sunday. He may potentially fight Dominik Szoboszlai for the position on the right. But with Szoboszlai still recovering from an injury, Harvey Elliott seems like a more likely option.
As the only other senior option, Mac Allister, Wataru Endo is still the first-choice defensive midfielder and is unlikely to be moved to the bench. Young players Bobby Clark and James McConnell were once again rested on the bench in the match against Brighton. Thiago Alcantara might not play again this season, while Stefan Bajcetic is almost ready to return to first team training.
Gakpo is ready.
At the weekend, Salah was making just his second Premier League start of the year, and he should stay on the right flank.
Furthermore, given Luis Diaz’s relentlessness on the left, Darwin Nunez—who has recently struggled with a hamstring injury—may be substituted for Cody Gakpo in the middle of the attack. Elliott was capable of playing either wing.
Teenage attacker Jayden Danns was one of the replacements on Sunday, while Diogo Jota and Ben Doak are still sidelined.
