Liverpool are in action at Anfield once again this week and will host Leicester City in the Premier League. This follows the chaotic Champions League game against RB Salzburg earlier this week. The Reds will be seeking their 8th successive Premier League win this season to stretch the gap at the top to eight points. This fixture sees former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers return to Anfield for the first time since he was sacked. Liverpool will be eager to show just how much they have improved since his tenure. An injury to Joel Matip means that Joe Gomez will come into the side for him.
Joe Gomez to Retain His Place at the Back
Joe Gomez to Start in Defence
Though the defending against RB Salzburg left a lot to be desired, Joel Matip’s injury means that Joe Gomez will start alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre back. Gomez was at fault for a couple of goals in midweek. However, it should be remembered that he is a young player who is developing and he is rediscovering his rhythm. Dejan Lovren will have to settle for a place on the bench.
At full-back, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to continue, while Adrian will remain in goal. Alisson has returned to full team training, though is not expected to play until after the international break. It is a credit to Adrian that the Brazilian has not been as big a miss as initially feared. However, this will likely be the Spaniard’s last Premier League game for Liverpool for a while.
Options in Midfield
Klopp seems to favour a midfield three of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson this season. He has selected this trio from the start in five of the seven Premier League games so far this season. Fabinho will be hoping to extend his record of never losing a Premier League game that he has started.
While it seems likely that Klopp will go with his favoured three, he does have options if he chooses to rotate. James Milner came off the bench to steady the ship in midweek while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also be hoping for game time. Adam Lallana is also an option.
The Best Front Three in the World
All three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will be expecting to start the Premier League game against Leicester City. In midweek, Mane scored one while Salah scored 2 and Firmino helped himself to a hat trick of assists. They will be hoping to carry this form into the Premier League and to get on the score sheet against Leicester.
Klopp could also hand Divock Origi, who has impressed in his last two substitute appearances, a start. Liverpool have switched to a 4231 formation during the last couple of games and this has helped them to remain in control of games. If Klopp opts to start with this, Salah will play as the lone centre forward while Origi will start on the left.
Predicted XI: Adrian, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah
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