Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday as they hope to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. Their lead at the top of the table could extend to 11 points if they win and results elsewhere go their way. However, Liverpool are facing a mini injury crisis ahead of the weekend’s game. Andrew Robertson‘s injury means that there are no recognised senior left-backs available, so James Milner will likely slot in.
James Milner to Start at Left-Back for Liverpool Against Crystal Palace
Milner to Replace Robertson
Liverpool’s injury problems start in defence. Andrew Robertson was forced to miss Scotland’s games over the international break with an ankle problem and this injury will see him miss Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park. A lack of options at full-back means that James Milner will have to slot in at left-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue at right-back.
Virgil van Dijk left the Netherlands camp for “personal reasons,” though it is assumed that he will be available for Liverpool at the weekend. Joel Matip‘s continued absence means that Dejan Lovren should partner the Dutchman, while Joe Gomez has been passed fit and is an option if required. Alisson will continue in goal, while Adrian remains on bench duty.
Midfield Options
Fabinho’s importance to the side should see him start in his favoured defensive midfield position. However, he is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension and Klopp could choose to protect the player. This seems unlikely, however, as Liverpool have already faced the sides that they may expect to cause them a problem this side of Christmas.
Captain Jordan Henderson missed England’s games through a combination of suspension and illness. He will be hoping to recover in time for his club’s game and if fit, he should be guaranteed a starting berth following an impressive showing against Manchester City. Georginio Wijnaldum should complete the midfield three, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana and Naby Keita all represent depth in the middle. If Henderson does not recover in time, Oxlade-Chamberlain is the most likely option to replace him.
No Salah, No Salah, Running Down the Wing
Liverpool’s injury problems are compounded by Mohamed Salah‘s ankle injury which will see him ruled out of the game at Selhurst Park. Divock Origi is the most likely candidate to replace him, though Xherdan Shaqiri has returned to training.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should both start as normal, with both enjoying impressive starts to the season.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren, James Milner; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum; Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino
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