{"id":539175,"date":"2019-12-31T13:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-12-31T18:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=539175"},"modified":"2019-12-31T13:00:10","modified_gmt":"2019-12-31T18:00:10","slug":"joe-gomez-to-start-against-sheffield-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/12\/31\/joe-gomez-to-start-against-sheffield-united\/","title":{"rendered":"Joe Gomez to Start Against Sheffield United"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool<\/a> will begin the second half of the Premier League season against Sheffield United<\/a> on Thursday. The Blades caused them problems in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with only Dean Henderson<\/a>‘s error proving the difference. Liverpool will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign and extend their lead at the top. One player who has been in fine form recently for the Reds is Joe Gomez<\/a>. He will hope to keep this going on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Joe Gomez Has Earned His Place<\/h2>\n

Joe Gomez Means Clean Sheets<\/h3>\n

Injuries to Dejan Lovren<\/a> and Joel Matip<\/a> have allowed Joe Gomez to return to the team. This has coincided with a return to defensive solidity, suggesting that Gomez is the man to partner Virgil van Dijk<\/a> in the long term. Since Gomez came back into the side, the team have only conceded one goal, keeping five clean sheets.<\/p>\n

Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a> and Andrew Robertson<\/a> should continue at full-back, with the upcoming FA Cup game a chance to rest the regulars. Alisson will continue in goal, while Adrian remains second choice.<\/p>\n

Naby Keita to Return<\/h3>\n

Naby Keita has looked like the player Liverpool fans were expecting whenever he has featured recently. His impressive recent form strengthens his case for a start.<\/p>\n

Adam Lallana<\/a> performed well in Keita’s place against Wolverhampton Wanderers<\/a> and will be hoping to retain his place. Jordan Henderson<\/a>, Georginio Wijnaldum<\/a> and James Milner<\/a> will also hope to start against Sheffield United.<\/p>\n

That Klopp still has a selection dilemma in midfield despite injuries to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain<\/a> and Fabinho is a testament to the depth of the squad and the way every player is giving their all.<\/p>\n

Rotation Up Front<\/h3>\n

Klopp suggested that Xherdan Shaqiri<\/a> would have started against Wolves if he had been fit, implying that he wanted to rest one of the front three. Shaqiri has a hamstring injury and will remain out.<\/p>\n

However, this opens the door for Divock Origi<\/a> to start with one of Mohamed Salah<\/a>, Sadio Mane<\/a> and Roberto Firmino<\/a> to be rested. There could also be a place on the bench for one of Rhian Brewster, Curtis Jones<\/a> or Harvey Elliot<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Predicted XI: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson; James Milner, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum; Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, Mohamed Salah<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n