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Liverpool set to make seven changes in bid to end barren Premier League form

Jürgen Klopp plans sweeping changes for his underperforming Liverpool as he aims to get his side to return to form against Fulham, according to Anfield Central sources.

After losing to Chelsea at home on Thursday, with several regular starters failing to perform, Klopp is getting ready to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Sadio Mane while Roberto Firmino and Ozan Kabak will miss out altogether due to injury.

The Brazilian has been poor recently so he could benefit from a rest even if it’s due to an injury blow. Fabinho, however, has just returned to action and seemed to be lacking match rhythm against the Blues. Trent and Mane have recently struggled for form and it seems Klopp is ready to take action.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool and Fabinho of Liverpool look dejected following their team’s defeat in the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, England. PHOTO BY LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/GETTY IMAGES

While Anfield Central can exclusively report that Trent, Fabinho, Thiago, Jones, Mane, Roberto Firmino and Ozan Kabak will all miss out, we are left to speculate on three of the replacements. Our sources have told us that Nat Philipps, Neco Williams and Rhys Williams will start in defence while Naby Keïta will start in midfield.

Beyond that, we’re unsure who will start in midfield alongside Keïta. Georginio Wijnaldum is in desperate need of a rest but given his stamina and perfect injury record, it seems highly unlikely that Klopp will leave him out.

James Milner is an option in the engine room especially as it seems doubtful that Klopp will pair Keïta with Curtis Jones. With Mohamed Salah the only regular forward set to start, Xherdan Shaqiri and Diogo Jota seem nailed on starters while Divock Origi could be given a rare chance.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Diogo Jota of Liverpool during a training session at Melwood Training Ground on October 29, 2020 in Liverpool, England. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ANDREW POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.

Liverpool simply cannot afford to drop more points but Fulham will be desperate for the chance to draw level with Brighton and Hove Albion and take a major step towards staying in the Premier League for another season.

Based on our inside information and the few combinations Klopp has available to him, here is our predicted starting XI to face Fulham.

Predicted starting XI: Alisson, Neco Williams, Philipps, Williams, Robertson, Gini, Milner, Keïta, Shaqiri, Salah, Jota.