Liverpool get their assault on the Premier League’s top four back underway against Arsenal after an international break interrupted a return to form.
As we reported earlier today, Jota is set to start for Liverpool against Arsenal with the hope being that he can continue his goalscoring form and help his side to a win over the Gunners.
Jurgen Klopp’s side heads into Gameweek 30 five points outside of the top four and another loss could condemn the Reds to a 2021/22 season without Champions League football which would be disastrous.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on March 29, 2021 in Kirkby, England. PHOTO BY ANDREW POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
While Roberto Firmino returned to training this week, Klopp wants to ease him back in slowly and so he’ll start on the bench.
The Brazilian has a history of punishing the Reds, including a hattrick he scored against the Gunners in December 2018 so it will be good to see him come on for a 20-minute cameo this evening.
Late fitness test will determine if Jota will start
Jota’s form sees him crack the nod over Firmino, with the Portugal international scoring four and assisting one in his last four games for club and country.
As we reported earlier today, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on his knee, with minor swelling on his knee noted by club physios on his return from World Cup Qualifiers yesterday.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Diogo Jota of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 24, 2021 in Kirkby, England. PHOTO BY ANDREW POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
A source close to Anfield Central told us that the swelling has since dissipated and there were no issues after he completed full training yesterday but a late check before kickoff will determine his involvement.
Meanwhile, Fabinho will once again start in midfield while Thiago Alcantara and James Milner will start alongside the Brazilian.
In defence, Klopp doesn’t have too many options to rotate and will once again start Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nat Phillips, Ozan Kabak and Andy Robertson in front of the moustache-sporting Alisson Becker.
Predicted starting XI: Alisson, Trent, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson, Thiago, Fabinho, Milner, Mane, Jota, Salah.
