Heading into an important clash at Old Trafford on Monday night, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faces selection dilemmas amid an injury crisis.
With several first team regulars forced to watch this match from the sidelines, Klopp will need to rely on his squad players to prove themselves.
Joel Matip, Thiago, Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez would all be in contention to start this game but are all ruled out due to injury and suspension.
This leaves Klopp with some big decisions to make as he has limited options in certain areas.
So, who do I think will make up the starting eleven on Monday night?
Goalkeeper: Alisson
There are no doubts over the number one choice in between the posts for Liverpool. When fit, Alisson plays.
There has not been too much the Brazilian could do to help his team in the first two games since returning from injury.
Regardless, I have absolutely zero doubts over his presence in this game.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Another no brainer for Jurgen Klopp will be the inclusion of the England international.
Despite a difficult start to the season, Alexander-Arnold brings so much to the side that he simply cannot be dropped.
Being the main creative threat from the full back position is incredible and once his confidence returns, his form will follow.
Centre-Back: Joe Gomez
Injury prevented Gomez from starting the previous league game against Crystal Palace however he was fit enough to come on in the second half.
An impressive cameo will secure his place in the starting line-up at Old Trafford with Ibrahima Konate out injured and Joel Matip just back in training at the end of the week.
Having fallen down the pecking order at Anfield, Gomez now has the chance to stake his claim and knock on Jurgen Klopp’s door for more game time.
Centre-Back: Virgil Van Dijk
One of the first names on the team sheet is the leader at the back.
Similarly to Alexander-Arnold, the 31 year old has not shown his finest form in the opening weeks of the season.
Travelling to Old Trafford will require the experience and calmness he brings to the team and to the game.
A clean sheet will be on the wish list for Monday night and Van Dijk will be hungrier than anyone for just that.
Left-Back: Andy Robertson
While fans online may debate whether Kostas Tsimikas deserves a chance in this game, there is little doubt over Klopp’s choice here.
The energetic Robertson is a vital part of the Klopp era at Liverpool and has been selected whenever he is available.
While his form and his chemistry on the pitch with Luis Díaz have been questioned in recent weeks, it is hard to see Klopp deviating from this.
Defensive Midfielder: Fabinho
With a solid display required in midfield, Fabinho will surely be the player Klopp looks to for this role.
Similar to other players in the side, the midfield destroyer has struggled to get up and running for this campaign.
Seeming to be overrun by opposition midfields has been a concern against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
However, more help from his teammates in the middle of the park could really help the Brazilian out.
Central Midfielder: Jordan Henderson
While there were murmurs on social media of the Liverpool skipper missing training towards the end of the week, nothing has been confirmed in terms of any injuries.
A fitness issue prevented Henderson from starting last week’s game but the captain did make an appearance in the second half.
Klopp always shows faith in Henderson for the big away games and I have no doubt this trend will continue for this away trip.
Central Midfielder: Naby Keita
With doubts surrounding the future of Keita last week, Klopp was very quick to dismiss these rumours.
Being a like for like replacement on the left side of Liverpool’s midfield, I expect Keita to start following illness.
While Harvey Elliott can feel hard done by to miss out following an impressive showing previously, experience could be key to this game.
Right Wing: Mohamed Salah
To keep it short and sweet, it’s Mohamed Salah.
Of course he starts.
Left Wing: Luis Díaz
Coming off the back of his wonder goal that rescued a point for his side, Luis Díaz will be looking to make an impression at Old Trafford.
Once again a lack of options in this position means that the decision makes itself.
Helping his side to a win against their fierce rivals would really endear him to the Anfield faithful and he will have the chance to do so.
Centre Forward: Roberto Firmino
Having confirmed his return to training on Friday, Jurgen Klopp will likely turn to the reliable Firmino.
Furthermore, having been there and done it before, Firmino will have the experience to cope with the pressure of featuring in such a big game.
Where as the likes of Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott have not got the similar level of experience and this is why I think they start on the bench.
Darwin Núñez would have been set to lead the line up until his red card and thus, Firmino is the only striker available.
Do you agree that Klopp will go for this team or are there any changes you would make?
