This weekend, Aston Villa will be in town, and Jurgen Klopp must make a significant decision over his attacking line.
Despite a challenging opening slate of games, the Reds have had a good start to 2023/24, and on Sunday they will look to make it 10 out of a possible 12.
The manager changed his starting lineup for the first time this season on the trip to Newcastle, and there are more opportunities for other alterations this time.
As Klopp spoke to the media prior to the game, the fitness reports were mixed, with one midfielder’s return to training being countered by a further setback to another.
Darwin Nunez’s heroics at St. James’ Park last weekend won the Reds all three points, so it would take a bold man to keep him out of the lineup.
Despite only being allowed three replacement appearances this season, the Uruguayan has yet to get a start, but his late brace will almost surely put him on the manager’s mind.
Virgil van Dijk will serve a ban after his red card against the Magpies, so Liverpool will have to prepare for life without their captain.
a headache for Klopp, but here are several alternatives:
Nunez’s exclusion would be a major decision, but Gakpo’s removal would also be a difficult choice given his smart play this season in both the midfield and up forward.
The Dutchman will be eager to score as soon as possible because he has yet to score for the Reds in 2023–24.
Even though all five of Klopp’s forwards are currently healthy, Diogo Jota will be vying for a spot in the starting lineup.
Gakpo will continue to play as the center forward, while Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah will join him in the front three.
This weekend’s key decisions will be made at the top of the field thanks to Liverpool’s offensive talents, which will give Klopp plenty to think about.
new signature Due to Ryan Gravenberch’s late registration, the midfield will almost definitely not alter unless there are any injuries on Sunday.
The Reds are lacking at the defense without Van Dijk and Konate, but Gomez will be looking to improve on his confident performance on Tyneside.
Regardless of how Liverpool lineups, let’s hope for another strong performance on the path to three more significant points.
