James Milner should make way for Georginio Wijnaldum when Premier League leaders Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Liverpool will be aiming to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season whilst consolidating their place atop the table when they travel to the capital to face off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening. And, Jurgen Klopp has seen his squad’s injury woes ease up ahead of this weekend’s clash.
While Alisson Becker still remains out for the coming month or so due to the calf injury he picked up on the opening day of the season, Adrian has been deputising for him rather well. And, the Spaniard should take his place between the sticks for Liverpool once again.
Great to see this man back! ?? pic.twitter.com/p9oUwL0nWg
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2019
There had been no pressing concerns in defence whatsoever, with Nathaniel Clyne the only absentee. Klopp is unlikely to make any chances at the back, though, considering the magnitude of the game. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will thus, be the two full-backs while Joel Matip will continue to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
As for the good news, Naby Keita is back in full training and will soon be in contention to feature, although the Chelsea game will have come too soon for him. Giving an update on Keita in his pre-match press conference, Klopp said, “Naby Keita is back in training at least, with the team. Today for the first time with the team.”
The first and only change in the side, however, will come in midfield, with James Milner making way for Georginio Wijnaldum. Wijnaldum will join Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in the three-man midfield unit, with the Liverpool captain likely to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the side.
There is further good news further up, with Divock Origi stepping up his recovery from the ankle injury he sustained last weekend against Newcastle United. But, Klopp stressed that Origi only has an outside chance to make the matchday squad to face Chelsea, and is likely to miss out.
“Div, we have to see day by day, that’s how it was from the first day – how can he deal with the pain and stuff like that. We will see. It is pretty early, so I don’t know exactly what the medical department will tell me [today] about that case. I think it’s unlikely [he will be fit for Chelsea] but why should I rule him out? But it’s unlikely.”
Origi was unlikely to make the starting lineup even if he was fit, with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane picking themselves for games as important as those against Chelsea. Xherdan Shaqiri will once again be a backup option.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
