Liverpool fans might be treated to an early spectacle to new signing Thiago, with the Spaniard in contention to feature against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool have been active in the transfer market of late, bringing in Thiago and recently, Diogo Jota to beef up the squad. The former Barcelona midfielder is in contention to feature against Chelsea, with Jurgen Klopp not giving any hints on the said prospect.
The Liverpool defence seemed shaky against Leeds United and Klopp would be wary they cannot afford the same complacency to creep in against Chelsea. Despite the struggles, we should see Klopp retain the back four of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, with Alisson Becker in goal.
For the Chelsea game, we could see one change in midfield. Fabinho should ideally come in for Naby Keita to provide more structure to the midfield and additional buffer to the defence. Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum should reprise their roles in midfield. Thiago will likely have to settle for a place on the bench for the Chelsea game.
Jurgen Klopp gave an envelope response in relation to team news and player availability during the pre-match conference. He did iterate that there are no fresh injuries to the squad but that none of the unavailable players are close to a return right now.
“Intense week. A few little things here and there but in the moment should be OK. Nobody is coming back or whatever, and the rest we have to see. So, still two days to go – two training sessions – but for the moment, we seem OK.”
In attack, there is no looking past the trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. However, Firmino has not started the season too well and we could see him come off for Jota at some point in the game. Klopp talked up Salah and his continued quality displays on the pitch.
“First and foremost, he deserves credit for that. He stayed greedy, he stayed very determined. His work-rate around the games is exceptional, he is super professional, that’s the truth. The numbers are just incredible, that’s true, and I was really happy for him for this game [against Leeds]. So, yes [a] good start [to the season]. Long may it continue.”
Divock Origi would also be an ideal option off the bench, if needed, for Liverpool on the day, with his pace and ability to make an immediate impact.
Predicted Liverpool Starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
