We are approaching October, and that part of the season where the managers expend the full quality in the depth of their squad, in order to keep their players fresh and give the one on the fringes a much-deserved look in. Juergen Klopp may be tempted to afford that chance this week, in Liverpool’s home fixture vs Hull City.
Here’s T4O’s predicted line-up.
Goalkeeper
Loris Karius
Being a home fixture against Hull City, Juergen Klopp might ultimately be tempted to fast-forward Loris Karius’ rehabilitating by affording him minutes against a relatively modest opposition. The 24-year-old German earned rave reviews on his resilience in his time with Klopp’s former club, Mainz, and was mostly unflustered in the midweek English League Cup match vs Derby County apart from one flap. Looks rather comfortable on the feet and assured in his distribution.
Right-back
Nathaniel Clyne
The England international could try his hand at the decathlon, with his levels of fitness. Will be starting back-to-back-to-back matches, after putting grueling effort vs Chelsea the past week, and then stuck to his task vs Derby County. One of Klopp’s first names on the team-sheet.
Centre-backs
Ragnar Klavan
A consummate professional, Ragnar [RAGNAAAAR!] Klavan yet again showed his uncanny mixture of clenched teeth expediency and ice cool composure vs Derby County when called upon. His goal against the Rams will further bolster his claim for a starting spot over Dejan Lovren, who could be better used in the next fixture against Swansea City away from home, giving the Estonian skipper much-deserved game time.
Joel Matip
Smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy, the former Schalke man has taken to life at the English Premier League as duck to water. Like Ragnar [RAGNAAR!], his ability to get himself out of tricky situations under pressure, with a well-placed pass, his penchant for interceptions, and being at the right place at the right time, will endear him to the Anfield faithful.
Left-back
James Milner
Rested vs Derby County, is expected to take over left-back duties when the Tigers come calling. Has surprised many by his resoluteness in that role.
Central Midfielders
Gini Wijnaldum
Klopp is trying to tickle the Genie out of his shell, who is slowly adapting to the knee-buckling demands of his role in this unfamiliar setup, as a shuttler. A lion-hearted display vs Chelsea would have eased worries about his overlay. His ability to turn on the ball is crucial in keeping the monopoly of the tempo of Liverpool’s counter-attacking play.
Adam Lallana
Another one of the lion-hearts in the middle. Klopp converting the right-winger into a central midfield shuttler is one of the best moves of Liverpool’s season. Whatever doubts Liverpool fans had, is slowly being brushed away.
Lucas Leiva
A surprise selection, but one that Jordan Henderson could do with. Hitting his stride after the pestilence of his recurring ankle injury, overplaying the Liverpool captain should be a temptation Juergen Klopp could do without when they take on Hull City at home. Lucas looked competent against Derby and his quiet work ahead of the backline would provide sufficient cover for Lallana and Wijnaldum.
Right Wing-forward
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane is a favourite for the African Player of the Year award he dreamt of in his time at Red Bull Salzburg, with the sort of rip-roaring form he’s in. Sure starter, Liverpool would hope he returns in good health from his involvement in the African Cup of Nations.
Left Wing-forward
Phil Coutinho
His outing vs The Rams was an exercise in confidence building by Juergen Klopp. Is another one who is most likely to start.
Forward
Roberto Firmino
Bob Firmino is perhaps the most important player in Liverpool’s attacking set-up, under Juergen Klopp. It’s not so much what he does with the ball that hurt the opposition, it’s more of what he does off of it, that makes him easily, one of the most unassumingly brilliant attacking midfielders in Europe. It’s this trait that Klopp will look to exploit as he deploys him once again as a false 9, ahead of a more conventional, Daniel Sturridge.
