Liverpool impressed no one with their performance against Everton yesterday evening. There was no rhythm in their attacking unit, and the absence of Salah and Robertson certainly hurt their chances.
However, the team must pull their socks up and come back to winning ways when they face Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Manager Jurgen Klopp should want to make a few changes in the side after their unimpressive display against their local rivals, but it is fair to say that his options are limited, owing to the wafer-thin squad at the attacking end. Let us take a look at how the Reds could lineup against Palace.
Defence
Alisson Becker did his job well for the side, and there is no doubt that the Brazilian would take his place under the sticks. Klopp would have to be more concerned about the centre back pairing as Van Dijk could struggle to find his partner at the heat of the defence. Joe Gomez could again be placed as the left-back if Robertson is unavailable and thus Lovren may be the only choice for the gaffer.
However, as we predict, the Scottish international would return, and Gomez would be the partner for the Dutchman in the heart of the defence. All these predictions are made considering that Matip would not be able to recover in time for the next match, but if the 28-year-old returns to full fitness, then many of these problems would be solved. At right-back, Alexander-Arnold should be up to the task, and the youngster would hope to put up a better show this time around.
Midfield
Wijnaldum did not make the cut the last time, and the Dutchman had to be content with an appearance from the bench. He could be seen this time around along with Keita and Henderson. Keita did not disappoint vs Everton, and thus the manager might be inclined to give him another chance. The club captain should take his usual place at the middle of the park, and if Salah returns in this match, he could operate more centrally than in the last game where he drifted to the right often, providing support to Minamino.
Forward
Minamino should not feature this time with Salah likely to be back. After the dismal performance of the Liverpool forwards, a lot of hope would remain on Salah to restore the rhythm of the Merseyside giants. Mane and Firmino could again be seen along with the Egyptian as the three would hope to put the memories of the last game behind them.
