Liverpool will go in search of a much-needed three points when they visit Leicester once again on Saturday evening.
The Reds, who have failed to win since the international break, were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Burnley last time out in the league.
Jurgen Klopp rung the changes for Tuesday’s League Cup tie at the King Power, but his side fell to a 2-0 defeat despite dominating the game.
It could, though, be a very different story this time as the big names, rested in midweek, return to the fold.
Let’s take a look at how I think Liverpool will line-up.
GK – Simon Mignolet
Danny Ward turned in a solid performance in midweek after being handed a rare start, but Klopp will turn to his number one in the hope of a long-awaited shut-out.
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Klopp gave Jon Flanagan a run-out on Tuesday as Alexander-Arnold watched on from the bench, but the 18-year-old is set to regain his place in the starting XI amidst Nathaniel Clyne’s ongoing absence.
With Joe Gomez suspended for the trip to Spartak Moscow three days’ later, it will be a demanding for few days for the talented young defender.
CB – Joe Gomez
With Dejan Lovren sidelined by a back problem and Ragnar Klavan struggling, fans have been crying out for Gomez to be given a chance in the heart of the defence, and it looks as if Klopp has taken note.
The England Under-21 international started at centre-back in midweek and, though his positioning for Leicester’s opener was questionable, he probably did enough to earn a place in Saturday’s XI.
CB – JOEL MATIP
Matip is carrying a knock and faces a battle to be fit, but Klopp may well take a risk and field the 26-year-old rather than opting for the Gomez-Klavan partnership which has overwhelmed by Leicester’s second half fightback on Tuesday. Obviously if he’s ruled out then, with Lovren out too, Klavan will play.
LB: Alberto Moreno
Summer signing Andy Robertson has been given the nod for the last two games, but played the full 90 minutes in midweek. Expect Klopp to recall the resurgent Moreno on Saturday evening.
CM: Jordan Henderson
The skipper’s performances in the last few games have been far from inspiring, but a slight injury to Emre Can should see him keep his place in the centre of midfield.
Reds fans will be hoping for a more ambitious display from a player who appears to have been playing it rather safe of late.
CM: Gini Wijnaldum
Klopp likely had one eye on this weekend’s game as he withdrew Wijnaldum after 73 lively minutes in midweek. The Netherlands international, who did not feature against Burnley, continues his efforts to rediscover his best form.
CM – Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho began to bear the hallmarks of his former self on Tuesday as he ran the show for the first 45 minutes before being hooked at half-time to ensure he remained injury-free for the more important Premier League clash.
The Brazilian played left-wing for much of last season and if Emre Can can overcome his knock, could be pushed forward again.
Will ‘O Magico’ return to his brilliant best on Saturday?
RW – MO Salah
Amidst the present doom and gloom, new arrival Mohamed Salah has been a revelation. He looks right at home in Jurgen Klopp’s team and has emerged as one of the side’s primary goal threats, finding the net for the fifth time against Burnley.
The 26-year-old will look to deliver the goods from the right flank once again this weekend.
ST – Daniel Sturridge
In the absence of Sadio Mane, Sturridge has returned to the starting line-up and is set to be given another opportunity at the King Power.
The Englishman drew blank against Burnley but will know that finding the net here could present Jurgen Klopp with a selection dilemma when Mane returns.
LW: Roberto Firmino
Sturridge’s return has forced Firmino the wings, where his effectiveness has been limited.
Still, with four goals and three assists under his belt already this season, Firmino has emerged as one of the club’s most important players and will surely start at the King Power as the Reds look to end a four-game victory drought.
Don’t be surprised, though, to see Klopp change system and deploy Firmino down the middle if the threat of Sturridge is neutralised.
