The Reds return to Champions League action this week in the reverse fixture of the 0-7 thrashing of Maribor two weeks ago.
With a few minor injuries on top of the obvious ones, and with Klopp looking to rotate in any case, we are set to see a much changed Liverpool line-up.
Here’s how I expect Klopp to set his side up:
LORIS KARIUS
Easiest prediction of the 11. Karius is the Champions League keeper whether we like it or not (and I don’t.)
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
I think Trent will come in at right-back for this one. Klopp said in his press conference that Joe Gomez was carrying a knock so it makes sense for him to sit out this one. Alexander-Arnold played well out in Maribor and another game where his job will be to provide an outlet in an attacking sense won’t do his development any harm.
JOEL MATIP
I imagine that if the option is available to him, Jurgen Klopp will want to get Matip and Lovren playing together again as soon as he can, especially with Klavan having been given his game against Huddersfield.
RAGNAR KLAVAN
With Lovren and Gomez seemingly set to miss out on this one due to injury, it seems obvious that Klavan will come in. Played well on Saturday with very little defending to do and Wednesday evening’s game will probably follow a similar pattern.
ANDREW ROBERTSON
Many Liverpool fans have been surprised by the under-use of the Scottish full-back this season but with Alberto Moreno apparently struggling with cramp, it seems the perfect game to rest Albie up and profit from those delicious Robertson crosses.
JORDAN HENDERSON
Having been rested out in Slovenia, my guess is it will be someone else’s turn to sit this one out and Jordan will lead the Reds out on Wednesday evening.
GINI WIJNALDUM
One of the criticisms I’ve had about Gini is how ineffective he is when Liverpool come up against a low block, especially at Anfield. I thought he was much better on Saturday against Huddersfield and noticed an improvement even before his goal. Another game and a bit more practice for Wijnaldum against a so-called bus-parking side will stand him in good stead.
JAMES MILNER
Arguably our most creative midfielder, not including Philippe Coutinho or Adam Lallana. Milner came in for the game in Slovenia and put in such a good performance that he has played every minute since. Emre Can was rested at the weekend but I’m not so sure how effective he is in games like this.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
Surely this HAS to be the match in which Oxlade-Chamberlain is given his start… Recent displays off the bench have been encouraging and with so many injuries, our second most expensive signing ever must be given a chance. If he isn’t to be trusted at home to a side who are a long way off the standard of the Premier League then it won’t look great for him.
ROBERTO FIRMINO
This would normally be a perfect game for Sturridge to play but given how Daniel’s body seems to restrict him to only a game a week, Firmino should come back in. Hopefully he can add some much needed goals to his tally for the year and gain some more confidence in front of goal.
MOHAMED SALAH
Liverpool’s top scorer and, in my opinion, best player this season will surely start on the right hand side.
