---
title: "Opinion: Jurgen Klopp has midfield headache ahead of EPL fixture"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/opinion-jurgen-klopp-has-midfield-headache-ahead-of-epl-fixture/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-03-05T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2022-03-05T08:00:00Z"
---

# Opinion: Jurgen Klopp has midfield headache ahead of EPL fixture

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/12/18/divock-origi-named-as-potential-january-target-dortmund-effenberg/) manager Jurgen Klopp has a selection dilemma ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham at Anfield.

Only a matter of weeks ago the German was delighted to [announce](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/09/jurgen-klopp-hails-strongest-squad-no-doubt-of-his-liverpool-reign) that the current crop was the ‘strongest squad’ since arriving on Merseyside.

Fast forward to now and the midfield has been somewhat [decimated with issues](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/thiago-injured-liverpool-carabao-breaking-23233166) once more.

Speaking ahead of the visit of the top-four chasing Hammers, Klopp [admitted](https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/1499974234390638599) both Curtis Jones and Naby Keita were doubts, whilst Thiago remains sidelined.

> Thiago, Firmino, Keita, Jones, Matip – Jurgen Klopp has the latest injury and illness updates across the [#LFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) squad 🔴🤕 [pic.twitter.com/nh1c4khJbh](https://t.co/nh1c4khJbh)
>
> — Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) [March 5, 2022](https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/1499974234390638599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

That leaves Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Harvey Elliott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as the [likely contenders](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) to make up a midfield trio.

Numerically and quality-wise those options are fruitful, but [naturally](https://www.footballcritic.com/jordan-henderson/player-positions/2600) none of which would feature on the left-hand side.

Here’s how we think Liverpool will lineup…

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

**Predicted XI**: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Harvey Elliott, Jordan Henderson; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota.

**Predicted Subs**: Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, James Milner, Takumi Minamino, Kostas Tsimikas, Divock Origi, Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sadio Mane.

Despite calls for a [possible formation change](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/jurgen-klopp-system-change-and-beautiful-goals-norwich-comeback) – similar to one we saw to finish the match against Norwich City recently – there is little need to throw everything up in the air just yet.

Instead, Klopp should turn to his captain to play in an unfamiliar role on the left-hand side of a three and provide all of the usual drive, [leadership](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12015222/jordan-henderson-how-he-became-liverpools-leader-and-a-player-of-the-season-contender) and quality.