Milner, Sturridge and Matip are all back in training. Can should be fit enough to start after another week of training and coming on as a sub, same for Origi. Who comes into the team and who drops out?
For me the most important thing is keeping the same intensity as 2nd half vs Arsenal, but finding our rhythm earlier. Can will probably start in his usual position as a HM, so then it's a choice between Henderson and Wijnaldum to partner him. I liked Wijnaldum's performance on the 2nd viewing more than I did live – he got into a lot of smart positions and his passing was simple, but very dependable – but Hendo did well too, despite playing out of position. Keeping in mind our goal of maximum intensity and pressing, Hendo should be preferable over Wijnaldum.
In the front 4 Coutinho and Mane start without question. Sturridge should be introduced off the bench in this game as he might need some time to get up to speed and we shouldn't risk this affecting how the rest of the team plays. The only question for me is whether Origi gets a start at the expense of either Lallana or Firmino. My initial hunch is no – because there is no reason to drop either one after their performances vs Arsenal. So front 4 is Coutinho-Lallana-Mane with Firmino up front.
At the back, there will definitely be a change on the left flank – not because Moreno has no long-term future in Klopp's plans, but it's clear that he is in a rut and needs to restore his confidence away from the spotlight. Both CBs played well against Arsenal, however they can't really complain about getting replaced after conceding 3 goals. I think Matip starts this game if he is fit enough; he is the #1 defender in Klopp's mind and his speed, heading and passing abilities can potentially raise the level of our defense up a notch. No idea who will be dropped to make way for him. So on first sight it could be something like this:
---------------------Mignolet------------------------
Clyne-----Matip--[Lovren or Klavan]--Milner
------------------------Can--------------------------
------------Henderson------Lallana-------------
Mane--------------Firmino------------Coutinho
However, looking at this team, there seems to be a relative lack of physicality – it was OK to play more lightweight and technical players like Lallana against Arsenal who have players of similar profile, but there is a risk this team might be bullied in the middle by a physical PL side and also there is no natural target for Milner's excellent crossing. Therefore we could see another type of team, a more physical one:
---------------------Mignolet------------------------
Clyne-----Matip--[Lovren or Klavan]--Milner
------------------------Can--------------------------
------------Henderson------Wijnaldum---------
Mane--------------Origi------------Coutinho---
In this team, Coutinho is the only player who is not built like a tank. If I'm correct, this could be this season's away game model against physical opponents.
For me the most important thing is keeping the same intensity as 2nd half vs Arsenal, but finding our rhythm earlier. Can will probably start in his usual position as a HM, so then it's a choice between Henderson and Wijnaldum to partner him. I liked Wijnaldum's performance on the 2nd viewing more than I did live – he got into a lot of smart positions and his passing was simple, but very dependable – but Hendo did well too, despite playing out of position. Keeping in mind our goal of maximum intensity and pressing, Hendo should be preferable over Wijnaldum.
In the front 4 Coutinho and Mane start without question. Sturridge should be introduced off the bench in this game as he might need some time to get up to speed and we shouldn't risk this affecting how the rest of the team plays. The only question for me is whether Origi gets a start at the expense of either Lallana or Firmino. My initial hunch is no – because there is no reason to drop either one after their performances vs Arsenal. So front 4 is Coutinho-Lallana-Mane with Firmino up front.
At the back, there will definitely be a change on the left flank – not because Moreno has no long-term future in Klopp's plans, but it's clear that he is in a rut and needs to restore his confidence away from the spotlight. Both CBs played well against Arsenal, however they can't really complain about getting replaced after conceding 3 goals. I think Matip starts this game if he is fit enough; he is the #1 defender in Klopp's mind and his speed, heading and passing abilities can potentially raise the level of our defense up a notch. No idea who will be dropped to make way for him. So on first sight it could be something like this:
---------------------Mignolet------------------------
Clyne-----Matip--[Lovren or Klavan]--Milner
------------------------Can--------------------------
------------Henderson------Lallana-------------
Mane--------------Firmino------------Coutinho
However, looking at this team, there seems to be a relative lack of physicality – it was OK to play more lightweight and technical players like Lallana against Arsenal who have players of similar profile, but there is a risk this team might be bullied in the middle by a physical PL side and also there is no natural target for Milner's excellent crossing. Therefore we could see another type of team, a more physical one:
---------------------Mignolet------------------------
Clyne-----Matip--[Lovren or Klavan]--Milner
------------------------Can--------------------------
------------Henderson------Wijnaldum---------
Mane--------------Origi------------Coutinho---
In this team, Coutinho is the only player who is not built like a tank. If I'm correct, this could be this season's away game model against physical opponents.
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