Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will have to block out the noise after his controversial spat with referee Paul Tierney over the weekend as he gears his players up for an important Premier League clash with Fulham. With the Reds looking to continue their hot streak of form and nail down a Europa League spot, Express Sport takes you through how they are likely to set up against the Cottagers, who may have to contend with the experienced duo of Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota…
(4-3-3) Goalkeeper: Alisson
With 42 goals conceded in 33 Premier League matches so far this campaign, Liverpool have the joint-worst defensive record of any team in the top-eight. Thankfully for Alisson, the fault lies mainly with the back-line, who have frequently left him exposed between the sticks.
The Reds have now gone five league matches without a clean sheet, and after shipping three against Spurs, the Brazilian stopper will hope to avoid picking the ball out of his net so often this time around.
Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
Virtually all of Liverpool’s defenders have left themselves open to criticism this season. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capability, or lack thereof, is still a hot topic of discussion, while Andrew Robertson has been pulled up on being drawn in by attackers and leaving spaces behind him to exploit.
Even so, the pair remain Klopp’s starting full-back duo, and there are early signs that Alexander-Arnold’s transition to a makeshift central midfield role will give him a new lease of life. Van Dijk continues to look a shadow of his former self after Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic left him flat on his back before setting up Harry Kane in the first half at the weekend, although the Dutchman is likely to continue alongside Ibrahima Konate in central defence.
Midfield: Henderson, Fabinho, Jones
Klopp has options in midfield, although not as many as he would have liked, with Naby Keita and Stefan Bajcetic out through injury. Thiago Alcantara’s fitness is also up in the air after he was seen limping towards the benches against Spurs, having been left out of the matchday squad.
Despite performing short of his lofty standards, Fabinho remains a trusted midfield anchor who, if he does his job correctly, should allow those either side of him to roam forward. Anfield veteran Henderson is poised to come back in after starting on the bench against Spurs, while Klopp could give Curtis Jones the opportunity to score for a second consecutive game.
Attack: Salah, Gakpo, Jota
The Liverpool boss faces a tricky decision in attack. Luis Diaz immediately returned to the scoresheet vs Tottenham after a long injury lay-off, but Jota has now scored five goals in his last four matches following his 94th-minute winner against the Lilywhites.
For that reason, the former Wolves star could just get the nod, with top-scorer Mohamed Salah set to start on the right and Cody Gakpo, who has shown glimpses of brilliance since his January arrival, through the middle.
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