Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
A vital three points lays ahead on Monday night with Liverpool potentially five points behind Manchester City before the game kicks off. A frustrating Fulham performance saw the Reds much better when Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott were introduced.
I think both of those should start on Monday night, with Liverpool needing to be more aggressive with the midfield selection. With Thiago Alcantara, Klopp will be without his main conductor in the middle of the park for the next six weeks, but the squad is more than capable of getting the job done.
Here’s how we should line up:
Adam’s XI: Alisson, Robertson, Virgil, Gomez, Trent, Fabinho, Keita, Elliott, Diaz, Darwin, Salah
One change at the back sees Joe Gomez come in for Matip who joins Ibrahima Konate on the injury list. It wasn’t Virgil’s best game at Craven Cottage last week, and that will see him keen to show why strikers shouldn’t get used to challenging him.
Midfield is where changes need to be made. While Jordan Henderson is an excellent selection in some games where more control is required, Liverpool need to be more aggressive in other matches. Against Crystal Palace at home, Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott provide a strong attacking duo supported by Fabinho in the six.
Diaz and Salah keep their place on the wings. Salah, in particular, looked excellent when Darwin Nunez was introduced last week – and we need to see that partnership again on Monday night. Nunez starts with Roberto Firmino dropping to the bench, though he may be required in a 4-2-3-1 formation switch at some point.
After a disappointing opening day, I think Liverpool will come back strong in this one with a comfortable 3-0 win.
How does Ste think we will line up? Check out the starting XI prediction show below!
