Liverpool will face a high-flying Huddersfield Town this Saturday. Huddersfield handed a shock defeat to Manchester United in last weekend’s clash and Jurgen Klopp must be well aware of the threat that the Terriers possess.
Liverpool had to deal with an embarrassing at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur away from home at Wembley themselves. Some basic errors cost Liverpool as Harry Kane and the other forwards took ample advantage of Liverpool’s defensive frailties. It has been reported that Jurgen Klopp held a serious talk with all his players at the club’s training ground on Monday.
Klopp is known to keep faith on his players and hence one must not expect many changes from the lineup except that of Dejan Lovren who was taken out at the half-hour mark in the last game. Liverpool have had enough time to prepare for this game as they did not feature in the midweek Carabao Cup clash.
Team News
Liverpool will miss the services of Sadio Mane in this match as the winger is yet to recover from his hamstring injury. The Senegalese international will be out for another month and must be expected only until the last week of next month.
The right-back problem is exposed only due to the absence of Nathaniel Clyne and he would not be back anytime soon. Adam Lallana will be back around the time when Mane will recover from his injury. Philippe Coutinho is the latest addition to the injury list and his absence, owing to an abductor muscle problem, could mean more misery for the side.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Simon Mignolet was not up to the mark against Tottenham and time is running out for him now. He has to improve his concentration and stop making silly errors.
Dejan Lovren is a certain no-no for this game and this is not without any reason. Lovren has displayed his mediocrity time and again and it is high time that Klopp takes a decision on his future. Joe Gomez was impressive in the last match when he played at his natural centre-half position and deserves to start at his natural position.
Joel Matip should partner Gomez and it can be a fruitful pairing for the Reds. Matip has made some costly mistakes but will do better with a stable centre-half to support him. Youngster Trent-Alexander Arnold has shown good potential in the limited number of opportunities and should get a longer run of games in the league. Alberto Moreno has improved this season and is expected to start on the left again.
Midfield
Jordon Henderson will occupy the central midfield. Henderson has had an inconsistent season so far but he does possess the talent and experience to bounce back when necessary. He was one of Liverpool’s better players in the loss against Tottenham will have a crucial task of leading his players in this match.
Emre Can was not at his best in the last game and misplaced some passes at dangerous positions. He will hope to improve his performance this time around.
Liverpool will be boosted by the return of Georginio Wijnaldum as the Dutch midfielder has emerged as the key man in midfield for the Reds this time, more so at home. He has featured in almost all the games and Klopp has made him a vital cog at the centre of the park.
Attack
Mohammed Salah made himself the most important player for Liverpool in attack ahead of the likes of Phillipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. The Egyptian winger uses his speed and trickery to good effect and creates numerous chances for his team. His finishing has improved in the recent matches and would hope to give a good performance in this game.
With Coutinho unlikely to feature, we could see a start for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left. He had good cameos against Maribor and Spurs and the clash against Huddersfield, who do play open at times, could be the ideal shot in the arm for the England international. Roberto Firmino is expected to lead the line and Liverpool need him to start scoring consistently.