Liverpool will be out to keep up a strong start to their Europa League campaign when they host Toulouse on Thursday evening.
The Reds have beaten LASK Linsk and Union Saint-Gilloise in their opening two Europa League group-stage fixtures, picking up six points in the process. They are on top of Group E and will be aiming to get closer to the qualification of the competition’s knockout rounds.
Jurgen Klopp’s side returned from the international break with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over their local rivals Everton that sent them third in the Premier League. They will be keen to build on that victory with a strong showing against Toulouse, who have picked up four points from their opening two Europa League fixtures.
Liverpool Team News
Andy Robertson will be out for a while following a shoulder injury he suffered while on international duty with Scotland. He is set to undergo shoulder surgery after talking to a lot of experts, with the Scotsman joining Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic on the sidelines.
Cody Gakpo has missed Liverpool’s last three matches across all competitions with a knee injury, although he returned to training before the Everton game and could be involved against Toulouse.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Toulouse (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
In goal, the fit-again Caoimhin Kelleher will certainly take his place after missing out against Union Saint-Gilloise earlier this month due to injury. He will be keen to mark his return from injury with a clean sheet.
Defence
Ahead of Kelleher, Joel Matip could partner Jarell Quansah at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Joe Gomez may replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Kostas Tsimikas should deputise for the injured Robertson at left-back once again.
Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate should provide cover for defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Curtis Jones‘ ongoing Premier League suspension makes him a no-brainer for this fixture. He is expected to join Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliot in the Reds’ engine room.
Endo will look to keep things tight from the No.6 position, with Jones and Elliot looking to provide creative impetus from the centre of the pitch. Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister could get opportunities to shine in the second half.
Attack
Darwin Nunez is expected to lead the line for Liverpool after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Everton, with Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota supporting the Uruguayan in attack. Given the form Salah is in, the Egyptian will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet against Toulouse.
If Liverpool are in need of fresh impetus in attack in the second half, Klopp could turn his focus towards Luis Diaz. Cody Gakpo may also get some minutes if he is deemed fit enough to start on the bench.