Liverpool will want to assure themselves of a top-two finish in Europa League Group E with a victory over Toulouse in France on Thursday evening.
The Reds smashed the French side 5-1 during their showdown at Anfield two weeks ago to continue their blistering start to the Europa League campaign. Prior to the game against Toulouse, they had registered wins over LASK and Union SG.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped points in the title race on Sunday following a 1-1 draw with newbies Luton Town. Klopp will want his team to put in a better performance and get the job done in France.
Liverpool Team News
Curtis Jones was unavailable for the meeting with Luton due to a “minor fitness issue”, but there is hope that he will be able to play a part against Toulouse. Jurgen Klopp has conceded that Thiago Alcantara (hip) is unlikely to make his return to action before the start of the New Year, while there is still no timeframe on Stefan Bajcetic’s recovery from a calf problem.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Toulouse (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Caoimhin Kelleher is in line for a recall, with the Northern Irishman replacing Alisson in between the sticks for Liverpool against Toulouse.
Defence
Klopp will ring the changes as ever, with Joel Matip partnering Ibrahima Konate at the heart of the defence in the Liverpool lineup.
Kostas Tsimikas came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Luton but could start here at left-back, while Joe Gomez hopes to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back in the Liverpool lineup.
The Liverpool backline must stay tight and focused throughout the game to earn a clean sheet in France.
Midfield
Wataru Endo had a spectacular outing against Toulouse in the reverse fixture and deserves a recall to the starting XI. The Japanese international could join Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones in the Reds’ engine room, with the latter expected to shake off a minor problem.
Endo, Jones and Gravenberch should hold the fort in the middle of the park in the Liverpool lineup, giving the forwards the freedom to push forward and wreak havoc against the Toulouse defence.
Attack
Harvey Elliot is expected to start on the right flank ahead of Mohamed Salah, and the youngster has the tools to cause Toulouse serious issues. Cody Gakpo could go through the middle as a No.9, with Diogo Jota fresh to start on the left-wing in the Liverpool lineup after being taken off in the 66th minute in the 1-1 draw with Luton.
Luis Diaz, who scored a stoppage-time equaliser at Luton, could come off the bench again as long as he is in the right frame of mind. Meanwhile, talented teenager Ben Doak could also get some minutes against Toulouse.
