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Fabinho is set to retain his place at center-back, while Thiago steps in to protect the defense when Liverpool host Sheffield United on Saturday.
Liverpool hope to cement their place in the top four when they take on Sheffield United at Anfield on Saturday night. And, Jurgen Klopp has received a mix of good and bad news ahead of his team’s last game, while the big talking point remains the injury suffered by Virgil van Dijk.
The likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kostas Tsimikas join van Dijk on the sidelines, but the good news is that Thiago Alcantara, Alisson and Joel Matip have stepped up their rehab and are in contention to start this game. Klopp touched on his participation during his pre-game press conference, saying it will depend on Friday’s training session and a late fitness test.
“Look, in my situation, I don’t want to rule out anyone until someone tells me and so far no one has told me. Maybe I should have listened better! But for me, all but the three I mentioned are in dispute until someone tells me otherwise. “
Big tonight 🚫👀 pic.twitter.com/4P522YEgKn
– Fabinho (@_fabinhotavares) October 21, 2020
Looming uncertainty over Matip’s availability means Fabinho will retain his spot in the starting lineup after a massive performance against Ajax midweek, joining Joe Gomez at the heart of Klopp’s rear quarter defense. .
Adrian is the obvious choice in goal with Alisson still doubtful for the game; the Liverpool manager will want to take a chance on Adrian rather than rush his no. 1 on the court early. There’s no question about the pair of wingers, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson retaining their places on the left and right sides, respectively.
Later in the midfield, the big question has been whether Thiago would return to the lineup after making his only start for Liverpool against Everton. Klopp addressed questions about Thiago’s availability during his press, saying: “We’ll see who’s out there. You can only be in dispute if you are training. “
Given that he largely held the position of Bayern Munich midfielder before sealing the move to Liverpool, the Spaniard is likely to be thrown at the end of the midfield triumvirate. Joining him in the middle of the park should be Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.
Finally, in attack, the first-choice trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane should reunite. Firmino will lead the line while Salah and Mane occupy wide positions on the right and left flanks, respectively, as the two wingers.
XI planned for Liverpool: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
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