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Joel Matip should return to the starting lineup, while Naby Keita could replace Curtis Jones when Liverpool take on Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool will look to strengthen its position at first place in the Premier League table when it travels to Selhurst Park to face Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace this weekend.
Before the game, Liverpool received a spike in injuries when Joel Matip, who missed the midweek victory over Tottenham due to a back problem, was seen back in training. However, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that players like Thiago Alcantara, James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri remain unavailable.
Time to train 💪🔴 pic.twitter.com/98IaXbaTGC
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17, 2020
“He [Thiago] it’s getting closer and closer and he’s on the right track, but we won’t rush him, we can’t rush him and he won’t. [either] because you are not allowed to rush. That is not just the case for him. With Millie it will be similar, with Shaq it will be similar, “Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
Along with the aforementioned trio, Liverpool continues without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas. Given midweek efforts, Klopp could make some changes to the starting lineup when his team takes the field at Selhurst Park.
No changes are expected in the goal, with Alisson Becker being the undisputed starter. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are also expected to remain at full-backs, while Fabinho should continue at center-back. However, Matip, who is back in shape, could come in at the expense of Rhys Williams, despite the youngster’s best performance against Tottenham.
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News, Betting Odds & Key Stats
With Fabinho on defense, Jordan Henderson should fill the position of defensive midfielder, while Georginio Wijnaldum’s energy and pace of work make him a key figure for the Reds.
Curtis Jones was brilliant in the midweek clash against Tottenham Hotspur. But after being used quite a bit lately, the youngster could be in line to rest Saturday, with Naby Keita, back in shape, filling in for him in the middle of the park against the Eagles.
The attacking trio pick themselves in Jota’s absence as Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are expected to start against Crystal Palace, though Klopp could look to someone like Takumi Minamino sometime in the middle of the matchup.
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
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