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The injury crisis begins to ease
Paul Gorst: Judging from Jurgen Klopp’s comments on Friday, it appears that the injury crisis is beginning to ease for Liverpool.
They remain without Virgil van Dijk, however, and with games fast approaching for the next two weeks, he would be mindful to return Joel Matip to action immediately.
So my back room sees Fabinho keep his spot alongside Joe Gomez with the usual suspects on the right and left side. Adrian continues to replace Alisson, despite the positive update on the Brazilian goalkeeper’s injury this week.
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My third midfield would be Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum.
Upstairs, I’m opting to let Roberto Firmino rest for Diogo Jota and I’m going to test Sadio Mane in form down the middle with Mohamed Salah stationed on that right side.
My team (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gómez, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Thiago, Wijnaldum; You’re wrong, Mane, Jota.
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The biggest revision occurs in the midfield
Ian Doyle: When in doubt, keep them out.
Liverpool have a number of injury concerns and Jurgen Klopp has indicated that he will not take any risks given his team’s hectic schedule.
But that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be any change for Sheffield United’s visit.
However, not in defense. The last five who kept a clean sheet at Ajax may remain the same.
The biggest reform occurs in the midfield.
Jordan Henderson is due to start after an impressive second-half performance in the Netherlands, while Gini Wijnaldum is another fact.
Who is in third place is interesting considering that there are concerns about almost every other midfielder. Hey, it could mean Liverpool start with just those two.
But hopefully Naby Keita will be available for another opportunity.
Upstairs, surely Roberto Firmino has to rest at some point. Diogo Jota can take his place, leaving Sadio Mane rampaging through the middle.
My team (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita; You’re wrong, Mane, Jota.
Perfect opportunity to change formation
Matt Addison: With a lot of games to come, it’s time to make a couple of changes, and not just in personnel.
This game represents the perfect opportunity to use the 4-2-3-1 formation that suits the players Liverpool have best when at home with teams like Sheffield United, whose game plan will be to sit deep and contain.
Rhian Brewster and Ollie McBurnie are future threats, but Fabinho and Gomez will be able to deal with them.
Alisson is unlikely to be put at risk, so Adrian remains in goal and the full-backs can play again.
* How would you line up against Sheffield United? Express your opinion in the comment section.
In midfield, my two are Jordan Henderson, who must play with only 45 minutes against Ajax, and then Thiago Alcantara, who will start if he is fit. If Spanish fails, give Naby Keita a chance in that role.
Diogo Jota gets the nod ahead of Takumi Minamino to complement the three regular forwards, who will start due to their premeditated removal from the Johan Cruyff Arena at the Wednesday time mark.
My team (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Jota; Mane
Who is more prepared to start in midfield?
Peter Harris: Jurgen Klopp is reaching a stage where he would rather rotate his team almost constantly. That’s not possible in defense, as the same bottom line that won a clean sheet against Ajax should remain in place during Sheffield United’s visit.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson also maintains his place, as he is proving crucial during a time of increased pressure on some Reds players. The same goes for Gini Wijnaldum.
So it’s a question of who is better suited to start: Thiago or Naby Keita? If the Spanish international, it begins. He will need a few minutes as he will undoubtedly be a star to rest midweek against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League.
Had Firmino run the show against Ajax he would have done a lot to claim early on today, but he had another unusually quiet game before Klopp’s tactical front-row triple trade.
Diogo Jota looked poised to take a spot in the first eleven for a couple of weeks and today would be ideal, alleviating any fears fans may still have after the club allowed Rhian Brewster to go to today’s opponents.
My team (4-3-1-2): Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Gomez, Robertson, Henderson, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jota, Salah, Mane
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