[ad_1]
Liverpool encountered another holiday horror with a disappointing loss to Southampton.
Danny Ings’ early attack was enough to send the Reds to a 1-0 setback on the South Coast on Monday.
The Premier League and world champions now have a quick turnaround before heading to Aston Villa on Friday for an FA Cup third-round tie.
And here we look at the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team is next in action.
Everything changes in the back
Don’t be surprised if Liverpool makes wholesale modifications for the trip to Villa Park.
Not least across the baseline, with several players waiting patiently for their opportunity.
Neco Williams is one, the Welshman set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right back.
At the heart of the defense, Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips will rely on a start with Fabinho likely rested and all the other center-backs injured.
And Andy Robertson has a breather as a left back. With Kostas Tsimikas injured, that means James Milner is up for the role.
In goal, Caoimhin Kelleher should get the nod ahead of Alisson Becker.
Middle Posers
The engine room is more complicated.
Curtis Jones will be a likely starter, as he did not appear against Southampton.
But while Naby Keita is struggling to get fit, the rest of the available midfielders started during the past week.
And it may be that Thiago Alcantara gets another spin as he catches up after a long period on the sidelines, especially with Liverpool not playing for another nine days.
Young duo Leighton Clarkson and Jake Cain could also be considered.
Get the latest news on injuries and Liverpool teams as Klopp faces the selection dilemma, plus the latest news and analysis of what’s next for the Reds.
You’ll also get the latest talk and transfer analysis delivered right to your inbox every day with our FREE email newsletter.
Register here, it only takes a few seconds!
Rotation in attack
Much will depend on whether Liverpool stick to their usual 4-3-3 or switch to 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1.
But Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri will be delighted to have a chance to start at Villa.
Minamino, in particular, seems to deserve after failing to appear since his excellent performance at Crystal Palace last month in which he scored his first Premier League goal.
Klopp, however, can decide that one of Sadio Mane’s three regular forwards, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah should play. Much depends on how seriously the Reds manager wants to take the competition this season.
[ad_2]
