Ian Doyle – Time for Konate
New Year, new team. It’s time for a change for Liverpool. With the Premier League trip to Brentford coming mere days after the hard-earned win over Leicester City, Jurgen Klopp is going to have to rotate his resources.
But who goes out? And who comes in?
Alisson Becker is still in goal where he is. Virgil van Dijk plays center back, and Trent Alexander-Arnold plays right back. However, because Andy Robertson was injured on Friday, Kostas Tsimikas is inserted at left-back, and Ibrahima Konate is now ready to move into the center of defense following his World Cup return.
Also altered is the midfield. Jordan Henderson appeared exhausted against Leicester, and the Brazilian can take his position now that Fabinho is likely to be back in the lineup. Thiago Alcantara continues, however Harvey Elliott can be replaced by Naby Keita.
Up top, there’s one more switch. Mohamed Salah stays right and Darwin Nunez central, but it’s time for another look at Fabio Carvalho on the left.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Nunez, Carvalho.
Paul Gorst – Massive night for Liverpool
This game against Brentford tonight is crucial for Liverpool given recent outcomes elsewhere.
Ivan Toney appears to be out injured, therefore Jurgen Klopp has a major chance with three points in west London to put the Reds back in the thick of things.
Joel Matip can be replaced by Ibrahima Konate. Although the latter hasn’t done anything wrong, the World Cup semifinalist needs momentum to continue his season. The kick Andy Robertson received against Leicester should not have any adverse effects.
After his family’s recent addition, Fabinho should be able to play again. In addition to Thiago Alcantara, I’m keeping Jordan Henderson in the lineup for some added physicality.
Cody Gakpo is unlikely to start so Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues on the left with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Richard Garnett – Fabinho returns
Considering that Liverpool has won their last four Premier League games, why am I not more optimistic about this match? The Reds have not been particularly convincing since their return to action following the World Cup, allowing five times in the three games they have played, despite putting together a nice run of results. If qualifying for the Champions League is the goal, that must unquestionably improve.
This game is immediately following the home victory over Leicester, but with an FA Cup meeting on Saturday, now is not the time for major adjustments.
With Alisson in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold continues at right-back, alongside Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. Kostas Tsimikas and Ibrahima Konate are unlucky to miss out on a start but there are plenty of games to come in January.
In midfield, new dad Fabinho returns at the base of the engine room. Thiago was the only Liverpool midfielder to emerge from the Leicester match with any credit so has to play again, alongside Jordan Henderson.
I’d keep going up top with Mohamed Salah on the right, Darwin Nunez in the middle, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left. Roberto Firmino might be too tired for this game, but if Cody Gakpo’s work permit clears in time, might he make the bench? That would undoubtedly increase the amount of intrigue.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Oxlade-Chamberlain.