Liverpool returned to winning ways in the crucial Merseyside derby last weekend, following a little setback.
The Reds needed a pick-me-up after a pair of painful, perplexing, and frustrating appearances against Spurs and Brighton, and the 2-0 victory was just that.
Heading into a very winnable series of games, the victory at Anfield keeps Jurgen Klopp’s team inside the top four and just three points off Premier League leaders Tottenham.
Between Europa League and Carabao Cup duties, Liverpool plays Nottingham Forest (h), Luton (a), and Brentford (h) before the next international break.
Even though “one game at a time” is still the motto, Klopp and company will need to win all three of their remaining games in order to be prepared for the early Saturday kickoff—yes, another one—against Manchester City on November 25 after the international break.
So this Sunday’s first event is Forest.
The game is scheduled for three days after Toulouse’s Europa League match, but this match won’t be taken lightly because of Taiwo Awoniyi’s thrilling victory at the City Ground the previous season.
But who is most likely to start for Klopp in his starting lineup?
DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS
Who starts at left back in Andy Robertson’s absence for Liverpool is arguably the greatest question mark in their defence.
After an hour, Kostas Tsimikas was substituted out for in the Merseyside derby as part of a tactical change. Even though Robertson is the more defensively minded option in Klopp’s modified system, it still seems like the Greece international, who is even less suited to the new role, may not be a lock to hold down a place in the side. Joe Gomez and Luke Chambers are also options for the manager.
When he didn’t get sent off against Everton last weekend, Ibrahima Konate became one of the main discussion topics. Despite that near-miss, the Frenchman is still Virgil van Dijk’s greatest all-around defensive partner at Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is looking to increase his meagre total of one assist for 2023–2024 heading into the weekend.
Unless there’s a last-minute emergency, Alisson Becker will start in goal. For the first time since May, he will be going for back-to-back Premier League clean sheets.
STRONG MIDFIELD
On Sunday, Curtis Jones will miss the final game of his three-match suspension.
His return will be much appreciated because he provides balance to Liverpool’s midfield; nevertheless, Ryan Gravenberch has had an opportunity to show off his own skill set. During his moments of brilliance against Everton, the Dutchman probably did enough to persuade Klopp to give him another Premier League start.
For better or worse, Alexis Mac Allister now seems to be the starting holding midfielder, while Dominik Szoboszlai, another new signing, is now among the first names on the roster.
Alongside Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliot, who has consistently impressed in his cameo appearances this season, might have to settle for another bench duty on Sunday.
Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are still not available.
ATTACKING OPTIONS
After missing Liverpool’s last two Premier League games due to a knee injury, Cody Gakpo is back to full fitness, giving Klopp more alternatives up top. But when he’s fit, Darwin Nuñez is quickly becoming unstoppable.
From the bench against Everton, the Uruguayan picked up another assist, running half the length of the pitch to send up Mohamed Salah.
Klopp asserts that Nuñez’s adaption time is ‘far gone’, with the forward’s explosive skills really shining through. The two have forged a successful combination.
Luis Diaz had to start over on the left. Even if the Colombian has drawn some criticism, Klopp values his ability to work hard and be innovative.
Although the 26-year-old hasn’t scored a goal in the league since August, it’s important to remember that he ought to have been given credit for his angled finish against Tottenham last month.