Liverpool’s anticipated lineup and squad information for their away Premier League match against Luton Town
When choosing his starting lineup for the Premier League match against Luton Town this afternoon, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has make a number of important decisions.
Although Luis Diaz was photographed exercising on Friday, it is unclear if he would play a role considering the current circumstances in Colombia following his father’s disappearance. The club issued pictures without Curtis Jones, so it’s unclear what his current situation is.
A number of players are vying for a starting spot in the midfield, including Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
How will Klopp prepare for the match at 4.30 p.m.? Here are our writers’ three projected teams:
Paul Gorst: Jones makes a comeback, and Diaz gets a shot
Many of Jurgen Klopp’s main players ought to be well-rested for today’s match at Kenilworth Road after making up to eight changes against Bournemouth in the middle of the week.
Behind a back four that will also include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker is a clear choice for recall. Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip remain in their positions. The French defender can wait until Toulouse on Thursday, despite the fact that there are strong rumors of an Ibrahima Konate return to give Matip a break.
Alexis Mac Allister will start in midfield, while Dominik Szoboszlai maintains his position. The key question is: Will Ryan Gravenberch start over Curtis Jones? Jones is returning today because, after spending a month on the sidelines due to a suspension he feels wasn’t justified, I have a sneaking suspicion that he is eager to make up lost time.
Above, Mohamed Salah maintains his spot, and Darwin Nunez, who won the game on Wednesday, makes a comeback. Of course, the main question on the frontline is if Luis Diaz believes he is in a suitable mental state to play while his father is still being kidnapped in Colombia.
Even if the winger’s only use for it is to attempt to block out the terrible moment his family is going through for ninety minutes, I’m going to give him a start. Though Liverpool won’t put any pressure on him, it would be wonderful to see him return and experience the away supporters’ backing.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Ian Doyle – Klopp rings shift when the back rotates.
Liverpool hasn’t played a league game at Luton Town in a very long time. Only four days have passed since the Reds’ last game, a League Cup victory against Bournemouth, more than 32 years ago.
Even though Jurgen Klopp performed better than anticipated on the South Coast, he will make more changes this afternoon. Still, how many?
Alisson Becker will be one of them in goal. Additionally, the defense should rotate with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate back at center back, and Kostas Tsimikas continuing at left back.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who began the game on Wednesday as the right flank, can return to his usual position on the right of the midfield triad, which also includes Alexis Mac Allister, who plays at number six, and Ryan Gravenberch, who plays on the left because Curtis Jones did not practice on Friday. Jones should be approved if he is available.
Darwin Nunez is in the middle and Mohamed Salah is on the right in the front. If Diogo Jota is in the correct frame of mind, he should be on the left with Luis Diaz, coming back to the bench.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones/Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Jota.
Sean Bradbury: Endo is given a chance right away
For me, the defense is an easy one. Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, and Alisson in goal complete the line-up.
The key questions are in the midfield area. On Friday, Ryan Gravenberch leads the workout as Curtis Jones isn’t visible in the photo. Wataru Endo also plays a deeper role.
This is another opportunity for Alexis Mac Allister to control his minutes, given he has some important matches against Uruguay and Brazil coming up during the next international break. Dominik Szoboszlai brings the trio to a close.
Luis Diaz may make an attacking cameo off the bench if he is ready to go back. Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez all play right away.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Jota.