Jurgen Klopp faces Thiago Alcantara decision as Liverpool ponder extreme overhaul
As Liverpool considers a major revamp, Jurgen Klopp must make a choice on Thiago Alcantara.
Liverpool’s next FA Cup match is against Wolves, and Jurgen Klopp faces some selection quandaries.
Liverpool’s gloomy start to 2023 continued on Saturday with a very dreadful Premier League defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Reds were well off the pace as they were thrashed 3-0 by the Seagulls in their biggest defeat to the Seagulls in their history. Liverpool will now seek to return to the South Coast as soon as possible when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in an FA Cup third round rematch on Tuesday evening.
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And now we look ahead to see what adjustments Jurgen Klopp might make when his squad returns to action.
Liverpool was all over the field defensively On Saturday, the loss of Virgil van Dijk as lead the organizers was felt strongly. However, given the necessity for some stability, it’s unlikely that there will be too many changes at the back.
Joe Gomez, who came off the bench to replace the woeful Joel Matip in the second half last weekend, is the most likely replacement. Ibrahima Konate was the standout center back, with Nat Phillips also a viable alternative.
The return of James Milner at right-back might give Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest, with Calvin Ramsay having not made the bench since the Carabao Cup defeat at Manchester City, however Kostas Tsimikas could replace Andy Robertson. Alisson Becker is anticipated to stay in goal Caoimhin Kelleher’s.
The midfield continues to misfire, and after another wasted opportunity for Klopp’s tried and trusted at the weekend, the moment has come to change his pack.
How much depends on Stefan Bajcetic’s fitness, who missed Saturday’s game due to a minor injury. Fabinho or Jordan Henderson may have to play defensive midfield again, while Milner is still a possibility.
Klopp changed the formation in the engine room against Brighton with little consequence, but it did provide tactical uncertainty for the opposition even if the execution was lacking. Thiago Alcantara was moved higher up the pitch, but it only hampered the Spaniard, and it may be time for a change.
Both Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott came off the bench on Saturday and will be vying for a starting spot with Curtis Jones, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might drop back into the forward line.
Carvalho’s contact information?
Fabio Carvalho is one player who hasn’t seen any action in recent weeks. And if Darwin Nunez is unable to overcome the minor injury that kept him out of the game against Brighton, the 20-year-old might fill in on the left wing.
With Roberto Firmino still out, as well as long-term injured Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo may be forced to continue down the middle.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has had little opportunity for a respite on the right, with 17-year-old Ben Doak or Oxlade-Chamberlain exchanging positions sides possible alternatives.
