Predicted Liverpool team to face Everton: Klopp to switch side up ahead of Champions League tie
With an important Champions League semi-final coming up, the predicted Liverpool team to face Everton could see Jurgen Klopp rest some key players.
Liverpool’s form over the last few weeks has been tremendous. Upon entering crunch time in all competitions, the Reds have managed to find another gear.
They managed to make it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 6-4 victory on aggregate over Benfica. Klopp’s side followed that up by dumping Manchester City out of the FA Cup via a 3-2 win.
They then faced Manchester United in the league and showed them the same levels of disdain as they did in their first meeting. Liverpool scored one goal less than in the return fixture, winning 4-0.
They were pretty much at full strength last time out, but that is unlikely to be the case with the Champions League semis coming up.
Klopp hinted at one player who could potentially make a start in his pre-match press conference. Naby Keita can “get some rhythm”, the manager said.
His side are all fit other than Roberto Firmino, who Klopp said is getting “better and better”. He will want his players to remain fit, and as such, will likely make some changes to keep them fresh with such a hectic schedule on the horizon.
Last time out – Liverpool 4-0 Man Utd
Alisson started in net, as is the norm in the league. The two centre-backs were Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip – the preferred domestic partnership.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson occupied the full-back positions.
Regular midfield trio Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara played.
The front three consisted of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz. All three notched at least a goal and an assist against the Red Devils.
Predicted Liverpool team against Everton
With Everton not a massive threat and a big game coming up, Liverpool could make some changes.
Alisson will remain in net. The centre-back positions could be filled by Matip – who has played each of the last 17 league games – and Van Dijk. Konate will likely feature in the Champions League in midweek in place of Matip.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson should retain their spots at full-back, though both might be in line for an early hook if Liverpool are cruising.
Keita could play in the midfield following the comments from Klopp. Fabinho may remain through the middle, with local lad Curtis Jones a potential option for the other spot. That would see captain Henderson and Thiago Alcantara drop to the bench.
Diogo Jota is likely to return in place of Luis Diaz who has started each of the last three in all competitions. Salah could retain his position after finding his form against United, and Mane could move out to the left.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Jota, Mane
READ MORE: Klopp admits he ‘would miss’ Everton if Liverpool rivals relegated; Firmino fitness update
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