Our toughest test so far. Chelsea represent title rivals, and whether we agree or not, the addition of Lukaku makes them a different challenge.
However, bring it on…
Few dilemmas.
At CB Matip and Virg have been very safe thus far but the thought of playing a big unit like Konate vs Lukaku is an option. I reckon Joel has done enough to stay in place. On his game he is probably our second best CB.
LB is a quandry. Kostas has been superb, and at any other club this wouldn’t be a question…but a fully fit Robbo HAS to start. Surely?
Hopefully Fabinho is ok to start, his presence is neccessary, and I would consider Thiago and Hendo in the three. Harsh on Naby and Harvey perhaps but what a great dilemma for the Boss to have.
I would start Bobby with Jota on the bench.
Loads of pee season peedictions had City or Chelsea as champions and the Lukaku factor is underpinning their claim…
However
Looking at the squads pound for pound, player for player we can and will compete at any level…
Lets tear into them! Come on Reds, fucking lay down serious markers here.
I’ll go with the players who have played well the last two game and deserve a start based on the performances. The only exception being Robbo, because I expect him to slot in directly without any fuss. Chelsea created mostly through James and that right side against Arsenal and Mane will have his work cut out for this one as well.
Personally not a game IMO for changing CB pairing. And putting up Konate now, when it’s not broken. Would be an unnecessary tweak which if not gone well could hamper his confidence with his first start itself. Matip is more than capable to handle Lukaku.
Keita has been playing really great, and I don’t see the need for Thiago to start this one. Midfield is where the game will be won or lost, and with Hendo and Fab both starting, Keita will provide that extra in the attack.
Bobby vs Jota is an interesting choice and Jota seems very lethal and a difficult prospect to deal with. Interesting options we have on the bench, but so do they. Pretty strong squads with lot of depth and variety, proven match winners so it’ll be one heck of a game. It’s Anfield that’ll make the difference and I hope so.
3 points, any fcking how and it’ll be a nice statement before we go into the break. Would be good to create some doubts in the back of Chelsea minds as well.
My 1 possible change would be Gomez in for Matip but as we are not yet doing the midweek games in LC and C/L not sure that is really needed, but we know VVD/Gomez partnership is the best CB pairing in the league.
To be clear, I think Matip starts but it is a seriously great feeling that we have three quality options in waiting if and when required.
I know its harsh on Naby to put Thiago ahead if him, but if we were picking our best eleven with everyone available I simply cannot leave Thiago out.
Once again though, its brilliant to have options.
My lineup for this one.
Alisson, TAA, Matip, VVD, Robbo (to intimidate), Fabs, Hendo (to stare them out), Millie (to smash 'em a bit), Salah (to score goals), Firmino (to smile), Mané (to grin).
Before a ball had been kicked this season, looking at the fixtures i’d have taken a point from this one, but having started so well, I’m feeling greedy and want all 3.
If Robbo, Bobby are picked that would be fine. Don’t know if Fab or Ox or Milner would be available, or if Klopp would throw in Elliott from the start regardless, so his spot could easily go to someone else.
As I said, whilst we don’t have midweek games coming thick and fast, I’m not sure we need to just yet, but we do know the Gomez and VVD are the best pairing in the world - just look at their record prior to Gomez getting injured 2 seasons ago, so if the change happens I am not too concerned
