Despite doing a little business in the summer transfer window, Klopp looks confident of the depth within his squad and now seems to be the best time to put its very quality to test.
Manchester City failed that depth in the quality test against Tottenham. De Bruyne’s absence (to injury) exposed Guardiola’s side, and Klopp could have such problems on his hands when league action resumes after the international break.
Following Lallana’s groin injury against Swansea, Liverpool have now suffered injury blows in quick succession as defending duo, Lovren and Clyne could miss out of the Manchester United clash due to a groin injury and aggravated knee knock respectively.
So how could Liverpool lineup without this trio when the Red Devils visit Anfield on October 17th?
G.K – Karius
The goalie’s high-pressing play has always helped the team press further up front in recent games, and it isn’t likely there would be a change in between the sticks for Liverpool soon.
L.B – Milner
The veteran and versatile midfielder is expected to continue at left-back until further notice, and it looks so unlikely that Alberto Moreno would be returning to the lineup anytime soon given Milner’s form.
C.B – Klavan
The Estonian defender slotted in seamlessly at the back against Hull City while his Croatian counterpart was sidelined due to a viral infection. He definitely would want to put in a more impressive performance against the Red Devils as he eyes a permanent starting berth in defence.
C.B – Matip
The former Schalke 04 defender would be tasked with the sole responsibility of putting Zlatan in check, and that would be some stiff test to put his own defensive qualities to bear.
R.B – Emre Can
With Clyne likely to be absent, Can looks like an option Klopp could deploy to the right of the defence. The German is known for his versatility with defensive roles, and if he would be trusted enough of being capable of stifling Martial/Lingard’s threats on that flank remains to be seen.
C.M – Henderson
The skipper has continued to thrive in his new role and would be expected to put up a combative display against a United team with quite the talented bunch of midfielders
A.M.L – Coutinho
The Brazilian dropped deep to take Lallana’s place in midfield upon his withdrawal last time out. And he could start in that role against Mourinho’s men. On his day, he’s able to drive past players from midfield to the opposition box, and that ability will come very handy in that game.
A.M.R – Wijnaldum
The former Newcastle man hasn’t been consistent with his quality in recent games, but he always seems to turn up against the big sides. He has a chance to clear the doubts of many on that Monday night.
L.W – Firmino
Due to the changes that could happen, the attacking whiz might have to settle for a role in his natural habitat on the left wing.
R.W – Mane
The Brazillian’s partner in crime and fellow “trickster” would remain at the other flank, and both are likely to interchange roles every now and then. Might be a very busy night for Blind/Shaw and Valencia.
C.F – Sturridge
Another game and another chance for the striker to convince the boss with his performance by putting in a great display. He could force his way back into first-team reckoning if he does exactly that.