Reds aiming for back to back wins in Domestic and International knockout stages

Liverpool travel to Qatar to take on Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup this Wednesday, this is an attempt to win the competition for the first time in their history by the Reds. It is a matter of only two victories that would make them lift the trophy. However, as it stands the Reds are facing a difficult situation heading into the tournament.

A part of the Liverpool squad, as estimated, the Liverpool youth team would be left behind to play against Aston Villa in the  Carabao Cup quarter-final less  than 24 hours before they kick off in Asia. The senior players will be a part of the team that faces the Mexican side Monterrey as the Club World Cup is given a higher priority.

The only senior players who would not feature in the game would be the ones who are sidelined by injury. With a tough Premier League campaign heading to Christmas, there’s no doubt that there will be some players who would be rested. However, it seems the Brazilian shot-stopper would not be one of them.

After returning from an injury, Alisson has looked sharp and is in a stellar form which was also recognized as he won the Yachine Trophy at the Balon d’Or ceremony and had a bright game against Watford too. With some spectacular performances for the academy, Neco Williams, the right-back could be rewarded with a rare start.

Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk will take the CB role as Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are sidelined due to an injury. The Flying  Scotsman, Andrew Robertson will surely be a part of the starting 11 as he was rested for the Watford game but called later to sub the injured Geoginio Wijnaldum. However, Klopp won’t take the risk of resting both his full-backs and thus only Trent Alexander-Arnold will be given a breather.

The midfield will be handled by Jordan Henderson, probably the captain too, who will be a key for the Reds in the absence of the injured Fabinho. Naby Keita, earlier considered as a ‘Klopp flop’, has given some commendable performances in recent weeks, scoring in back to back games against Bournemouth and Salzburg.

Another young lad, Curtis Jones may be started and has traveled to Qatar, Klopp trusting him enough after he scored the winning penalty against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. Out of the front three, only Mohamed Salah maybe rested due to back to back starts in recent games. Xherdan Shaqiri will be his probable replacement as his performance has been impressive since returning from injury.

Featured image credits- sport.optus.com.au