Thursday, March 28

Liverpool line-ups as Thiago Alcantara and Luis Diaz decisions made for Watford


Ian Doyle – Luis Diaz picked

It seems like forever since Liverpool last played a game. In fact, it’s less than two weeks.

But it’s now time for a deep breath and hopefully come up for air in late May with three more trophies in the bag.

First up is the home Premier League game against Watford in today’s disappointingly early kick-off. And Jurgen Klopp has some things to decide.

I’d not even bother considering risking Trent Alexander-Arnold. Joe Gomez did well enough at right-back against Nottingham Forest so he can remain, while Andy Robertson returns at left-back. Virgil van Dijk can be joined by Joel Matip at centre-back.

In midfield, no messing about. Fabinho. Thiago Alcantara. Jordan Henderson.

Up top, there will no doubt be concerns about the legs and minds of most Liverpool’s available options. But Mohamed Salah can start on the right and Luis Diaz on the left, with Roberto Firmino down the middle. The Brazilian scored a hat-trick against Watford back in October, don’t forget.

Myteam (4-3-3): Allison; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.

Paul Gorst – Curtis Jones starts

So it’s back to the grindstone for Liverpool as they get set for a massive, season-defining April.

It’s Watford up first and given the games are about to come thick and fast for Jurgen Klopp and co, might this be a good chance to give some key names a rest after the international break?

Given Trent Alexander-Arnold is still not 100% from that hamstring issue, Joe Gomez can come into the team at right-back once more while Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk continue at centre-half. A COVID-free Andy Robertson is at left-back.

Also Read  Looking back and forward to big Oscar moments

I’d still be tempted to name Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in the midfield for this one but rather than starting Thiago Alcantara, a player who I don’t think will be able to play every game between now and the end of the campaign, so I’m opting for Curtis Jones to come into the side.

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota can take a breather given their international exploits as Roberto Firmino leads the line with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane either side.

Myteam (4-3-3): Allison; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

LONG READ: Liverpool icon went from sleeping in a shed to inventing the Adidas Predator

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool striker loved by fans lived his dream before triumph, tragedy and brutal transfer exit

READ MORE: Alex Ferguson ‘sacked’ own Man United player after Liverpool dressing room row

Theo Squires – Mohamed Salah in attack

‘Traditional front three reunited’

Theo Squires: The run-in starts here. Be it 12 games or 16 left to go, Liverpool are embarking on that final straight on their quest to claim an unprecedented quadruple, with Watford the first side standing in their way following the March international break.

Jurgen Klopp’s side need to start this run and with that in mind, it’s a near-strongest possible XI for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. Trent Alexander-Arnold might be back in training but he can sit this one out however, saved instead for Benfica and Man City, with Joe Gomez starting at right-back in his place.

The rest of the back five is the tried-and-trusted, while Naby Keita’s injury ensures Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara make up the midfield in front of them.

Also Read  Red flag laws may be one way to curb gun violence. How do they work?

Meanwhile, the traditional front three scored the five goals against Watford back in October and they can be reunited for this one, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane unleashed after their respective World Cup heartache and glory. Roberto Firmino leads the line between them, with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota held back in reserve ahead of starting against Benfica.

Myteam (4-3-3): Allison; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Charlotte Coates – Thiago Alcantara plays

A huge month for Liverpool starts now with Watford at Anfield up first. Every game from now on is a must-win for the Reds and victory here on Merseyside will lift Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, with Manchester City taking on Burnley later in the day.

Jurgen Klopp has nearly a fully-fit squad available with just Naby Keita and Trent Alexander-Arnold unlikely to make Saturday’s match. In goal will be Alisson Becker and then Joe Gomez will keep his place at right-back after a fine performance in the FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest. Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Andy Robertson will make up the rest of the back four.

Fabinho will resume his usual number six role with captain Jordan Henderson starting in the midfield three. Thiago Alcantara was given a week off during the international break and the Spaniard will be fully fit to control the center of the pitch.

In the forward three for the Reds will be Mohamed Salah – who will be looking to put international disappointment behind him. Diogo Jota will start in the middle of the three with Sadio Mane to the left.

Also Read  How the New Orleans Pelicans can upset the Phoenix Suns

Myteam (4-3-3): Allison; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.




www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *