Liverpool are set to battle Sevilla in their opening Champion's League Group play game tomorrow. And, after the thrashing received at the hands of Manchester City Saturday, they can't lineup soon enough. Liverpool will look to get the bad taste out of their mouth and return to winning ways. To do so, and to keep confidence high, look for Jurgen Klopp to make a few changes.
The projected starting 11 includes Karius in the net with Robertson, Lovren, Matip, and Alexander-Arnold lining up in defense. The mid-field of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, and Emre Can will be fronted by Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah.
Changes from Last Game - The first and most obvious change will be in goal. Replacing Simon Mignolet will be Loris Karius. This should come as no surprise to Liverpool fans as Jurgen Klopp has previously stated he will use Karius in the Champion's League. Karius started the last game at Anfield when Liverpool destroyed Arsenal 4-0. He didn't need to make a save in that game although he was a bit shaky with his distribution. Let's hope Karius knocked the rust off and is steadier with the ball at his feet tomorrow.
I could see a couple changes in the defense, a group that looked awful against City. As Klopp pointed out, the mid-field shares in the blame for the poor defense, but you would have a tough time convincing anyone that a Liverpool defender played decent, let alone well. Some might call for Alexander-Arnold to be replaced by Joe Gomez, and that is a possibility. The teenager has shown many glimpses of progress and good play, but on Saturday his youthful inexperience was exposed. Still, I expect Klopp to give Alexander-Arnold the confidence and run him right back on the pitch.
The same can't be said for Ragnar Klavan, who perhaps played the poorest of a poor group. Expect to see Dejan Lovren back in the fold. And then Andy Robertson over Alberto Moreno, a move more based on just keeping a rotation at left back then any message or verdict on play.
The other change I will expect to see is in the mid-field. Georginio Wijnaldum was non-existent on Saturday. You really had to search for him to even spot him on the pitch. Not the type of play that leaves you confident in a big game. You want your players to rise to the challenge in these games and not go in hiding. True, Wijnaldum is better at home. Still, I think this is the perfect opportunity to give Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain his first start for Liverpool. Klopp will want to keep things fresh and adding Oxlade-Chamberlain to the starting eleven will do just that. Up front, I don't expect to see any changes as the attacking three should remain.
What about Coutinho? - Wednesday is supposed to be the return of Philippe Coutinho. So why is he not in the starting lineup? While I do expect to see Coutinho on the pitch Wednesday, I don't think he will start. If he wasn't fit enough a couple of days ago I don't think he's suddenly ready to give a full 90. And with Klopp being cautious with Coutinho, I expect to see him come off the bench. I'll expect to see Philippe Coutinho as a sub in the second half, perhaps even to start at the kick-off of the second half. Most likely, he will replace Emre Can when he does enter the game.
Do you agree with the starting 11? What changes would you make? Give me your reaction by commenting below.