On Sunday, Liverpool take on Newcastle United in a Premier League match. It will also be the 1st of October, and the Reds will look forward to a new month and a clean slate. After a disappointing September, Liverpool will look to take their frustration out on Newcastle. Although this proposed lineup has a couple changes, the key is consistency. Jurgen Klopp needs to avoid the temptation of tinkering and instead allow the squad to gel and fight through this rut. Let's take a look.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Mignolet should be back in the net for the Reds. In fact, he really should be in goal in the Champion's League game as well. Constant shuffling of the keeper eliminates the ability for one of them to gain confidence and build on each performance. I would give Mignolet a steady stream of starts and spell him here and there for a break but end the goalkeeper rotation.
Defense: Moreno, Lovren, Matip, Gomez
Consistency is key. The back four, along with the keeper, benefit the most from consistent gametime. They need to learn each others tendencies and how to play as a group. Shuffling the back four does not allow this to happen. I do have Gomez at RB, which is a change from the last game, but he is returning from a suspension and I'd put him right back in. Robertson deserves some time as well, but Moreno has been arguably the best of the back four and should build on his performances. When he needs a breather, Robertson should get the start.
Midfield: Coutinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum
Although I have been preaching consistency, I do have a change in the midfield. Emre Can played poorly and his sloppy play led to the goal by Spartak. When Wijnaldum entered the match in his place, the play of the midfield seemed to improve. I'd start Wijnaldum in place of Can and then roll with Henderson and Coutinho. Jordan Henderson has been the best player on the pitch in both of the last two games.
Attack: Mane, Firmino, Salah
Admittedly, Firmino struggled in the last two matches. Some supporters are calling for Sturridge here and there couldn't be much of a complaint if that was Klopp's decision. Still, Roberto Firmino has earned the right to keep his spot even after a couple of off games. He should be given the opportunity to work out of it. Plus, the fearsome foursome of Mane, Firmino, Salah, and Coutinho only played the one game together. The group needs time together to gel and hit their stride. It will come, and the more they play together the sooner it will be here.
I could see Jurgen Klopp starting Roberton at LB and giving Moreno a break. I could also understand starting Sturridge in place of Firmino. And honestly, I expect Klopp to keep Emre Can in his starting 11. However, this is the lineup I would roll out on Sunday and I think we would earn the three points.
What do you think?