Liverpool Consider Midfield Changes and Forward Options Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Jurgen Klopp is currently dealing with some selection dilemmas as Liverpool prepare to face Manchester City in their upcoming Premier League game. One of the decisions he must make is whether to include Luis Diaz in the team, as Liverpool are also considering new options for their midfield.

On Wednesday, Liverpool’s rollercoaster of a season hit another low point as they suffered a disappointing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid. Despite putting up a weak performance, Karim Benzema managed to score the only goal in the second leg of the match, resulting in Liverpool’s 6-2 aggregate loss. This marks their worst-ever defeat in European competition. After the international break, Liverpool will try to recover from this consecutive loss and regain their footing when they face the reigning champions Manchester City in two weeks.

Undoubtedly, Klopp and his coaching staff will be hoping for the safe return of their players from international duty, considering the numerous injuries suffered by Liverpool’s squad this season.

Assuming that everyone reports back in good health, there is one particular conundrum for Klopp to ponder in defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been going through a patch of inconsistent form and, due to a prior injury, only made a brief appearance as a substitute in the previous Premier League victory over City in October. James Milner, who filled in for him as right-back during that game, is an alternative, as is Joe Gomez, who has recently returned to fitness.

In terms of the centre-back position, Joel Matip will be pushing for a starting role, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk having formed a solid partnership in recent games. Nat Phillips was not named among the substitutes in the Real Madrid game, but Rhys Williams was involved.

Andy Robertson is still the preferred choice at left-back over Kostas Tsimikas, and Alisson Becker demonstrated his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers with his performance at the Bernabeu.

Liverpool’s midfield will have to rely on their more experienced options, following the news that Stefan Bajcetic will miss the rest of the season. Thiago Alcantara is expected to return soon, having been absent for the last eight games due to a hip problem, and skipper Jordan Henderson is also likely to be fit.

Although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had an impressive brief stint, it might be a big ask for him to start against City, given that he has not started since mid-January. Curtis Jones has not featured much lately, and Naby Keita has fallen out of favour. Arthur Melo has only just returned from injury and has not made his full debut for Liverpool.

It would be surprising if Liverpool repeated the 4-2-3-1 formation that they used against Real Madrid. Instead, Harvey Elliott might provide younger legs in midfield to replace Bajcetic. Fabinho and Milner could anchor the midfield, with Elliott ahead of them.

Luis Diaz is expected to be available after being absent since October due to a knee issue. However, it is unlikely that Liverpool will take any risks over his fitness, so he will most probably be on the bench. Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s first-choice on the right wing, despite some disappointing outings. The other two forward positions are up for grabs.

Diogo Jota played in the middle against Real Madrid but underwhelmed. He could be replaced by Cody Gakpo, who started in the number 10 role, or Roberto Firmino, who came off the bench in the second half. Darwin Nunez was unlucky to be substituted, and he will compete with Jota for the left-wing position. Fabio Carvalho is another option, having been given a rare outing from the bench in injury time at the Bernabeu.