da betsson： Liverpool’s start to 2016/17 has been a tricky one. The Reds have played last season’s top three, the champions from the campaign before and a newly-promoted team in the shape of Burnley, collecting 10 points along the way. Not a bad return when you consider the Leicester match has been their only one on home turf!
da blaze casino： The Reds also battered Burton Albion in the EFL Cup, and that 5-0 win secured their match tonight at Derby’s iPro Stadium. The Rams have endured a tough start to the season in the Championship, but Nigel Pearson’s teams are never pushovers, so Jurgen Klopp will need to strike a balance between fielding a strong XI and resting the players he’s been relying heavily upon in recent weeks.
We had a glimpse of Liverpool’s U23s last night as they beat Spurs, and with the likes of Kevin Stewart involved it gives us an idea that the German will use a relatively strong line-up, but we think there will be a few shock additions.
Here’s the XI we believe the Merseysiders should name this evening…
GK – Loris Karius
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the German will make his first completive appearance for Liverpool tonight. The man signed from Koln over the summer looked in line to be the Reds’ No.1 for the current season until he broke a bone in his hand in the build-up to the current campaign, and he’s since been kept on the bench by Simon Mignolet. A good showing at Derby could convince Klopp to throw him in for the bigger games.
LB – Alberto Moreno
With James Milner bedded in as the club’s main left-back, Moreno has had to content himself with a role on the bench. The Spaniard is known for being a little erratic, but in games in which Liverpool will be on the front foot his pace and desire to get forward are useful.
CB – Ragnar Klavan
The Estonian has been edged out of the XI by Joel Matip’s return to fitness despite an impressive competitive Reds debut at Arsenal. However, it makes sense to put the 30-year-old back in for the Derby trip, with his aerial ability and no-nonsense style likely to be of use.
CB – Joel Matip
The Cameroonian is still working towards full fitness after missing the opening couple of weeks of the campaign, but with every passing game, he’s looking better and better. Klopp may stick with him this evening to further build on his progress and give him an introduction to a different type of English game following some high profile clashes.
RB – Nathaniel Clyne
Unless he’s injured, Clyne starts. The Englishman is Klopp’s Mr Reliable at right-back, and with other changes to be made and the defender having had a rest since playing on Friday night, it’s likely he’ll be back in his usual slot.
DM – Emre Can
Having missed the bulk of the opening months of the campaign after a late return from EURO 2016 duty, Can is now getting towards full fitness and is “available” for the Derby match, according to Klopp. The German needs minutes and a run out against Derby makes sense.
CM – Marko Grujic
Despite a fine pre-season in which he netted regularly for the Reds, Grujic’s only taste of competitive action has been a brief outing in the defeat at Burnley. The Serbian, signed in January but loaned back to Red Star Belgrade, appears to be on the fringe of the XI, and if he doesn’t get a first start against Derby, it’s hard to see how and when Klopp will get him onto the pitch.
CM –Jordan Henderson
Fresh from his early Goal of the Season contender at Chelsea, Henderson may well retain his place. With Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum due a rest after some lung-busting showings, ‘Hendo’ is likely to be retained given that he’s the captain and is enjoying an excellent run of form.
LAM – Roberto Firmino
Deemed not fit enough for the Chelsea win due to a slight groin issue, Firmino appears in line for a game against Derby. Klopp will want some quality in the final third of the pitch to put the game to bed as early as possible – as was the case at Burton Albion in the last round – and the Brazilian is a real threat in terms of goals and assists.
RAM – Danny Ings
After being excluded from the U23 team that battered Spurs on Monday night, Ings seems to be in line for a senior outing. The ex-Burnley man has been regaining his fitness with the youth side after missing the bulk of last season, and if he is to put himself forward as a real option for Klopp, he needs a chance.
ST – Divock Origi
The Belgian hasn’t quite carried the form he showed at the back end of last season into the current campaign, but his game time has been restricted to substitute appearances, making it hard for him to build any momentum. With pace, power and a willingness to run he offers the sort of attacking focal point Klopp appreciates, and his inclusion will allow the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane a break.