Liverpool Concludes Europa League Group Stage with Match Against Union Saint-Gilloise
Liverpool will be facing Union Saint-Gilloise in their final Europa League group-stage match on Thursday. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, is expected to make significant changes to the lineup for this game.
Liverpool has already secured their passage to the knockout stage as group winners, so they have little at stake in this match. Klopp must also consider the effects of a busy schedule, with five games in 15 days and crucial matches against Man United, West Ham, and Arsenal on the horizon.
Given these circumstances, Klopp has every reason to field an unfamiliar starting XI for the match at Stade Joseph Marien. One of the easiest decisions for Klopp is to replace Alisson with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal.
Conor Bradley and Luke Chambers are likely to start at right-back and left-back, respectively, as they aim to build on their recent first-team appearances. However, Klopp may have no choice but to rely on Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah as his third and fourth-choice center-backs, despite his preference for not using first-team players.
In midfield, Wataru Endo is expected to take on the anchor role after playing only 45 minutes against Crystal Palace. However, his minutes will need to be managed carefully as he may need to deputize for Alexis Mac Allister against Man United.
Harvey Elliott, who has been a key substitute in recent matches, should not be left out due to fatigue as he looks to maintain his excellent form. It would also be interesting to see James McConnell given a rare opportunity to showcase his skills after impressing in pre-season.
Upfront, Cody Gakpo could be called up for a 60-minute runout, considering his limited playing time in the recent busy schedule. Ben Doak is the obvious choice to replace Mohamed Salah on the right flank, as he has done in previous Europa League matches this season.
The left-wing position presents a challenge, but Klopp should resist the temptation to use Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez due to their recent workloads. Instead, Kaide Gordon, who is more comfortable on the right, could be given the chance to shine on the opposite flank.
Potential Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Chambers; Endo, Elliott, McConnell; Doak, Gordon, Gakpo