Liverpool vs. Chelsea: The Key Decision in the Lineup
Liverpool’s upcoming match against Chelsea on Sunday has sparked speculation about Jurgen Klopp’s lineup. With limited options due to injuries, Klopp’s selection process seems relatively straightforward. However, there is one crucial decision that the manager needs to make – whether to start Joe Gomez or Andy Robertson at left back.
The fitness of key players Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai is a cause for concern. Assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders mentioned that their availability would be determined closer to the game. Considering the potential for extra time, it is unlikely that any of the trio will be risked from the start.
If Robertson was rested in the midweek game, it suggests that he will start against Chelsea. However, an alternative argument could be made for starting Gomez and bringing on Robertson later in the game to replace Conor Bradley, as Klopp did in the comeback victory against Luton.
Aside from this decision, there is only one other change expected in the lineup. Ibrahima Konate will replace Jarell Quansah at the center of defense. The rest of the team is expected to remain unchanged, with Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch forming the midfield. Harvey Elliott will likely stay on the right side of the front three alongside Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
If none of Salah, Nunez, or Szoboszlai are available, Klopp will have an extremely inexperienced bench to call upon. In their previous match against Luton, five players who have never started a league game were on the bench. If any of the trio become available, it is likely that 16-year-old Trey Nyoni will be dropped from the squad.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s lineup for the match against Chelsea seems to be relatively straightforward due to the limited options available to Jurgen Klopp. The key decision lies in choosing between Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson for the left back position. Whether Klopp decides to start Robertson and bring on Gomez later or vice versa remains to be seen. However, regardless of this decision, the team will have to rely on inexperienced players on the bench if any of the key trio are unavailable.