Liverpool could make 10 changes with two players finally back from long-term injury

Liverpool could make 10 changes with two players finally back from long-term injury

Jurgen Klopp is expected to name a much-changed Liverpool side for their final Europa League group match

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ByTheo SquiresLiverpool FC Writer
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Kaide Gordon and Conor Bradley of Liverpool arriving before the Group E UEFA Europa League match between Liverpool FC and LASK at Anfield

Liverpool head into their final Europa League group game away at Union SG safe in the knowledge they have already topped the group and booked their place in the round-of-16.

Having beaten Crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday to move top of the Premier League table, and with a mammoth Anfield treble-header looming against Manchester United, West Ham United in the League Cup quarter-finals, and Arsenal, changes in Belgium are inevitable.

While the match is a dead-rubber for the Reds, Union still have plenty to play for. Third in Group E, they can still qualify for either the Europa League and Europa Conference League knockout play-off rounds, as well as be eliminated from Europe completely.

READ MORE: Liverpool analysis – Wataru Endo problem results in £4.2m reminder as Darwin Nunez dilemma emerges

READ MORE: ‘It can’t be said’ – national media notice something about Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool send warning

A much-changed side is expected, and with plenty of Liverpool’s youngsters eyeing up potential game-time, we look at the changes Klopp could consider making.

Bradley handed first start of season

Conor Bradley would have likely played a much more prominent role in the season to date if he hadn’t suffered an injury in pre-season. But now back fit, the Northern Ireland international can expect to be handed his first start of the campaign against Union SG and a full European debut.

Jarell Quansah will keep his place at centre-back and is potentially the only player to retain a starting berth from Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace. He could be partnered by either Joe Gomez or Ibrahima Konate. If it’s the former, he will captain the side as Liverpool’s longest-serving player.

Luke Chambers started the 5-1 victory over Toulouse at Anfield, and could get the nod again at left-back in Belgium, though he is also an option at centre-back. If not, then Calum Scanlon is an option to be handed his full debut, while Caoimhin Kelleher will replace Alisson in goal.

Elliott and Jones ‘rewarded’

Having come off the bench to snatch victory for Liverpool against Crystal Palace, both Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones could be handed starting berths in Belgium.

The latter could line up in the deeper role, while James McConnell is also a possibility at number six and could make his first professional start. If Klopp favours more experienced options, Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch could keep their places instead.

Doak or Gordon?

Ben Doak and Kaide Gordon are arguably vying to start on the right against Union. The former has made four appearances this season and been a regular in Klopp’s matchday squad, while the latter, who is yet to feature in Europe, hasn’t played first team football since January 2021 as he continues to feel his way back after long-term injury.

However, Elliott is also an option if Klopp favours a more senior selection. With one eye on United, it would be a surprise if Mohamed Salah isn’t rested altogether. Consequently, two of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo could start – with the Dutchman most likely after being a substitute against Palace.

Alternatively, Scanlon could also play on the left-wing having, at times, played in a more advanced role for Liverpool Under-21s this season.

Lewis Koumas and Melkamu Frauendorf haven’t featured for the Reds this season, but could come into contention if Klopp wants to rest as many senior stars as possible with both already named on List B for Liverpool’s Europa League squad.

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Liverpool FCEuropa LeagueJurgen KloppConor BradleyKaide GordonJarell Quansah
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ANFIELD INDEX
ROMANO: REDS DISCUSSING DEAL WITH PALHINHA’S REPRESENTATIVES

LIVERPOOL’S STRATEGIC PURSUIT OF JOAO PALHINHA
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of football transfers, Liverpool’s focus has been sharply trained on reinforcing their midfield. Their attention has recently been recaptured by the prospects of signing Joao Palhinha, a move that could significantly bolster their squad depth and tactical flexibility.

AN INSIGHT INTO LIVERPOOL’S TRANSFER MOVEMENTS
The previous summer window saw Liverpool actively seeking to fill the void left by Fabinho, with their sights set on Palhinha. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn as they secured the services of Endo from Stuttgart instead. Endo, despite his commendable skillset, hasn’t quite mirrored Fabinho’s prowess as a defensive midfielder, a fact that was notably apparent in the recent tussle against a robust Crystal Palace side. His ability as a deep-lying playmaker also falls short when compared to Fabinho’s established expertise.

THE KLOPP CONUNDRUM: REINFORCING THE MIDFIELD
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s strategic mastermind, is seemingly relentless in his pursuit to strengthen the No. 6 position. Amidst the ongoing concerns over Thiago and Bajcetic’s susceptibility to injuries, and with Thiago’s contract nearing its conclusion, Klopp’s eyes are firmly fixed on fortifying this crucial midfield role. Once again, Palhinha emerges as a prime candidate.

JOAO PALHINHA: A COVETED MIDFIELD ANCHOR
Palhinha’s journey in English football has been nothing short of impressive since his arrival at Fulham from Sporting CP. His reputation as a formidable defensive midfielder has been consistently solidified with each passing game. His near-transition to Bayern Munich last summer, a move that fell through due to timing constraints, only highlights his high valuation in the football world. As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool’s interest has led to discussions with Palhinha’s representatives, indicating a serious intent from the Reds.

THE FINANCIAL EQUATION: ASSESSING PALHINHA’S VALUE
The financial aspect of this potential transfer cannot be overlooked. Fulham, aware of Palhinha’s calibre and significance, are expected to demand a substantial fee. While TEAMtalk points towards a £60 million valuation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano sheds light on a slightly lower figure of £55.8 million, approximately 65 million euros.

ROBBIE SAVAGE’S ENDORSEMENT
Robbie Savage, a respected figure in football analysis, has previously lauded Palhinha as a ‘fantastic’ player. His recommendation of Palhinha as an ideal fit for Klopp’s Liverpool is noteworthy, especially considering Palhinha’s commendable record of tackles in the Premier League and his pivotal role in both Fulham and the Portugal national team.

LIVERPOOL’S DECISION: A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT?
As the transfer saga unfolds, Liverpool faces a critical decision. Palhinha, set to turn 29 next July, poses a question of long-term investment. Is the proposed £55.8 million a worthwhile expenditure for a player of his age and calibre? This remains a pivotal question as Liverpool weigh their options in this strategic chess game of football transfers.

Chloe Williams
December 11, 2023
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Jose Enrique picks who was better for Liverpool out of Mo Salah and Luis Suarez

Lee Connor
Sun 10 December 2023 11:46, UK
Mo Salah scored his 150th Premier League goal yesterday as he continued to fire Liverpool towards success this season.

Salah was on hand to level proceedings at Crystal Palace before then playing a part in Harvey Elliott’s late winner for the Reds.

Liverpool fans love Salah and he is widely lauded as one of the best they’ve ever had. Indeed, a lot of comparisons get made to former striker Luis Suarez, who excelled at Anfield before signing for Barcelona.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
However, while Suarez might have been brilliant, former Reds defender Jose Enrique concedes that while Suarez might have been the better player, Salah will go down as the bigger Liverpool legend.

“The reality is he’s breaking records, he stayed for longer, and he’s won a lot more trophies than Luis in the Liverpool shirt. Both of them are legends of the club but Luis is the best player I’ve ever played with, the only players I put ahead of him are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Enrique said.

Salah has now hit 200 goals in all competitions for Liverpool and his record is quite remarkable.

Salah or Suarez is hard to debate for Liverpool
It’s almost impossible to choose between the pair. Salah has been so, so good for Liverpool that it’s hard to say there’s been anyone better.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Of course, as Enrique says here, Suarez was some player and he did things that many at Anfield had never seen before.

However, Salah’s longevity and the fact he’s won things with the Reds mean he is probably just that step ahead of the Uruguayan forward.

Both have been superb in their own way and the thought of having both in the same team at one point would have been something for Liverpool fans to dream about.

Related Topics
LUIS SUAREZ
MO SALAH
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