Liverpool faced a challenging hurdle in their quest for the Premier League title during their recent match against bitter rivals Manchester United, resulting in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Salah’s late penalty, marking his 23rd goal of the season, salvaged a crucial point for the Reds, who are now trailing Arsenal in the standings by goal difference.
As Liverpool’s focus shifts to the Europa League, where they are set to clash with Atalanta in the quarter-final first leg, anticipation rises regarding the tactical adjustments Jurgen Klopp might implement for their upcoming fixture.
Despite some degree of squad rotation following the international break, the changes have not been substantial. However, the Atalanta game presents an opportunity for Klopp to shake up his starting lineup.
In goal, Caoimhin Kelleher has been a consistent presence in Europa League matches this season, maintaining his position ahead of Adrian due to Alisson Becker’s ongoing injury. Although Trent Alexander-Arnold may not be ready for this encounter, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are viable options for the right-back role. Kostas Tsimikas, eager for more playing time, may step in on the left flank if Andy Robertson gets a rest.
The defensive lineup also requires careful consideration. While Gomez can cover multiple positions, Ibrahima Konate is likely to return to the center-back position alongside Virgil van Dijk. With Joel Matip sidelined for the season, Klopp’s defensive choices are limited, highlighting the importance of managing the available resources effectively.
Midfield dynamics could see adjustments as well. Harvey Elliott’s impressive performances off the bench position him as a potential starter, possibly replacing Dominik Szoboszlai. Curtis Jones, nearing full fitness after injury, adds depth to the midfield options and could challenge for a starting role alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Speaking of Mac Allister, his versatility could see him move back to a defensive midfield role, especially if Wataru Endo remains sidelined due to a recent knock. The absence of Thiago Alcantara for the rest of the season and the ongoing recovery of Stefan Bajcetic emphasize the need for strategic midfield planning to maintain stability and creativity in Liverpool’s gameplay.
While younger talents like Bobby Clark and James McConnell have featured in Europa League matches, their inclusion in the starting lineup for crucial fixtures remains uncertain. Klopp’s decisions will also factor in the overall fitness and form of key players as Liverpool navigates through both domestic and European competitions in the final stages of the season.
