Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side will be looking to get their first win of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign on Saturday against Crystal Palace at Anfield after a disappointing start. Frank de Boer will also be looking for a response from his side as Palace lost 3-0 to newly-promoted Huddersfield Town at Selhurst Park in their first game of the season.
Liverpool were held to a disappointing draw at Watford last weekend at Vicarage Road as Miguel Britos bundled home a late equaliser for the home side. It was a frustrating day for Liverpool after overturning a deficit to take the lead, only to throw the three points away late on.
We take a look at how Klopp could line his team up for the visit of Crystal Palace this weekend.
4-3-3
Klopp might opt to name a similar starting line-up to the one he named against Watford last time out.
There is no doubt that the Reds did look to be a strong force going forward with Salah particularly impressing on his debut. However, they also looked very vulnerable at the back as evidenced by the manner they conceded against Watford.
Despite this, they should retain possession more at Anfield and therefore have less defensive work to do than they did against Watford.
Simon Mignolet; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno; Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Georginio Wijnaldum; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane.
4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 formation has been one of Klopp’s personal favourites since he became Liverpool’s manager; hence, he may opt to revert back to this set-up against Crystal Palace.
It remains to be seen whether Coutinho will be available to face Crystal Palace following a host of speculation linking him to Barcelona and he has also been suffering from an injury. However, if he is not available then Wijnaldum could also fill the ‘Number 10’ role relatively comfortably.
Simon Mignolet; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno; Jordan Henderson, Emre Can; Mohamed Salah, Phillipe Coutinho, Sadio Mane; Roberto Firmino.
4-4-2
After looking so defensively fragile against Watford, Klopp might be more cautious in this one and start with the more solid 4-4-2 formation. He might even give 21-year-old midfielder Grujic a chance from the start following the Liverpool youngster’s impressive performances during pre-season.
This formation would also allow someone to play alongside Firmino upfront and would be a perfect opportunity for new signing Solanke to show the Anfield crowd what he is capable of.
Simon Mignolet; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno; Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Marko Grujic, Mohamed Salah; Dominic Solanke, Roberto Firmino.
4-4-1-1
If Coutinho is available for this game, the 4-4-1-1 formation could be the best one to allow the midfielder to flourish. Coutinho always performs best just behind the striker and proved on many occasions last season that his link-up play with Firmino can at times be unstoppable. It would be a huge boost if the Brazilian did opt to stay at Anfield as Liverpool would then have one of the most lethal attacks in the division at their disposal.
Simon Mignolet, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno; Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Mohamed Salah; Philippe Coutinho; Roberto Firmino.
