Liverpool predicted XI v Atalanta – Jarell Quansah, Dominik Szoboszlai axed, Diogo Jota returns
Jurgen Klopp is predicted to make five changes to his Liverpool starting line-up for the visit of Atalanta in the Europa League.
The Reds came away from Old Trafford at the weekend disappointed for the second straight time, having dropped points in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United (7 April).
Jarell Quasah, a surprise start after the return of Ibrahima Konaté injury, was below his best in that game so is tipped to drop to the bench for the French international, after he lost possession 11 times, found a target with only four of 11 long balls (36.4%) and made an error leading to a goal according to SofaScore stats.
Conor Bradley has been impressive on the right of defence this term but equally didn’t have a great outings, as he surrendered possession 15 times and only won 50% of his 10 ground duels.
While Klopp revealed that it was the “perfect time” for injured players who have been back in training to get minutes [BBC Sport, 10 April], he will likely not put Trent Alexander-Arnold in for the start since the England international suffered a set-back last time he returned, so Joe Gomez could get the nod instead.
Jurgen Klopp rings Liverpool changes after Old Trafford slip
Before he is replaced in the summer Klopp will need to balance rotation for the Premier League title race with retaining a strong enough team to push towards a European trophy in this quarter-final first leg, and after Dominik Szoboszlai failed to score against United from an XG of 0.81 and won only one of six ground duels (16.7%) in 66 minutes he is predicted to drop out for Harvey Elliott in midfield.
Cody Gakpo replaced Darwin Nunez at Old Trafford and for the sake of rotation could come in from the start on Thursday night (11 April), while if Klopp chooses to give any returning player a start it is tipped to be Diogo Jota in attack to give Luis Diaz a rest.
Alisson could be fit to feature but the manager is predicted to stick with Caoimhin Kelleher at Anfield, while Gomes and Konaté should be joined by Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson in the back four.
Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo are tipped to provide the continuity in midfield alongside Elliott, while star man Mohamed Salah keeps his place in attack along with Gakpo and Jota.
In other Liverpool news, the club have announced plans for season ticket price rises.
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