Liverpool Team News: Predicted XI vs Leeds as Thiago back but five players out injured

 

Liverpool face Leeds United in the late kick-off tonight (Saturday) looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Nottingham Forest. 

The Reds were 3-0 winners against Ajax in midweek to book their spot in the Champions League knockouts and now go in search of domestic victory. 

Express Sport looks at how Jurgen Klopp may line up against relegation-threatened Leeds at Anfield, where the hosts are 29 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s defence has been their biggest cause for concern this season but against struggling Leeds, Klopp will surely opt to start both first-choice full-backs in the league for the first time since the win over Newcastle on August 31.

There could be a change in between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, though, with Joe Gomez in line for a rest after completing the full 90 minutes in all of Liverpool’s last five games. 

Ibrahima Konate is fit again and could come in as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner. Joel Matip remains unavailable.

Thiago Alcantara has missed Liverpool’s last two matches with an ear infection but is available again. Jordan Henderson suffered a knock at Ajax but Klopp said on Friday he expects his captain to be OK.

Still, Thiago could replace him to start alongside Fabinho with Henderson then on the bench. Harvey Elliott scored at Ajax and likewise is likely to remain in the starting XI.

Nunez nd Mohamed Salah should operate as the most advanced attackers. Roberto Firmino is again likely to be asked to support the pair as a No 10, with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota out until after Christmas with long-term problems.

Liverpool predicted XI vs Leeds United: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Elliott; Firmino, Nunez, Salah