2017 has been a year to forget for Liverpool fans, and the mood among Kopites in the Transfer Tavern has been sombre to say the least.
Monday night saw the latest dent put in Jurgen Klopp’s side’s campaign in the form of a loss at relegation-threatened reigning champions Leicester, and with Arsenal next up there’s the very real prospect of top four hopes being killed off for the Merseysiders.
That may sound a bit dramatic, but with the Gunners a direct rival for Champions League qualification and the likes of Spurs, Manchester City and Spurs all going strong, Liverpool simply cannot afford to surrender yet more ground after falling from being Chelsea’s most serious competitors for the title at the end of 2016 to potential sixth-place finishers.
An interesting note from the aforementioned loss at Leicester is the switch to a 3-4-3 formation during the second-half that coincided with the Reds’ best period of the match. Our landlord thinks that Klopp may be pondering using this at home to Arsenal as he looks to turn things around and here’s how his team could line up…
GK – Simon Mignolet
No shocks here, Mignolet, whether Reds are happy about it are not, is the club’s No.1.
To be honest, the Belgian was one of only a few players able to hold his head somewhat high after the Leicester loss, with his stop from a Jamie Vardy shot at 0-0 excellent, while there was little he could have done to stop the striker’s brace or Danny Drinkwater’s wonder-strike.
CB – Emre Can
One of the few positives from the game at the King Power Stadium on Monday night was Can’s second-half showing as one of a back three. The German has looked a little lost in the Reds’ midfield this season, but his lack of agility was less obvious in a deeper position, while his ability to carry the ball forward made him such a hit in Brendan Rodgers’ 3-4-3 back in 2014/15.
CB – Joel Matip
Although he escapes criticism, our friends over at FootballFanCast did some digging after the Leicester game and found out that the Cameroonian wasn’t all that impressive. Alas, he remains Klopp’s best option at the centre of the backline, so he will be tasked with keeping the Gunners at bay at Anfield – not an easy task given Alexis Sanchez’s form.
CB – Ragnar Klavan
Lucas’ horror show at Leicester means he must be dropped for this game, and with Dejan Lovren unlikely to be 100% fit for Saturday, Klavan is the obvious choice to come in.
The Estonian has performed well in the big games since his summer move to Anfield, with his performance vs. Manchester City on New Year’s Eve particularly impressive.
RWB – Nathaniel Clyne
With the three-man defensive unit, Clyne will be freed up to get forward more often in this wing-back position. Although there are doubts about his final delivery, giving him the chance at a fresh challenge after such a poor period may be enough to coax his best form back out.
CM – James Milner
With Jordan Henderson facing an almost unwinnable battle to be fit in time for Arsenal, Klopp will have the headache of replacing his captain to contend with. Milner may not be ideal in terms of his ability to cover the ground, but the English veteran is a composed presence and has played some of the best football of his career from central midfield.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
In alongside Milner, Wijnaldum seems a shoo-in for a start, despite what might have been his worst performance in the red shirt since his summer arrival at Anfield vs. Leicester. The ex-Newcastle man was at fault for surrendering possession for Vardy’s opener, but when he’s on form he’s a great central midfield option, with his performances in the big games this season having been, on the whole, good.
LWB – Alberto Moreno
With Milner moved into midfield and less defensive responsibility a wing-back, Moreno gets a return in this XI. The Spaniard offers pace and energy down the left side of the pitch, and what he may lack in footballing intelligence he more than makes up for in sheer running and enthusiasm.
RF – Adam Lallana
Lallana’s best position may be in a deeper, No.8 role but this formation will require him to move back into the front three. That’s no bad thing, though, with the England international currently enjoying his most prolific season at Liverpool in terms of goals and assists.
LF – Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho was staggeringly good at the Emirates Stadium at the start of the season, netting twice in a thrilling 4-3 win for his side, including a fine free-kick. The Brazilian has been a little off colour since his return from injury in January, but his goal against Leicester should give him confidence.
CF – Sadio Mane
With Roberto Firmino struggling for form, Mane seems like an interesting option as the ‘false nine’. The Senegalese star’s pace tore Arsenal apart last time, and some of his best play has come from central positions this season when he’s been allowed to fade inside.
