LIVERPOOL CONSIDER OVERHAUL AFTER SEVEN FULL DAYS TRAINING

Liverpool gave themselves a chance of finishing the season with a flourish following a richly-deserved victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

A comprehensive 4-2 triumph ensured revenge for the controversial defeat in London back in September and cemented the Reds in the Premier League top three.

Liverpool now turn their attentions to their final away game of the season with a trip to Aston Villa next Monday. And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

READ MORE: Darwin Nunez deleted images won't change Liverpool problem that isn't his fault

READ MORE: Arne Slot will inherit 19-year-old winger set to force him into big Liverpool decision

Tsimikas question

With third place assured and the top two likely to be out of reach by the time Liverpool take to the field at Villa Park, the Reds will largely be playing for pride in the final two games of Klopp's tenure.

And it could provide the Reds boss with an opportunity to hand outings to a number of his fringe players as he bids farewell after almost nine years in charge at Anfield.

Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher have featured prominently between the sticks this season with the former having regained his place after returning from injury. Kelleher, though, could be given an outing next week, while Adrian, who is set to leave in the summer, hasn't played a Premier League game in more than three years.

At centre-back, Ibrahima Konate hasn't featured since being substituted in the derby defeat at Everton and will be hopeful of minutes, although Jarell Quansah has been in on merit to partner Virgil van Dijk. Joel Matip had his season ended in December and at present won't play for Liverpool again.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has retained the right-back berth despite Conor Bradley now being fit again while Joe Gomez is another option, but it was intriguing left-back Kostas Tsimikas didn't make the bench against Tottenham with the versatile Gomez replacing first-choice Andy Robertson midway through the second half.

Szoboszlai wait

Wataru Endo has started five of the last six Premier League games and, with Alexis Mac Allister the only realistic alternative as number six, would be expected to see out the campaign in the position. Stefan Bajectic made his long-awaited return from injury at the weekend as substitute, but isn't ready for a start.

Mac Allister has been a regular on the left of the midfield triumvirate but could be rotated with Ryan Gravenberch having done well in recent starts. Curtis Jones is another option. On the right, Harvey Elliott was hugely impressive against Tottenham but could be challenged by Dominik Szoboszlai - who has started only two of the last seven games - or Gravenberch. Mac Allister can also play in the role should Klopp wish to completely overhaul his engine room.

Bobby Clark and Thiago Alcantara won't play again this season with youngsters James McConnell and Trey Nyoni on under-21 duty in the Premier League 2 play-offs.

Nunez return?

The big talking point after the weekend was the reaction of Darwin Nunez to criticism on social media after a disappointing cameo against Tottenham. Nunez has been benched in four of the last eight games with Cody Gakpo the man in form down the centre of the attack.

Much could depend on whether Diogo Jota is back available as expected following injury, with the Portuguese capable of playing down the middle or on the left, where Gakpo can also do a job and Luis Diaz has been the regular. Mohamed Salah's display against Tottenham suggests he is now back to form on the right flank. Ben Doak remains injured while Kaide Gordon is with the U21s.

2024-05-07T02:14:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd