OPINION
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to ruthlessly axe midfielder James Milner from his starting eleven for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.
The 61-cap former England international played from the start in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Napoli and, despite playing fairly well, could well see himself dropped at Stamford Bridge.
In his place, Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum will likely return to the first team line up, having came off the bench against the Serie A giants.
That will most probably be the only change Klopp makes to his team for Sunday’s game, possibly viewing Tuesday’s loss as an anomaly amid his side’s fine start to the season.
In between the sticks, Adrian will surely retain his place. The Spaniard has by and large done a quality job in deputising for regular number one Alisson, and it would be a big surprise if he didn’t continue here.
At right back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the clear choice once again and will likely start against the Blues. On the opposite flank, the same is true for Andrew Robertson. The Scotland skipper can expect to play despite giving away a ‘penalty’ in Naples.
At the heart of the defence, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk continues to be the manager’s preferred partnership. Despite the defeat in mid-week, both men will surely continue on Sunday.
In central midfield, Wijnaldum looks a good bet to come into the team, as mentioned. Meanwhile, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson will expect to keep their places in the engine room.
It will likely be business as usual up front, though, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane surely all set to start once again here.
