Liverpool’s hopes of a trophy treble were dashed following a frustrating night against Atalanta in the Europa League on Thursday.
Mohamed Salah scored an early penalty but the Reds were unable to build on that platform with a 1-0 success meaning they bowed out 3-1 on aggregate in the quarter-final.
Liverpool now turn their attentions back to the Premier League with the trip to Fulham on Sunday. And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.
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Quansah question
With Sunday the first of three Premier League away games inside a week, Klopp will have to juggle his resources and rotate accordingly particularly in a defence that now has genuine options in every position.
In goal, Alisson Becker’s recent return has pushed Caoimhin Kelleher back down as number two ahead of Adrian. Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start in more than two months at right-back on Thursday with Klopp admitted there is no time to ease his vice-captain back to full fitness, and with Conor Bradley out until next month the alternative is now Joe Gomez, who ended the game at Atalanta in the position.
Andy Robertson has regained the left-back role with Kostas Tsimikas having started just once since December, with the versatile Gomez another choice. And at centre-back, a decision must be taken on whether Ibrahima Konate can manage successive games over a number of weeks as partner to Virgil van Dijk, with Jarell Quansah prepared to step in. Joel Matip is out for the season.
Mac Allister rest?
Wataru Endo was rested in Italy but is likely to return against Fulham as the defensive midfielder, which would allow Alexis Mac Allister to return to his favoured more advanced role.
The Argentine, however, has featured heavily of late and will surely be soon due a breather to the bench. Both Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, who has made just one start in almost two months, are also competing for a place on the left of the engine room.
On the right of the triumvirate, Dominik Szoboszlai has struggled to convince of late and could come under pressure from both Jones and Gravenberch, although Harvey Elliott would appear a more likely starter in the position.
Bobby Clark is again pressing hard for an outing having not played a minute since last month’s international break. Fellow youngsters James McConnell and Stefan Bajcetic missed out against Atalanta, while long-term injury victim Thiago Alcantara remains sidelined.
Strong up front
With all five senior forward options available, Klopp has a major decision to make in attack. Despite a series of indifferent performances, Mohamed Salah received the backing of the Liverpool manager after the Atalanta game and would be expected to start on the right, although Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and, to a lesser extent, Elliott can play in the role.
Gakpo and Jota are both competing for roles down the left and centre along with Darwin Nunez, although Luis Diaz has been the regular on the left flank for much of the season. Gakpo has appeared sharper in recent outings, and Jota is closing on a start after returning from injury. Teenager striker Jayden Danns is another option having made his European debut in midweek.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
