Liverpool take on Crystal Palace in the English Premier League this weekend and no one really expects them to falter at Selhurst Park.
The Reds beat Manchester City right before the international break which is the main reason why Palace would be looking to put men behind the ball from the very first minute.
On paper, there is obviously no chance of the home side to pick up any points during this game but Jurgen Klopp does have a number of injury concerns to deal with meaning Palace could try and cause an upset – try.
The likes of Mo Salah and Joe Gomez are facing a race against time to be fit and if they cannot make themselves available then the manager could have a few selection dilemmas on Saturday.
Liverpool team news vs Palace:
The biggest concern for Liverpool right now is with Mo Salah after the player injured his ankle vs Manchester City two weeks ago.
It is still unclear as to how bad the injury really is but some reports claim the Egyptian will not be fit in time to take on Crystal Palace and this could be a real cause of concern since Xherdan Shaqiri is also coming back from an injury and the Swiss might not be a 100 per cent fit for this match.
Sakit. Tahan. Lawan.
Shoutout to Mo Salah for his goal & played on for 87 mins, despite on a receiving end of a strong tackle off Fernandinho. He’s been carrying this ankle injury since Leicester & not been 100% fit, deserves more respect for still putting his all for our club. pic.twitter.com/PsMNRUWObN
— 🏆🏆🏆twt_liverpool🏆🏆🏆 (@twt_liverpool) November 11, 2019
If Mo Salah and Shaqiri are both ruled out then it should be Divock Origi who operates down the wing for Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Andrew Roberston is another injury concern after he pulled out of the Scotland squad during the international break but as per reports, the full-back should be fit in time to be available for selection during the weekend.
Joe Gomez picked up a knock while training for England but he shouldn’t be missed much since Van Dijk is currently being partnered by Dejan Lovren in central midfield. But with Gomez out of the picture, Jurgen Klopp will surely have some reduced bench strength.
Apart from these players, Joel Matip is also out with a long-term injury and the player will only be back in action sometime next month.
As far as selection of the first XI is concerned there are no big reveals expects for a few tweaks in case the above-mentioned players fail to make it to the matchday squad.
Joe Gomez is expected to be fit for #LFC's trip to Crystal Palace this weekend.
Mo Salah and Andy Robertson still rated as doubtful though. https://t.co/PgRpCSr4n1
— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) November 18, 2019
If Robertson’s ruled out then it will be the ever-versatile James Milner who will play at left-back while Trent Alexander-Arnold operates down the right.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson was also ill during the international break but he should recover in time to play alongside Fabinho and Wijnaldum.
But some pundits feel that Klopp should give Naby Keita a chance to start since Palace are not regarded as a really tough opponent.
Upfront, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are guaranteed starters and if Salah is out of the picture then it will be Origi who will come into the frame at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Liverpool’s predicted line-up vs Palace:
Goalkeeper: Alisson.
Defenders: Virgil Van Dijk, Dejan Lovren, Robertson/ Milner, Alexander-Arnold.
Midfielders: Fabinho, Wijnaldum/Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson.
Forwards: Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah/Divock Origi.
