Jurgen Klopp faces Fabinho decision as Liverpool consider forward overhaul – Liverpool Echo

Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to eight games as they moved joint-top of the Premier League with victory over Leicester City.

An own goal from Jonny Evans was followed by strikes from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino as the Reds earned an impressive 3-0 triumph at Anfield on Sunday.

The Premier League and world champions now turn their focus back on to the Champions League where three points at home to Atalanta on Wednesday will guarantee a place in the knockout stage with two games to spare.

And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

Full-back rotation?

Liverpool aren’t exactly down to the bare bones in defence, but options have become limited.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are out while Nat Phillips is not eligible for the Champions League.

With Joel Matip, James Milner and Fabinho unlikely to start three games in a week, Klopp faces some tough choices.

One of Matip or Fabinho will probably be rotated to the bench, which means teenager Rhys Williams could make another Champions League start.

Andy Robertson is due a rest with Kostas Tsimikas on standby at left-back, while on the other flank Neco Williams impressed in a half-hour cameo against Leicester and could replace the evergreen Milner.

Same again for engine room

In midfield, much could depend on whether Fabinho starts in defence – and if Jordan Henderson or Thiago Alcantara are fit.

Both have been struggling with injury and it would be a surprise if either was involved.

Milner could come in to augment the engine room as he did when switching from right-back after Naby Keita limped off at the weekend.

But with Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri almost certain to miss out and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain not ready, Gini Wjnaldum and Curtis Jones are likely to be asked to go again after starring against Leicester.

Salah returns

Mohamed Salah’s availability means Liverpool’s top scorer should return after contracting coronavirus.

Liverpool could cover for the lack of availability in midfield by switching to 4-2-3-1.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah

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However, Sadio Mane appeared tired against Leicester and could be benched, while Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi have patiently been waiting for another starting chance.

Minamino could deputise for Roberto Firmino, although Diogo Jota, the man in form, would surely want to retain his place.